Today’s Guest for Monster Fun…Allison Brennan! Back to Blog
Research and the Paranormal
I love research. It’s one of my favorite non-writing things to do. And when I’m procrastinating or stuck on a book, it makes me feel like I’m actually doing something productive!
My romantic thrillers, which rely heavily on the law, forensics, criminal psychology and law enforcement procedures are relatively easy to research. I can talk to cops, FBI Agents, coroners, psychologists, and others for answers to my “what if” questions. I have forty-one books to refer to, plus a dozen or so websites I can rely on for accurate information. I read true crime which gives me an insight into real investigations; I participate in classes and law enforcement drills to help put myself in their shoes; I can watch dozens of cop shows, both fictional and reality based. Between all of these resources, coupled with my imagination, I can come up with a believable romantic thriller.
But as is common for many authors, we like variety. Growing up, I read a lot of mysteries and suspense novels but when I hit my early teens, I found I also loved the creepy and paranormal. Stephen King, Dean Koontz, John Saul—they might be classified as “horror” but I considered them paranormal suspense—on the dark side. I was also probably one of the few high school students who read Edgar Allen Poe because I wanted to, not because I had to.
There’s something these authors have in common: I can buy into their stories. I can believe that a deranged clown is living in the sewers. I can believe that a golden retriever can be a genius. I can believe that a house can be haunted by an evil ghost. And I most certainly can believe in a psychopath who buries his victims alive.
I was thrilled when I sold my Seven Deadly Sins series. Why? Because I had wanted to write these books for years. I first came up with the idea in the summer of 2003—I planned on writing the first book as soon as I finished THE PREY. But I sold THE PREY, and focused on building an audience for my romantic suspense.
Still, the series haunted me. I had 150 pages written and I loved the story. I really wanted to write it. At the same time, I don’t know if I had the skill or the discipline to finish it six years ago.
When I sold the book to my publisher (Ballantine) I had four romantic thrillers still contracted to write. I itched to write the series, but needed to wait. I started collecting books on the paranormal to add to my then-small collection.
But I didn’t seriously think I was researching. The books I bought—like LILITH’S CAVE, THE BLACK ARTS, and ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HELL—were as much out of interest in understanding supernatural events than for my series. In fact, being a paranormal story I figured I could just make everything up in my head, make up my own rules.
While there is some truth in that—paranormal authors do a lot more world-building than contemporary suspense authors—I had a fundamental problem. I had to believe it. I had to believe what I wrote, that it could happen.
As a Catholic, it’s pretty easy for me to believe in Heaven and Hell, demons and angels, good and evil. But as an author, I know that readers would be disappointed with a dues ex machina conclusion, so I made the conscious decision to not have angels swoop down and save the day. Are they helping? Maybe—but it’s more like the, “You need to read the signs” type of help using the basic philosophy of “God helps those who help themselves.”
I had to be able to sit down and not only imagine the Seven Deadly Sins as demons released from Hell by an evil occult, I had to figure out how it could be done, why they would do something so dangerous, and how it can be stopped. I had to believe that, while not necessarily plausible, that I could set up a world that I believed could actually exist. A world that I believed might even exist now.
My obsession with research grew. I bought books on witchcraft, demons, exorcisms, and the seven deadly sins in modern times. And even though I’m not specifically writing about ghosts, because I believe that ghosts exist, I needed to understand all the “rules” related to ghosts and when they manifest themselves and why.
I now have more books on the supernatural than I have a crime and punishment!
THE MATRIX is one of my favorite movies. When Morpheus explains to Neo about what The Matrix is, he says that the Matrix is still based on a world where there are rules. Some rules can be bent, and some can be broken. Thinking of my world-building in that way, I was able to establish a set of “rules” that worked for my idea while also keeping it grounded in the real world. I use forensics, I have a Sheriff who is a major character, I using police investigations. In fact, whenever I got stuck, I relied on what I knew well: crime and forensics. I took my favorite part of writing romantic suspense and joined it with my favorite part of the supernatural: the battle of good vs. evil, the endless possibilities, the imagination that goes into taking our world and twisting it just a bit to make something just a little different, a little more dangerous, a little scarier than the real world.
