Tanith Morse's Blog
January 16, 2013
Welcome to world of Super Dark
A conversation with Tanith Morse
What inspired you to write Super Dark?
When I was a child I loved reading fairy tales, but scratch the surface and you’ll find many of those stories are actually quite dark. Think of Snow White, Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast . . . They’re not like the sweet, sugery cartoons portrayed by Disney. In Super Dark, I wanted to explore the dark side of fairy tales in a modern setting, so I came up with what is essentially a YA thriller with paranormal elements. At the heart of the novel is an enduring love story about two kids overcoming horrendous odds to be together. Hopefully my readers will be rooting for them all the way.
What does the title "Super Dark" actually mean?
Ha! I thought you might ask that. Superdark is a slang word which means "to have dark gothic qualities." This term perfectly describes the themes explored in the novel. A lot of dark things happen to the characters. Some of them get killed, some of them do bad things and get away with it. How the heroine Sam Harper fights back from the brink is one of the key plot threads.
How long did it take you to write the novel?
Including edits, it took me about three months. I don’t usually write so fast but the story had been simmering in my mind for a while, so when I started writing it was just a case of downloading what was already in my head. Also, when I get passionate about my characters I literally write every spare second I have. That helps things to move faster too.
Super Dark ends on quite a cliff-hanger. When can we expect the sequel?
Good news. The whole trilogy is finished and ready to publish, so readers will not have to wait for too long to find out what happens. The next book Dark Retreat is scheduled for release around May so watch this space!
What inspired you to write Super Dark?
When I was a child I loved reading fairy tales, but scratch the surface and you’ll find many of those stories are actually quite dark. Think of Snow White, Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast . . . They’re not like the sweet, sugery cartoons portrayed by Disney. In Super Dark, I wanted to explore the dark side of fairy tales in a modern setting, so I came up with what is essentially a YA thriller with paranormal elements. At the heart of the novel is an enduring love story about two kids overcoming horrendous odds to be together. Hopefully my readers will be rooting for them all the way.
What does the title "Super Dark" actually mean?
Ha! I thought you might ask that. Superdark is a slang word which means "to have dark gothic qualities." This term perfectly describes the themes explored in the novel. A lot of dark things happen to the characters. Some of them get killed, some of them do bad things and get away with it. How the heroine Sam Harper fights back from the brink is one of the key plot threads.
How long did it take you to write the novel?
Including edits, it took me about three months. I don’t usually write so fast but the story had been simmering in my mind for a while, so when I started writing it was just a case of downloading what was already in my head. Also, when I get passionate about my characters I literally write every spare second I have. That helps things to move faster too.
Super Dark ends on quite a cliff-hanger. When can we expect the sequel?
Good news. The whole trilogy is finished and ready to publish, so readers will not have to wait for too long to find out what happens. The next book Dark Retreat is scheduled for release around May so watch this space!
January 25, 2012
Woman in Black
Am currently reading The Woman in Black by Susan Hill. Amazing book! I haven't got round to seeing the stage play but I'll definitely check out the remake with Daniel Radcliffe. Won't be able to sleep with the light off tonight, lol! The imagery in this novel is sooo vivid and the period detail is excellent. Susan Hill has created a masterpiece of the macabre.
