The making of The Strangers Outside

The film adaptation of my short story The Strangers Outside is finished and will start touring festivals shortly. Here are a few pics from the making-of to celebrate...

Related posts: 

The Strangers Outside filming locations 

Behind the scenes of The Strangers Outside

Spooky Giveaway Extravaganza

It’s Blog Jog Day and I’m glad to be able to offer one of my readers a giveaway package filled with the 4 amazing goodies featured below.

To be in with a chance of winning, become a member of this blog through Google Friend Connect (right-hand column) and leave a comment to tell us you’re interested in winning. Contest is open worldwide!
But hurry – the giveaway ends on August 15!

Dijlelanddag

EN: Do you want to come and hear me tell a spooky children's tale about a cat that protects a child against a malicious ghost? I have written a new short story (in Dutch) exclusively for Dijlelanddag and on May 29 at 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. I will tell this story in the chapel of the Jan van Ruusbroecpark in Hoeilaart, Belgium. My cat Avalon (known from the cartoon series) will also be present. Be sure to come along, because Dijlelanddag also offers concerts, circus performances, guided walks and lots of tasty dishes.

Update: Just did an interview with Radio 2 Vlaams-Brabant on my books, my cat cartoons and the ghost story I will tell at Dijlelanddag. It will be broadcoasted May 17 between 12 and 1 p.m.

NL: Speciaal voor Dijlelanddag schreef ik een nieuw kortverhaal voor kinderen. "Angst voor spoken" gaat over een kat die een jong meisje beschermt tegen een kwaadaardig spook. Op zaterdag 29 mei, om 14u30 et 15u30 respectievelijk, kan je in de kapel van het Jan van Ruusbroecpark in Hoeilaart komen luisteren naar dit spooky sprookje. Mijn kat Avalon (gekend van de gelijknamige stripreeks) zal ook van de partij zijn. Kom zeker langs, want naast de vertelling van mijn eigen sprookje kan je op Dijlelanddag ook terecht voor muzikale optredens, circusartiesten, geleide wandelingen en vooral heel veel lekkere streekgerechten.

Update: Op 17 mei, tussen 12u en 13u, kan je op Radio 2 Vlaams-Brabant luisteren naar een interview met mij over mijn griezelverhalen, mijn kattenstrip en het spookverhaal dat ik tijdens de Dijlelanddag zal vertellen.

BIFFF 2011

I just got back from BIFFF 2011, the Belgian International Festival of Fantastic Films, where I did an introduction to several of their movies. I had the chance to see 25 films (Wake Wood, I Saw The Devil and Kidnapped were by far the best ones) and to hang out with several cool filmmakers who all seemed to have a passion for Belgian beer. Here are a few pics to get you in the mood :-)






Westende - The Town from The Strangers Outside

Westende is a small seaside resort, situated close to the well-known cities Ostend and Bruges. It is also the town where my novella The Strangers Outside takes place. For those of you who've read it, I thought I'd share a few pictures of the town and the holiday cabin that I describe in the story.

The town's center, also known as Westende Bad, has numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. Café Centre was featured prominently in The Strangers Outside.

Rotonde is the most famous building in Westende. It is now a hotel.

The holiday cabin Veldblomme in the Heidestraat where the two girls find themselves trapped in The Strangers Outside.

A few other houses in the area...

About The Strangers Outside

Two sisters return to their remote holiday cabin after a day at the seaside. But little do they know they're being surrounded. Soon after their arrival, the girls will come face to face with THE STRANGERS OUTSIDE. When the assailants make their intentions known, things take a shockingly terrible turn and an intense battle for survival will begin.

The Strangers Outside in a Music Video

The very first images of the film adaptation of The Strangers Outside are now available. They have been used in the music video of Alex Corbi's latest song Avalon. What do you think?

The Strangers Outside Reviews

Aobibliosphere

"Vanessa Morgan has certainly written a fast-paced-bad-things-happen-to-good-people story. I have to admit that reading The Strangers Outside creeped me out and my imagination went into overdrive. I literally locked the doors, latched the windows, read with all the lights on and made sure that I sat with my back to the wall. I have no fear of the dark or even strangers, but now I am reconsidering..."

