often be found splashing in the waves or chillin’ in the tiki hut.
Stef has always had a passion for the arts—particularly writing—
though she did enjoy some stage performances back in her school
days—the urge to create a story has never faded. She loves reading,
attending plays, swimming, working out, is known to hit the dance
floor every now and again, but never
fails to enjoy herself most when spending time—any time—with her
family and friends.
The Phantom Returns is her first published work. Her next novel, A
Gentleman’s Best Friend, is near completion and has been submitted
in February 2008.
Thank you so much Stefanie, for this great interview and the pleasure
of reading your book!
Sandra - What was your motivation in order to write your Phantom
book, The Phantom returns?
Stefanie - After seeing the stage production--I remember being
unable to get the story out of my head. Time passed and I saw the
movie--and the same thing happened--only stronger-- the tale haunted
me. In my quest for more PHANTOM I purchased a sequel novel--
which I have to say was an enormous disappointment. So my craving
for more continued...I joined a message board, and a kernel of an
idea bloomed in my head.. "What if ...?" As I thought about the
characters and what their lives would be like outside the high drama
of the Opera House a story began to form. So, I began to write my
own continuation--I strove to maintain the romance, the tragedy, even
the humor that played out in POTO---what an incredible journey--
Sandra - Your novel's story is really original and imaginative, can you
tell us where your inspiration came from?
Stefanie - As I mentioned in my above answer-- I had joined a POTO
message board--I recall being on a thread and discussing Christine's
life with Raoul after the Lair. I am an avid historical romance reader--
I couldn't get the idea of a chorus girl married to a Vicomte-- What
kind of life could they have together? Would society with their rigid
dictates accept a commoner? Could love sustain under this burden?
And then there is the Phantom...he certainly was not out of the
picture! We are given glimpses of two souls who are deeply
connected. Though it is clear that Raoul and Christine love each
other-- Christine and the Phantom shared a love as well....Who is to
say what makes a man a monster? I wanted to explore circumstances
that can drive a person to degrees of madness--I wanted to give
Christine a chance to grow-up. From there my story flowed...
strangely there were times I would add something to a scene simply
for that scene, only to have it play into my plotline later. Very
mysterious...
Sandra - What you think about the possibility of a sequel?
Stefanie - ALW's sequel? Um...I have my fingers and toes crossed
that he will succeed in making POM as beautiful and wondrous as
POTO. I think all phans are waiting with baited breath on this.
Sidenote: A wonderful friend of mine actually mailed a copy of "The
Phantom Returns" to the excutive producer of the movie! Great to
dream!
Sandra - Your view of Raoul is very clear and fair, unlike other
Phantom novels, what is your vision about this man?
Stefanie - I think Raoul is a product of his time. He is a nobleman
and has grown up in an entitled atmosphere. There are instances that
I see him as quite overbearing and dismissive toward Christine-- he
seems to treat her with fond tolerance. Which is normal given his
upbringing.
Then we see that he can be sensitive as well-- so that shows his heart
is in the right place. He is unafraid of facing the Phantom--thought at
times I questioned whether his motives stem from love of Christine
or a Vicomte's incredulity at having anyone thwart him. Maybe a
combination of the two? No matter which-- he is a courageous man
who wants to do what is right.
But like any other human being-- he is flawed-- love can twist a
person every which way-- and I see him just as caught up in the
intense passion of the Opera House as Christine and Phantom. There
are so many shades of gray to human nature-- do anyone of us truly
know what we are capable of until situations are presented?
Sandra - We'd like to know what do you think about the myth/reality
of Erik's story, what's your opinion about it?
Stefanie - Hmmm...I have to say that I haven't explored Erik's history
as in depth as a lot people have...so I don't want to offer an
uneducated response. I love that idea of Erik actually existing--
though the thought of him suffering at the hands of so many cruel
people as relayed in different stories breaks my heart. I believe that
anything is possible-- why couldn't there be a true Phantom who
existed? Most myths have a grain of truth to them somewhere in the
sands of the tale.
Sandra - How did you discover your passion for The Phantom of the
Opera story?
Stefanie - About ten years ago, from the moment I saw the
production onstage...my heart and mind were captivated. This story
evoked so many emotions within me-- all of them strong. I thought
about the characters and the music long after seeing the show. I really
loved the humor that wove into the drama-- When someone's art (in
whatever form) can ignite your own passions--well-- it's a gift. My
writing "The Phantom Returns" is my tribute to that gift. And
through POTO I have made some incredible friends and began a
journey to follow my own dream of writing...
Sandra - What's your opinion about the main character, Erik, in your
novel and in general?
Stefanie - Ah, Erik. He is magnificent, tortured, and has been stunted
in his ability to understand love. I see him as a man who lived behind
his mask for so long, he doesn't know where he ends and the Opera
Ghost begins. His soul is so complex-- a powerful and delicate
symphony. Yet, his behavior and reactions are brutish and violent.
This is a being who needs to find himself...to be given a chance...but
he needs to believe he is worth that chance. To realize his
disfigurement is not the sum of what he is. I hope I did his unique
character justice in my continuation...it would not do to displease our
Phantom!
Sandra - Have you read Gaston Leroux's original novel? Did you like
it?
Stefanie - I have read the original-- very enjoyable! I like Leroux's
writing style-- he has a way of giving each character such vivid
personality. It feels like two almost completely different stories
between his orginal and ALW's interpertation. There are some of the
same fundamentals--but I was left with far different emotions after
finishing Leroux's novel. His Phantom is so insane, ingenius, and
physically incomplete-- and I loved it!
Sandra - Writing your book has been a nice experience for you? Why?
Stefanie - I have always loved to write-- there is nothing more
exciting to me than to have a blank screen in front of me--or a blank
sheet of paper to start my notes. I let my imagination roam free and
the experience of having that "CLICK" for a plot twist or perfect
dialogue--well it's hard to describe the euphoria of that "CLICK". It's
in a word...sublime. The Phantom Returns is my first completed
work-- and I am indebted to POTO for showing me that I can follow
through...for stirring my passion to the point of writing a novel! I
have met so many fantastic people through this experience...and I
have grown as a person.
Sandra - Tell us about your future projects.
Stefanie - I recently completed my second novel- A regency romance
titled: A Gentleman's Best Friend. My agent has it in her hot little
hands and I await this new journey with a thumping heart! AGBF is
double in length of TPR and was another labor of love. You can view
a synopsis on my website! www.stefaniecole.com My next book is
called: The Duchess Auditions and it is in outline stage...I cannot wait
to see where these characters lead me!
Interview exclusive for this site.
Please, don't copy this text without my permission.
Copyright by Ladyghost.
