Book Jacket

 

rank 5463
word count 55175
date submitted 15.04.2010
date updated 01.05.2010
genres: Fiction, Young Adult
classification: moderate
complete

Ghosts Of The Imperial

Amanda Crum

What if a movie star as big as Rob Pattinson was haunted by a girl who was in love with him?

 

In Depression-era New York, 19 year-old Lucy Garside has more than most; her wealthy family remains mostly untouched by the Great Depression , and she is free to plan for her future....until she becomes deathly ill with pneumonia and nearly dies. Her best friend, Ben Delacorte, stays by her side the entire time, and when she finally beats the illness Lucy realizes he has feelings for her. On a lovely fall day, the two of them make a date to see a movie at the glorious Imperial Theater in the city, never knowing that Lucy's body is far from recovered; as the film plays on and Ben stands helplessly by, she dies.

When her spirit is returned to Earth, Lucy finds herself back at the Imperial, which becomes a refuge for her. Over the years, she watches many films alongside the living, who never notice her presence. One day, she sees a film starring a handsome young star named Archer Black. Feeling a strange, unnamed need to meet him, Lucy sets out to find him, only to discover that they are linked in a way that will change their worlds forever.

 
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tags

ghosts, gothic, love, movie star, new york, theater, witch

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86 comments

 

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RonParker wrote 658 days ago

Hi Amanda,

You write well and this is a good story. The only problem is that the theme isn't that original. This needn't be a problem if you have a fresh twist somewher - which you may well have as I've only had time to read the first couple of chapters. However, I feel you need a stronger hook to keep the rerader reading beyonfd this point without thinking it's just another romantic ghost story.

Ron

Elizabeth Wolfe wrote 676 days ago

I'm so glad to run across a ghost book that isn't a horror slasher thing. How romantic and beautifully written!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe
Would you consider backing MEMORIES OF GLORY? I thank you for taking a look.

B.Lloyd wrote 731 days ago

Very absorbing, smoothly told narrative, haunting! :D

chvolkoff wrote 740 days ago

There are so many things that I love about this story...the friendship between Lucy and Ben, the movie theatre, the post-life realism, this is very well done, romantic, strange, other worldly, I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters that I read (unfortunately I am always short on time), and am happy to back this excellent book.

loplop wrote 743 days ago

Clean, confident writing set in an era that only adds to the mood of the storyline.

I'd watch out for some of the advjectives you use - "clenched teeth" "a lovely Indian summer evening" "a thunderstorm raged": the rest of your writing is so precise that lapses like these really stand out.

Minor lapses aside, this is an enjoyable, amospheric read.

S Richard Betterton wrote 744 days ago

Highly enjoyable. Having read mine you know I like this kind of thing. Backed.

eloraine wrote 744 days ago

Really loved it, good luck with it. Backed with pleasure. E.Loraine Royal Blood Chronicles book one

delhui wrote 748 days ago

Amanda, I truly enjoyed this first chapter. I love the time period, and your attention to detail and historcial accuracy is terrific. The interactions between Ben & Lucy are strong; I look forward to reading more! And thank you for your comments on The Long Black Veil. :)

lionel25 wrote 748 days ago

Amanda, your prologue and first chapter are a smooth, well-written read. I was wondering if you should have revealed upfront that the narrator is dead. Maybe you could have slid that fact in somewhere later in the initial chapters. That's just a suggestion. Good job overall.

Sincerely backed.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Wilma1 wrote 748 days ago

Amanda you have done a really good job on this. Your long pitch is elegantly crafted and if that dosent draw them in nothing will. You have a delightful premis and write with your heart on your sleave. Backed with pleasure.

Sue Mackender

Knowing Liam Riley - I hope you can spare 15 minutes to have a look and write the odd line.

Kieron wrote 749 days ago

Shiver me timbers. When I get goosebumps after reading an opening, I back it. This is nice, uncluttered prose. Neat and moving.

David Fearnhead wrote 749 days ago

A clever premise delivered in a way which really pulls the reading into it. You have a fluid elegant style which is actually quite befitting of your depression era ghost. I gathered very quickly from this that you have a clear mind of who you target audience was and this clarity has enabled you to write with confidence. A very solid, enjoyable read and one I backed with pleasure.
David
Bailey of the Saints.
(hope you can return the backing;) )

PatrickArmstead wrote 749 days ago

Hi Amanda,

Great Story. This will appeal strongly to the target audience you have chosen to write for. Lucy is a great MC. Good Luck and Best Wishes.

