True Fiction Project – Season 5, Episode 11: "Pied Piper's Prince"
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: Renita Hora
Guest: Gina Lynelle Schaeffer, Author of Pied Piper's Prince
Location: Jefferson, Texas
Introduction
In the eleventh episode of the fifth season of True Fiction Project, host Renita Hora welcomes Gina Lynelle Schaeffer, a talented writer specializing in paranormal and historical fiction. The episode delves into Gina's creative journey, her fascination with true crime, and the intricate process of transforming real-life events into compelling fictional narratives.
Guest Background and Writing Inspiration
Gina Lynelle Schaeffer, based in the historic town of Jefferson, Texas, shares her unique blend of paranormal and historical storytelling. Having authored five books, Gina incorporates her experiences as a paranormal investigator into her narratives, adding a layer of authenticity and personal touch.
Notable Quote:
"I have worked as a paranormal investigator, so I do pull some of my own personal elements into the story."
— Gina Lynelle Schaeffer [03:18]
Gina explains that while her recent move to Jefferson—a town rich in history and paranormal activity—has influenced her work, her stories are not confined to this locale. She emphasizes the importance of grounding fantastical elements in tangible settings to engage readers effectively.
The Intersection of Historical and Paranormal Fiction
Renita and Gina explore whether paranormal fiction inherently qualifies as historical or if the genres remain distinct. Gina posits that while imagination fuels her paranormal narratives, embedding historical facts makes her stories more relatable, especially for younger audiences.
Notable Quote:
"If they can connect to something that they know, then even though there may be a lot of fiction and a lot of fantasy in there, having that tangible piece that they can connect to and it makes them want to read more."
— Gina Lynelle Schaeffer [03:57]
Creative Process and Research Methodology
Gina offers an insightful look into her spontaneous creative process, where stories develop organically without a predetermined plot. She highlights the significance of immersive research, often visiting historical sites and interacting with individuals connected to the real events she fictionalizes.
Notable Quote:
"I have no clue what is going to come out until it is on the page. I just sit down and I write and it falls out of me."
— Gina Lynelle Schaeffer [04:20]
For Pied Piper's Prince, Gina conducted extensive research by visiting crime sites, speaking with victims' families, and consulting law enforcement officials to authentically portray the horrors and emotional depth of the true crime story.
Notable Quote:
"I visited the victim's graves and contacted some of the victim's families, some of the police officers that were actually there on the site."
— Gina Lynelle Schaeffer [07:09]
Fascination with True Crime and Its Popularity
Renita probes into the widespread interest in true crime, prompting Gina to discuss the inherent human fascination with evil and manipulation.
Notable Quote:
"There's a fascination with the evil and the wicked. How can somebody's mind work in that way?"
— Gina Lynelle Schaeffer [05:40]
She draws parallels between historical atrocities and personal crimes, such as those committed by Dean Corll, exploring how charisma and manipulation enable individuals to perpetrate heinous acts.
Differentiating Genres: Paranormal, Horror, and Mystery
The conversation shifts to genre distinctions. Gina clarifies that while there is overlap, her focus leans towards the paranormal and dark fantasy, incorporating elements like hauntings, possession, and supernatural battles between good and evil.
Notable Quote:
"With Supernatural, there is going to be that haunting element in there."
— Gina Lynelle Schaeffer [11:40]
She contrasts this with mystery genres, which typically involve the pursuit of unknowns without the supernatural component.
Integrating Personal Experiences into Fiction
Gina discusses how her personal encounters with the paranormal enrich her storytelling. Her active role as a paranormal investigator allows her to infuse genuine experiences of ghost sightings and supernatural phenomena into her narratives.
Notable Quote:
"I've worked as a paranormal investigator, and so I have been able to bring a lot of that and then, of course, a deeper imagination."
— Gina Lynelle Schaeffer [13:02]
She recounts instances where photographing supernatural entities has added credibility and intrigue to her stories, engaging her audience both visually and emotionally.
Deep Dive into Pied Piper's Prince
Gina provides an overview of her book, Pied Piper's Prince, which intertwines true crime with paranormal elements. The narrative is structured into three parts:
- 1970s: Narrated by David, a ghost and one of Dean Corll's victims, who grapples with his existence beyond death.
- 2001: Follows a romance novelist experiencing hauntings after moving into a house connected to Corll's crimes.
- The Veil Between the Living and the Dead: The protagonist interacts with David, uncovering the brutal realities of Corll's actions.
Notable Quote:
"The book is actually written in three sections... within the Veil."
— Gina Lynelle Schaeffer [15:39]
Gina emphasizes her commitment to portraying the emotional and psychological impacts of true crime, ensuring that even within a fictional framework, the gravity of real-life tragedies is acknowledged.
Audience Engagement and Future Projects
Before concluding, Gina invites listeners to explore her work further through her website and social media platforms. She also hints at upcoming projects that continue to blend historical facts with paranormal storytelling, promising more immersive and haunting tales.
Notable Quote:
"You can find my work on gina linnell.com... Also, I do my public events at markets and things around Texas and the states surrounding Texas like Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana."
— Gina Lynelle Schaeffer [19:01]
Conclusion
In this episode of True Fiction Project, Gina Lynelle Schaeffer masterfully bridges the gap between historical events and paranormal fiction, offering listeners a glimpse into the meticulous research and passionate creativity that fuels her storytelling. Her work not only entertains but also invites readers to ponder the complexities of evil, manipulation, and the supernatural.
For those interested in the interplay between true crime and fiction, Gina's insights provide both inspiration and a deeper understanding of how real-life horrors can be transformed into engaging narratives that resonate with a wide audience.
Additional Resources
- Gina Lynelle Schaeffer's Website: gina linnell.com
- Books Available On: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other major online bookstores.
- Public Events: Participating in markets across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
- Social Media: Follow Gina to see her paranormal investigations and latest updates.
Thank you for tuning into the True Fiction Project. To share your own stories or contribute to future episodes, visit renita.com/contact.