The following is an interview with author Caroline Angel regarding the recent release of her novel, Madman Across the Water, from Red Cape Publishing. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Angel about the inspiration behind the novel, her creative process in bringing the story to life, the impact that Madman Across the Water may have with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of your novel, Madman Across the Water, from Red Cape Publishing! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Caroline Angel: Thank you! “Madman Across the Water” was a song I heard (and loved) as a small child, and I have tried, many times, to tell a story based on the haunting lyrics. It was only when my nephew told me of a modern-day internet legend that I took the story through to completion, based loosely on the legend, the lyrics, and a whole lot of imagination.
BD: What can you share with us about your creative process in weaving the mystery and horror genres together for this story, and what have been some of your creative influences?
CA: I am what is loosely termed a “pantser,” as in I don’t plot out a story, I just start and go from there. I let each chapter/passage flow, sometimes going back to polish, sometimes moving forward to take the story on another level. I did write this book like a movie or TV show, with definite breaks (like ad breaks) that take you from one scene to another. I also think of my writing as putting down many threads, then slowly weaving them together until we have a climax. I don’t know that I have a definable creative influence, I just love to read, and am inspired by many stories and many styles.
BD: At Fanbase Press this year, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Madman Across the Water’s story will connect with and impact readers, and why do you feel that this story was important for you to bring to life?
CA: Wow, this is a hard one! I think, if nothing else, I can show people to never give up on your dreams. I’d like people to think that if I can do it, perhaps so can they. For me, it was important to prove that my dream of being an author wasn’t just a dream, that the words inside me could make people read and enjoy them, despite the many critics and naysayers. Not one, I might add, have ever read the story!
BD: Do you foresee expanding the novel into subsequent books or even into other entertainment mediums, if given the opportunity?
CA: That would depend on my publisher. I did think the story was complete, but right at the last minute I threw in a hook, so if there is interest, there is absolutely another story that can be told.
BD: What makes Red Cape Publishing the perfect home for your novel?
CA: Trust! I have had a bit of a raw deal with two previous publishers, and when Red Cape offered to take my book on, I knew that this was where I should be, and that they would give The Madman the home it always deserved.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
CA: Yes, there is, my novel, Origin of Evil, was recently released, and I am drawing to a close on the sequel to that novel. There is at least one more book in that series, though with all the ideas I have, there could be many more.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Madman Across the Water and your other work?
CA: I have Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr, all under @ucat42, as well as my website (carolineangel.com), and I engage with anyone/everyone that would like to talk to me. Of course, the Red Cape website is another place, and I have author pages on Goodreads and Amazon.