The Beaucoup Review

“Ohmigosh! Where to start?! Ohmigosh! I LOVED THIS!

The Strangers Outside reminded me of The Weeping Angels from Doctor Who! With the angels, everytime you closed your eyes, or blinked, they’d get close. And the strangers were so much like this. They just kept getting closer and closer.

I could imagine being in that cottage, fearing for my life. I was so surprised how calm Jenn was – though of course we find out why in the end. I feel so sorry for Louise, going through something like that and then finding out her sister… well I can’t say – it would ruin the plot, but it was that moment in a book when you think ‘AWWWWWW!’.

This had me on the edge of my seat, wanting more, more, MORE!

This is actually being made into a film [as is her other book, Drowned Sorrow] and you can view photos of where it’s being shot and more by reading Vanessa’s blog.

Basically, this is an amazing book you should go buy NOW.”

Elena’s Book Café

“This was a really great scary story. It was very short but very entertaining. I was in suspense the whole time I was reading it. It was well written.

This book is going to be turned into a film. I am excited to watch it. It kinda reminds me of the movie The Strangers starring Liv Tyler. In that movie, two people go to their friends’ house and soon become stalked by strangers in masks. In this book, two sisters go to their cabin and become stalked by people dressed like monks.

After reading this book, I can now tell it to my friends as a scary story. I usually can’t think of any scary stories to tell around a campfire, now I have one. Thanks Vanessa!

I gave this book five stars. It has been a while since I’ve read a scary story that has kept me in suspense. I recommend reading this book if you like scary stories or thrillers. The cover of this book suits the book perfectly. It’s creepy and it shows what happens in the book.”

Blog Critics

“The Strangers Outside is a very intriguing yet creepy story. Vanessa Morgan has truly brought to life an evening of terror. She has taken the nightmare out of the closet and moved it front and center in such a way that it cannot be ignored. As I read the story, I was not really sure what my feeling was: maybe the crawly feeling that seemed to come right out of a corner of your mind when you know something is changing. As I read further it took me back to some of the first scary stories I heard or even saw on TV. As I thought about how the story came together, it reminded me of many of the short Hitchcock-movies of that earlier era.

The Strangers Outside is a short novel, but packed with a large amount of punch. Truly a book that sends a chill up your back. If you enjoy spooky and creepy things, you will enjoy this story. And better yet, it is currently being made into a movie.

This would be a great book for reading around the fire with your friends. What could be better for the month of Halloween then to find a great new spooky tale to share?"

Jenn's Review Blog

"I'm really liking Vanessa Morgan's stories. This is the second one I've reviewed and I knew from her screenplay that I read previously that I was in for a treat. This is a curl up in bed with only a dim lamp to read by kind of story. I'm a huge horror fan and this fed my addiction perfectly. A chilling story of two sisters on holiday who are tormented by ominous figures in the yard. What ensues will give you night terrors and have you double checking your windows and doors. An amazing short chiller from an author that is quickly becoming a favorite in my library of books."

The Thoughts of a Book Junky

"Have you ever been home alone and felt like you were being watched? Usually it is just your mind playing tricks on you. Well in the case of The Strangers Outside, it's no trick. Jenn and Louise are two sisters just trying to have a nice night out when they are stalked and attacked. I really liked the idea of The Strangers Outside. It explored a fear that everyone has had and made it into something more. I really enjoyed the creepy-ness of this book and the unique story (...) The Strangers Outside was a scary story that was a good light read. Great for a quick Halloween read!"

Reader Recommended

“I liked this one. I actually got goosebumps reading it. Too many windows in my house! The description was just enough to allow me to imagine the setting and feel the fear of the characters. Great short read.”

Blue Duck Book Reviews

"Can I just say that it was a wonderful thriller? Last night when I was reading it, I totally began to get scared that I had to finish it this morning - and even in the bright hours of the day I was still scared. Even now, after reading the story, I cannot get the chill out of my spine!! (...) The story was wonderfully suspenseful and totally chilling!"

