Jenny Adams asked Gail Gallant:

What inspired you to write Apparition?

Gail Gallant Thanks for your question Jenny. Apparition was inspired by 1) a creepy barn 2) the problem of teen suicide and 3) Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We bought a derelict farmhouse in Grey County, Ontario that had a gigantic barn on the property, and the barn just gave me the creeps. I didn't like going into it. It always felt oppressive with some kind of negaive energy. The haunted barn in Apparition is inspired by that barn. The other thing that inspired Apparition was the idea of teen suicide. I read once that if a suicidal teen can be given the support they need, the chances of them actually committing suicide drop dramatically after their mid-20s. This got me thinking about how a suicidal stage in a young person's life is almost like being possessed by a self-destructive spirit, and if they can just out-live or shake off the possession, they will be saved. And finally, Buffy is a wonderful inspiration for teens and females in general. She struggles, learns from her mistakes, and keeps trying. Plus she is funny and courageous without being superhuman. I love her character.

flag