While hunting around on the internet (as one does) ostensibly doing research for Book II in my ‘Disfigured’ series, I came across this fascinating story by Lucinda Everett.  It details the history of the Palais Garnier, Gaston Leroux’s inspiration for his book, ‘Phantom of the Opera‘.  I did not know anything about the building, really, other than the fact that there really is water underneath it.  I thought it might be a fun thing to share with other Phantom fans, so here it is.  Enjoy!

‘It began with the… Read More

I began doing some on-line research into the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) somewhat by accident.  While writing my book, ‘Disfigured‘, I was researching Paris and what it would have been like in 1870-1871, when my story takes place.  Thus I discovered that this war, of incredible historic significance, was taking place right in the middle of my tale.  Or perhaps I should say, my story was taking place right in the middle of the war. You see, my book involves the Phantom of the Opera story, and follows the events of the musical/movie in a way that is almost… Read More

Have you ever noticed that no one wants to write about Raoul, the Vicomte deChagny?  We can find a plethora of websites, fan fiction and information about the notorious ‘Opera Ghost’ of Phantom of the Opera fame, if we Google him.  But Raoul?  Not so much.  And it isn’t hard to see why.  Young, blond, white-bread handsome Raoul is a one-dimensional character.  He can beat Erik in a sword fight, but he could never out-maneuver him, and he certainly cannot hold our interest in the way Erik can, and always has.

What is it about him, anyway?  Most of… Read More