by R. D. Brady
Martin Luther King High School. The high school I describe Lou attending in Detroit is actually taken from descriptions of some of the worst high schools in the United States. If you're looking for a great book on the horrible state of public schools at one end of the economic spectrum, check out Savage Inequalities by Jonathon Kozol. In fact, some of the worst schools in Savage Inequalities are named Martin Luther King High School.
Danvers State Insane Asylum. The Danvers State Asylum is an actual insane asylum. It is closed down now. In fact, parts of it have been renovated into apartments. But the history and description of the asylum are accurate: It is a Gothic styled mansion. You expect thunder to clap and lightning to slash across the sky, as well as for the sky to be perpetually grey above it.
The history of lobotomies and shock therapy are also sadly true. In fact, lobotomies were supposed to have been almost perfected there. In addition, there were numerous cases of patients dying and the bodies not being found for days.
The hospital was also one of the inspirations for H.P. Lovecraft. For those unfamiliar with Lovecraft, he is one of the first popular writers of horror.
Pascha. Pascha is obviously a fictional character. But his background is taken from true-life events. Children who have been consistently malnourished do not reach their expected heights. They can be as much as a foot or more shorter than their peers.
Did anyone recognize the description of Pascha's first day of school? A well-known serial killer in fact experienced that. Any guesses? - - - - It was Charles Manson. On his first day of kindergarten, his uncle placed him in a dress because he believed his five-year old nephew wasn't manly enough. In fact, the abuse steeped on Charles Manson during his childhood is horrific.
In fact, it leads to the second factor I used in creating Pascha: while serial killers are very diverse, one thing they all seem to have in common is some form of child abuse.
So Pascha was an amalgamation of all those characteristics. Anyone interested in the background of serial killers can check out Whoever Fights Monsters by Robert Ressler.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost, I must thank my family. Lou being attacked in the park was the first scene I wrote for The Belial Children. As I went along though I knew that I was trying to cram too much into one book. Lou was the story line that could be removed without changing the book. But I really liked Lou. So I decided to give Lou her own book.
Then the other problem cropped up: Lou's story needed to be told before The Belial Children. So it was a rush to the finish to get both books out at the same time.
My family's support is the only reason that I was able to get both done on schedule. My husband was a godsend and my kids were very good about respecting the door being closed to my office. Thank you guys for all your help with these books and for just making my life a happier place. You are my greatest gifts.
Thank you to all the people who helped with getting this book out. Thank you to Damonza for your incredible work on the cover. I absolutely love it!
Thank you to my editorial crew - Elizabeth McCartan, David Gatewood, and Taewan. I appreciate all your hard work.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
R.D. Brady is a criminologist who lives in upstate New York. When she’s not writing, she can be found studying Jeet Kune Do, reading, or trying to find more hours in the day.
For more information on R.D., her upcoming publications, or what she’s currently reading, check out her blog: http://desperateforagoodbook.com. There’s a sign-up on her website if you are interested in being notified about upcoming publications. Or send her an email ([email protected]). She’d love to hear from you.