I would like to welcome Ruby Dominguez to Books and Needlepoint today. She is the author of the novel/screenplay - The Peruke Maker.
Can you start us off a little by telling us about your new novel The Peruke Maker and why you decided to write it as a screenplay?
AUTHOR: THE PERUKE MAKER – The Salem Witch Hunt Curse is a compelling and suspenseful story that focuses on the infamous Salem Witch Hunt Curse, an ancient and evil practice which is unearthed from necromancy and violates the course of natural events in a modern day world.
Inspired by true events, The Peruke Maker is a well researched screenplay about the spiritual and emotional journeys of Bridget Cane, a stunning 17th century red haired beauty, and Sarah, a thoroughly 21st century woman. Their paths become inextricably bound across time and space as Thomas Cane’s vengeful curse continues to threaten the virtuous during this relentless quest for an avenger of innocent blood.
Like the book’s 21st century time traveler, Sarah, the author’s readers are introduced to this earlier, frightening world by the startling image of Bridget Cane, scantily clad, frozen in fear, her own imminent death portended by the Banshee’s bloodcurdling cries, set against the background of a witch hunt that has reached a feverish pitch in a society where the fear of sorcery and the devil is as real as God.
The story builds with heightened tension and conflict and fittingly ends in present day New York City when Sarah’s journey ultimately comes full circle as Michael’s love for her triumphs over the evil she must face in 17th century Salem. The suspense leading to her final redemption climaxes in a dramatic and magical act of rebirth which transcends the grave at the exact stroke of midnight on the Autumnal Equinox.
This is a beautiful illustration which captures the very essence of what this story is all about: love and forgiveness.
I decided to write this story in screenplay format because I was basically directing a story in my mind. It went where it did and I wrote it frame by frame as delivered on a silver screen..
This sounds like it will be a gripping book. I am anxious to see how the two worlds will lend themselves to each other.
If it went on to become a movie, who would you have play the lead characters?
AUTHOR: The principal characters are all strong, distinct, well formed and memorable. These roles will pose a challenge for gifted actors.
The dialogue is natural and believable. A good fit for not only the major characters but all of the other cast of supporting characters.
I have not seriously ponder any actor in particular for the female lead character named "Bridget" but the physical likeness of a young version of a Nicole Kidman would be apt for the role.
Nicole Kidman actually played a witch in the late 90's movie Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock.
You did research for a year on this book - did this involve travel of any kind or how was this research done?
AUTHOR: Majority of my researched was internet based. I printed old and new maps of Salem, and photos of historical locations and places to geographically picture in my mind the events as they were happening at that time period. Actual travelling to Salem came just recently during my book signing event at the Cinema Salem Café last October 30th. Thereafter, I was able to visit places that were relevant to my story such as the Witch’s House, Old Town Hall Derby and the infamous Gallows Hill wherein I had some eerier experiences while there.
I think it would be difficult to write about a place just based on information from books and internet. It must have been very satisfying to finally get to go there and "live" your book!
If you could have any job in the world, other than author, what would that be?
AUTHOR: Life comes in stages and you need to prepare for each act. Writing is my retirement plan.
However, acting, music and dance are still in my repertoire and wouldn’t mind an opportunity if it comes knocking at my door.
I have always dreamed to be on stage, the theater! I loved the instant gratification of the audiences’ reaction and mind you, I have not let go of that dream.
Good luck with your dream! Please let all your reader's know when you are on stage!
Is there any book/movie out there that you wish you had written?
AUTHOR: Dan Brown’s work were novels I wish I could have written about. But the musical producer Andrew Llyod Webber and Tim Rice productions, I wish I was a part of.
I remember growing - a girlfriend and I used to listen to the soundtrack of Jesus Christ, Superstar, over and over and over.
What was the most fun about writing The Peruke Maker?
AUTHOR: Nothing fun about it. Mostly hair-raising and spine crawling sensations while writing it.
What was the hardest part about writing The Peruke Maker?
AUTHOR: It would be when my mind created the story and had to back it up with history.
Was there any books/movies/authors that had a big influence on you growing up?
AUTHOR: I feel that the musical movies such as Jesus Christ: Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera have greatly influence my teen age years.
What is currently on your nightstand (or in your DVD player)?
AUTHOR: The Phantom of the Opera DVD!
In my English class in high school, we had the opportunity to see a few plays on the "big" stage in Des Moines. Phantom of the Opera was one of them!
Has anything unexpected happened on this tour for you?
AUTHOR: When I personally visited the Witch’s House, Old Town Hall Derby and the infamous Gallows Hill, I experienced some eerie situations such as the green door to the Old Town Hall slammed open wide with no one there and a sudden onset of a dizzying headache on my way out of Gallows Hill.
That does sound creepy! Would have been very neat to go there though, knowing all the history! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions for me today.
Readers - come back Friday for my review of The Peruke Maker.
BIO:
The author, Ruby Dominguez is challenged by the conflicting complexities of the past and future. Undeterred, she strokes with pen the somber and bright hues of her visions. She currently resides in San Francisco and works in the field of property management/leasing. She has been a recipient of the "Editor's Choice Award," by the National Library of Poetry in 1999 and 2007 for her published poems in the SHELTER OF SHADE. Visit her website at: www.outskirtspress.com/theperukemaker, and blog at www.salemcurse.wordpress.com
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