Book is about a police officer in Alabama who solves crimes while dealing with a constant paranormal circus around her
Published in the March 16- 29, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Donna Brusaschetti
Morgan Hill resident and author Donna Brusaschetti wants to take readers on a wild and comical fantasy ride in a ghost story set in the modern-day South. Her novel “Done with Crazy” debuts at a launch party at downtown’s BookSmart store at 1 p.m. March 20.
Morgan Hill Life asked Brusaschetti what inspired her to write her first novel and why she thinks it might be fun for readers to explore the strange mystery world she created.
Describe the plot of your book a bit and who might be some of the interesting characters in it.
The most straightforward way to describe “Done with Crazy” is to imagine a Southern contemporary Harry Potter with Hermione as the heroine. The main character is Alma Sue Babineaux, a police officer in Blakely, Alabama. She lives in her family plantation, BonHaven, with her extended family and, as any older plantation worth its salt, the ghosts that come with it. She solves crimes while dealing with a constant paranormal circus around her. My favorite characters to write are Wallace and Thurman, but readers can decide on their personal favorites.
“Done with Crazy” crosses multiple genres and has a prolonged plot arc. A strong world-building base and believable characters are a must in a fantasy novel. To truly enjoy a story and fully lose yourself while reading, you need to be all in with the characters you are being introduced to and expected to accept them as real.
What inspired you to write a novel with a wild story like “Done with Crazy”?
The scary thing is, when the story came to life and the characters began talking in my head, it seemed like a completely plausible storyline. I never thought of it as unbelievable. When I began the book, the characters just assumed a name chosen from an existing name in my crazy family. I think this is why they feel so real. As for the story itself, I have never had a problem creating unusual ideas in my head. Then again, I grew up reading Stephen King. That is a more likely reason for my own vivid imagination growing out of control.
Your personal life story helped as “research” for the story. What would you say was important in your life in the Deep South that influenced your story?
Growing up in the Deep South is exactly like the cliché you would imagine it to be, but in the best of ways. It permeates every aspect of childhood. Playing outside in the light of the multitude of fireflies at dusk, while breathing in the night air so humid your clothes stick right to you. The fragrance of honeysuckle, so sweet it sometimes hurts your head, blooming on the vine. Those moments get locked into your senses. It can’t help but bleed into a Southerner’s writing. I want my readers to experience that – as if we are old friends sitting on the front porch in rocking chairs, or perhaps a nice comfy swing, just discussing our day while the sweat drips down the sides of our waiting glasses of sweet tea.
How did you develop your skills in writing a work of fiction?
Creative writing classes throughout my life helped refine how I write, but I have never had a shortage of what to write. “Done with Crazy” is my first published book and there are two more planned in this series as well as a young adult version from the character Lyci’s 16-year-old point of view. I am currently writing a Southern coming of age story and have a sci-fi thriller outlined. So I will be busy for awhile.
Why might you encourage people to attend the BookSmart appearance on Sunday March 20?
Well, I did hear there will be wine and cheese. In their usual gracious manner, Brad and Cinda at BookSmart offered to throw a launch party rather than just a signing. It is fitting that we start off in Morgan Hill to send the book out into the world. I will be there to sign personal copies of “Done with Crazy” and discuss some insights of the characters and where they will be going next. It might be a little scary to peek inside my head for a few hours, but I guarantee a fun time, so come on over.
