We chat with author Lindsay Currie about It’s Watching, which is a chilling middle school novel and follows three kids must discover who—or what—is terrorizing them after receiving an ominous meme on Halloween night.
Where did you come up with the premise for IT’S WATCHING?
It’s Watching was loosely inspired by the early 2000s horror film The Ring. I loved the vibe and sense of dread that movie elicited, so I decided to modernize it a bit and create a story that revolves around three tweens who receive a mysterious meme on Halloween night—a meme that becomes a terrifying countdown. They must figure out who is haunting them and what they want, or risk becoming a part of the graveyard’s sinister past . . . forever!
The book melds fiction with nonfiction in that the cemetery featured in the book is Bachelor’s Grove, a real graveyard in Illinois. Why did you choose a real life setting for the book?
I love choosing real settings for my books. Personally, I think it adds a layer of fear factor that you don’t get from a fictional setting. In addition, I’m fascinated by lost history—stories and people and places that have been forgotten over time, and Bachelor’s Grove has a lot of that. In the end, this setting not only makes this story all the more eerie, but also gives readers something to research on their own.
Where can readers and educators learn more about the history in the book?
The author’s note directs readers to a few locations. The Tinley Park Historical Society is fabulous and would be my first choice for in-person research. Online, though, there’s a great website called The Path to Bachelor’s Grove. It includes details about the history of the graveyard, the people interred there, what headstones remain, and even a whole section about the various ghost legends associated with it!
What attracts you to the spooky genre, and why do you think tween readers love it?
I’ve always loved spooky stories. We all have fears, and being able to face them in a safe way is a great way to build confidence. Plus, it’s fun! Those scary scenes give us an adrenaline rush, and there’s something so satisfying about unraveling a mystery that has roots in actual history.
At the heart of IT’S WATCHING is a true friendship story. Why do you think the trio connects so well with one another, considering how different they are?
You know, a good friendship isn’t always built on being similar or having a lot in common; it’s built on respect. I think of my own three kids a lot while I’m writing. They’re 22, 21, and 18 now and could not be more different in terms of their interests and personalities. But they get along great because they support and respect one another. I wanted to show that with Josie, Jackson, and Alison. Very different kids but they have one very important thing in common: they care about each other.
When researching the book, did you visit Bachelor’s Grove?
Oh yes, many times! It’s a true joy to be able to visit the setting of your book in person. I always take a moment to close my eyes and absorb how it sounds, smells, and feels to be there. So often we rely on our sense of sight when we describe things in our writing, but visiting in person gives us the opportunity to experience a place with all of our senses (though I don’t generally taste anything in graveyards, haha).
What would surprise readers about you?
That I’m afraid of ghosts! True story! Ghosts and paranormal activity are fascinating to me, but if I were actually being haunted, I’d probably have to sell my house and move.
Why do you think the ghost chose the friend group to help them?
I think the ghost at the heart of this book saw three friends with the character traits needed to get to the heart of the problem. Josie, Jackson, and Alison are empathetic, brave, and determined. They’re also not afraid to admit when they’ve made a mistake or when they need to approach something differently. This really becomes evident as they learn what it means to be journalists and how to approach stories (and history) with respect.
Where do you come up with your ideas?
From all over the place! I’m always looking for inspiration. On walks, in line at Starbucks, driving, in the shower . . . my brain is always spinning. The reality is, we’re surrounded by inspiration. We just need to keep our eyes, ears, and minds open to it! The idea for It’s Watching came from a conversation I had at a school visit, actually. The librarian told me that Bachelor’s Grove was the biggest hangout spot when she was a kid, and they used to dare each other to go in there at night. That got me thinking and researching!
Who is your favorite character in the book?
So hard to answer, but possibly Jackson. Jackson is the perfect blend of sweet, hopeful, and resilient. He’s experienced a hard loss, and yet he’s determined to step up and be a part of this mystery—pretty impressive when you consider how close to home it must hit for him!
What would you do if the meme from the book popped up on your phone?
CRY! FAINT! RUN AWAY! Just kidding. I’m not sure what I would do. I watch a lot of horror films so I’d like to think I could survive whatever the ghost had in store for me, but as everyone now knows . . . I’m a fraidy cat!
What do you hope readers take away with them after reading IT’S WATCHING?
For one, I hope they have fun reading. Get lost in the mystery. Make some new friends in Josie, Alison, and Jackson. Beyond that, I really hope my readers enjoy learning about historic Bachelor’s Grove! It’s such an interesting place, and while I wish it hadn’t been so abused and desecrated over time, it now serves as a great lesson on how not to treat history. Graveyards are more than just scary places we can use for Halloween night dares; they’re places filled with notable people, history, and architecture. Bring on a new generation of cemeterians! We need them!