Is it any surprise that THE STAND by Stephen King is my all-time favorite novel?
The first book of my Seven Deadly Sins series (ORIGINAL SIN) is in production and I set-up a world that I’m locked into for the rest of the series. There’s something really scary in that—what if I screwed it up? What if it doesn’t work but I don’t realize it yet? It’s kind of terrifying. And as I write the second book in the series, I have to make sure I don’t contradict the rules I established in the first book.
When I was lamenting this problem to my mother, she said, “But it’s paranormal. It’s not real.”
Hello?!? I believe this stuff! I have to or I couldn’t write it. It’s why I’m writing about demons and not shape-shifters; witchcraft and not time travel. I’m sometimes jealous of the authors who can wholly suspend reality and create a completely different world with completely different rules. Maybe I’m just too grounded in this one to give it up. And it’s really nice to know that I have fifty-seven books on my shelf to reference.
I’ll be back later today to answer any questions, and I’m giving away a copy of my anthology, WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE, which has the story that is the prequel to my series.
I understand exactly what you’re saying. When my kids laugh at me and my dragon obsession (not real they say) I counter with, if that is true why are there dragons in every culture? And they mostly look alike. So they are real enough to be widespread. As Shakespeare said-there are more things in Heaven and Earth, or something like that. I love paranormal because anything becomes possible.
If we didn’t believe in other possibilities, such as paranrmals for example, don’t you think we would be putting a limit on our thinking, our creativity and even our beliefs? I love paranormals, they make me question everything.
Nancy, I absolutely believe that dragons of some sort existed precisely for the reason you state: virtually every culture has dragon lore. And that’s one reason I believe in Hell–every major world religion had a version of Hell and/or the devil that is strangely similar, going back to drawings on cave walls.
Diane, paranormals absolutely glorify our creativity. Human beings are unique in our imagination. I’m sure 150 years ago, the thought of humans flying was “paranormal” and bizarre but SOMEONE imagined it and SOMEONE invented the airplane because they could visualize something that didn’t exist and then create it. Human ingenuity is magnificent, and it starts with imaging something that doesn’t exist–perhaps a bit “paranormal.”
I have to agree with what you say about dragons… That they exist in many different cultures proves there is a seed that they had once existed. I believe I watched a show once where they were trying to prove that. Dunno but I still love my dragons.
Gotta tell you that I enjoyed Speak No Evil from you. Friend gave it to me
I’ve been reading lots of non-fiction titles recently and can’t resist adding titles to my bookshelf. Funnily enough I’ve just read a book about UFOs, and it mentioned that some of the UFO sightings could have been dragons.
Allison – what is the one research book that you would take to a desert island? Which one couldn’t you do without?
Hi Allison,
We met briefly in Daytona. I’d like to ask: If one is not a published author, how does one speak to someone in forensics, criminal psychology and/or law enforcement? Say you wanted to write a story about a serial killer. Where do you start? Book recommendations? Thanks.
Hi Allison 🙂
Your series about Seven Deadly Sins, are you going to be using paranormal characters for each book? Very curious, would love more background on this series 😀
I love paranormal because it is full of what ifs. It allows our mind to wander and explore. In some form I do believe in paranormal activity. There are just so much things in this world that science cannot explain. Besides, if scientist theorized the existence of 9 different parallel universe co-existing with ours…then maybe one of this universe is responsible for paranormal activities.
I like paranormals and all the possibilities in them.
Thanks for coming by today, Allison! I’m very much looking forward to reading your new series!
I’ve always liked paranormal–started out as a young girl reading gothics and loving them. There was just something so fascinating about a dark creepy house and all the possible things that I might find inside one. Now I write about them! Thanks, Allison for a wonderful post! I look forward to reading What you Can’t See! Great title btw since I’ve always thought it’s what you can’t see that suddenly jumps out and grabs you!
I’m writing a paranormal story now. I didn’t think I needed to do much research on it, but I did anyway. From the research I found out what motivates the villain. So I’m very happy I researched.
