BooksChatter: ℚ The Shattered Seam: Seam Stalkers [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Kathleen Groger to talk about The Shattered Seam (13 September 2016, Leaf & Thorn Press, LLC, 226 pages), a Young Adult Horror Paranormal Novel, book one of the Seam Stalkers series.

Synopsis | Trailer | Teaser | The Series | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Kathleen Groger; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for The Shattered Seam?

"Growing up, I read Stephen King, Dean Koontz, John Saul, and Robert McCammon. And then I started watching all the ghost investigation shows. My love for the genre blended with the feeling of awe and wonder I experienced when I visited the Thousand Island region in New York. I fell in love the area and the magnificent castles like Boldt and Singer and the decaying Carleton Villa. I knew I had to write a book set in the area. And The Shattered Seam was born."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I’m passionate about the setting, The Thousand Islands: the water, the castles. Also, I love ghost hunting. (I watch way too many of these shows.) As for the characters – Sam is like most teenagers just trying to find her way, her place. She has some interesting hurdles to overcome throughout the series and there are some connections to my family that are sprinkled throughout, but me saying what might give too much away. "

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Shattered Seam - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I am so in love with this cover. Deranged Doctor Design created it. I asked them for a gothic feeling cover and they delivered."

Why should we read The Shattered Seam and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"What a fantastic question. Most horror books are about here (the living) versus there (the dead) with some scary stuff in the middle. I want this series to be more. Everything that happens is a result of the Seam and how it interacts with people, cultures, and entities past and present. Without giving too much away, each page creates another layer into this in-between place where good and evil both exist. I loved writing it and hope readers will love it too."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Shattered Seam, its story and characters?

"I modeled Chauncey, the dog, after my dogs. But I’m sorry to say Chauncey is a lot smarter than my pups."

Who would you recommend The Shattered Seam to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Readers of all ages will love this book. I would advise not reading it alone late at night if you’re easily scared. "

If you could / wished to turn The Shattered Seam and the Seam Stalkers series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Location – definitely have shots of the Thousand Islands, but maybe use one of the castles in Europe for Novak’s home. As far as actors, hmm, that’s tough. I think an unknown actress as Sam and maybe someone like Chris Pine as Eric."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I love to write about all things supernatural, horror, sci-fi, dystopian, fantasy, and suspense. I love to read all those genres as well as psychological thrillers."

What is your writing process?

"I outline the basics – characters, setting, opening, major plot points, and the ending. I let the rest come as I’m writing."

What is in store next?

"Sam’s story continues in the second book in the Seam Stalkers Series, Silencing The Seam. It comes out October 18th and is set in New Orleans. (I’ve attached the cover.)"

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?