The #Book That Made Me Love #Paranormal #Romance ~ #ghosts #amreading #amwriting

This year I had my seventh novel, Ghost Moon, published, and similar to my first novel, Silver Lake, it involves a ghost mystery mixed with romantic suspense.  In fact, five out of the seven feature this spooky and sometimes steamy combination.  So today I'm looking back at the book from my youth that inspired me to write my own stories someday.

I adore ghost stories, which is probably pretty clear from my novels…and while I do try to elicit a few shivers up my readers’ spines, the hauntings in my novels are more mysteries than horror.  My plots revolve around a ghost who has some unfinished business that the characters need to unravel before the spirit can rest in peace.  After all, even ghosts need goals and motivation to make the story work!

A haunting, an old flame, and secrets from the past...
Silver Lake is a #1 Amazon Bestseller

Of course, romance is a big part of my novels as well, because I love love stories as well!  Who doesn’t want to see a meant-to-be couple finally get their Happily Ever After, once they’ve managed to overcome all the obstacles in their way?  Readers get to experience all those emotions associated with falling in love while rooting for the characters to find their way to each other.

So, yeah, I have a thing for ghost mysteries mixed with romance.  What started this? 

Well, when I was in second grade, my father brought home the usual weekly stack of chapter books the local librarian had recommended for me.  Generally, the books revolved around horses, my main interest as an 8-year-old girl.  But sometimes other subject matter found its way into the pile, and this time, there was a book entitled Jane-Emily, by Patricia Clapp.  The tag line read “A ghost story…and a love story”.  My first paranormal romance, this YA book is both a sweet romance and a spooky ghost story.  I was hooked.  I read that book over and over again throughout my childhood.  I made my best friend read it.  To this day, we're both still scared of those silvery reflecting balls that sit on pedestals in yards.

Fifteen years ago, I purchased my own copy (finally!) from ebay and read it to my kids.  The ghost of 12-year-old Emily still delivers chills even after all these years as she unleashes her wrath on 9-year-old Jane--but of course the romance piece was there as well between the hunky Doctor and Jane's young aunt Louisa.

My best friend and I *still* call
these Jane-Emily balls

This childhood favorite has made a lifetime mark, impacting what I write as an author--although the romantic element in my novels is decidedly steamier, as my books are meant for more mature readers.  But I still go back to revisit Jane-Emily from time to time--my copy from eBay sits on the bookshelf.  And I may never have discovered this book without my Dad's dedicated trips to the library to keep me reading for pleasure.

With Halloween approaching, and many activities still restricted, it's the perfect time to relax and get lost in a spooky page-turning romantic suspense!  Many of my books are on Audible as well, and a full list is on my Amazon page.  Happy Fall!

The #Book That Made Me Love #Paranormal #Romance ~ #amwriting #ghosts

This is a re-post of my contribution to the latest blog series over at Moonlight & Mystery, a site for all types of mystery, romance, and paranormal reads.  The theme revolves around looking back at a book from our youth that inspired us in some way—a novel that maybe made us fall in love with reading, drew us to a new genre, sparked our imagination, or inspired us to write our own stories someday.

I love ghost stories, which is probably pretty clear from my novels…and while I do try to elicit a few shivers up my readers’ spines, the hauntings in my novels are more mysteries than horror.  My plots revolve around a ghost who has some unfinished business that the characters need to unravel before the spirit can rest in peace.  After all, even ghosts need goals and motivation to make the story work!

Of course, romance is a big part of my novels as well, because I love love stories as well!  Who doesn’t want to see a meant-to-be couple finally get their Happily Ever After, once they’ve managed to overcome all the obstacles in their way?  Readers get to experience all those emotions associated with falling in love while rooting for the characters to find their way to each other.

So, yeah, I have a thing for ghost mysteries mixed with romance.  What started this? 

Well, when I was in second grade, my father brought home the usual weekly stack of chapter books the local librarian had recommended for me.  Generally, the books revolved around horses, my main interest as an 8-year-old girl.  But sometimes other subject matter found its way into the pile, and this time, there was a book entitled Jane-Emily, by Patricia Clapp.  The tag line read “A ghost story…and a love story”.  My first paranormal romance, this YA book is both a sweet romance and a spooky ghost story.  I was hooked.  I read that book over and over again throughout my childhood.  I made my best friend read it.  To this day, we're both still scared of those silvery reflecting balls that sit on pedestals in yards.

Ten years ago, I purchased my own copy (finally!) from ebay and read it to my kids.  The ghost of 12-year-old Emily still delivers chills even after all these years as she unleashes her wrath on 9-year-old Jane--but of course the romance piece was there as well between the hunky Doctor and Jane's young aunt Louisa.

My best friend and I *still* call
these Jane-Emily balls

This childhood favorite has made a lifetime mark, impacting what I write as an author--although the romantic element in my novels is decidedly steamier, as my books are meant for more mature readers.  But I still go back to revisit Jane-Emily from time to time--my copy from eBay sits on the bookshelf.  And I may never have discovered this book without my Dad's dedicated trips to the library to keep me reading for pleasure.

