My guest today is author Sharlene Almond. Hello! Welcome to Writing in the Modern Age! It’s such a pleasure
to have you here.
Hi, thank you so much for inviting me on your blog today!
Of course!
Can you tell us a little bit about your book? When did it come out?
Where can we get it?
Initiated
to Kill tells the
story of a secret society, an infamous 18th century
murderer, a conspiracy to undermine those in power, and a man’s vengeful agenda
to achieve what he seeks.
An
initiation that welcomes those into the Brotherhood, welcomes another that
purposes could not have been foreseen. A man initiated to carry out work to
fulfil a vendetta deep inside him. A man initiated to kill.
Annabella
Cordova came to Spain after her mother was killed and her father disappeared. A
childhood accident has caused her deafness, but in her silence she has
developed the ability to tell when someone is lying by reading facial and body
expressions.
When
her best friend goes missing, she finds herself amidst a plot that plans to fulfill what failed years ago.
Through
the hypothesis of Patricia Cornwall, a man’s life is unmasked that may finally
answer – Who was Jack the Ripper? Through centuries a Prince, a doctor, a
butcher have been in the spotlight, but now another man, an artist, Walter
Sickert may take center stage.
Throughout
the novel, a psychological profile is created to examine if this artist really
could have been Jack the Ripper. Did he hide his crimes in his art? Grown up
spoiled, maimed by a condition, blaming women for his deep seated anger.
His
obsession involving himself in crimes that those that initiated him could not
have foreseen.
What
drove him to it? And is it possible that the Freemasons were behind the Jack the
Ripper killings all along? Was the Prince, doctor, butcher and police
commissioner all part of what became one of the most infamous unsolved murders?
Meanwhile,
Detective Andŕes Valero has returned from mandatory leave after killing a man
that tried to rape and kill his fiancé. The request for his return outlines his
own fate. His investigation leading him to men that prey on vulnerable
woman, Seville University that holds century-old secrets, and to a society that
far outreaches any other.
The
detective’s investigation leads them to Seville University, and Mr Murillo, the
headmaster of the University. The nervous man belies the fact he is hiding
something, his walls adorned with paintings of reputable character. One in
particular, ‘Ennui’, by Walter Sickert, plagues the mind of Valero.
There
is another that cannot be forgotten. A student that frightens not only the
female students, but the teachers. A man called Demetrio, that is obsessed with
Celestina, and carries his own dark secrets that are used by another to unveil
his plans.
As
the weeks go on, the taunts begin. Every six days a female student disappears,
followed by a delivery of a package that mimics the taunts of Jack the Ripper.
As
Annabella and the detectives come closer to the truth, Annabella’s life is in
this man’s sights; leading Annabella's past to resurface.
Initiated
to Kill was released 01/14/15, and it can be purchased on Barnes and Noble, as
well as Amazon. I also have several print books that I am selling via my
Facebook Author page.
Such an intriguing premise!
Is there anything which prompted this book? Something that inspired you?
History
is something I love. The fascinating world that at times seems unbelievable. I
love the research that goes into writing history, and how much I learn through
that research. It also tends to inspire more ideas to flow as I do my research.
I’ve always had a notebook where I’ve jotted down
ideas that I want to write about. One idea caught my attention about the occult
and murders around it, and when I started research on it, things fell into
place.
I didn’t really have something in particular that
inspired me, but I’ve always enjoyed reading thrillers/mysteries, so that’s
what I wanted to write about. The more research I did, the ideas just kept
flowing. But it wasn’t until I started to edit Initiated to Kill, that I began
to see how interesting it would be to include the historical element to it.
Going from past and present enabled me to explore a
whole other dimension, and give more meaning to the present-day plot line. The
Jack the Ripper angle was only supposed to be a quick mention, but reading more
about the conspiracy angle that surrounded it, I knew I had to write about it.
I didn’t want it to be like other Jack the Ripper
books or movies, something different, someone different. Patricia Cornwall’s
book, The Portrait of a Killer, reveals another suspect to the never-ending
discussion of who this infamous killer was.
And so, I delved into the mind of a killer.
Detailing about this man’s life, going into the psychological workings of this
eccentric artist and bringing him to life. As the characters’ lives are written
almost like mini sub-plots, a lot is revealed about the inner psyche of the
characters.
It's always fascinating to see where the muse takes us!
Let me ask a different question.
When did you know you
wanted to write? Or has it always been a pastime of yours?
