Interview with paranormal thriller author Curtis Maynard

Kicking off a new year with me is author Curtis Maynard and we’re chatting about his new paranormal thriller, The Ghost of Shantel Thompson.

During his virtual book tour, Curtis will be giving away a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn participant. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit his other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
Curtis Maynard is an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, and author passionate about suspenseful storytelling. Enthralled by the paranormal, his mysteries and thrillers feature everything from hauntings and visions to cryptic messages from beyond the grave. Curtis currently resides with his wife and son in Alabama, a setting rich with inspiration for his novels and short films. He hopes his stories will leave you spellbound, disquieted, and suspicious of the slightest shuddering shadow.

Welcome, Curtis. Please tell us about your new release.
When the Riggs family in Mobile, Alabama, faced the mysterious death of their adoptive daughter Shantel Thompson, they never imagined her ghost would linger for decades…

In Curtis Maynard’s heart-stopping paranormal thriller, ‘The Ghost of Shantel Thompson,’ a new family, fifty years later, grapples with a haunting legacy where the line between life and death is hauntingly thin.

Just as they begin to settle into their new life, their own young daughter is gripped by chilling visions of Shantel. It’s not just fleeting shadows—she’s entangled in a vengeful spirit’s relentless quest for justice, a quest that spans generations.

As whispers from the grave reveal long-hidden secrets, this new family faces a terrifying truth: some ghosts refuse to be silenced. Now, they must confront the mystery of Shantel’s death before her ghostly agenda consumes them all.

Dare to uncover the truth? ‘The Ghost of Shantel Thompson’ awaits to send shivers down your spine.

Excerpt from The Ghost of Shantel Thompson:
Reacting swiftly, Damian lunged out of bed and rushed to Sarah’s side, using his body as a shield between Alicia and her mother. “Alicia? Alicia?” he repeated, his voice desperate, hoping to break the hold of whatever trance had possessed her.

Alicia blinked, her eyes refocusing as she met her father’s gaze. “Dad?” Her voice was calm, confusion evident in her tone. She glanced down at the knife in her hand. “What happened?”

“That’s what we want to know,” Damian replied, his voice filled with concern. “Your mother woke up and saw you standing over her with a knife.”

Alicia’s gaze shifted to Sarah, who sat trembling on the bed. “I don’t remember coming in here. I don’t know where I got the knife from.” She looked back at her father. “I must’ve been sleepwalking again.”

“What’s the last thing you remember?” Damian asked, a trace of suspicion in his voice.

Alicia’s mind raced, searching for a plausible explanation. She couldn’t afford to be caught in the act of sneaking into their room. “I… I remember a nightmare. Yes, that’s what it was. I was sleeping, and I had a nightmare. I didn’t know what was going on. And the next thing I know, you’re shaking me awake.”

Relieved by Alicia’s explanation, Damian gently took the knife from her hand. “Let me just take this from you,” he said, his tone soothing. “And let’s get you back into bed.”

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?
Help solve unsolved mysteries.

What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to learn about you?
I’m a Christian, even though I write paranormal stories.

When writing descriptions of your hero/ine, what feature do you start with?
The basic quick background.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Plotter

Did you learn anything from writing this book?  If so, what?
I think I learn more of what I want in my next character with every book I write.

If you could apologize to someone in your past, who would it be?
My Grandma.  Wouldn’t we all?

If you could keep a mythical/paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?
A dinosaur.  However, it would need to be tame so it didn’t eat me.

How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?
I can’t say I’m different, but I try to be unique in the plot and storyline.

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
Best – the importance of an early hook. 

Worst – I am not sure I’ve received bad advice.

Are the experiences in this book based on someone you know or events in your own life?
No. In fact, all my stories are 100% fiction with made up characters.

Links:
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