I am delighted to introduce
Sharing her thoughts about her debut novel
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| Illumine 2015 |
Does everything in life happen purely by chance ?
Or are we guided towards people who can help us in our hour of need?
Following the sudden death of her beloved mother, Jessica Gibson's world falls apart. But after meeting a man who seems heaven-sent, she starts to feel she has something to live for again, and soon discovers that their connection holds far more significance than she could ever have imagined. And when Jessica strikes an unlikely bond with Alexandra Green, the two new friends are taken on an emotional journey into the world of the supernatural, where psychic mediums pass on messages from beyond the grave. What -- or who -- is causing the strange goings-on in Alex's home? What secret is she keeping from Jessica? And who is the young woman who so badly needs their help? In a series of surprising twists and turns, the pieces of the puzzle finally fall into place and a mystery is unwittingly solved -- with life-changing consequences for all involved.
'Out of the Darkness' is an uplifting tale of friendship and redemption; of love and loss. And life...after death.
Tell us a little about Katy
Hogan, author
I'm 51 years old, married and
live in St Albans, Herts, with my husband and teenage children. I'm an
animal-lover, and currently have three cocker spaniels, Toby, Smudge and Alfie,
who I love to walk in the surrounding countryside. Out of the Darkness is a self-published
novel, and so I am currently spending a lot of time marketing the book myself,
approaching bloggers for reviews, Tweeting and writing posts on my Facebook
page. I love interacting with readers --
many of whom have recently been sharing their own experiences of grief and loss
(a major theme in my novel), which I feel very privileged to have been
told.
How long have you been writing
and what got you started?
I have been writing since I was a
teenager, when I started submitting short articles to teen magazines. I went on
to become a journalist for women's magazines, such as Woman's Own, and worked
on everything from beauty features to celebrity interviews. That was in the
heady days of the Eighties, and it was a very exciting and unpredictable time
-- one day I would be writing a fly-on-the-wall reportage piece; the next I
would be sent to interview an up and coming band, such as Spandau Ballet! When
I became a mother, I embarked upon a more family-friendly career in teaching,
and I found this incredibly rewarding. Most recently, I have gone back to
writing again, having done some freelance journalism, before concentrating on
my novel.
Where did you get the first flash
of inspiration for Out of the Darkness?
When I was growing up, my mother
often used to see misty 'spirit shapes' and read the tarot cards, so it's
probably no surprise to hear that I've always been pretty open-minded when it
comes to the subject of life after death. But it was after my world was turned
upside down following the death of a loved one that I felt I needed to find out
more, and so I started to visit clairvoyants and spiritual mediums where I live
in Hertfordshire and also in London. It was after going to an evening of
clairvoyance locally with two new female friends that the idea for Out of the
Darkness struck me. Not only because of the fascinating messages I'd seen
passed on from the medium to people gathered in the audience, but also because
of the power of the support and friendship between we three women. We had each
experienced our own heartache and deep loss, and yet were there for one another
no matter what. And we were all in this slightly bizarre situation, hoping
beyond hope to get a message from a totally ordinary-looking person who was
apparently speaking with the dead! Moreover, it was almost as if we'd been
somehow meant to meet one another, at the time in our lives when we most needed
that friendship and support...It was as we walked arm in arm away from the pub
later that night, looking up into the clear winter sky, that I felt there was a
story in there that I wanted to write and share. And that's how Out of the
Darkness was born!
Without revealing too much, what
you tell us about the story?
Set in Brighton, Out of the Darkness is about three young
women, who each have their own secrets, fears and emotional baggage. They are
complete strangers, but when fate pulls them together, they find they have one remarkable
connection, which brings life-changing consequences for them all.
Where did you get your
inspiration for the story from – were you inspired by people, places or or
specific events?
The story is about love, loss,
friendship, redemption, and the idea that maybe everything in life happens for
a reason.
The book touches on the
supernatural, whilst researching the novel, did you discover anything which
surprised you?
My research for Out of the
Darkness was filled with surprising discoveries. From the sheer number, and
mix, of people I saw attend
demonstrations of clairvoyance, to some remarkable messages from 'the
other side'. I, personally, was given
some very accurate and precise messages from mediums, containing information
which nobody else could have known. I was left gobsmacked on several occasions.
What do you hope readers will
take away from Out of the Darkness?
My hope is that Out of the
Darkness will encourage readers to consider that there might be more to this
life than meets the eye. I have received many messages from readers who have
lost loved ones, telling me that the book has given them great comfort and
hope, and I could not wish for a greater accolade.
What's next?
What's next? Well, the reaction
to Out of the Darkness has been overwhelmingly positive, so I would love to
work with a mainstream publisher, to give the book greater exposure. I do have
plans for my second novel, but in the meantime, many people have said that they
think Out of the Darkness would make a great movie, so who knows...?!
About the Author
Visit her website
Find her on Facebook
Follow on Twitter @KatyHogan
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Huge thanks to Katy for sharing her thoughts about Out of the Darkness with us.
Jaffa and I wish you continued success with your future writing and look forward to seeing 'what's coming next ...'
~***~
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