Check out some of the other posts over at Moonlight and Mystery!  And if you missed our last series, each author discussed fun details about the setting of one of her books; start here with my post on Cape Cod!) 

Saying Goodbye to My #Dad #grief

The tumor appeared right after Thanksgiving, a hard marble on the side of his neck.  By March, it had grown to the size of a softball, and chemo and radiation had begun.  But my father lost his battle with throat cancer last week, at the end of April, and I'm still reeling with grief, shock, and the finality of saying goodbye.  Of never hearing his voice again, never laughing with him again, never hugging him again.

Reading The Night Before Christmas, 1970

So I thought I'd dedicate my blog post today to a few of the stories about my dad that relate to my love of reading, and by extension, my desire to become an author myself.

I absolutely credit my dad with my passion for reading.  He loved to read.  So beyond just reading picture books to me as a child, my father made sure I had stacks of novels, chosen to match my interests, once I could read myself.  He would visit the library each week, and head straight to the Children's Librarian, who would help him pick out the weekly haul.  Usually, the subject matter revolved around horses and young riders (Winter Pony, Summer Pony, Misty of Chincoteague, The Blind Connemara), animals in general (Benji, The Incredible Journey, Charlotte's Web, A Cricket in Times Square), mysteries and adventures (Encyclopedia Brown, all the Choose Your Own Adventure books, Baby Island)...but sometimes other genres and subject matter made it into the pile, just by virtue of the sheer amount I could read in a week.  It was difficult to keep up with.

So when I was in second grade, a book titled Jane-Emily, by Patricia Clapp, came home from the library.  The tag line read "A ghost story...and a love story".  I.  Was.  Hooked.  I'd found my ideal mix of elements: a spooky haunting, mixed with romance (in this case, a very sweet romance, set in the early 1900s).  I read it over and over again.  I made my best friend read it.  Since then, we're both still scared of those silvery reflecting balls that sit on pedestals in yards.

Jane-Emily introduced me to paranormal romantic suspense, and this childhood favorite has made a lifetime mark, impacting what I write as an author--yep, combinations of ghost stories and love stories, although the romantic element in my novels is decidedly steamier, as my books are meant for more mature readers.  But I still go back to revisit Jane-Emily from time to time--my copy from eBay sits on the bookshelf--and I even read it to my two boys when they were little.  And I may never have discovered this book without my Dad's dedicated trips to the library to keep me reading for pleasure.

The second story is from a family vacation to Bethany Beach (where I now get to sign books on occasion) when I was around 12 years old.  We made sure I had my usual stack of books to tide me over for the week, but since it was summer and we spent the days relaxing, I read even faster than usual.  I was done in the first three days, and four more days with no new reading material just wasn't acceptable.  At that time, the main strip of Bethany consisted of just a few stores, certainly no independent book stores.  But the Five and Dime had a display of Nancy Drew Mysteries.  Some I'd read, but a few I hadn't.  My father purchased the ones I had not yet read.

Those lasted another 24 hours, and then we were back to square one.  At this point, he started inquiring about libraries, and we were directed to a little mobile library, literally a trailer, serving the summer residents of Bethany Beach.  They made it very clear that they didn't allow vacationers without permanent summer addresses to borrow books.  The risk of loss, keeping track, etc.  I don't remember if my father wore them down with an argument, or just left some cash as collateral, but I do remember I walked out of there with a bunch of books.

Bethany Beach, 1970...well before my
Nancy Drew Mystery days

Good memories.  Even as adults, we traded titles we enjoyed, and he would pass along all the new releases he'd picked up at the bookstore.  I know every time I find a book that pulls me in, and takes me on a fabulous journey, away from the stress of everyday life, I'll think of him, and thank him silently for fostering my love for stories.

My favorite #ghost stories - Kathryn Knight

I love ghost stories, which is probably abundantly clear from my own novels.  My favorites have a mix similar to what I write--a tension-filled romance combined with a spooky and suspenseful haunting.  That said, I enjoy ghost stories that veer closer to the horror genre as well (and often therefore lack a Happily Ever After).  Of course my books have a special place in my heart, but in order to avoid bias, I won't be including them in this list.  Here are my favorites:


1.  Jane-Emily, by Patricia Clapp. 

The novel that started it all for me.  One of my all-time favorites, this YA book is both a sweet romance and a spooky ghost story.  In fact, I would call this book a huge inspiration for my writing, as it's that combination of ghost story/love story that I find addictive.  My father brought Jane-Emily home from the library when I was around 8 years old, and I read it over and over, then requested it regularly when I needed my Jane-Emily fix.  A few years back, I purchased my own copy (finally!) from ebay and read it to my kids.  The ghost of 12-year-old Emily still delivers chills even after all these years as she unleashes her wrath on 9-year-old Jane--but of course the romance piece was there as well between the hunky Doctor and Jane's young aunt Louisa.

