June 2016 - Final thoughts **Spoilers Allowed** - 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.

Spoilers are allowed in this thread so ask away :)

[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!]

I don't know how many have finished VOID as yet, but here's my review

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Make sure you ask questions of David while you can guys!

[David]

So pleased you enjoyed Void as much as you did, Brenda. I appreciate that not everyone will view the book in the same light, but I am happy to dicuss aspects of the writting regardless. I am puppy sitting at the moment, so my day is interspersed with many moments of free time :-)

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Lucky you :) Hope he's not chewing things he shouldn't be!

[David]

Brenda wrote: "Lucky you :) Hope he's not chewing things he shouldn't be!"

He keeps trying, but the living room has never been so empty of objects. I'll be glad when he's had his second jab and we can go for a walk.

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

How long until that happens? It'll be worth it when he grows a little and gains a bit of maturity!

[David]

Second jab tomorrow, I don't know how long we have to wait after that. Will ask the vet.

[David]

If anyone is reading VOID, you might be interested in taking a look at the extras page for that title on my website, which includes pictures taken from the area where the majority of the book is set.

Link: http://www.davidstaniforth.co.uk/extr...

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Thanks for that David :) Some great pictures there and it's great to be able to put the places in Void to the pics :)

[David]

Thanks, Brenda. Glad it added something for you.

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

I should be starting this book very soon! Looking forward to it:)

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

I'm sure you'll enjoy it Phrynne :)

[David]

Phrynne wrote: "I should be starting this book very soon! Looking forward to it:)"

Looking forward to seeing what you think.

[Carolyn]

I've just posted my review of VOID 4.5★
review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Basically, I loved it!

My question for David is how did he decide what the events would be that caused Tom's fugues? Did you decide on that before writing the novel or did it come to you as you were writing?

The book also has such a good feel of the place where Tom grew up. Is it a fictional place or somewhere you know well? Did you have to do a lot of research into the location?

(Sorry, I think that's 4 questions!)

[David]

Carolyn wrote: "I've just posted my review of VOID 4.5★
review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Basically, I loved it!

My question for David is how did he decide what the events wo..."

Thank You, Carolyn, so glad that you loved Void, and thanks for your questions.

The events that caused Tom's fugues were determined before I started writing the novel. Moreover, they were the catalyst for the story, and based on an urban myth surrounding the tunnel where the triggering incident occurred.

The place where Void takes place is not only real, but it is the place where I grew up. Most of the things that 11 year old Tom gets up to, me and my friends got up to. Therein, not much research of the place was required, which was a bonus as I had to spend so much time researching memory loss.

I've posted some photographs on the area where void takes place on my website. Here's a link if you're interested in taking a look: Link: http://www.davidstaniforth.co.uk/extr...

[Carolyn]

Great photos David. They really match the locations where you place Tom in the book and are very atmospheric. The tunnel looks quite sinister, particularly the photo you used on the cover.

Thanks for answering all my questions.

[David]

You're welcome, Carolyn. It's good to know the pictures match the descriptions in the book, or vice-versa :~)

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

I finished VOID last night and enjoyed it very much. Liked your pictures too David, I used to live in Leeds in a house that looked very much like the ones in the first photo!
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[David]

Yes, I imagine Leeds would be very similar to Sheffield. Glad you enjoyed the read, and thanks for the review.

I wonder if the music added anything for you?

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

Yes it did actually. I did not listen to any of it but I knew a lot of the songs you mentioned already. I guess music must be a big interest of yours?

[David]

Music is a big interest of mine, and has a lot to do with my memories.

[David]

Many thanks to those who took part, and thank you for the invite.

VOID is currently BOTM for July in another group, and is priced at 99c for the next seven days if anyone feels like grabbing a copy while it is reduced in price :-)

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Thanks a lot David :) It was great to have your participation, even though it wasn't as big as we'd hoped. I'll find the links and add them to our kindle thread too...thanks for that!

[David]

Thanks, Brenda