Don’t put me in the contest. I already have WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE. All the stories are great!
Raonaid, thanks for letting me know you enjoyed SPEAK NO EVIL! I appreciate it 🙂 . . . I’ve loved dragons since Pete’s Dragon. Great story. Of course, I’m sure the dragons of the past were much more fierce. 🙂
LOL Shelly. Research books? That’s hard. I usually only read them once. I don’t like any one book being the “inspiration” for my story, I just use them to sort of absorb the information, for lack of a better word. For my crime fiction, the book I refer to more than any is either the Serial Killer Files by Harold Schechter and the Writers Digest series of books (ha! a series!) including FORENSICS and POLICE PROCEDURES & INVESTIGATIONS. I also like PRACTICAL HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION, though it’s kind of dense. And lately, I’ve been reading more books about street fighting, including REAL WORLD SELF-DEFENSE by Jerry VanCook and THE ELITE FORCES GUIDE TO UNARMED COMBAT. Ironically, I bought those for the crime novels but never opened them until I started writing my paranormal books!
For paranormal, it’s a toss up between THE DARK ARTS which gave me the motivation for my evil occult, THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS which outlines modern day examples of the sins in action, and a small little book I got on exorcisms. But honestly? It would be hard to pick just one!
Mel, great question. The answer? It’s hard. Before I was published it was very hard getting people to talk to me, but one of my good friends was married to a retired cop and that helped tremendously. Also, I have read A LOT of true crime books ever since I read IN COLD BLOOD when I was 13, and they are great for getting a relatively unbiased look at police investigations from all sides. I don’t rely on television (except for pacing–LAW AND ORDER has great pacing!) but there are some great true crime shows on cable that give me great visuals. Once you’re published, it becomes easier, but not always easy!
Michele, my series is what I call “real world” paranormal. Meaning, it’s grounded in what most of us consider “normal.” The difference is that an evil coven has released the Seven Deadly Sins–as demons–from Hell. They intended to control the demons (I created a mythology about why they feel they can do so, as well as an evil book of spells and other worldbuilding) in order to gain immortality and eternal beauty. It’s true that there are many people looking for the Tree of Life and also who believe in alchemy and similar. I’ve tweaked the “truths” a bit so I can have a seamless story (I hope!).
My characters are human (other than the demons, who are not good in any way shape or form!) Think . . . Sam and Dean from SUPERNATURAL or Buffy (aside from being “the chosen) in BUFFY. They have special training, special skills (but not HEROES type skills) and they have to find a way to trap and send the Seven back to Hell and destroy the book of spells, which has surfaced every couple hundred years since it was written during the time of Cain and Abel. There’s some religious themes, though it’s not religious–more generic religion. Pretty much if you believe in a higher power, in heaven and hell, you can buy into the mythology I’ve created. (I hope!)
Sue, I agree–we can’t explain everything, and as curious humans we are constantly seeking answers. It’s our greatest strength and, sometimes, can be our greatest weakness.
Ditto Minna!
Thanks so much for having me Cynthia!
Allie, other than reading THE CRYSTAL CAVE, THE STAND, CARRIE, and other supernatural or fantasy type books, my first real foray into “real world” paranormal was when I did a research report in high school on psychics helping law enforcement. I’ve often wondered if my mom still has that report lying around somewhere . . . I have been interested in this type of paranormal activity for now (cough cough) going on three decades!
Edie, that’s exactly what I thought! I thought I’d make it all up–but I find I need to do MORE research. I needed a good reason for my coven to behave so badly, not copping out on the “they’re just evil” theory. They need strong motivation, and I hope I’ve found it. I approached them like I approached my villains in my crime novels. I’m so glad you enjoyed the anthology! Roxanne St. Claire and Karin Tabke are both extremely talented.
Yes, DRAGONS are REAL!!! I LOVE the paranormal, can’t get enough of it!!!! Keep writing it!!!
Valerie
in Germany
Allison, you’re a great writer and your work ethic is an inspiration! Thanks so much for your post!
