Patricia Abbott (pattinase): WHY I WRITE DARK: Behind the Book

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

Mathew Paust said...: Hi, Patti. I'm new to your blog. Learned of you by following Ed Gorman's. I've always avoided the seriously dark because...well, because I'm, um, afraid of the dark. Loved noir in the movies as a youth, but in retrospect I wonder if that was more because of my youth. And those old actors were seductive as hell--Bogart, Greenstreet, Mitchum, Lorre--lordy, the atmosphere they created.

Anyway, I am going to break out of my illusion of light to read Concrete Angel. I've just read your explanation of it, and it struck a startlingly familiar chord. I know a woman in what I believe is a similar situation to that of your protagonist. She's brilliant, but trapped by a horrors in her past and is living with a strong-willed elderly mother with whom she is closely bonded. I'm almost afraid to read Concrete Angel, but I really have no choice. Besides, I like the way you write.; 8:16 AM
pattinase (abbott) said...: Hi Mathew
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will consider writing a review of a forgotten book for us some Friday. We are always looking for new recruits. Although the book is dark, it is not scary dark. I would compare it (although certainly on a less talented level) with the work of Elizabeth Sanxay Holding or Margaret Millar. There is no physical brutality. Have you read Tey's FRANCHISE AFFAIR. That is one of my favorite psychologically dark novels. Anyway, I hope you like it. And thanks again for stopping by.; 8:35 AM