2.  Midnight Bayou, by Nora Roberts

I could not put this book down...literally.  I loved the New Orleans bayou setting and intertwining of past and present.  A sassy Cajun heroine and a hunky ex-lawyer-turned-carpenter embark on a passionate journey to uncover the dark secrets of Manet Hall.  Sadly, I lent my nice hardcover copy to someone and it has not yet been returned.  I'll have to purchase another for my shelf of favorites if it doesn't make it back eventually!

3.  Madeleine's Ghost, by Robert Girardi

One of my all time favorites--a captivating mix of romance, history, and the paranormal.  An original storyline with quirky and believable characters, this book has it all: intrigue, mystery, secrets, star-crossed lovers, and a haunting.  This novel moves between the past and the present, revealing the layers that make the characters come alive.  The descriptions of both New York City and New Orleans are so vivid I felt like I was right there...and I enjoyed every minute spent traveling between the gritty East Village and the humid bayous of Louisiana.

4.  Bag of Bones, by Stephen King

This one is more horror than romance, and in true King fashion, not everyone survives.  But the haunting at the house at Dark Score Lake sent shivers up my spine in a way not many books have.  The premise of two spirits fighting from the beyond--one intent on exacting revenge, one determined to prevent the continuing tragedies--is truly unique.  This concept inspired me to look for ways to make the ghosts in my novels really have to work around barriers to communication--it should never be as easy as simply leaving clues.  If it were, any ghost could simply write out what it needed to convey with no struggle. 

5.  Vaporetto 13, by Robert Girardi

Another atmospheric ghost story by Girardi, this one transports the reader to the damp, stagnant canals of Venice.  It's been many years since I read this one, so I'm due for a re-read.  But I can clearly remember the desperate longing between Jack and the mysterious Caterina, the eerie and evocative descriptions of Venice, and the suspense building as Jack unravels the truth.

Well, that's the first five, anyway...making this list I realized I have read plenty more worth mentioning!  But it's late, so that's a blog post for another day.  Please feel free to leave a comment with your own favorite ghost story, I'm always looking for recommendations!

Was My First Romance Read a Pop-Up Book? Kathryn Knight

The other day, as I was tweaking my list of books to read on Goodreads, I started thinking about when I read my first romance novel.  I can remember sometimes raiding my mother's bookshelf as a "tween" when I'd finished everything from my weekly library pile.  A lot of the books were probably too mature to be a great choice for a middle school girl (I think I read Valley of the Dolls at 11 or 12), my mom was busy with two younger kids, and monitoring my reading material wasn't high on her priority list.  As I made my way through her bookshelf, I saw one author multiple times--Phyllis A. Whitney.

I think I started with The Golden Unicorn, and enjoyed it enough to tear through the rest at home before checking the others out from the library.  Whitney's wikipedia entry notes that while she was often referred to as a Gothic or mystery writer, she called her works "romantic novels of suspense".  I read them a long time ago, but I seem to remember a strong romantic theme. 

But then it occurred to me that one of my all-time YA favorite books, Jane-Emily by Patricia Clapp, was a sweet romance.  In fact, I would call this book a huge inspiration for my writing, as it's that combination of ghost story/love story that I find addictive.  My father brought Jane-Emily home from the library when I was around 8 years old, and I read it over and over, then requested it regularly when I needed my Jane-Emily fix.  A few years back, I purchased my own copy (finally!) from ebay and read it to my kids.  The ghost of 12-year-old Emily still delivers chills even after all these years as she unleashes her wrath on 9-year-old Jane--but of course the romance piece was there as well between the hunky Doctor and Jane's young aunt Louisa.

So I decided Jane-Emily surely had to be the first.  Until I thought about the basic ingredients of a romance novel: a hero and heroine who meet and fall in love, a central conflict focusing on their romance, and a Happily Ever After (HEA).  I was shocked to realize my favorite preschool book--Cinderella--was a romance!  I had a number of books featuring fairy tale heroines, but Cinderella had a compelling feature: pop-up scenes.  I did an image search and this picture looks a lot like my old book--I can still remember running my fingers down the cardboard stairs of the castle as I pictured making my own entrance to the ball:

Cinderella may not have been a very active or strong character, but she elicited sympathy based on her circumstances.  She was rewarded for her inherent goodness and captured the heart of the handsome prince.  Sadly, my copy of the book is long gone, but it probably actually ended with the words "And they lived Happily Ever After."  

So there it is, my first romance book.  What, if any, difference did my affinity for this book make in my life?  Certainly, it helped foster a literary preference for romance--a preference that eventually resulted in publishing contracts for the 2 paranormal romance novels I crafted from my own imagination.  Cinderella's story definitely convinced me to hold out for my own personal Prince Charming, despite the many obstacles in our path.  And on our wedding day 17 years ago, well...I think my choice of dresses speaks for itself!