What’s your one line pitch or teaser for the book? Grab a reader’s attention with one line.
A horrific train crash is the catalyst to changing a young woman’s life from being mundane, to becoming an extraordinary psychic who experiences heartache, love and the paranormal on her journey.
Tell readers a little about your main character
Although The Accidental Psychic is mainly fictional, all my characters have been named after ancestors of mine, because a lot of the females on my Grandmothers side of the family possessed psychic powers. My Great Grandmother, Mary Ellen Lockwood, was a well known clairvoyant in her day, and has a mention in the book. But the name I chose for my protagonist was Annie Prior, also a relative born in the mid eighteen hundreds. I used my daughters intuitive personality and English rose looks, with her red hair and crazy aqua green eyes as my protagonist and front cover image.
Annie Prior as the main character, is, on the face of it, a normal 32 year old woman who works in a London art gallery, and commutes every day by train from Southampton. But after a horrific train crash, she suddenly realises that she can clearly see the spirits of the dead, as if they were still alive. Her powers gradually grow, so much so, that she becomes one of the best mediums in the country. But with this comes heartache and personal relationship turmoil, that tests her inner strength ... almost to breaking point.
Where do you like to write? Do you have an office or writing nook?
I am so lucky to have two favorite writing nooks at my home in the rural village of Tiptoe, The New Forest, UK. And yes, Tiptoe, is a real village name here in England.
During the long winter months when the weather is at it’s worst, I have a study with all the usual bookcases crammed with books on writing, and my favorite genre of Horror. There is a large antique Victorian desk in the bay window overlooking the driveway where I can keep and eye on the comings and goings of my family. But because of an old neck injury I can’t sit at the desk for long periods of time, as I have to keep my neck straight. So, I have my comfy electric chair that raises my legs, and I have a lap desk for working on. My littlest Maltese dog Morgan, fits on the chair too, while his larger rotund wife Dorothy, has a basket below. They have sat (patient throughout), with me through every chapter of The Accidental Psychic and now The Eternal Psychic.
In the summer months I have my art shed where I used to paint commissions of pets, horses, people and still lives. But nowadays I use it as a garden getaway when I need a dose of nature to inspire me.
What websites or tools have you found that offer the best results?
I have used so many websites to help me with my work, but below I have listed my favorites.
1) reedsy.com
Is an incredibly useful site which provides highly competent professionals who can work with you in all aspects of your writing journey: Editing, Design, Publicity, Marketing, Translation, Ghostwriting, Website and book reviews.
Luna Imprints is an editing company in Canada who are not only a professional team, but personable too, Alexa the main editor is incredible, and can take you through a final draft that needs help with grammar, structure etc. to a polished formatted, ready to be published novel or non-fictional.
The Alliance of Independent Authors is a professional business membership organisation for self-publishing authors. It’s a non-profit organisation who provide trusted advice, supportive guidance, and a range of resources, within a welcoming community of authors and advisors.
My cover designers who are not expensive but are extremely patient and talented. Ideal for books on fantasy, paranormal etc.
The only writing tools I use are Scrivener and Plotr
I find that this is the complete package for writing. It allows you to see all your chapters and characters at a glance. Keep your ideas a click away instead of on reams of paper everywhere and the list goes on and on. Although I’m sure all of the technology contained within this program could fly you to the moon and back … literally. But as I am a luddite, I only use a fraction to write my books, although one day I’m determined to grips with all the whistles and flutes on it!
This tool/App allows you to outline books the way you think. I use it to work out my plots and storyline, because it is how I would lay them out on paper. But I still go back to Scrivener to write.
Any advice for aspiring writers?
They say there is a book in all of us, and I firmly believe this adage to be true. But there are so many obstacles standing in the way of that book ever becoming a reality. Although, if you are determined enough to get yours down on paper, then determination is something you have apply throughout the process.
I have many tips for aspiring writers, even though I’m still a rookie myself, and will be for another couple of books at least! But all of my tips I wish I had known about before I put pen to paper. So, I’ve chosen 6 tips which have been so important to me throughout.
1) First of all, purchase or borrow books on how to write, they really can help. Joanna Penn has written so many self-help books, and they are all well-worth reading.
https://www.thecreativepenn.com/
2) Find yourself a quiet place to concentrate, away from any melee.
