Ask the Author: Lance Gilbert
Answered Questions (6)
Lance Gilbert
In early November of 2015 I was finishing up my second book on the occult & paranormal. As part of a chapter on unique haunted locations I wrote about Boleskine House (boll-ESS-kin) which was owned by Jimmy Page for almost twenty two years. Page bought the manor because it was previously inhabited by the aforementioned occultist Aleister Crowley. Boleskine House, located on the southeast side of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, had quite a history of its own before Crowley or Page ever set foot in it.
In late November I posted an excerpt from my haunted locations chapter in various paranormal and Led Zeppelin Facebook groups. The response was amazing; people definitely had an opinion about the occult / Jimmy Page connection. I also learned the true extent of Zeppelin's popularity, the intensity of their fan base and of the curious segment of followers that become quite agitated when there is any mention of Jimmy Page and the occult. I kept joining related groups and posting the excerpt as I planned to circle back and promote in those groups again after the book was complete.
Then in late December someone sent me a link to a BBC story. Boleskine House was on fire! By no means am I implying that my postings had somehow triggered this blaze but I took it as a sign. Perhaps there was a book here. A chance to write about and tie in multiple subjects that fascinated me was very exciting. Rock music's connection to the occult, Jimmy Page and Aleister Crowley, a possible curse and of course the eerie Boleskine House were all topics that set me on fire. The seeds were sown for my next writing project.
In late November I posted an excerpt from my haunted locations chapter in various paranormal and Led Zeppelin Facebook groups. The response was amazing; people definitely had an opinion about the occult / Jimmy Page connection. I also learned the true extent of Zeppelin's popularity, the intensity of their fan base and of the curious segment of followers that become quite agitated when there is any mention of Jimmy Page and the occult. I kept joining related groups and posting the excerpt as I planned to circle back and promote in those groups again after the book was complete.
Then in late December someone sent me a link to a BBC story. Boleskine House was on fire! By no means am I implying that my postings had somehow triggered this blaze but I took it as a sign. Perhaps there was a book here. A chance to write about and tie in multiple subjects that fascinated me was very exciting. Rock music's connection to the occult, Jimmy Page and Aleister Crowley, a possible curse and of course the eerie Boleskine House were all topics that set me on fire. The seeds were sown for my next writing project.
Lance Gilbert
If I don't write I get depressed. I've been lucky enough to find a remedy for depression...writing! So, paradoxically, my inspiration is being unhappy...feeling stagnant in life. Writing satisfies that soul itch inside me...
Lance Gilbert
A book about astral forces/beings and how they actually create horror films to infiltrate the 3rd dimension. This stuff is real...this stuff is scary. It's something all horror aficionados should be aware of...even if some don't believe it.
Lance Gilbert
Find time to write every day and be disciplined about it. If possible, get yourself into a routine as that will condition your subconscious to get into that creative mode at an appointed time. Don't share your stuff with too many people and don't force it on them. We all want feedback but the truth is that people only read about things that interest them. So if you share your writing with someone and they haven't commented on it ask just once and then leave them alone. Don't take it personally if they don't give you any feedback or haven't had the time to read it. Just keep writing...
Lance Gilbert
It's like medicine for me...medicine for crankiness. If I don't write on a regular basis I'm kind of hard to live with. Did I just say that? Sharing my interests and viewpoints with others of a like-mind is very satisfying. Plus I really suck at math (it just doesn't interest me) and fortunately I'm pretty good with words so writing is the ticket!
Lance Gilbert
It sounds corny but regular exercise and a good diet keep the energy (both physical and psychic) flowing which brings in great new ideas. Writer's block is just that...a blockage. If you flush your energy regularly you'll rarely (if ever) have issues with coming up with new stuff.
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