If My Book Were Made Into a Movie...

By Carmen Stefanescu (Guest Blogger)

Which author wouldn't want his or her moment of fame? To get great reviews, to be interviewed by big newspapers or TV channels, and make it to the top of the bestseller list. Like most authors, I also cherish the secret dream that one day my books may attract the attention of Hollywood producers willing to invest in their screening and, obviously, turn out to be blockbusters! 

 

Well, let’s imagine that Shadows of the Past, my paranormal romance, were made a movie. Casting for Genevieve would require several actresses, since the character Genevieve starts as a nine year old girl, then we meet her as a teenager and only later as a young nun. None of the beginning parts can be played by current young adult famous actresses.

In terms of the adult main characters, however, I have a clear mental image of the best performers for my characters. Genevieve, a frail young woman living in Middle Ages Britain, cannot achieve her happiness because of the society she lives in. Anne is a strong, determined business woman who always takes matters into her own hands; these are features which actress Jordana Spiro has proved in the movie "The Mob’s Doctor". In my opinion, she is the best actress to play Genevieve/Anne. Jordana is fragile in appearance, looks like a kindhearted person ready to help those next to her, yet she’s determined and brave.

The lusciously evil antagonist, the Abbess, sister Clementa, should be played by Madeline Stowe from the series "Revenge". The Abbess is a cunning and manipulating woman, typically cold-hearted and evil. She hates Genevieve from the start. The main story line should focus on these two nuns playing a game of cat and mouse with each other.

For the male actors, Dan Stevens from the series "Downton Abbey" is the perfect Andrew/Neil, in my opinion. A friendly young priest with a sunny disposition and warm heart. I even have some ideas regarding the scenes that take place up in the mountains, among the ruins of the ancient abbey and also regarding the apparitions in the cursed forest.

What a challenge would a screening of Shadows of the Past be! A challenge I would love to have the chance to meet. Now, let’s get back from dreams to the real world. I focus on what I need to do to get media coverage, to generate sales, to build up word of mouth. And, hopefully, one day my book will get in the hands of people who can help make my dream reality.

By the way, I'm giving away two copies of the book in ebook form to two lucky people who leave comments on this post. Be sure to include an email address so I can contact you!

Blurb

Anne's relationship with her boyfriend Neil has disintegrated. After a two-year separation, they pack for a week vacation in hopes of reconciling. But fate has other plans for them.

The discovery of a bejeweled cross and ancient human bones opens a door to a new and frightening world--one where the ghost of a medieval nun named Genevieve will not let Anne rest. This new world threatens not only to ruin Anne and Neil's vacation but to end all hopes of reconciliation as Anne feels compelled to help free Genevieve's soul from its torment.

Can Anne save her relationship and help Genevieve find her eternal rest?

A touching, compelling story of tragedy, loss and the power of endless love and good magic.

The twists and turns in this paranormal tale keep the reader guessing up to the end and weave themselves together into a quest to rekindle love.

Excerpt

"Come, we should leave at once," she said and glanced nervously over her shoulder. "Something terrible happened after you left for town. I think the Abbess found out about us. Our meeting in Uncle Ryan's cabin is no longer a secret. We have been overheard. For all I know someone spies on us even as we speak. I think the Abbess, or one of her 'friends,' is hovering somewhere nearby and listening to every word."

Andrew pulled Genevieve to his chest. "Do you regret you've come with me?"

Passion smothered Genevieve's doubt and guilt. "Never," she answered, aware of her body's response to his touch, and she succumbed to his embrace.

Calming the gnawing unease in her mind and the thought of Sister Dominica guessing she was the dough of a sinner, Genevieve repeated, "Never."

With her eyes closed and their bodies touching she became, for the very first time, simply a woman. She melted in his embrace in spite of the invisible vicious threat breathing around them. Aware they might never be alone again, she fought hard to silence the voice of conscience berating her.

"Oh, God. Please forgive me," Andrew muttered under his breath when he bowed his head to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate first kiss.

Genevieve's spirits fell and her heart skipped a beat when, a couple of seconds later, she opened her eyes and her gaze fell on a knot strangers.

****

Tears welled in Anne's eyes, blurring her vision. She couldn’t explain them, or the sudden sadness seeping into her heart. This should’ve been a moment of happiness or, at least, contentment. She was with Neil again, and the outcome of their trip together should, very likely, bring their reconciliation. Why then did she seem detached from where she stood?

Anne shivered. Why the deep feeling of having seen this place, this forest before? And why the eerie sensation of being present here only in the body, while her mind was far away?

Away from the forest.

Away from Neil, the man who'd betrayed her trust and her love.

Get your copy of Shadows of the Past today!

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Carmen Stefanescu's Site: http://shadowspastmystery.blogspot.com/

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