The Story Behind the Story with Pierre Arseneault of Kent Junction, NB, Canada.
Lets welcome Pierre back to theScribbler.
He’s here to share the SBTS for hiscontribution to the Spring Paths Anthology.
This is not Pierre’s first visit tothe Scribbler and we hope it is not the last.
If you missed his previous posting,please go HERE.
Read on my friends.
The youngest of eleven children, Pierre C. Arseneaultgrew up in the small town of Rogersville, New Brunswick, Canada. As acartoonist, Pierre was published in over a dozen newspapers. As an author, hehas written solo and in collaboration with six titles published so far. Pierrecurrently lives in New Brunswick, Canada.
Title: Spring Paths (book title) / The Old Belfries Farmhouse (the shortstory title)
Synopsis: The Belfries farmhouse’s new owners learn their recentpurchase has a dark and mysterious past.
The Story Behind the Story: First, I’m going to say that I simplylove writing short stories and this anthology series has allowed me to exploreother genres without the pressure of fitting in with the other dark tales of a shortstory collection. In the first book of this series, Autumn Paths, Iwrote a drama inspired by the idea of combining a literal and a figurative path.I planted this seed in my imagination and developed it into a story I call ThePath to Redemption. The story in the second book, Winter Paths, wasa drama-comedy titled Melvin, inspired by something I saw while drivingto work. I can’t tell you what I saw without spoilers though, so you’ll need toread the story for yourselves.
Whichleads me to the newest in the anthology series, Spring Paths. For thisone, I wrote a story that I must label as science fiction. The inspiration forwhich was my recent infatuation with a certain genre of movies, evidence ofthis you’ll find in the story itself. I can’t tell you what that means without spoilers,so I’ll refrain from doing so and hope that you go read the story, if youhaven’t already. But in case you have not (yet), let me say that it’s a simplestory of a young couple who learn about the history of the home they recentlypurchased and are about to move into. Even if this story isn’t the mostoriginal, I’m hoping that I gave it an original take that you’ll enjoy.
Acouple questions before you go, Pierre:
Scribbler: Can you tell us about the perfect setting you have, or desire, for yourwriting? Music or quiet? Coffee or tequila? Neat or notes everywhere?
Pierre: I like quiet but it doesn’t always work. Sometimes I needwhite noise, like the sound of peeper frogs, rain and thunder or ocean waves.Other times I might listen to instrumental music. Be it classical, light jazz,movie soundtracks, etc. It just can’t be something with lyrics as they pull meout of my work and distract me.
As for a setting, since I moved that’s not the easiest at this time. Isimply need a space where I can lay out what I need and avoid distractions.Sometimes that can be the office desk or the kitchen island.
As for notes, it depends on what I’m writing. But let’s just say thatI’ve tried it all in my short run as a writer. Notes. No notes. Plotting andpantsing or a combination of both. I’m still gathering evidence on what worksbest for me. So far it varies with the project.
Scribbler: What’s next for Pierre Arseneault, the Author?
Pierre: Next? I have a dramatic novel written and at the publisherright now. Barring any change of plans, it should be titled Carlton. It’s asequel to the novella which was the last story in my collection titled SleeplessNights.
I’ve also started a crime thriller but set that aside to collaborate withmy friend Angella Cormier on book 3 of the Oakwood Island trilogy. The title ofwhich we will reveal in due time.
For short stories, I’m mulling over a short story idea to submit to anupcoming anthology as the idea simply sounds fun. Also, I’ve already written asequel to my Winter Paths short story Melvin for the upcoming Summer Pathsanthology. It’s a comedy titled The Year of the Goat and I’m looking forward tosharing this one with you all.
Also, I’d love to write sequels to my previous works, but the time isn’tright just yet. So, there are things brewing, in between my day job, life, andobligations.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts withus Pierre. The whole Path Series sounds delightful. Wishing you continuedsuccess with your writing.
And another HUGE thank you to ourvisitors and readers.