Can you share any insights on how to schedule your writing sessions when you have several books under contract at one time?
Thanks!
Kelly
Nice interview and you say you can’t write stories you don’t believe. Do you read stories about shapeshifters and other things just curious. Your book sounds like it will be interesting.
Great interview and thanks for sharing!
I love reading your books and please keep up the awesome work!
Can’t wait to read the Seven Deadly Sins series starting next year!
I just started getting into paranormals but I’ve enjoyed your books in the past so I know I’m going to love these. Great interview.
wow sound like you did a lot of work on that book.sounds like a great book.
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
I’ve never heard of an author basing a paranormal series on what she can believe, but I like it. It actually makes a lot of sense. And as one researcher to another (although I do it for a hobby), the knowledge itself is fun and a total rush! Can’t wait to read your new series.
I honestly think that most “myths” are based on some sort of reality. Stories handed down in my family by my g-g-grandmother, a San Poil Indian, have told of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Ranier and the spirits that protect them. I believe that completely.
I love the newer genre’s of books coming out that deal with the paranormal – makes me feel half way normal. 🙂
Great post. Your books sound really good I am going to have to check them out. Thanks for sharing and introducing those of us new to your work to it.
Great post Cynthia!
Happy Reading!!!
Anna Shah Hoque
s7anna@yahoo.ca
When you go from witches to demons to dragon to
villainous criminals, how do you keep from mixing
up all the many important details? I’d have demons
doing the mambo in a New York City club or some such
crazy happening!
Pat Cochran
Sorry I’m late tonight, it was my daughter’s last volleyball game of the season. They won and my #3 (the team captain) did fantastic!!! I was so proud 🙂
Thanks Valerie! 🙂
Kelly, great question. I prefer working on one project at a time–at least the creative writing stage. I only have one publisher, though I have two contracts with them (one for the romantic suspense and one for the paranormal) so it’s easier to make sure that I can at least complete the draft of a book before I start another one. However, I have been contracted (in the past and now) for short stories and novellas. I write those when I finish one book and before I start another, though there are times when I’ll do the short story for an hour or two after I get my minimum writing pages done. For me, I don’t like switching gears from one book to another.
However, I DO have to juggle production work. For example, I was about 90 pages into CARNAL SIN when I got the copyedits for ORIGINAL SIN. I put CARNAL SIN aside for a week and focused only on the copyedits. That ensures that my focus is 100% on where it needs to be. If I tried to write during the day and work on copyedits at night, my mind would be split between the two books and I’d likely get confused. :/ . . .
Another important thing is to be honest with your editor when things are getting backed up. Don’t panic when you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and assess where you are and where you need to be on each project. For me, rather than working on four things at once and doing each half-ass, I complete one project (the most urgent one), get it out; go to the next. I can multi-task with the best of them–so juggling copy edits of one book and page proofs of another and copy copy of another–isn’t a problem. BUT when I’m writing my first draft, I need to focus.
You’ll find a system that works for you. Try and set your deadlines so that 1) they don’t fall during the holidays and 2) you don’t have two major deadlines within a 4 week period. I also try not to have deadlines in early January (right after Christmas when the kids are home for two weeks) and late August (back-to-school time) because I tend to have a lot more personal stuff on my plate.
Hi Pam: I don’t read shapeshifters and some other paranormal elements because they’re not really my cuppa tea. I just have a hard time buying into the mythology. Now pure fantasy, like LORD OF THE RINGS or CHRONICLES OF NARNIA I enjoy, but it’s still probably not my first reading choice. I don’t read about good demons or good/redeemable vampires (though I did enjoy BUFFY!) but give me something dark and gothic like SALEM’S LOT by Stephen King or Bram Stoker’s DRACULA and I love it. Looking on my shelves right now, I have a lot of NF books about ghosts; I have Kay Hooper’s psychic FBI series; Stephen King; Dean Koontz; John Saul and several short story collections such as “Great Tales of Terror and the Supernatural.” I’m reading HOUSE OF RECKONING by John Saul right now and it’s a great ghost story (at least, that’s what I think it is so far–it’s very good, but I’m only half way done.) So I guess I’d say because I have a harder time believing in vampires with a heart 😉 that I wouldn’t read them, but give me a scary ghost story (because I believe in ghosts) I eat it up. I hope that answers your question!