Backed 100%

Patrick Armstead
Dark Lands

Barry Wenlock wrote 750 days ago

Hi Amanda, I first started this a while ago and came back to it again. It's very well written and a quite unusual tale. I think this has a chance on the YA market.
Best wishes, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

vanessa musson wrote 750 days ago

You have an interesting premise and I love the setting of the action in New York in the Depression era, having recently enjoyed The Interpretation of Murder (albeit a very different kind of book). Your style is pitched perfectly for a young adult audience but I could see your book having even broader appeal!

Backed with pleasure.
Vanessa
Banana In The Briefcase

Word_Hurler wrote 751 days ago

This is very enjoyable. A great idea mixed with excellent writing. Good job!

Case (Revelation)

Francesco wrote 751 days ago

Well crafted work, deserves to go much higher!
Backed with pleasure! Good Luck!!
A look at Sicilian Shadows would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
If you back my work, you may also want to approach BJD (a big supporter of Sicilian Shadows) for a further read and possible backing of your book.

A Knight wrote 751 days ago

Wonderful work and backed with pleasure!

Abi xxx

Raymond Crane wrote 751 days ago

Thank you for backing my book - I have put your book on my W/L. GOODLUCK!

KW wrote 752 days ago

Dying in a theater and ending up haunting it is a very intriguing idea. I like it very much. It has a vague resemblance to the Woody Allen movie, The Blue Rose of Cairo(?). I love the first person voice. It gets me into the story immediately. I also love the time period of the beginning. Ghosts falling in love with living people makes for a quirky love story that should do very well in the YA market. Hell, even an old fart like me enjoys it (perhaps since I may be a ghost soon myself). Backed with pleasure.

lisawb wrote 753 days ago

Well written and a decent premise. the story is pleasant and the characterisation good. i wish i could hear the sound track as you have me curious how it would play. The imagination and creativity have worked well and this should climb the rankings.

Backed,

Lisa

mando wrote 754 days ago

Very imaginative and would make a good film. Backed.

Thank you so much for your kind words. That means a lot, because when I wrote it I saw it in my head as a movie. I even have a soundtrack to it :)

stoatsnest wrote 754 days ago

Very imaginative and would make a good film. Backed.

Su Dan wrote 754 days ago

very good effort, this. set out well with flow and enjoyable to read...on WL...
SU DAN ;READ SEASONS

nakiacap wrote 754 days ago

Very well written a pleasure to read very strong MC.

Greg Stewart wrote 756 days ago

This is effortlessly well written and a real pleasure to read. Crisp images and subtle, natural characterization. Refreshing also to read a romance with strong, noble male characters and an genuinely intriguing take on a ghost story for the young adult market.
Greg Stewart

Margaret Anthony wrote 757 days ago

It was such a pleasure to read this, the quality of your writing so special. Your imagination has provided you with an unusal story which you bring to life with touching skill.
Readers who enjoy such romantic and lyrical prose will not be disappointed. You have crafted a fine tale and one I've very much enjoyed reading. Backed. Margaret.

Iva P. wrote 757 days ago

Amanda, you are a born story-teller and I was simply delighted by this very imaginative tale. Backed with enthusiasm.

Iva P.
Fame and Infamy

AbsoluteAllen wrote 758 days ago

Actually have a correction for you - change alright to all right. :)

klouholmes wrote 758 days ago

Hi Amanda, Lucy’s first person narration pulled me in, giving a sensitive overview of her life and her illness. In the skip to Chapter 10, 11, and 12, I found her relationship with Archer very curious in that she could have one as a ghost. His being an actor and living in a heightened world anyway gives some credence to the odd interactions that Lucy has with living people. I don’t know how you explained her being accessible but again, I felt that the narration was involving, Lucy’s awareness haunting, and that the relationships have a symbolic impact. Good writing! Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Andrew Burans wrote 758 days ago

A great premise, it is charming and very well written for your intended audience. Both the use of imagery and character development are well done and this book should capture the hearts and imaginations of young females everywhere. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

AbsoluteAllen wrote 758 days ago

Amanda: I'm on chapter nine (busy day at work) - Opinion hasn't changed - didn't expect it to - still love the story/writing/no suggestions as far as that goes ... but, I do have something you might be interested in checking out.. when you have time go to the discussion board at Shocklines.com. Go to general discussion. People there are editors/writers/artists/readers most are published and some in the YA Horror area. They talk about everyting from the weather to writing/publishing. Part of the job is networking and this is a good place to do that. I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think you had something to offer. Oh and most there are pretty nice. I know many of these people via conventions. Anyway, check it out.

A Knight wrote 758 days ago

This is so enchanting, as Sunflick said, it's beautifully bitter-sweet. Absolutely lovely and backed with pleasure.

Abi xxx

AbsoluteAllen wrote 758 days ago

On chapter 7 now - will continue to read while at work (got that kind of job). No advice - not even going to suggest you edit/cut. Amanda, you are good - very good. I'm enjoying the heck out of this and can't wait to finish (and read more by you).

