C.G. Abbot's Blog
October 10, 2020
How The Society Almost Got Thrown Out
The Elizabeth Grant thriller, The Society, was nearly one of those manuscripts that sat in the drawer gathering dust. It started nearly fifteen years ago, and the plot and concept evolved over the years. Initially, I wanted to use repressed memories slowly surfacing to reveal the secret society and conspiracy. Over the years that changed to a very reluctant young woman who sees ghosts. Her ability isn’t welcome, and she fears it is a myriad of other problems from mental illness to a brain tumor. Once that element settled in, I was writing in earnest.
As part of my author journey, I joined a critique group and scenes/concepts were challenged. I learned what worked and what needed work. I grew as a writer, and the plot was strengthened as a result. I gained support for my story, which became key later. But, I took a side trip and wrote not just one, but three cozy mysteries under a pen name since they were very different styles. Even though The Society was back-burnered, I was still working on it and the first draft was three-fourths done when history stepped in.
For the first time in modern history, the KKK openly endorsed a presidential candidate, and it didn’t adversely hurt the candidate’s campaign. Doubts assailed me that my book I’d spent years growing and working on was now passé. Who would believe you needed a secret society to enact a white nationalist agenda when it seemed you could openly run? I feared my carefully cultivated book that I deeply wanted to see completed and published was now too dated.
That’s when my fellow writers and critique partners continued to encourage me to finish the last chapters and plow through the edits. They persisted through my waffling and doubts until I relented. Rather than my plot being dated, I realized it was actually very timely and “ripped from the headlines” without my intending to make it that way.
The Society almost didn’t get finished, let alone published. Looking back, I am so grateful for all the persistent encouragement to finish the book I had spent years laboring over.
I am grateful to all those who encouraged me to finish the book.
CG Abbot
Book Trailer & Kirkus Review
I finally got a book trailer done for The Society. I know it isn't anything fancy, but I thought it turned out pretty good.
I tried to embed the video, but I don't know if it will show. Here is the link.
https://youtu.be/u4fA_B5lXIE
Take a look and tell me what you think. I know it isn't professional level since I did the video myself.
And I got my Kirkus review finally:
"An understated but sublime mystery with series potential." Kirkus
I am plotting the second book in the Elizabeth Grant Thrillers, which will be to follow up on a threat left at the end of book 1.
Stay safe and healthy friends,
CG Abbot
September 24, 2020
More Great Reviews!
Two more reviews from Reader's Favorite that made my day!
"Author C.G. Abbot has crafted a highly engaging and immersive thriller that begins like any other but quickly takes the formula to new heights with its inventiveness and imagination. One of the things which I really enjoyed about the book was the protagonist’s close personal connection to the town and its inhabitants, which give us plenty of opportunities to bond with Elizabeth, as well as get up-close information about the case. The missing childhood friend Loralie was a surprising central figure to the work in many ways, and I loved the realistic yet super unusual presentation of her connection with Elizabeth. I felt that the plot was tied together well with good thought given to realism and pacing around the more unique elements. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Society for fans of chilling small-town mysteries with much more to offer than at first glance." by K.C. Finn
"The gradual shift of The Society from Elizabeth's personal tragedy to an outrageous conspiracy was astonishing. While the paranormal element plays an important role in the novel, C.G. Abbot ensures that it never overshadows the main plot of The Society. The protagonist, Elizabeth, took her time in coming out of her shell and that made her all the more relatable. At the same time, one of the side characters, Malcolm Alexander, brought an air of authority from the moment he made an appearance in the plot. The nail-biting events, unimaginable twists, and complex side characters concocted a cliffhanger worthy of a suspense lover's time. With the title bringing the promise of more novels in the Elizabeth Grant Thrillers series, The Society by C.G. Abbot is a treat for readers who enjoy thrillers." by Anita Skukla
These are both more than I expected and I am blown away at the praise.
CG
"Author C.G. Abbot has crafted a highly engaging and immersive thriller that begins like any other but quickly takes the formula to new heights with its inventiveness and imagination. One of the things which I really enjoyed about the book was the protagonist’s close personal connection to the town and its inhabitants, which give us plenty of opportunities to bond with Elizabeth, as well as get up-close information about the case. The missing childhood friend Loralie was a surprising central figure to the work in many ways, and I loved the realistic yet super unusual presentation of her connection with Elizabeth. I felt that the plot was tied together well with good thought given to realism and pacing around the more unique elements. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Society for fans of chilling small-town mysteries with much more to offer than at first glance." by K.C. Finn
"The gradual shift of The Society from Elizabeth's personal tragedy to an outrageous conspiracy was astonishing. While the paranormal element plays an important role in the novel, C.G. Abbot ensures that it never overshadows the main plot of The Society. The protagonist, Elizabeth, took her time in coming out of her shell and that made her all the more relatable. At the same time, one of the side characters, Malcolm Alexander, brought an air of authority from the moment he made an appearance in the plot. The nail-biting events, unimaginable twists, and complex side characters concocted a cliffhanger worthy of a suspense lover's time. With the title bringing the promise of more novels in the Elizabeth Grant Thrillers series, The Society by C.G. Abbot is a treat for readers who enjoy thrillers." by Anita Skukla
These are both more than I expected and I am blown away at the praise.
CG
September 20, 2020
Great reviews of The Society
I am finally starting to get formal reviews for The Society. Check them out:
"Clever, Thrilling, Totally Engaging! C.G. Abbot has penned a most thrilling journey...engaging, intense, oddly contemporary with just the right amount of the paranormal." King's River Life Magazine
"This book is very well written with a thrilling plot that kept my attention throughout. "The Society" is a great read and an outstanding chunk of suspense with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end." Bestsellers World
"With an action-packed plot, gripping scenes, and engaging characters, the spellbinding story is brimming with conflict, menace, and mystical elements. All of the characters are compelling and genuine... [It] promises to delight those who relish thrillers laced with conspiracy. Superbly written, it is an excellent beginning for a series, and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel." Reader's Favorite
So very grateful for such response to the book.
C.G. Abbot
"Clever, Thrilling, Totally Engaging! C.G. Abbot has penned a most thrilling journey...engaging, intense, oddly contemporary with just the right amount of the paranormal." King's River Life Magazine
"This book is very well written with a thrilling plot that kept my attention throughout. "The Society" is a great read and an outstanding chunk of suspense with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end." Bestsellers World
"With an action-packed plot, gripping scenes, and engaging characters, the spellbinding story is brimming with conflict, menace, and mystical elements. All of the characters are compelling and genuine... [It] promises to delight those who relish thrillers laced with conspiracy. Superbly written, it is an excellent beginning for a series, and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel." Reader's Favorite
So very grateful for such response to the book.
C.G. Abbot
