Focus

Ghost stories, whether they are fiction or non-fiction, have always been popular. However, it is safe to say that stories of this genre are more interesting if they are based around a true event; which is why I have chosen to write about the story of Mrs Winchester. 

Personally, there is something exciting and intriguing about the idea of reading a story which is true, especially if that story is unique and uncanny.  I found this when I was reading The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, as although there are hundreds of mystery murder books out there, this one stuck out to me because I knew that the events were true.  

Inside the Mystery Mansion

In addition, it is clear that there is a high demand for ghost stories at the moment; bookshops are stacked to the brim with tales of the supernatural; specifically in the teen and adult sections. This is why I have chosen to write about The Mystery Mansion, because of the popularity for these stories in the publishing world. Furthermore, this type of genre is not targeted at the faint-hearted, therefore my story will be centred towards a Young Adult/Adult audience.  

As Michael Ricketson says in his book, Telling True Stories, ‘the act of researching and writing true stories of readers engaging with them is of profound importance in a democratic society.’ The whole process and planning of your work, is directed to make your story worth reading to your audience. As Lee Gutkind says, ‘reaching out and touching readers is what focus is all about- determining your theme or message and targeting it in a subtle but real manner.

To conclude, it is clear that while writing my piece, it is extremely important to remember why the story is interesting to the reader.  By ‘finding focus’, specifically in my message and theme, it will allow me to follow exactly what my audience will want from my story.