June 2016 - First thoughts **No Spoilers** - Void - including Q&A with the Author

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

June's group read is VOID by David M. Staniforth - David has kindly offered to answer any questions group members may have about his book.

Please remember - no spoilers in this thread, but post your questions here - alternatively in the Spoilers Allowed thread you can post any questions for the author you wish :)

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Thank you David for your generosity in answering questions from our members :)

[David]

Thank you, Brenda, and to all who voted for Void; I hope you find it an enjoyable read. I hope those who voted for other books in the poll will take a look too, and see if they fancy giving it a go. As Brenda has stated, I'm happy to answer any questions and discuss aspects of not only the book but my writing process in general. Looking forward to it.

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

As you know David I loved it - one of the reasons I nominated it in the first place was so others could read it.

I'm interested to know what gave you the idea for the book in the first place :)

[David]

Great question, Brenda.

Basically, the tunnel/bridge that appears on the cover was the primary catalyst for the story, as it was something that featured in my childhood. There was an urban myth connected with the tunnel and my friends and I took part in the activities alluded to in the story. This came back to me years ago when showing my daughters around the area where I grew up. When thinking about this, and wanting to write a story that involved it, I started thinking about growing up and the memories I had and questioning to what extent our memories can be trusted. This then became the major theme of the novel and pushed me into researching how memory works, and fails. That was three years ago, because at the time I felt it was beyond me to write, and I didn't have a narrative vehicle that I felt was suitable to carry the plot.

Hope that answers your question, please say if you'd like more detail, perhaps later on in the spoilers allowed thread. I can't wait to discuss the thoughts others have on memory, as researching it was fascinating.

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Thanks David :) It goes to show that what features in our own lives whether recently or many years ago, can often have a bearing on what we do, or what happens in our current life or even the future :) Fascinating!

I'll wait for more spoiler topics!

[Carolyn]

I'm planning to read this on the Aussie Reader's group upcoming readathon weekend so I'll be back with my questions soon.

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

I'm sure you'll love it Carolyn :)

[David]

I look forward to seeing what you make of it, Carolyn.

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

VOID is available for free if you use Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime at the moment.

As I don't, I can't link to that, but here's the link to it on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Void-David-Sta...

[Carolyn]

Intriguing start to the book. A man waking up in a car at the side of the road, no idea where or who he is.... Sucks you right in to reading on!
I have a feeling something bad has happened in his past.....

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Ahhhh sounds good - sounds familiar :)

[David]

Carolyn wrote: "Intriguing start to the book. A man waking up in a car at the side of the road, no idea where or who he is.... Sucks you right in to reading on!
I have a feeling something bad has happened in his ..."

That is nice to know, Carolyn. Good openings are important to me as a reader, and the opening you have read is the result of around twenty or so different alternatives.

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Anyone else started VOID - only a week to go until the end of the month....

[David]

I keep looking in hoping for a question or two, but find only tumbleweed ;~)

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Yes, me too! Sorry David :(

[David]

Easy come, easy go :~)