It is my pleasure to welcome Vanessa Morgan to my blog today. Screenwriter and novelist Vanessa Morgan is known as
the 'female version of Stephen King'. You can find out more about Vanessa
Morgan and her work by going to her personal blog http://vanessa-morgan.blogspot.com. If you like cats, you might also like the web comic about
her cat Avalon at http://avalon-lion.blogspot.com.
1- Short of sounding sexist,
is it unusual for a female to write horror stories such as yours?
There are many women that love horror and that work in
the horror business, but we're definitely a minority.
2- What was your inspiration
for A Good Man?
In 2010, my short story The Strangers Outside
was brought to the screen. The main actor in that film, Pierre Lekeux, is also
a producer. He loved what I had done with The Strangers Outside and he
asked if I’d agree to write their next feature film. He wanted to jump onto the
wagon of the current vampire-craze and he thought that I was the ideal person
to bring this project to life. I was free to do with the story whatever I
wanted; all I knew was that he had to be the lead in the film. I observed the
actor during his daily activities and I imagined what he would be like if he
were to be a vampire and what his worst possible fate would be. It really
helped in creating a highly original vampire character that suffers from
insecurities, wrinkles and arthritis.
3- How far along in the
production phase is A Good Man?
A Good Man is currently in pre-production. The most important members
of the cast and crew are now attached to the project and the production is
finalizing the funding phase. They hope to start shooting the first couple of
scenes by the end of the summer. I will keep everyone updated on the
progression of A Good Man through my blog.
4- Were your other two
works, Drowned Sorrow and The Stranger Outside originally slated
to go to production or did that happen after publication? Have either been on
the big screen yet?
Drowned Sorrow started attracting the interest of several film producers as
soon as it was released. Some big Hollywood names (such as Drew Barrymore) are
attached to the project which means the budget is high and takes time to
develop. The director of The Strangers Outside, Philippe Geus, had read Drowned
Sorrow too and he wanted to meet me to check if I had written other stories
that could be suited for film development. I was just busy rewriting The
Strangers Outside, so I gave him an early draft of it and it was
immediately accepted to go into production. The film is now finished and is
currently touring festivals.
5- Do you find that the film
versions to your stories have been changed dramatically from the original or
have they remained true to the stories?
Oh, yes. I'm very proud that The Strangers Outside
got chosen for a film adaptation and it was fun to be on the film set, but at
the experience was a bit frustrating too because the film was different than
the way I imagined it. The director made a slasher comedy out of it, while The
Strangers Outside is originally dramatic horror with philosophical elements.
6- Do you prefer one
particular genre of book over another? If so, why or why not?
When it comes to movies, I'm
100% into horror, but when it comes to books I prefer reading stories where the
characters and their personal obstacles are fare more important than the
action. That's why I like to combine both elements in my own work. They are
suspenseful and creepy, but the characters and their personal obstacles are
certainly as important.
7- What does Vanessa do for
fun and relaxation?
Going to film festivals,
watching movies, eating out, reading, going to concerts, cuddling my cat.
8- How can the readers
contact you?
Here are a few places where
you can find and contact me:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/eeriestories
Books by Vanessa Morgan
A Good Man
Loved Dexter and American Psycho? Then chances are you
will love A Good Man.
Louis Caron is a good man – vegetarian, he feeds the
homeless, takes care of animals and is concerned with the ecological future of
the planet. But his altruism has a sinister edge – he's a vampire - and local
detective Taglioni is becoming increasingly suspicious. Louis' attempt to escape
the police will take him on a journey into his own private hell where he is not
only forced to confront his worst fears, but also to destroy the lives of those
he cares about most.
The Strangers Outside
Two sisters, Jennifer and Louise, return to their
remote holiday cottage after a day at the seaside. But little do they know
they're being surrounded. Soon after their arrival, the girls will come face to
face with the strangers outside. When
the assailants make their intentions known, things take a shockingly terrible
turn and an intense battle for survival will begin.
Drowned Sorrow
Megan Blackwood has just lost her son in a terrible
accident. Now she has come to Moonlight Creek with her teenage daughter Jenna,
hoping that a change of scenery might help to put her life back together. But
something odd is going on in Moonlight Creek. When rain falls over the village,
the inhabitants commit grisly murders, leaving the village deserted with the
first rays of sunshine. Beneath the lake's surface, an eerie presence
watches... and waits... Waits to reveal a tragic past drowned in mystery and
fear. One that doesn't bode well for visitors. By the time Megan realizes that
her daughter is in danger, it
might already be too late.
Review of A Good Man
A Good Man
A Screenplay
Vanessa Morgan
Kindle Edition
Louis Caron is not your typical vampire. He is a vegetarian, feeds the homeless and takes care of animals. For all intense and purposes, Louis is a good man. That may be on the surface, but there is something sinister about him and he is forced to confront his issues and may destroy those he loves in the process.
Detective Taglioni is becoming suspicious of Louis and is keeping close tabs on him. As time goes by, Louis has to use his ability to stay ahead of the police.
This was an unusual read to begin with because it is a screenplay and so does not have all the usual information and extensive dialogue like a regular novel. Our protagonist, Louis, has been a vampire since 1750. He was 55 years old when he was turned and has issues of a fifty five year old man. He has wrinkles and according to Louis he is old. The story line is easy to follow and flows well. The author has made an interesting twist on the vampire and his life. There are numerous characters that come to life in the story and if the script is followed once on the screen, it will make for an interesting and moving story. If you are into vampires or just like a good story, I highly recommend it.
I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated except for receiving the book to review.
I give A Good Man 4 out of 5 stars
Thank you and thank you for stopping by my blog.
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