Ask the Author: Pearl Kirkby
Answered Questions (6)
Pearl Kirkby
Hello, Peter - Wow. Other than Paranormal Intruder by Caroline Mitchell, it's been almost forever (we're talking years) since I've spent time reading one particular genre, although paranormal and ghostly stories were, at one time, my very fav genre!
I can suggest, though, searching here on GR/Listopia for non-fiction ghost stories. Or you might try the website for Team Hellions (dot com) and go to their Paranormal Post, where they have a list of about 15 books. I didn't have a chance to look into that list when I saw it awhile back, but maybe these would interest you??
I wish I could give better suggestions, but perhaps you could check with other Goodreads authors who write for that genre. My books (Folded Dreams...) are more of a metaphysical nature.
I can suggest, though, searching here on GR/Listopia for non-fiction ghost stories. Or you might try the website for Team Hellions (dot com) and go to their Paranormal Post, where they have a list of about 15 books. I didn't have a chance to look into that list when I saw it awhile back, but maybe these would interest you??
I wish I could give better suggestions, but perhaps you could check with other Goodreads authors who write for that genre. My books (Folded Dreams...) are more of a metaphysical nature.
Pearl Kirkby
Life. From the mundane, everyday aspects of just being alive, to the glorious, awe inspiring moments when I see a blazing sunset, the diamond sparkle of stars in a velvet black sky, or am presented with yet one more grand or great-grandchild, right up to pondering those deep mysteries of science versus God and seemingly inexicable ultra-normal experiences some people claim...everything fascinates...and inspires me to write!
Pearl Kirkby
About halfway through final preparations to publish my debut title, Folded Dreams- The Beginning, the idea to write a follow-up novel took root. I'm currently bringing Folded Dreams- the Novel (working title) to life.
The story will be expanding on the history of the, heretofore, unnamed protagonist from the original short, short story by exploring how her "very uncomfortable gifts" have affected not only her familial relationships, but also those of a less personal...or removed...nature.
Unlike its precursor, which is strictly a view of her other-than-normal life...and death (also described by some as "downight spooky/creepy"!), the novel will expound on the stories of those characters which were only barely touched upon in the short story: mother, father, sister and the mysterious girl "with long, straight hair, black as a raven's wing, cascading down her back".
The more hazy(?), shaded(?) aspects of the story also suggest the interconnectedness of not only the diverse religious faiths and philosophies which exist, but also the understanding that science and religion needn't always be at odds.
Also, unlike the first book, names are finally revealed!
I'm also working on another novel, "Waking Up Dead!" which references the traditional biblical story of Lazarus and the rich man to ask the question, "What if you were given a second, or even third, chance to go back, repair your life and make better choices...and be a better example to those around you?"
Not necessarily a religious book, per se, it does remind one that finding yourself on your deathbed is to realize that the next door you pass through will lead to the answer to life's most profound mystery.."What's next?"...and is probably not the most opportune time to finally make those life-changing decisions!
There are a couple of other projects on my plate, but I'll save that news for another day!
The story will be expanding on the history of the, heretofore, unnamed protagonist from the original short, short story by exploring how her "very uncomfortable gifts" have affected not only her familial relationships, but also those of a less personal...or removed...nature.
Unlike its precursor, which is strictly a view of her other-than-normal life...and death (also described by some as "downight spooky/creepy"!), the novel will expound on the stories of those characters which were only barely touched upon in the short story: mother, father, sister and the mysterious girl "with long, straight hair, black as a raven's wing, cascading down her back".
The more hazy(?), shaded(?) aspects of the story also suggest the interconnectedness of not only the diverse religious faiths and philosophies which exist, but also the understanding that science and religion needn't always be at odds.
Also, unlike the first book, names are finally revealed!
I'm also working on another novel, "Waking Up Dead!" which references the traditional biblical story of Lazarus and the rich man to ask the question, "What if you were given a second, or even third, chance to go back, repair your life and make better choices...and be a better example to those around you?"
Not necessarily a religious book, per se, it does remind one that finding yourself on your deathbed is to realize that the next door you pass through will lead to the answer to life's most profound mystery.."What's next?"...and is probably not the most opportune time to finally make those life-changing decisions!
There are a couple of other projects on my plate, but I'll save that news for another day!
Pearl Kirkby
Write.
If you have the wherewithal to make it a career & still pay your bills, great! But for many, "life" happens in a way that precludes being able to do that.
Keep a journal, not just a diary. Pay attention to your life & the world around you, social & natural. Jot down something every single day...your stray thoughts, your dreams, short stories that pop into your head; readReadREAD, and in so doing, look for new words to add to your vocabulary...and build a short story around them!
Oh, and if you're writing on your computer, save a copy to file, but edit on a flash/thumb drive...and make your "Save" function your BFF (after every paragraph)!!
If you have the wherewithal to make it a career & still pay your bills, great! But for many, "life" happens in a way that precludes being able to do that.
Keep a journal, not just a diary. Pay attention to your life & the world around you, social & natural. Jot down something every single day...your stray thoughts, your dreams, short stories that pop into your head; readReadREAD, and in so doing, look for new words to add to your vocabulary...and build a short story around them!
Oh, and if you're writing on your computer, save a copy to file, but edit on a flash/thumb drive...and make your "Save" function your BFF (after every paragraph)!!
Pearl Kirkby
Oh, that's easy! It gives me an excuse for being a pain in the arse!
Seriously though - all our lives we're expected to learn & practice self-control. Even if we have discovered ways to work off the energy of anger & frustration, there is yet a residual left over. Writing provides a socially acceptable way of expressing ANYthing...no one has to know which part of that book comes from our own gut.
Seriously though - all our lives we're expected to learn & practice self-control. Even if we have discovered ways to work off the energy of anger & frustration, there is yet a residual left over. Writing provides a socially acceptable way of expressing ANYthing...no one has to know which part of that book comes from our own gut.
Pearl Kirkby
Well, most times - when I'm reluctant to stop writing for fear of losing my train of thought (and then I do!) - it's just a matter of taking a short break to take a walk, do laundry or just sit outside with hubby, Guy, and our next door neighbours.
For those true writer's block "drawing a blank for 2 days" times, I turn on the television for a PBS marathon of Nova and science documentaries, travel and BBC programming!
At some point, my notebook and pencil finds their way into my hand and, "voila'!", block broken!
For those true writer's block "drawing a blank for 2 days" times, I turn on the television for a PBS marathon of Nova and science documentaries, travel and BBC programming!
At some point, my notebook and pencil finds their way into my hand and, "voila'!", block broken!
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