I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Charles French, a distinguished educator and author. His new book, Gallows Hill, is a thriller and the second in his exciting series. The first book, Maledicus, is a riveting page-turner deep into history and speculative fiction, that follows paranormal investigating by three main characters. Frankly, that barely scratches the surface of mystery and darkness. Without further ado, let’s meet the author:
I know you are partial to classical literature, particularly Shakespeare. And, you teach English Literature courses at Muhlenberg College. How has that influenced you and your writing?
I have loved Shakespeare most of my life. I was first entranced by his work as a high school student, when I saw a traveling professional production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I was amazed not only by the language but also by the physicality of the play and the images of magic. I was hooked. I believe that Shakespeare is at the center of Western writing, and certainly themes and issue in Shakespeare have influenced my writing. Among these themes are the nature of evil, and the way that some choose to embrace being evil. This certainly works into my two books, Maledicus: The Investigative Paranormal Society, Book 1 and Gallows Hill: The Investigative Paranormal Society, Book 2.
What started your interest in writing speculative fiction?
I have had a very strong imagination my entire life, and I have been reading since I was very young. I have always loved any tales that took me into other worlds, and the desire to write about such possibilities is a natural offshoot of my reading. I believe that developing a child’s imagination through reading from the earliest possible ages is extremely important to that child’s life, and I was lucky enough to have a mother who encouraged me to read very early. As a consequence of my constant reading, I learned to love the idea of writing speculative fiction.
When did you begin writing?
I have been writing off and on most of my life, but earlier, I rarely finished any stories or novels. I committed to be a serious writer, one who writes almost every day and finishes projects, about 6 years ago, and I intend never to stop writing.
Your first book, Maledicus, introduces readers to three characters who form IPS, investigative paranormal society. Can you briefly tell us about the characters?
Yes, I certainly will. They are Roosevelt, a retired history professor, Sam, a retired homicide detective, and Jeremy, a retired antiques dealer. The three men all suffered the loss of someone very close to them to death. They have time on their hands, some resources, and they want to know if there is life after death. So, they form a ghost investigation group, in order to try to find an answer to this question. I should add, that in, Gallows Hill, Helen becomes a member of the Investigative Paranormal Society.
Amazon gives this book 4-and-a-half-stars. Congratulations!
Thank you so much!
While Maledicus focuses on Roosevelt, your new book, Gallows Hill, focuses on Sam. Can you tell us about Gallows Hill? How does Sam play a role in the book?
Sam is the central figure, the protagonist, of Gallows Hill. For each book in this series, now intended to be 4 books, I will focus on a separate member of the IPS. In Gallows Hill, Sam will find the answer about why his son, Josh, committed suicide. Sam also has to deal with two villains from the past, one a supernatural entity from the 1800s, and one a human criminal whom Sam arrested and caused to be convicted while Sam was a detective. This man wants vengeance on Sam, and he is brutal in his desires.
Did you plan to have a sequel when you wrote Maledicus? If so, are you planning to write more books?
Yes, to both questions! I originally thought of the IPS stories as a three part series, but now it will be a 4 parter. And I have plans for many other novels also. I am currently pitching the first book in a Young Adult series to agents, and we will see where that goes.
Thank you so much for this interview, Charles French.
You can visit Charles French at: charlesfrenchonwordsreadingandwriting.wordpress.com
Gallows Hill: The Investigative Paranormal Society Book 2 is available at Amazon.
A Teacher's Reflections 
A great Interview Jennie. Sounds fascinating!
Thanks, Ritu. It’s very good!
Ritu, Thank you! Best, Charles
😊
Great subject for your interview, Jennie. Charles not only comes up with those great quotes, he is an accomplished writer and blogger too. I wish him every success with his new book.
Best wishes, Pete.
You hit the nail on the head about Charles. I feel the same way. I wish him all the best with his new book. Thank you, Pete.
Thank you so much! Best, Charles
Great Q&A! I can’t wait to check out the book!
Thank you! You will enjoy it.
Thank you so much! Please let me know what you think of it. Best, Charles
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Thank you so much to Jennie Fitzkee for conducting this interview for my blog tour!
You are very welcome, Charles. It was a pleasure!
Jennie, Thank you so much! I am honored you did this interview for my blogtour.
Reblogged this on M.C. Tuggle, Writer.
Thank you, Mike.
Mike, thank you!!! Best, Charles
Sounds good!
It is, Luanne. Thanks!
Thank you! Best, Charles
Interesting!!
It is, Opher. Thank you!
You are most welcome, Charles.
A fine interview. Charles is interesting and his book sounds great. Well done to both of you!
Thank you, Cindy!
Cindy, Thank you so much! Best, Charles
Best wishes and congratulations on your new book, Charles, sounds interesting!
Marcia, Thank you! Best, Charles
So nice to learn more about Charles. Gallows Hill is now on my TBR! Thanks, Jennie ❤
Tina, Thank you so much! Best, Charles
Most welcome, Charles ❤
Reblogged on Pen and Paper
Thank you, Karen!
Karen, thank you so very much!
Reblogged this on K. D. Dowdall and commented:
I was fortunate to be a Beta Reader and I liked it so much that I purchased it on Amazon to read again and keep in my library.
Thank you, Karen. My copy is on it’s way!
I am really enjoying learning more about Charles French, Jennie. How wonderful to be an English professor. My husband’s uncle, Brian Cheadle, is also a professor of English and is an expert of Charles Dickens.
Oh my goodness! He and Charles have so much in common. I’m so glad you’re learning more about Charles. I love his blog.
thank you!
Fascinating interview Jennie. Thanks for introducing us to Dr. Charles and his work. I will check it out. 🙂 x
Glad you enjoyed it, Debby. ❤️