Part 5: Interview with Ellenmorris Tiegerman, Author of Past Lives Denied

Professor Caitlyn Morrys, a passionate and vocal educator at a small college, finds herself at the heart of a fierce debate over academic freedom and teacher tenure. The situation takes a deadly turn when the college President, who is Caitlyn’s primary adversary, is discovered stabbed to death in his office. Acting Chief Inspector Cormac Robertson, who strongly believes in the power of past life regression, decides that the key to solving the murder lies in uncovering Caitlyn’s past lives through hypnosis. While under hypnosis, Caitlyn reveals numerous details from her previous lives, offering insights into historical connections and motives for the crime.This information enables the detective to identify the main suspect, who he realizes is on their way to attack Caitlyn again, seeking revenge for a betrayal from their past lives.

Buy the book here!

REVIEWS:

“Those not familiar with the inner workings of higher education may be shocked at the complexity and hellishness of various committees, faculty hierarchies and the pressure to publish. Tiegerman devotes substantial real estate to these topics, laying groundwork in the process for the motive of the killer or killers. Caitlyn’s passion and idealism is also a doorway into putting her character into potential danger as well.”

– Mishka Rao, Best Thrillers

“The book brims with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It also highlights the unpleasant reality of the divergence of opinions on political views on university campuses, which can lead to tension between professors and students.”

– Amanda Hanson, The US Review of Books

INTERVIEW:

  • Can you describe your editing process and how you work with editors?

I very much enjoy working with a developmental editor who can provide me with insight and feedback about the entire book as a project and then specific details which may need to be refined and/or changed.  I would rather hear about contextual problems within the book from an editor than from a reviewer.  Working with someone as the project is being developed is particularly helpful to finalizing a first draft of the manuscript.

  • How do you handle feedback and criticism from beta readers or editors?

It is always upsetting to get a negative review, but I understand that the topic of past lives is a challenging one, and there will be many people who are critical of the subject, the journey and the entire research process.  My own personal history with my family substantiates the negative feelings and concerns that many people have within our culture for this topic.

  • What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out?

Past Lives Denied has gone through many iterations, and my best advice to an aspiring author is to be persistent and not give up the project.  There will be many roadblocks and challenges, but if you believe in your story, then be true to “telling it.”

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