Pitching Pencils

“In her writing, Vanessa Morgan truly captures the spirit of terror. Her exploration of deeply felt human fears provides her work with a quality that captivates at the very core. While many paranormal thrillers focus on agents of the mystical, such as vampires and ghosts, Morgan creates terror through the subconscious fears of us all, such as the fears of darkness and death. Accessing those areas that we would most like to forget, she finds her way through this primal dread to an aspect of hope in these difficult situations. For Morgan, this conflict with our own anxieties and the attempt to overcome them is basic to a life truly lived. Perhaps this sets her work apart from other authors of paranormal thrillers, for she allows her characters a quality of endurance in spite of awful circumstances. This willingness to overcome gives them the ability to continue their journey alone as readers cheer their courage. For fans of the genre, Vanessa Morgan tells stories that will frighten even as they challenge our own concepts of love and self-reliance. The Poe-like darkness of her writing makes the reader shudder even as they search for that one bit of lightness toward the end of the story. Vanessa Morgan's writing is not to be missed, for it comes from the depths of fear to give readers a chance to be entertained as well as enlightened.”

The Diary of a Bookworm

“Anybody leading out a Boy Scouts camping trip soon? Because this would make for a wicked campfire story. The creepy factor was big and once the action started there weren't any lulls, it just raced to the end. For such a short story I thought there was nice development between the sisters and a reasonable amount of background given. (…) Short stories are always a great kind of aperitif between larger stories, I don't read them often, but good ones are always satisfying. And since this one had me thinking about the ending for a couple of days after, then I think it qualifies.”

Bookingly Yours

"The Strangers Outside is scary and creepy, the story will keep you guessing. I like the story and after reading this book, I have decided that I will never go to any remote place for a holiday. This book is currently turned into a movie and I want to see the movie once it comes out."

Little Squeed Book Reviews

"The Strangers Outside was a fast-flowing, action packed story. There were no lulls, there were no parts where I was just wishing the story would get on with it... It was constant action from start to finish (...) This was a really fun, creepy read PERFECT for Halloween!"

Kindle Obsessed

"There is an undeniable talent that shows through in Morgan's work, and to that I say... bravo. If an author can manage to make me do the sideways headcock in so few pages, there's just no telling what they'll be able to do with a full-lenght novel. So... if you are a fan of Hitchcock-esq shorts, or even a good tale to share with your friends on a dark night... The Strangers Outside is just what you are looking for, and with the day of the dead quickly approaching, it only seems natural to take a trip on the creepy side."

BK Walker Books

"The Strangers Outside is a heart pounding, hairs on arm standing on end novella. The story is definitely terrifying. There is a moral to the story, so to speak, that really makes you think. I believe that everyone can identify themselves in both Louise and Jennifer. This story creeped me out in the best way possible. I love a good scare! And this story does not disappoint. (...) I certainly will be reading a lot more of Vanessa Morgan's material. If you want a little spine tingler, The Strangers Outside is just the thing."

YA Book Reviewz

"What a thrilling, chilling horror novel! Though small in size, this novel really does hit hard! The Strangers Outside is all about two girls - sisters, on holiday. However shortly there, they discover that hooded figures are watching them. Morgan described them in such a way which sent shivers down my spine! This book was seriously creepy! (...) The setting was perfect too. It was completely realistic which I loved as it brought that sense of danger in the real world which added to the creepy-ness, and felt like the strangers could be watching anyone - even you. *Points finger dramatically* The ending was really shocking, and quite gory, and I shuddered while reading it."

A Book and A Dish

"Again author Vanessa Morgan has gotten to my sense of security after dark. I would love to see this made into a film."

Immortality and Beyond

"I certainly will be reading a lot more of Vanessa Morgan's material. If you want a little spine-tingler in a short amount of time, The Strangers Outside is just the thing!"