Thanks Terri!
Thanks catslady! My editor said something interesting: she said that when she first read ORIGINAL SIN she was a bit unnerved because it sounded just like me, but there were these paranormal elements that she had to get used to. My mom, who doesn’t read any paranormal, liked my novella because it’s grounded in the contemporary world.
Oh, Pam, one more thing–do you watch HEROES? I love that show. I pretty much accepted all the special abilities, but there were a few I had a harder time accepting than others. One was the shapeshifters. Traveling back in time not so much (I loved HG Wells TIME MACHINE) probably because I’m a Star Trek fan and I always loved the quandry they faced when they moved back and forth in time.
Thanks Stacey!
Hi Brandy, thanks! I think with anything paranormal, we have to be willing to suspend a little disbelief, but in my fictional world I need be believe that it could happen. In my crime fiction I spend a lot of time making sure the crimes and investigations are plausible and while I might stretch things a bit, I keep it believable. I think the paranormal is the same thing. Since I already believe in God, it’s pretty easy to accept that there are demons and angels and Hell. However, I don’t have any easy answers in my book, meaning no angels flying in to the rescue. Did you ever watch THE X-FILES? I loved that show, and I could even buy into the alien thread (though with more difficulty than some of the other ideas) but near they end it just got too weird. And FRINGE is another favorite show, I love the blend of forensics, science, police investigations and paranormal. To me it’s the perfect balance.
Hi Jacki! Don’t be normal, what’s fun in that? I’m a writer, hardly normal (as I spoke about on Saturday to the NJ Romance Writers.) I completely agree with you that many myths are based on real events or perceptions. There are too many things that different cultures have in common when they didn’t communicate like we do now. Long, established “religions” (for lack of a better word) like among the American Indians have shown a deep and profound understanding of the world and everything in it, even when the myth itself is simple.
Thanks for visiting Donna and Anna!!!
Hi Pat: I don’t write about dragons! LOL . . . I was just commented about how many cultures believe in dragon-type creatures which makes me believe they existed. THey may not have been thirty feet high, but probably unusually large compared to other animals. And really, maybe they were dinosaurs or part of that species! I don’t know 🙂
In my book, the witches (magicians–almost, but not quite the same thing) are connected to demons. They seek to control them (not worship them) in order to gain knowledge about the universe and control over physical forces. My good guys are a small group of demon hunters plus a former witch turned demon hunter. To keep everything straight, I start with the simple. Basic premise (seven deadly sins are demons from hell) and motivated characters. Too many otherworldly elements and then it gets unwieldy (at least for me.) If I were writing pure fantasy, I could build the world to include multiple creatures, but I’m trying to keep everything grounded in 21st century America as we all know it.
Great post. I love that the paranormal books you write are based on things you can believe in. I think that can definitely make for a strong book. I look forward to reading your series as it comes out.
Thanks Karin!
I’ll check back today and see if there are any more questions–Cynthia, do you pick the winner or do I?
Thanks Allison,
I read your answer to Shelly. I have ‘The Serial Killer Files’ and I do read a lot of True Crime. Guess I’m on the right track, eh? Now I need to find someone to talk to. Hmmm…
I want to tell someone’s story but I doubt I’ll be talking to any serial killers in the near future. Bummer.
I’d love to see your research library. It’s very interesting how you do your research.
Hi Allison. I love your books! I love to read a variety of books. I feel like it opens to your mind to differant things. I cannot wait for your new Paranormal series.
I love all things paranormal and I do believe that some things are true and possibly hiding in plain sight.
Deidre
Thanks everyone for commenting . . . the random winner is . . . BRANDY! Please email me at allison @ allisonbrennan.com with your snail mail address and reference this blog so I can keep everything straight :/ . . . I had a lot of fun!
A