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From Scarlett to Raven: The Genesis of "Raven's Curse"

Quote from "Raven's Curse" by Christine Tellach: "The raven croaked. My head hurt, even as a shiver ran down my spine. Was the bird a reminder of Stephen, of my own demise? Or was it a warning, a premonition of some new danger?""The raven croaked. My head hurt, even as a shiver ran down my spine. Was the bird a reminder of Stephen, of my own demise? Or was it a warning, a premonition of some new danger?"

A Spark of Darkness

"Raven's Curse" is a southern gothic tale woven from threads of mystery, suspense, and the enduring power of the past. But its origins lie in a question: What if one of literature's most iconic heroines took a turn to the sinister? What would her motives and internal struggle be? And how might she react to a second chance?

The Darker Scarlett O'Hara

Quote from "Raven's Curse" by Christine Tellach: "Finally…finally! My mind threw off the fog, put the questions behind me, and I began to plan."
Like many readers, I've long been fascinated by Scarlett O'Hara. Her ambition, her ruthlessness, her sheer will to survive—these are all compelling traits. But I began to wonder, "What if Scarlett's drive was channeled into something truly dark? What if her survival came at a much greater cost?"

This thought experiment led me to Susanna Calhoun. In my mind, Susanna embodies a darker version of Scarlett, shaped by a childhood marked by emotional distance and misunderstanding. I envisioned a young woman who, perhaps due to a slightly neurodivergent perspective, struggled to connect with her family and peers. This created a profound sense of isolation and fueled a desperate need for control over her environment and her own destiny. 

Both women are products of their time and place, shaped by societal expectations and driven by a desire for control. But while Scarlett manipulates and schemes, Susanna takes more... definitive action. The idea of a protagonist capable of murder took root, and I had to confront a new challenge: How could she commit such a crime—the poisoning of her husband—and evade suspicion in the rigid society of the 1890s?

Quote from "Raven's Curse" by Christine Tellach: "My murderer, I chuckled to myself. My task completed, swept out of the church with a rustle of my skirt, leaving chaos in my wake with a broad smile under my veil. Just desserts had been served."

A Past of Murderous Secrets and Flight

In "Raven's Curse," the 1890s serve as the backdrop for Susanna Calhoun's ambition and struggle for
control within Charleston's high society. Beneath her carefully constructed facade lie murderous secrets, betrayals, and a desperate need to conceal her neurodivergent traits, which make navigating societal norms a constant struggle.

Accused of Amelia's murder and inexplicably surviving a gunshot, Susanna flees westward, haunted by a persistent, eerie raven – a physical manifestation of her guilt and a harbinger of danger.

From Charleston to Singing Springs: A Journey West

Quote from "Raven's Curse" by Christine Tellach: "I’d like to say our farce of a wedding passed by in a blur, but it didn’t. Every awkward moment, every suspicious look was etched in my mind, a series of photographs lining the walls of my new prison."
Susanna's flight takes her from the refined world of Charleston to the rugged landscapes of West Texas—a land that holds a special place in my heart. Having spent my childhood there and still cherishing deep family ties to the region, I wanted to capture its unique beauty and spirit in my writing. The journey westward is more than just a change of location for Susanna; it's a descent into the heart of her own darkness and a chance at transformation. In the small town of Singing Springs, she encounters a perceptive country doctor, leading to an unexpected, impromptu marriage. Their complex relationship is marked by secrets, suspicion, and the possibility of both betrayal and healing.

As Susanna confronts her past and the consequences of her choices, she begins a slow journey toward an uncertain future, guided by the enigmatic presence of the raven, Nevermore.

Quote from "Raven's Curse" by Christine Tellach: "’Borgia!' she accused, and the cry was picked up by all the party-goers, as they pointed their skeletal fingers at me, until it was a chant. 'Borgia, Borgia, Borgia…'"
Enter the Raven

With Susanna's past catching up to her, I needed a guiding force, a symbol of her inescapable guilt and the darkness that clings to her. What better symbol than Edgar Allan Poe's raven? The raven in "Raven's Curse" is more than just an omen; it's a manifestation of Susanna's inner turmoil, a constant reminder of the consequences of her choices.

Connecting the Worlds (Standalone Story)

Susanna's journey takes her to West Texas and the town of Singing Springs. This location, and a minor character—a doctor—from my previous book, provided a place for Susanna to seek a new beginning.

It's important to emphasize that while "Raven's Curse" shares a setting, theme, and some characters with my previous work, it is a standalone novel. It is not a sequel, part of a series, or a collection. It’s a new story with a new protagonist, driven by her own unique conflicts and desires. I enjoy exploring this particular genre, the themes of darkness and redemption, and the rich tapestry of this time and place, and this is another story I wanted to tell.

Conclusion: A New Journey

"Raven's Curse" is a journey into the heart of a complex woman, a story of secrets, survival, and the possibility of finding a fragile hope in the most unexpected of places. It’s a standalone story, and I'm excited to share Susanna's journey with readers. I am drawn to gothic fiction, to morally complex characters, and to exploring the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly proper societies, and I hope readers will be drawn into the world of "Raven's Curse."

Feedback Desperately Needed!Request for beta readers for "Raven's Curse" with an image of "HELP!" in yellow cartoonish text.

I've posted the polished manuscript of "Raven's Curse" on Betareader.io and would love your feedback! I'm keen to understand your personal reading journey: Where did you connect with the story? Where did you lose interest? If you stopped reading at any point, I'd like to know why so I can improve.  (Betareader.io is free to join and spam-free).

Don't want to join Betareader.io?  Subscribe and I can send you a PDF.  Click here for the first chapter!

Your experience as a reader, even if you don't typically provide beta feedback, will help me ensure that "Raven's Curse" engages readers from beginning to end. I've included a question or two after certain chapters to guide your feedback. I am also seeking sensitivity readers with expertise in neurodivergent traits, as Susanna and her brother exhibit these characteristics, as well as miscarriage.

For context, beta readers provide authors with a fresh perspective on a manuscript before publication, identifying areas where clarity, pacing, and engagement can be improved. For "Raven's Curse," I'm particularly interested in the effectiveness of the gothic atmosphere, the pacing of the mystery, and the believability and development of the characters, especially Susanna. Please note the content warning on Betareader.io before reading.

Thank you for joining me on this exciting part of the journey! Your support, whether through encouragement or beta reading, means the world. Be sure to let me know you've been here by leaving a comment or question below!

Christine Tellach

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