In which Vicki talks Gothics

Reader Vicki asked if I have ever considered writing a Gothic novel. Ah, funny you should ask! The first two books I wrote were straight Gothic novels. It is a genre I LOVE, although I think it's a genre that's very easy to do badly. I grew up reading Victoria Holt, and eventually added Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels, M.M. Kaye, and Mary Stewart to the mix. I do think there's a demand for them still--and loads of very commercial books have Gothic elements in them even if they don't fall completely in the genre. To me, The Dead Travel Fast is a pure Gothic. It's historical, with a heroine who leaves her comfortable and familiar surroundings for a more exotic and mysterious locale. There is peril and suspense and an ongoing mystery about whether the events that unfold are supernatural or simply the work of a malicious character. (There's even a scene in a crypt...) Much of my writing is an homage to books I've read and loved, and TDTF is no exception. It will be out in March 2010, so mark your calendars!