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Written by Editor
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Wednesday, 30 April 2008 13:20 |
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A Virtual Book Review Network exclusive... An Interview with author Catherine Johnson
The Virtual Book Review Network is pleased to interview Catherine Johnson, author of Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace, her first novel. Inspired by a true story, the captivating and heart-stopping Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace unveils the malice, betrayal, and violence running beneath the wholesome exterior of a close-knit Midwestern family in a classic case of good versus evil.
 Shades of Darkenss, Shades of Grace
LAUREN SMITH: Since this book is based on a true story, how did you pick and choose the facts to use for the story, and what did you omit, and why?
Catherine Johnson: In writing the book, I chose to use the facts and events that not only best told the story, but also had the most universal appeal for readers. Family and the many dynamics that comprise those relationships, the difficulty of divorce even when it’s necessary, and the existence of evil in ordinary lives are all themes that I think everyone can relate to on some level.
What I omitted were the aspects of the story that while still true, were so bizarre that I felt readers would not accept them as believable. This also helped me to keep the narrative focused on what was important and moving the story forward.
Another element that falls into the category of what is in the book and what was omitted concerns the time frame. The period of five years over which the story takes place was greatly compressed. In real life, the events occurred over a much longer period of time, making for an unwieldy narrative. The five-year span kept the story moving at a pace that didn’t bog down and kept the reader engaged.
LAUREN SMITH: Did having personal knowledge of this story make it easier – or harder – to tell this story?
Catherine Johnson: Harder, because even though this a fictionalized story, I know what my family went through. And it was devastating. However, writing this book was also cathartic for me as an author because you can give the story the ending you wished it had had in real life, or an ending that was at least was more just from your perspective. |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 April 2008 13:23 |
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