In this month's author interview, independent supernatural thriller author, R.W. Harrison provides a haunting insight into his novels, including his poltergeist experience that led to the inspiration behind The Onyx Seed.
In 60 seconds, Robert discusses his novels, his research and writing experience, and how you can get your hands on a free copy of his supernatural novella, The Ghost of Witch’s Point - which was a fantastic 5 star read if I must say so myself!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m originally from the Cleveland, Ohio area in the US. I spent 30 years in Florida, and am now back living in my hometown and loving it.
I’ve been writing for ten years now, and have five books published.
"The Onyx Seed was loosely inspired by a series of poltergeist experiences I had over thirty years ago". R.W. Harrison
How did you first become interested in writing supernatural thrillers and what led you specifically to the this genre?
My first book, The Onyx Seed, was loosely inspired by a series of poltergeist experiences I had over thirty years ago.
After telling people about what had transpired for decades, I finally decided to base a book on it. I started off by writing a more-or-less standard ghost story, but wanted to bring in other elements to make it more unique, so I researched various folklore stories from the Philippines, and introduced a demon to the story.
One book turned into two, then three, to round out the trilogy.
"I particularly enjoyed bringing my characters face-to-face with something with an evil they didn't even know existed". R.W. Harrison
Could you tell us more about your poltergeist experiences?
Of course! So, it started a month or so after my son was born. At first it was electronic devices that would turn on and off by themselves, but then it manifested itself in more physical ways. Rocking chairs rocked by themselves, we heard growling, I heard my name called, objects would rearrange themselves, etc. This went on for about 18 months and gradually faded away.
It was never anything threatening or scary, just a little creepy. My wife consulted a psychic who identified the antique dresser in my son's room as the source. She said that antiques often hold the spirit, or essence, of someone who has passed away.
The introduction of an infant or toddler into the house brings the spirit out in the form of a poltergeist, because of the energy they have. The dresser was mine, but before I had it, my dad had it growing up as a kid, and before he had it, his older brother had it.
The older brother, named Robert (who I'm named after), was killed in a boating accident when he was nine. So...maybe?
I still have the dresser and used it on the cover of The Onyx Seed. I had a photographer friend of mine take it to his home studio where he took a bunch of pictures for me to use. Without knowing anything about the history of it, my friend's wife said it gave her the creeps, and she wanted it out of their home.
Are there any themes or messages that you aim to explore in your books?
My books are supernatural thrillers, and I typically explore that slim overlap between the natural world and the…not so natural world.
My trilogy, consisting of The Onyx Seed, Onyx Rising, and Onyx Nightmare, involves a small town in upstate New York that faces a being that originated in Filipino folklore. I particularly enjoyed bringing my characters face-to-face with something with an evil they didn’t even know existed.
Are there any specific scenes in your novels that were challenging to write?
In one of the books from my Onyx Trilogy, I base one of the characters on my best friend.
As I was writing the story, I realised that at the end, I would have to kill him off. I tried to avoid it, but the book was much more powerful with the death of the character. But it was really difficult to write. And, my friend was not happy when he read it!
Can you share any memorable fan interactions or feedback you’ve received?
One of the most meaningful was when a fan said she had been an avid reader years ago, but got away from it. Once she read my books, she fell in love with reading again. That really touched me and keeps me going.
How do you approach outlining and structuring your novels?
At first, I just started writing, without an outline. But I found that I would often write myself into a corner, and have to backtrack and start again. That took up a lot of time, but I didn’t want to be tied to a strict outline, so I developed a very loose outline. It consists of just a couple sentences per chapter, which gives me the flexibility to change things if I have to (sometimes the characters don’t follow the intended plot)!
How do you research elements in your novels?
Accuracy is important in my books, even though they’re supernatural in nature, so I spend a lot of time researching. I read lots of books on the topic and spend inordinate amounts of time on the internet. For my book, Raven’s Temple, I researched historical cults, which was a long rabbit hole of discovery, much of which made it into the book.
How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life / career?
In addition to writing, I also run a small author services business, providing other indie authors with cover designs, proofreading services, formatting, etc. It’s tough sometimes prioritising my books over my clients’, because they’re counting on me. My characters are also counting on me to tell their story, so it can be a battle, for sure.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
I’m (slowly) working on a prequel to The Ghost of Witch’s Point, telling the life of the ghost in the lighthouse before she came to haunt it. I’m also finishing up a book in a completely different genre, romance. It’s a spicy rom-com that takes place on a cruise ship. We’ll see if I can pull off a romance or if I should stick with supernatural thrillers!
Let’s talk about your latest book. What inspired the storyline, and what can readers expect from it?
My most recent book is The Ghost of Witch’s Point. Most of the story takes place in a lighthouse, which has always had an appeal for me. The lighthouse keeper falls in love with the ghost that’s inhabiting it, but we’re not sure what the ghost’s motives are.
I also weaved in the concept of past lives and age regression hypnosis, inspired by a book from the 1950s, The Search for Bridey Murphy. I packed a lot into a novella! It’s free as an ebook, available on my website.
And finally, where can readers find you?
I’m on Facebook and Instagram, and have two websites, one devoted to my books, and the other for my new author services business.
Free eBook: The Ghost of Witch’s Point is available on my website, in exchange for signing up for my newsletter.
Support Robert by signing up for his newsletter: rwharrisonbooks.com.
To stay up to date with my book launches, giveaways and more, follow me on Instagram or sign up to receive my newsletter via the links at the bottom of this page.
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