The Inspiration Behind a Novel Set in an Abandoned Lunatic Asylum.
It’s release day for Generation Annihilation, and I’d love to share a bit about the inspiration behind the writing of this novel.
I was on a tour of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia, a handful of years ago. Having a natural inclination toward the more paranormal side of life, this asylum has stood out as a diamond in the proverbial haunted locale ruff. So much so that I’ve taken four tours in total, one in the middle of the night, and am always eager to return for another.
The visit that inspired Generation Annihilation found me standing on a balcony overlooking a large, rectangular room. I was with my mom, daughter, son, and a group of strangers. We were listening to the tour guide talk about the purpose of this particular space, a ballroom, during the asylum’s so-called heyday.
I wasn’t just listening to this history lesson, I was seeing.
Yes, I believe in the existence of the paranormal. But I wasn’t seeing the ghost of a patient long passed. I was seeing comatose teenagers lining the walls, unable to move, speak, or do anything other than stand there. They were alive, but…not really. Once I had this vision, the next step was to answer the question of why they were standing there. And the rest of the story unfolded over time, culminating in a young adult thriller with horror elements that should leave the reader unsettled and perhaps a little hypervigilant.
I’m so excited to bring this novel to you! And I’m so excited that it’s the first new release I’ve had in years. My publisher has rebranded my older books, but this one has never been read by the masses before (I use the term ‘masses’ loosely here).
I think it’s a story that anyone who likes young adult fiction, horror, thriller, suspense or gothic tales will enjoy.
Here are reviews of note so far. If you think you’d find this novel interesting, give it a try. https://www.bhcpress.com/Books_Meyer_TH_Generation_Annihilation.html.
I appreciate the support!
“One of the best books published this year, subtle yet fascinating. Tracy Hewitt Meyer’s straightforward style of writing blended with the depth of the story is remarkable.”
—YA Dude Books
“An intriguing mix of urgency and gray morality kickstarts this tale, engaging readers with questions about what lurks in the asylum…”
—Kirkus Reviews Magazine
“a heart-pounding thrill ride that will have you gripping the edge of your seat!”
—LibraryThing Early Reviewers
“Tracy Hewitt Meyer does it again with this book, it had a strong concept and was executed well. It has a great tense atmosphere going on…”
—Kathryn M., NetGalley Reviewer