Mysterious legends, eerie dreams, and an island hiding a dark secret — The Curse of Drake’s Island is a thrilling paranormal mystery that will keep young readers hooked from start to finish. In her debut novel, author Sara Lamerton blends history, suspense, and the supernatural to tell the story of Olivia, a girl struggling to embrace her hidden gifts, and Jack, whose fascination with the island’s past leads to unexpected dangers.
We caught up with Sara to talk about the real-life inspiration behind the book, her love for chilling tales, and what’s next in her writing journey. Read on to discover more about the secrets of The Curse of Drake’s Island and the author behind the mystery!
The Curse of Drake’s Island is available now. Order your copy from Amazon, Waterstones, and Bookshop.org.
The Curse of Drake’s Island is a gripping paranormal mystery — what first inspired you to write this particular story?
I first became interested in writing children’s fiction when I was teaching abroad and working with young people on several creative projects, including developing their own creative writing skills. During this time, I stumbled upon one of my favourite childhood books, Room 13 by Robert Swindells. I knew then that creating my own stories was something I’d like to explore more, yet didn’t initiate the process until many years later.
I’ve always been fascinated by creepy stories and mysteries, so the genre was a natural fit for me. Developing The Curse of Drake’s Island was somewhat of an intuitive process. Like most things I feel inexplicably drawn to, there is a deeper truth that wants to be expressed. This adventure was certainly no exception to that. And, once that spark of inspiration ignited, the characters and plot unfolded of their own accord.
Drake’s Island is a real place off the coast of Plymouth. How much of its real history influenced the book?
Large chunks of the book’s information surrounding the island’s history, and what has taken place there over the years, is true. When I visited the island prior to creating the story, we were regaled with harrowing tales of the conditions people, in particular children, would have suffered on the island. However, the premise of what happens to Arthur’s character and those fatefully linked to Drake’s in 1917 is completely embellished for the narrative.
About a year after I visited Drake’s, they began hosting ghost tours. I never went on one of those, but I did hear a few of the legendary stories during my trip. People were clearly fascinated by the fanciful tales linked to this mysterious place and I believe the ghost tours became very popular.
Growing up in the area, were there any ghost stories or urban myths about the island that you drew from at all?
Not particularly about the island that I personally recall. However, Plymouth was all but destroyed during World War II so there is a lot of darkness intrinsically linked to the city. And, although the war I refer to in the story is the First World War, Plymouth’s wartime and naval history certainly influenced my desire to include this theme in my work.
Olivia and Jack both have their own struggles with discovering who they are. What drew you to writing about these themes?
Honestly, I feel very connected to the character of Olivia. Not necessarily the talking to the dead part! But her sensitivity, complexity and intuitive nature. I knew I wanted to centre a female character who struggled to embrace her skills and gifts and wasn’t always seen and appreciated for who she truly was, even by herself. Writing her was a very natural process and I think there’s scope for her character to blossom into a real powerhouse now that she can embrace and explore her uniqueness.
Although Jack and Olivia are very different, they do share some undeniable similarities which draw them into this unseen world. It was important that Jack also be someone who wasn’t seen or appreciated for who he truly was and that, through his own struggle, he would awaken to his innate nature and appreciate himself instead of hiding, worrying about fitting in or being like the popular kids. I hope that I could show he was special in his own way and deserved to live a full, flourishing life beyond the confines of others’ opinions.
The Curse of Drake’s Island is a supernatural mystery story, but there’s also plenty of heart here too. What message or feeling do you hope readers take away from the book?
At its core, it’s a story about self-discovery, acceptance and liberating yourself from the traps placed around us. It’s about overcoming trauma, moving beyond painful pasts, finding peace, renewed hope and inspiration for a better tomorrow. It’s about aligning with your higher purpose, honouring your power and helping others to do the same, wherever you can.
I hope that readers can appreciate something about their own stories in the various characters and take inspiration about defying expectations and limits. Each person in the book has a different journey. Without every single one of them, and the role they play, things would have turned out very differently. They come together, put aside their personal issues, differences and fears to support one another when it’s truly needed. Through embracing the unknown they experience something no one else does and, in turn, their lives are richer and wiser for it.
Were there any scenes or moments in the story that were particularly fun or challenging to write? Did you ever scare yourself a little while writing some of the spookier scenes?
I think every aspect provided a different challenge for me. This is the first book I’ve ever written so it was one big learning curve from the outset. I didn’t have any prior frame of reference, just a deep understanding of what makes a good story and a sense that it would develop and take shape as I started to embrace the process. I think that was my favourite aspect because it felt natural and I could allow the characters and story to come alive by themselves.
For me, personally, finding the discipline to stick to a routine and the motivation to edit edit edit, was the toughest part. It’s not an easy process emotionally or mentally, but I’ve learnt a lot and am better equipped to tackle the next challenge.
No, no scaring myself here! I enjoyed writing those darker, more intense scenes. I found engaging with them rewarding in a way that I didn’t experience with the routine aspects of the plot.
If you could visit the version of Drake’s Island in your book, would you dare to explore it?
Absolutely! Well, the modern-day version, yes. My 1917 version isn’t quite so appealing! However, I certainly would have liked to see Drake’s in its heyday. It has such a rich history and has taken on many forms over the centuries. Sadly it’s a shadow of its former glory now.
Have you always found yourself drawn to supernatural and mystery stories? Who are your favourite authors and do you feel you’ve channeled them in any way throughout the writing process?
Yes, it’s my favourite genre. I adore all things spooky and mysterious. Growing up, I loved the Point Horror series. I think they were a staple for any 90s girl. As mentioned previously, Room 13 sticks in my memory and certainly later opened the door to my own story-telling journey.
During the development process of The Curse of Drake’s Island, I read The Good Hawk by Joseph Elliot. It’s wonderful. Agatha is iconic and her battle to be seen and appreciated for her true nature appealed to me greatly.
I’m a fan of authors like Michelle Paver whose ability to write for both young and adult audiences is inspiring. And I enjoy the gothic, macabre stories of Sarah Perry and Laura Purcell. I have a soft spot for historical horror, which most definitely influenced my desire to weave different timeframes into my own work.
Your book encourages embracing who you are, which is such an important message for young readers. Is that something you’ve always wanted to include in your writing?
Yes, absolutely. I would say that was always intended as the central theme. The characters, plot and settings grew around that, rather than it being a byproduct of those elements.
For me, the most impactful stories (in any creative format – TV, film, books, theatre, etc,.) are those which demonstrate the complexity and nuance of human nature, as well as our ability to dig deep, triumph over adversity and banish our own demons. I appreciate complex meanings and value the truths we obtain when we sit with our deep knowing. Of course, surface-level experiences have their place, but the real gold is struck by confronting the more challenging aspects of our existence; by not seeing people, places or things as black or white; nor as a means to an end, but rather appreciating them holistically.
The Curse of Drake’s Island is your debut in publishing — what has the experience of publishing been like for you?
Great so far! Everyone has been really supportive. Many other Tiny Tree authors have reached out, given words of encouragement and helped promote my work, which is amazing. I’ve been very lucky to find such an honest and heartfelt publisher to work with.
Finally, if The Curse of Drake’s Island were to be adapted into a film or TV series, who would be your dream cast for Olivia and Jack?
This is absolutely my ambition. I will be manifesting it!!
I think The Curse of Drake’s Island could easily be just the beginning of Olivia’s story and it would be amazing if the journey was expressed in other formats.
As for who should play the main characters, well, I’m not sure about that. Ask me again when we have the deal.
The Curse of Drake’s Island is available now from all good bookshops. Order online from Amazon, Waterstones, and Bookshop.org.
