When I first came up with the premise for Sight Unseen, I stared at the one-sentence log line for a long, long time. Then, having convinced myself I could never write this book, I slid it away into a drawer. The next day, I pulled it out again and stared some more. I read it, re-read it, tried to tweak it… then slid it inside the drawer again. This went on for about a month.

Why was I so reluctant to tell this story? I was clearly excited about it. The idea kept tugging at my heartstrings, and even woke me up in the middle of the night a time or two. But the main character was blind. What did I know about being blind? Absolutely nothing. I was terrified I couldn’t do the story justice. And worse, that I couldn’t do Danny justice.

But Danny wouldn’t leave me alone. His story continued to build in my mind. I found myself thinking about him when I washed dishes, or vacuumed, or hiked in the mountains. Eventually, I had no choice but to give in. I spent months researching blindness. I read books, talked to a mobility instructor, and interviewed people who’d been blind from birth, as well as a couple who’d gradually gone blind. I even wore a blindfold around the house for an entire day. I have a scar on my leg to prove it.

When I finally started Danny’s book, I wasn’t any less scared. But armed with all the information I’d gathered, and driven by this idea that just wouldn’t leave me alone, I set to work.

I’m surprised, delighted, and amazed by the end result. Danny and Logan still haunt me, as does their story, even now, more than a year after I finished writing Sight Unseen.

I’d love to read more books featuring blind characters. Have you read any? What about books featuring main characters with another handicap? Do you typically enjoy these types of stories?

* * * * *

Daniel Van Doren was once a renowned writer, until he was blinded in the car accident that killed his lover. Now, all he sees are ghosts in need of help. They follow him everywhere, and the only way to be rid of his ethereal visitors is to help them resolve their unfinished business here on earth so their spirits can find peace.

Ghostwriter Logan Riley is assigned to pen Daniel’s biography. He plans to reveal him as a fraud, but when they meet he’s struck by Danny’s quiet sincerity—and a growing attraction. Which makes sticking close to Danny to find out the truth more than a little distracting.

When they are attacked by a violent poltergeist Logan begins to believe Danny’s not just telling the truth, he’s in grave danger. A spirit has learned how to harness the energy of the living to break through the barrier between worlds to harm Danny. And Logan may be the one to blame……

“This book had me hooked right from the first word… genuinely refreshingly different. I devoured it in one sitting.” — Ciara Ní Ghabhann – Caveat Lector

* * * * *

About the Author
Hunter Raines is the author of numerous short stories and novellas, and holds an Honors B.A. in English Literature. When she’s not working or writing, she can be found curled up in her library of more than four thousand books, or playing video games with her husband. Find her on her website, Twitter, and Facebook, or join her Yahoo Group.