#CoffinHop Day 6: Dark Drabble Wednesday

I've lured my new Drabble Wednesday feature into the Coffin Hop, along with guest writer Michael Brookes, author of The Cult of Me, Conversations in the Abyss, and other chilling books. So come and join with me in reading Michael’s scary offerings…

China Doll

Her cold lifeless eyes are staring into mine. Her perfect porcelain features, without expression, hold me transfixed where I stand.

"Genuine haunted doll", was the description on eBay. Of course I thought it was a gimmick, just something to push up the price. I thought it was pretty cool, so I bid and won.

It arrived yesterday, it looked pretty creepy. I placed it on the table and here I am. I cannot move. I'm hungry and thirsty. I can't even look away; I'm locked in this death stare.

Oh God! Will anybody find me here? Before it's too late?

Clowns

Lying on my bed and see my room full of clowns. Happy clowns, sad clowns, laughing clowns, even
a tall gaunt clown with spindly legs. My mummy thinks I like them and keeps buying me more. I wish I could tell her how much they frighten me. Everywhere I look, I see another clown's face.

One hundred different clowns, none of them the same. I say my prayers with mummy then count them before I sleep. Snuggled in my duvet I count them once again. This time the number comes up short and there's a rustle under the bed.

Dirty Shoes

Will you look at that? A spot of blood on my finest shoes. I spent a fortune on them only a few years ago. Finest Italian craftsmanship.

It's my own fault, I'm normally more careful. I wear those elasticated baggies so I don't spoil them. But tonight I gave into temptation. I spotted a delicacy so sweet God himself surely put her on that path.

She didn't hear me creep up behind her and with a savage motion sliced open her throat. I pushed her away quickly to avoid the arterial spray. Not quickly enough. I've ruined my favourite shoes.

Are the chills creeping up your spine yet?

My thanks to Michael for stopping by and sharing. 

And don’t forget to enter my contest, or creep over http://coffinhop.com/ and check out more of the Coffin Hoppers.

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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.

CoffinHop Interview with Michael Brookes

Today author Michael Brookes joins the CoffinHop, coming in from the dark for an interview and offering one lucky person who comments a chance to win a signed paperback copy of The Cult of Me.  Winner will be announced Nov 1st, following the conclusion of CoffinHop.

Interview with Michael Brookes

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself?

By day I make video games for an independent game developer here in the UK. Gaming is one of my passions. At night I read and write, two of my other passions! I’ve always been an avid reader and I think that’s what inspired me to first start writing. I don’t think anyone can be a good writer without a lot of reading.

Can you tell everyone a bit about your book, The Cult of Me?

The Cult of Me is the story of a young man who has the ability to enter other people’s minds and bend them to his will. For years he tormented those around him, without any of them knowing he’s the cause of their misery. Eventually he grows tired of the game and decides to enact a final, bloody stand. While in prison he discovers that he’s not as unique as he once thought.

Your book deals with mind invasion. Why did you settle on that idea? Was it the psychological aspect of fear and horror that appealed to you?

The idea came from wondering what a child would grow into if they had the power to shape the world around them without any real repercussions. Ultimately it creates a monster, but he’s not born one.

Why did you decide to write in the supernatural/horror genre in general? What do you find most fascinating about the genre?

I find something appealing about horror; fear is probably the first emotion a human ever felt. The supernatural also interests me purely as juxtaposition from the more secular age we live in.

In addition to novels, you write short fiction. Do you find horror stories easier or harder to tell with a limited word count?

In some ways it’s easier. The good thing with short stories is they allow you to explore a single idea without getting too bogged down in the overheads of a novel.

Do you have a favourite story that you’ve written?

Tricky question. I’m very pleased with The Cult of Me, but I have a soft spot for My Final Confession, it’s available for free on my blog: http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-final-confession.html

What I like about this story is it takes an apocalyptic concept and makes it personal. One of my favourite aspects about creating stories is turning things on their heads.

Who are your writing inspirations?

Clive Barker and Ian M Banks. If I could write half as well as them I would be a happy man.

You also work at a video games company in the UK. Tell us what that’s like?

As I mentioned earlier games are one of passions and making games is hard work, but very rewarding – a bit like writing really.

What other projects are in your future?

I’ve just released a few short stories in An Odd Quartet (http://www.amazon.com/An-Odd-Quartet-ebook/dp/B009QJMMPC/) with some fun – if dark stories. I’ve finished the first draft of Conversations in the Abyss, the sequel to The Cult of Me. Through November I’ll be writing another first draft as a part of the National Novel Writing Month (http://www.nanowrimo.org/).


You can find out more about Michael at his blog:
http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/

And don't forget to comment for a chance to win his book, plus check out the other CoffinHoppers by scrolling down to the list at the end of this blog.