BTW: I'll back it when I'm done.

Sunflick wrote 759 days ago

There's something bittersweet yet lovely about your book.

Backed.

Lucy, Divine

Don't Play With Fire wrote 759 days ago

Hi Amanda-

This is a facinating premise for a YA novel, one the girls are going to love for sure! Your pitch is good - couple of nits... I would spell out and add a hyphen to "nineteen-year-old" / also, you've got an extra space between the comma after Depression in the first paragraph.

I liked the prologue - it is short and sweet, yet gives just the right amount of information and foreshadowing for the chapters to come. Lucy is drawn well in your chapters - she seems to be a very likeable and relatable character, and her thoughts and dialogue are true for a young woman (in her late teens). You've got some spacing issues in some of your paragraphs, but I suspect that may be just an upload issue here. Very easy to read - spot on for the audience you are targeting. Great job - on my shelf!

Owen Quinn wrote 759 days ago

Good pitch, very well written with good imagery and acceptable characters. Backed.

mando wrote 759 days ago

This is wonderful. Powerfully and sensitively written. I am unable to say enough good things about it. Backed Jedward (Knut)


Thank you so much, dear. ;)

wvjazz56 wrote 759 days ago

Amanda, I had backed this previously but wanted to take a moment to comment. I was drawn in by the pitch. This is a great book. I am keeping it on my WL as I want to follow it's progress. Great Job! J.B. Reed - Deadly Shamrocks

Jed Oliver wrote 760 days ago

This is wonderful. Powerfully and sensitively written. I am unable to say enough good things about it. Backed Jedward (Knut)

zan wrote 760 days ago

Ghosts Of The Imperial
Amanda Crum

Stories of the afterlife are fascinating because at some level, we all want to know if there is one. This reminds me of an old Twilight Zone episode in which an aging actress wanting to be in the movies as she was when she was young and beautiful, mysteriously manages to walk into a recorded film setting and lives forever in the movies. The story of your MC's journey through the afterlife and her spirit finding itself back at the Imperial made me think of this somehow. Anyway, I personally think this is a great storyline you have and it's easy to identify with Lucy. Enjoyed what I read so far.
Best,
Zan

blueboy wrote 760 days ago

Hey, i really liked this and wanted you to know. your voice and narrative flowed well and that is really what i look for before backing someone, so well done. i will back your writing and wish you the best of luck. pleae read some of my book when you have tiome and let me know what you think. it's called The age of Rhinestone. cheers

blueboy

greeneyes1660 wrote 760 days ago

Amanda this is a creative and wonderful love story, showing that true love is eternal. We immediatey feel so connected to your delightful characters. It's a modern day "The Ghost and Mrs Muir" story only with the ending we always hoped for.

I would love a sequel to this book...I was glad it was a complete work Your imgery was wonderful and I truly enjoyed this... Great pace wonderful premise...Backed with pleasure Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the heart

Mike Kavanagh wrote 761 days ago

Hi Mandy,

I've enjoyed your writing style - probably not least because I see a lot of similarities with my own writing. So far I have only read the first chapter, but I will certainly be reading on.

You have a strong narrative here, and I'm keen to see how it develops.
MK.

M D Eyler wrote 761 days ago

I've read a couple of chapters and paused to back the book because it is quite extraordinary. I had been looking for something I would enjoy reading for pleasure ,and I believe I have found it! The writing is fluid and comfortable to read, while the plot has me hooked to find out what will happen. -even if it is a tear-jerker!
MD Eyler

Famlavan wrote 761 days ago

Ghosts of the Imperial

What a fantastic and absolutely great opening, a ghost’s journal – Stunning.
I think you weald your narrative like a magician creating storyline that is captivating and engaging. I wonder if you have thought about the part with the fever, perhaps a bigger hook for afterlife? This is intelligent well-composed writing and a joy to read.

britneyjmartin wrote 761 days ago

An interesting premise and storyline, something that breathes life into the normalcy of Authonomy's bookshelves. I thoroughly enjoyed the first chapter. Lucy has an incredible story to tell..and I can't wait to see how Archer and Lucy's lives will become intertwined. Best of luck to you!

Backed with pleasure,
Britney
BFL

Robert Sherwood wrote 762 days ago

A fantastic tale from the afterlife. The decriptive writting makes this novel a winner. I am backing this book Amanda. Very well done. Take a look at my book, please consider backing it. Thanks,
Robert J. Sherwood

SunShyne wrote 762 days ago

I really enjoyed reading this! It's very well written and grabbed me from the beginning. I can't wait to read more. Happily backed.
Adair (Don't Forget)

eloraine wrote 762 days ago

Hooked from the beginning, great work, backed. ELoraine Royal Blood Chronicles book one

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