by KarenEssex | Mar 10, 2009 | books
Dear Friends and Readers,
I’m hitting the road—or the globe—again to research and write my next book, a Victorian Gothic novel that will venture into mythology, horror, and the occult. I thought it might be fun to record the process of researching and writing the book in a way that people could follow as I deal with the joys and sorrows of putting together an historical novel.
I’ll be posting about travel encounters and adventures, as well as some of the writing issues that I (and every other writer) inevitably encounter along the way. I hope that creative writing students will find it particularly interesting to observe this process. ... Read more.
by KarenEssex | Mar 10, 2009 | life in london
I’ve settled into a fantastic flat in London’s Pimlico district. The new novel takes place at the end of the 19th century, so I’m renting a place that was built in 1880. It’s got lots of the original décor, including lovely tall French windows from which one can watch gloomy clouds and perennial rain, and a high ceiling in the parlor. A much better ambiance to write a Gothic novel than sunny L. A.
My first night out on the town was intended to be a distinctly un-Victorian experience. My great friend Alex, reigning prince of jazz-fusion guitar in England, invited me to go with him to judge a music contest at a club in Balham. After hearing some fantastic music and a indulging in bit of extremely restrained (ahem) drinking, Alex put me into a taxi. ... Read more.
