Online for Authors Episode 8-27-24

​Friendship Tested by Hidden Truths: Sleepy Hollow Secrets Revealed with Author Barbara Dullaghan

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Barbara Dullaghan, author of the book, Secrets in the Hollow. Barbara Dullaghan grew up in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown and is enthralled with the magic and energy of the towns. She is published in gifted education with Kendall Hunt and Prufrock Press and her short stories and poetry can be found in three anthologies. She and her husband, Jack, now live in coastal North Carolina and love spending time at the beach with their three children, spouses, and six energetic grandchildren.

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This week on the Online for Authors podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Barbara Dullaghan, author of the debut mystery novel Secrets in the Hollow. Set in the enchanting town of Sleepy Hollow, New York, Barbara's story follows Carrie Peters, a 40-year-old woman grappling with the ghosts of her past and the secrets that haunt her every waking minute.

As a native of Sleepy Hollow herself, Barbara infuses the novel with a palpable sense of place, weaving in the town's rich history, legendary cemetery, and ghostly tales. It was fascinating to hear how Barbara's own experiences growing up in this magical corner of the Hudson Valley inspired and informed her writing.

One aspect of the book that particularly resonated with me was the juxtaposition of the town's ghostly legends with Carrie's personal "ghosts" - the secrets and mistakes from her past that continue to haunt her. Barbara admitted this parallel wasn't intentional, but I love when readers uncover layers to a story that even the author didn't consciously plan!

Barbara and I also discussed the challenges of balancing research with writing, the surprises that come with being a "pantser" style writer, and the power of accountability and community in the writing process. No matter where you are in your author journey, I think you'll find valuable insights and inspiration in our conversation.

Secrets in the Hollow is a captivating read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with a vivid sense of place and characters that leap off the page. And the great news is, Barbara is hard at work on her next Sleepy Hollow mystery, tentatively titled Mystery in the Hollow, which she hopes to release in March 2024. I, for one, can't wait to see what secrets and surprises she has in store for us next!

You can catch my full interview with Barbara Dullaghan on the latest episode of the Online for Authors podcast. And be sure to check out Secrets in the Hollow, available now wherever books are sold.

Until next time, happy reading and writing!

P.S. If you enjoy the Online for Authors podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support means the world to me and helps other book lovers discover the show!

Purchase a copy of Secrets in the Hollow:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4cJ6agc
eBook: https://amzn.to/3Z0EfVN

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.