Since I
can remember, I’ve always loved to write. Whether it be short stories, essays
for subjects, and even short poems. Reading and writing have fascinated me as
it allows an escape to a whole other world, letting the imagination run wild,
and creates complex characters to play out convoluted plots.
Nice!
Do you have any favorite authors yourself, Sharlene?
James Patterson, Dan Brown, Jeffery Deaver, Karin Slaughter, Stephen White,
Jack Kerley, and Michael Marshal are all authors that I enjoy reading. All
authors do an excellent job in delving into the mind of a killer, the sadistic
crimes, and delivering an on-the-edge-of-your-seat read.
Great!
Do you write in a specific place? Time of day?
I usually
write in my lounge, where I can look out the screen door and let my mind wander
a bit. The ideal writing time for me is definitely in the morning. After a
workout, shower and breakfast, I usually start around 8.30 a.m. or so, and
continue with breaks up to lunch.
All right.
Are there some words you'd like to impart to fellow writers? Any advice?
I stick to what I love. If I love writing and entertaining people, then
writing will never be a waste of time. Yes, there will be rejections and
criticisms countless times, but as the saying goes, ‘whatever doesn’t kill you
makes you stronger’.
I take note of constructive criticism so I can improve on my writing. Every
bad review may also have some valuable advice that I can take on.
I
also keep persisting. I have received a lot of rejections, unfortunately, but it
goes with what I do. Because I love to write, I never know what might happen.
I
have found a good query letter is also key. I need to be able to hook the
publisher pretty quickly. A query letter shouldn’t be long-winded, but get
straight to the point.
In
the end, it’s easy to fit into the popular genre, it’s harder to actually write
what I enjoy writing if it’s not so popular. However, like many books now, in
which once upon a time they weren’t popular, one never knows what might pique
the readers’ interest, making writing even more exciting, which is my main
motivational philosophy.
I
use a basic plot outline for every novel – The Snowflake Method.
This is my
favorite, and, in my opinion, most useful tip for authors. And not just ones that
are starting out. I have used this for my second, third and fourth novels. In
my opinion, a good novel needs a detailed plot outline. You can just sit down
and write; however, if you haven’t created an outline, the structure may be all
over the place.
And you
might waste time trying to think up what you want to write each day for the
chapters. Events may not be cohesively linked. Using the Snowflake method helps
to arrange all my thoughts and ideas. And in word excel, it makes it easier to
rearrange chapters, and add to them, without having to do that after I have
done all the writing.
Also, the
chapter outline basically helps to schedule in what I need to focus on each
day, by using the section under chapter headings to write a few sentences on
what I want the chapters to include.
I will, of
course, add to the chapter outline, remove other things. et cetera. However, this just
gives a great starting point. And it means I can even add what research I have
collected so it fits into the story better.
The other
aspect I find important is Research, write, research, and write. This is the
stage when I actually intend to flesh out a novel. Researching before, during
and even after the first draft is not only useful for getting more ideas, but
it makes it easier to remember facts when I am writing, so I am as accurate as
possible.
I find the
best way to prevent writer’s block is to have plenty of research to work from.
That way I can pick and choose what I find necessary to include, and helps me
come up with a wealth of ideas.
Ooh, love all this advice! ♥
Thank you so much for stopping
by to visit us here today at Writing in the Modern Age. It was wonderful
having you! :)
Readers,
here is the blurb for Initiated to Kill.
Two men from two different
generations, both initiated into a powerful organization that throughout
history has sought control and uses their power for destruction. They leave
behind a wake of murder, manipulation and ancient secrets. The first man wreaks
havoc in and around the Whitechapel district of London, England in the 19th
century. While the other stalks his victims in the cosmopolitan city of
Seville, Spain in the 21st century; knowing that only he could uncover the true
motives of one of the world's most infamous serial killers—Jack the Ripper.
Purchase Links:
Here is an excerpt from the book.
Prologue
January, 1888
The solemn lodge hid from unworthy eyes, unnoticeable
forgotten place made of granite. Two Sphinx-like granite lions with women’s
heads peered down from the entrance of the lodge. An ‘ankh’ adorned the lion’s
neck entwined with a cobra. An image of a woman embellished the neck and breast
of the other lion, speaking of fertility and procreation.
Fervent men
slowly made their way up the three levels of narrowing steps, passing under the
two Egyptian swords with curved serpentine blades, and through the two tall
bronze doors.