3) It helps to be passionate about the subject you want to write on. Believe me, if you’re passionate, it will shine through in your writing.
4) Some people plan their whole book before writing, with plots and storylines, down to all the characters. I didn’t at all with first novel, so it took me over two years to write. But I was lucky as I had so much of it in my mind, that it flowed. But I’ve used Plotr for the second book, and had chapter by chapter roughly worked out, which has cut the time for writing down by two-thirds.
5) One major piece of advice that I wish I had read about before I started, is DON’T edit as you go! It’s another time saving tool I use now, which allows free flowing thoughts without the constraints of correctness. Get your thoughts down on paper, even if it’s gobbledegook you’ll be able to sort it out roughly on your first draft—into something you can work on during subsequent edits—of which there should be many before submitting to a professional.
6) Enjoy, and become immersed in your writing, and most important of all … believe in yourself… you can do it!
Annie Prior Series
Book One
Carol-Anne Mason
Genre: Paranormal Murder Mystery
Date of Publication: 20th August 2021
ISBN: 978-1-8384305-0-4
Number of pages: 424
Word Count: 89,560
Cover Artist: Miblart
Book Description:
A horrific train crash turns Annie Prior’s life upside down, by triggering an extraordinary psychic ability that had lain dormant since her childhood.
After being rescued in more ways than one by a dark haired stranger from the train, two fatalities from the accident return to haunt her; and as Annie’s new Clairvoyant and Mediumship abilities grow, she is immersed into a realm of both needy and malevolent souls.
Despite an ongoing battle with her narcissistic family, and a boss with a dark past which continues to plague her, she comes to realise her strange new powers are also there for reasons beyond the present.
She embarks on a life journey helping both the living and the spirit world to gain closure.
But, not all are happy with Annie’s new vocation.
Excerpt from chapter 19 The Open Platform
‘Would it be okay for me to continue with this message, Sam? I think I know who’s here for her.’ Sam was clearly relieved. ‘Oh, yes … thank you, my dear.’
Everyone in the hall was relieved too. Annie took the reins, and without faltering continued with the message.
‘I believe your husband is here for you; in fact, he’s standing behind you with his hands on your shoulders. He seems to be steering you in the right direction.’
The lady touched her shoulder, as if to feel her husband’s unseen hand.
Annie smiled whilst she listened to the spirit convey his message. ‘Okay, so this is slightly awkward, your husband has just told me something which I believe is personal to you. Are you okay for me to continue?’
The woman simply nodded, she had never received a message of any consequence before. ‘Well, according to your husband you’re wanting to get married again, but you’re feeling
terribly guilty about it as it’s only been two years since his passing.’The woman's mouth dropped open. ‘Oh my God, you’re right. How on earth …?’
‘I think you mean he’s right,’ Annie said with a broad smile. The congregation laughed quietly. ‘Actually, he’s giving you his blessing, and really likes your future husband. Was he one of your husband’s friends?’
The lady nodded again in affirmation and put her hands over her face—her emotions erupted. It seemed that everyone in the congregation sighed and teared up too, including most of the men.
Annie began to feel an overwhelming surge of spirits pushing their way in, they had been patiently waiting for years to get their messages across and now finally had someone who truly understood them.
About the Author:Carol-Anne Mason is an artist, writer and at the age of 64, author of the new award winning novel The Accidental Psychic.
She has lead a busy and full life with many professions under her belt including: dancing, writing songs and performing. Hair salons, tutoring at college, running a night club and antique shop. Although, has continued throughout the years with her painting and writing.
Her strong belief in spiritualism has grown since her early teens, after realising her premonitions and intuitiveness was a family trait going back many generations. And after immersing herself into the paranormal world and researching all aspects of spiritualism, she felt herself well equipped to write on the subject. Also her love for reading horror stories from the likes of Stephen King and James Herbert has also influenced her writing.
Carol-Anne works from her home in the rural Hampshire countryside of The New Forest UK. Where she lives with her eccentric husband and Maltese terriers, and spends much of her time with her two grown children and new grandson. Also, res- cuing any animal in need—large or small—often to the annoyance of her patient husband.
Website: https://carolmasonauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolAnneMason3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camasonauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolannemasonauthor/
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