Love, Literature, Art, And Reason

"I enjoyed The Strangers Outside a lot. It was descriptive and creepy, with scenes like, 'But something was wrong. The small town was normally half-abandoned at this time of the year, but now there was no sign of life at all. Everything was still. No people, no lights, no sound. Nothing. The town had gone into complete silence and admitted only the soft sound of the sea.' (...) It was well done. And most of all, the ending was awesome and philosophical. I won't spoil it, but it was clever and interesting. Great read!"

Book Cover Justice

"I was very impressed. Morgan did an excellent job pacing the story quickly and still setting the scene perfectly. I felt Jennifer and Louise were well-developed characters. Not only were the characters realistic, but the story creeped me out for sure! If you are looking for a quick, creepy read, definitely check this out!"

My Cozie Corner

"The Strangers Outside is a short story, but packed with eerie and creepy action. (...) So, if you love a good scare, this is a book for you. Pay attention to the moral of the story; it will start you thinking... I give The Strangers Outside a 5 star rating."

Infonu

"The Strangers Outside van Vanessa Morgan is een verhaal dat alle liefhebbers van spannende boeken zou moeten aanspreken. De suspense zit er vanaf de eerste pagina in en wordt beetje bij beetje opgebouwd tot een bijna ondraaglijke spanning die bij momenten koude rillingen over de rug bezorgt. Toch blijven de gebeurtenissen in het boek allemaal heel realistisch; het zou u allemaal ook kunnen overkomen. Het einde van het verhaal zorgt voor een onverwachte ommekeer die nog lang tot nadenken zal stemmen. Het begin en het einde van het boek vallen goed samen en de thema's worden mooi afgewerkt. De boeken van Vanessa Morgan worden door critici keer op keer de spannendste van het jaar genoemd. U bent dus gewaarschuwd."

RandKrant Talks About The Strangers Outside

The Belgian magazine RandKrant has published a full page on me and my book The Strangers Outside. It features an exclusive photoshoot in the ruinous military bunkers where the film adaptation took place, so check it out.

Christmas Blogfest

Unedited and Through the Looking Glass are hosting the Be Jolly by Golly Christmas Blogfest today. Participating writers will be posting recipes of their favorite Christmas treats and drinks as well as pictures of their favorite Christmas decorations. Click here to see the official description and to find out who's participating.

 Favorite Christmas Treat - Christmas Cake with Chocolate Cream Frosting

It's an ancient pagan practice during the Winter Solstice to burn a log in the fireplace to bring luck in the coming year. This tradition has now been replaced by eating Christmas cake. The cake comes in many varieties, ranging from an ice cream cake to cake with chocolate cream and marzipan, but they alway have that typical trunk pattern and brown color that reminds us of the old tradition. The following Christmas cake recipe comes from my grandmother. She has been making this Christmas cake for almost 20 years now and it's my favorite cake ever.

My Cat Avalon In His Own Cartoon Series

My cat Avalon has become quite popular since his appearance in the film adaptation of my book The Strangers Outside. After being a movie star, he has now also a weekly cat cartoon at http://avalon-lion.blogspot.com/. His fun, lighthearted stories about life as a cat will delight readers young and old. "Garfield was a phenomenon in the seventies and eighties," Avalon says. "I believe cat lovers are ready for the feline star of the new millennium and that's me."

About Avalon

*Name: He was named after the Mamoru Oshii movie Avalon; close friends and family members may also call him Lion
*Breed: He believes he's a Turkish Van, but there's no proof of that whatsoever
*Age: 10
*Profession: Celebrity
*Favorite food: Almo Nature, chicken
*Favorite movies: Avalon, The Strangers Outside, The Cat From Outer Space, Nekonade, The Uncanny, Uninvited, The Cat Returns
*Particularities: Roars like a lion after using his litter box, shows absolutely no signs of independent behaviour, knows which DVD boxes are the most expensive ones when it comes to getting attention, has two distinct personalities (turns to his Infernicus-mode around 5 o'clock in the morning)
*Website: http://avalon-lion.blogspot.com/