By Steve Bradshaw
Can a forensic, mystery/thriller author write
in the paranormal world without going too fantasy or Sci/Fi? After completing The Bell Trilogy, I had several writing projects
to consider. When I came across a bizarre, secret government program, I asked myself
that question.
The more I researched, the deeper I moved into
the fringe of human understanding. When I was up to my neck in the murky waters
between mainstream science and paranormal phenomena, my creative juices were flowing.
I was motivated. A story was taking shape. But was this a novel I could write?
My forensic training forever changed the
way I looked at the world. The processing of a crime scene required discipline.
Precise identification, collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence
mattered. Done right, a complex and often illusive story would be told—all insights
based on empirical observation or scientific research. In my world, if something
was not a provable (reproducible) fact, it was hearsay, circumstantial, and had
minimal value.
The definition of paranormal is (claimed) occurrences and phenomena described as
beyond normal experience and scientific explanation. It is outside my world. It
is something I would reject, unprovable based on scientific method. In fact, paranormal
activity and abilities are diametrically opposed to the forensic discipline.
How can the two coexist in a heart-pounding mystery/thriller, and who is the
audience?
The Star
Gate Project was brought to my attention by a friend. I had heard about psychic-weaponry before, but did not know
the details or of our government’s involvement. On the surface I was intrigued
and began my research. First, I focused on undisputable facts, the essential building
blocks of a plausible mystery/thriller. Then I focused on the logic of it
all—the participants, events, motives, and outcomes. Although the quantity of facts was less than I liked, there were enough
to support a robust storyline. But that was not enough. My ultimate decision to
write this forensic/paranormal novel came from the key questions that emerged.
I knew the answers would be devoured by my readers.
1.
Why
would the United States Government spend millions of dollars over twenty-five
years on any secret intelligence project the CIA cancels with no explanation?
2.
Why
were declassified documents woefully incomplete and redacted?
3.
Why
was a highly publicized government psychic-weaponry
research project taken undergrown months after launch and congressional
oversight restricted?
4.
Why
did the government contracted remote
viewers (clairvoyants) disappear?
5.
Do
psychic-weapons exist today and how are they used?
__________________________________________________________________
Steve is a mystery/thriller author drawing on life
experiences as a forensic investigator and biotechnology entrepreneur. He
received a BA from the University of Texas and trained at the Institute of
Forensic Sciences where he investigated over 3,000 unexplained deaths for the
Medical Examiner’s Office. Later Steve joined FORTUNE 500 medical companies to
advance healthcare worldwide. As the founder-president/CEO of Active Implants
Corporation, he raised over $25 million and led development of a
minimal-invasive meniscus implant. Today Steve puts his readers in a front row seat
in the fascinating worlds of fringe science, chilling forensics, and the pursuit
of real monsters. Steve is available to speak at companies, organizations, book
clubs and groups about modern forensic investigation, fringe science, entrepreneurism,
and the writing of mystery/thriller novels. His books include The Bell Trilogy; BLUFF CITY BUTCHER, THE SKIES ROARED and BLOOD LIONS
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