Kew Freeman – Unveiling the Shadows

Exploring the Supernatural and Scientific Realms

Kew Freeman discusses blending genres, maintaining character integrity, and exploring themes of science and the supernatural, offering insights into his creative process and the challenges of crafting immersive, multi-genre narratives.

We are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with the imaginative and genre-defying author, Kew Freeman. Known for his unique ability to blend elements of horror, suspense, mystery, sci-fi, detective, and thriller genres, Freeman has captivated readers with his innovative storytelling and richly textured worlds. His works challenge conventional genre boundaries, offering readers a fresh and immersive experience that keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Kew Freeman’s novels are a testament to his creativity and meticulous research. By seamlessly integrating classic characters like Sherlock Holmes and Count Dracula into new and thrilling narratives, Freeman has crafted stories that honor the original works while introducing exciting new elements. His ability to maintain the integrity of beloved characters while exploring themes of fear, science, and the supernatural is truly commendable. Freeman’s dedication to historical accuracy and character authenticity, combined with his talent for weaving complex, multi-genre plots, makes his work a must-read for fans of all genres. His novels not only entertain but also provoke thought, exploring the interplay between darkness and redemption, science and the supernatural, and logic and the unknown.

What inspired you to blend the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Dracula in your novels, and how do you navigate the balance between maintaining the integrity of these classic characters and introducing new elements into their stories?

The concept emerged after reading works by both authors. The idea of pitting Holmes’s intellect against Dracula’s dark powers provided a unique opportunity to delve into themes of fear, science, and evil.

Intrigued by Dracula’s ending, I felt challenged enough to explore a possible continuation. I realized the locations used in these worlds and their characters could be melded to work together. After all, Sherlock Holmes represents the pinnacle of rationality and deductive reasoning, while Count Dracula embodies the deepest of supernatural forces. Bringing these two characters together allowed me to explore a clash between logic and the unknown. 

I knew I could only achieve this by maintaining the original characters’ integrity, language, and behaviour. This became of paramount importance in my writing process. I researched the original works to ensure the characters remained true to their original portrayals. Holmes’s methodical and analytical nature and instant dismissal of the supernatural are preserved, as is Dracula’s enigmatic and menacing presence.

To introduce new elements, I created a storyline that respects these characters’ historical context and personalities while placing them in believable situations. I developed a plot that intertwines their worlds in an organic and plausible way. For instance, Holmes’s investigative journey leads him to confront the supernatural, challenging his beliefs and forcing him to adapt his methods. Meanwhile, Dracula faces a formidable opponent in Holmes, whose keen mind and relentless pursuit of truth pose a significant threat. Both firmly believe that they can outthink their opponents. I let the characters direct me as I placed them in certain situations.

Your works often merge genres such as horror, sci-fi, and detective fiction. How do you approach the challenge of seamlessly integrating these diverse elements, and what do you believe is the impact of such genre fusion on the overall narrative and reader experience?

By careful planning, horror, and sci-fi can evoke different emotional responses, while detective fiction often demands a logical, methodical tone. Balancing these without jarring the reader out of the story is complex. Each genre carries its own themes: existential dread in horror, speculative curiosity in sci-fi, realism in historical fiction, and problem-solving in detective fiction. 

The main challenge in this blend is pacing. The slow build-up of suspense in horror can conflict with the brisk pace often required in detective fiction. It was helpful that Holmes’s methodical investigatory methods blended perfectly with horror pacing.  Finding the right rhythm was crucial to keep readers engaged.

Characters need to behave consistently across different genres. Holmes must be logical, even when facing supernatural horror, while a historical figure should act within the norms of their time, even in a sci-fi context. Balancing deep character development with the need to advance a complex, multi-genre plot can be tricky. There’s a risk of characters becoming secondary to the plot or vice versa.

Carefully blending these genres creates a richly textured world that feels immersive and alive. My works attract readers from multiple genres. I’m hoping that fans of historical fiction might be intrigued by the detective aspects, while the sci-fi elements could draw in horror enthusiasts.

However, I understand that readers come with certain expectations based on genre.  I relish the challenge.

In Frankenstein 2035: An Arctic Horror, you explore themes of science, spirit, and the unknown. How do you see the interplay between scientific advancements and supernatural elements influencing the narrative, and what philosophical questions are you aiming to address through this blend?

Highlight the tension and connection between the empirical, rational approach of science and the mystical, inexplicable nature of the supernatural. The disagreements between the themes can create compelling conflicts and dilemmas for your characters. Incorporate historical artifacts, such as exploring medical research and thinking, to explain what experimentation Victor Frankenstein used to create life—an explanation intended to blur the lines between science and the supernatural.

I aim to generate the thought that the connection between science and the supernatural is part of human progress and understanding. The two are different sides of the same coin. We ignore one to the detriment of the other.

Given the historical and supernatural elements in your Sherlock & Dracula series, how do you approach historical research to ensure accuracy while still allowing for creative liberties in your storytelling? What challenges have you encountered in this process?

Ensuring historical accuracy in my Sherlock Holmes and Count Dracula series is crucial to creating a believable expansion of an already developed fictional world. My research process always involved a deep dive into the original works of Arthur Conan Doyle and Bram Stoker. I also researched newspapers and historical documents from the Victorian era, enveloping a broader historical context, including significant events, technological advancements, and everyday life in the late 19th century. Blurring the line between fact and fiction provides a rich backdrop for my story and helps ground the supernatural elements in a realistic setting. 

While I strive for historical accuracy, I also allow room for creative liberties. The supernatural elements of Dracula’s world naturally require some deviations from strict historical fact. I aim to weave these elements seamlessly into the historical fabric, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative. 

Ensuring that characters like Holmes and Dracula remain true to their original portrayals while fitting into a historically accurate setting is challenging. I work hard to preserve their core attributes and motivations, even as they encounter new and unexpected situations. The sheer volume of historical information can be overwhelming. Deciding which details to include and which to omit is a constant balancing act. I focus on elements that enhance the story and character development, avoiding unnecessary historical exposition.

As I expected, Sherlock Holmes and Dracula fans have high expectations for authenticity and continuity. Meeting these expectations while introducing new elements requires a deep understanding of the source material and a respectful approach to adaptation. 

Despite these challenges, blending historical accuracy with creative storytelling is immensely rewarding. It allows me to create a rich, immersive world that honours Holmes and Dracula’s legacy while offering readers a fresh and thrilling experience.

 With themes of darkness and redemption often present in your novels, how do you balance the exploration of these heavy themes with maintaining an engaging and suspenseful narrative? What role do you believe darkness and redemption play in shaping the characters and plot in your works?

Maintain a balance between reflective moments and action-driven scenes. Use suspense and mystery to keep readers engaged while allowing space for deeper thematic exploration.

I create dynamic narrative moments of hope, humour, and lightness to counterbalance the darker themes. Sherlock Holmes and Dracula do not need character development, but their interactions must be seamlessly intertwined with the plot and other characters to maintain the story’s validity.

Encounters with darkness can reveal the deepest fears and flaws, while the pursuit of redemption offers a path to growth and transformation. These themes can serve as central plot drivers. The struggle against external or internal darkness creates tension and conflict. Redemption arcs provide a satisfying resolution, highlighting the possibility of change and hope.

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