A Conversation With Author Michael Brookes

Today, writer Michael Brookes stops by for a chat as part of his blog tour for his new book, Conversations in the Abyss, the sequel to The Cult of Me.  So read on and enjoy...

An Interview with Michael Brookes

Let’s start with introductions. Who is the writer, Michael Brookes?

By day I work as an executive producer for a video game company. I spend the day working with one of my passions – computer games and in my spare time I get the chance to indulge my other love – writing. I guess I’m fortunate to have both of these opportunities.

Tell us about your new book, Conversations in the Abyss, the sequel to The Cult of Me.

In ‘Conversations in the Abyss’ I continue the story from ‘The Cult of Me’. The protagonist has stolen Lazarus’s miracle and becomes immortal. The miracle wasn’t meant for him and so comes with a price, an eternal fire that burns within his flesh. To protect the world he is imprisoned within the walls of a monastery.

He retreats deep within himself, finding the border between his psyche and death. There he discovers some of the secrets of the universe and that the apocalypse is coming. And only he can stop it.

How did the idea for Conversations in the Abyss, and its predecessor, The Cult of Me, originate?

The simple answer is ‘Paradise Lost’. For me, Milton’s book is the greatest story ever told. However I find it strange that in his work God isn’t portrayed that well. I’m sure this wasn’t Milton’s intention, but it did interest me. So I started thinking how I would write the story.

This book deals with many mental and emotional aspects of horror. Do you find writing these psychological terror scenes difficult or challenging?

I think the real challenge is trying not to overdo it. I think horror works best when the reader fills in the blanks. The fear or unease comes from their mind when they read the story.

One of the plotlines in the book deals with a coming apocalypse. What was your approach in writing this well known horror staple?

In this case the apocalypse is a means to an end, rather than the end in itself. You’ll need to read it to find out more.

As a writer of horror and dark fantasy, what do you think the main appeal of these books is to readers?

People like to be scared. That’s why they ride rollercoasters, read scary books and watch frightening movies. Of course, most like to be in a controlled environment. And I think we all have a dark part that likes to be fed sometimes.

You’ve also written a book of dark short stories, An Odd Quartet. Tell us a bit about that book.

As the name implies it is a collection of four short stories. In it you meet the Yellow Lady, a ghost seeking revenge. You also meet Death as he contemplates his existence after the heat death of the universe. There’s also a hostage rescue where the special forces team encounter more than they bargained for. And finally there is the tale of a young demon taking his first possession exam.

What are some of your favourite books and authors?

Ian M Banks is my favourite modern author, especially his Culture series. I’m also a fan of Terry Prachett and Clive Barker.

What other books do you have lined up for the future?

There’s the final book in the trilogy – “The Last True Demon’ and I have a few first drafts that need developing. The first is a story about an Internet chatbot that starts granting wishes. I also have the official novel for the upcoming Elite: Dangerous to write.


About Michael Brookes:  

Michael Brookes is an Executive Producer with a leading UK games developer. Working in games and writing are two of his life passions and considers himself  fortunate to be able to indulge them both. He lives in the east of England, enjoying starry skies in the flattest part of the country. When not working or writing he can sometimes be found sleeping. Which is good as that is where many good ideas come from.

To check out his books, visit his Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Brookes/e/B008OGD8KG/

‘Conversations in the Abyss’ is the sequel to the 5 star rated supernatural thriller ‘The Cult of Me’ 

Stealing Lazarus’ miracle gifted him immortality. Combined with his natural ability of invading and controlling people’s minds this made him one of the most dangerous people on Earth.

But the miracle came with a price for those it wasn’t intended for. Tormented by perpetual fire and having also been imprisoned within the walls of an ancient monastery he delved deep within himself to find the some solace.

Hiding within the depths of his own mind he discovers the truth of the universe and that only he can stop the coming Apocalypse.