One man
glanced up as he ascended the steps, silently mouthing “the temple of the
Supreme Council Freemasons,” made of brass letters and set into stone. He
looked toward the plaque cut into stone, “Freemasonry Builds Its Temples in the
Hearts of Men and Among Nations.”
Stone
columns grew tall, high above the entrance and partially concealed an image of
an Egyptian god, backed with radiating sun and flanked by six large golden
snakes. He entered into the lodge entirely made of marble, exotic wood and
statues carved from gold.
The offices,
dining room, Council room, temple room and meeting room were decorated with
many symbols, especially the serpent, and portraits of famous and influential
men lined the walls. The lights shone above the men, resembling stars in the
dark blue sky. And the golden serpents slightly watched in the blue heavens.
The
dark-headed man slowly removed his clothes and put on the long black robe,
placing a hood over his head to partially conceal his face.
In the
recesses of the ancient temple, an ornately decorated room is filled with
candles, lighting the way for the men filing in. Dressed in long black robes,
hands pressed solemnly together, slowly the row of men trudge into the Temple
room. Each with their face down and instinctively form a large circle in the
room.
The room fell
with a deathly silence, then ‘knock, knock, knock.’ The Worshipful Master
spoke, “You will admit him in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe,
and let him be placed in the West.”
Gradually
the door creaked open, and a young man enters with a black robe and the left
knee and breast exposed. The young man’s face covered by the dark cloth and led
around the circle by a rope around his neck. The candidate is lead to the oath
of secrecy where the Worshipful Master stands. A sword is pricked to the
candidate’s left breast.
“As this is
a prick to the flesh at this time, so may the remembrance of it be to your
conscience hereafter, should you ever attempt improperly to reveal any of the
secrets with which you are about to be entrusted.”
The group
silently watch as the candidate is instructed to kneel with his left knee bare
and bent, his right foot forming a square and the body being erect in that
square. The left hand supports the Volume of the Sacred Law, compass and square
and right hand placed thereon.
“ ‘Vouch
safe Thine Aid, Almighty Father, Grand Architect of the Universe, to this our
present conviction. Grant that this Candidate for Masonry, now kneeling before
thee, may dedicate and devote his life to thy Service, and become a true and
faithful Brother amongst us. To this end endue him with such a competency of
thy Divine Wisdom, that assisted by the secrets of our Royal Masonic Art, he
may be better enabled to display the beauties of true godliness to the Honor
and glory of Thy Most Holy Name.’ ”
“ ‘I do most
solemnly and sincerely promise and swear to have my throat cut across, my
tongue torn out by the roots, and my body buried in the rough sands of the sea
at low water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows in twenty-four hours ...
should I ever knowingly or willingly violate this my solemn oath or obligation
as an Entered Apprentice Mason. So help me God.’ ”
The young
man is then presented with white gloves and escorted to the pedestal in the
East to become an Entered Apprentice.
Throughout
the ceremony the dark-haired man’s heart skipped excitedly. Another man would
join them, and this man would be the one. He had done a lot to encourage them
to allow this man to be initiated.
He would
help him achieve their ultimate goal and reign supreme.
****
A candlelit chamber houses a secret meeting where four
men sit around a table, each wearing the long black robes and only talking
above a whisper.
“The time has
come to make our stand and proclaim to our Brothers that it’s time. It’s our
time to cause such a panic, that people will not know whom to turn to. That the
reliance on religion and government will pass. It’s our time to take control,
and whoever does not stand behind us will fall.”
“Yes, we
must give a sign to our Brothers that can only be recognized by them, but will
shock the world over again.”
Author Bio
I
live in Auckland, New Zealand with my partner and two Jack Russell’s (my babies).
Historical based movies and documentaries are some of the useful tools to give
me ideas for my next books. I have a diploma in Body Language and Criminology,
enabling me to understand and portray my main character - Annabella.
At
32 years old, I also have diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Freelance
Journalism, Editing and Proofreading and Naturopathic Nutrition. These
qualifications give me the ability to better understand the human mind, writing
about it in a manner my readers can understand and connect with.
Currently,
I am studying to specialize in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Dialectal
Behavioural Therapy, and Medicinal Cannabis.
Author Links:
Sharlene's Books:
Pamela
Ackerson’s storytelling all began with her younger brother, creating
wonderful children’s stories on vacation trips to keep him occupied.
Later, she started writing poems and short stories as a teen. 
