by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73
Today, I’m pleased to welcome author Michael Brookes to the blog for an interview. Michael’s latest book, Conversations in the Abyss, available now. Here’s the blurb:
Stealing Lazarus’s 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. His punishment was to be imprisoned within the walls of an ancient monastery and tormented by an invisible fire that burned his body perpetually. To escape the pain he retreated deep into his own mind.\
There he discovers the truth of the universe and that only he can stop the coming Apocalypse.
Here’s Michael with more.
1. You work in two creative fields: games and writing. Do you find that they support each other or are they two completely separate parts of your life?
They complement each other. I write a lot of documentation as part of my job. Much of this is public, or at least publisher facing so it has to be interesting as well as informative. Spending more time writing helps improve the writing I do for work as well improving the quality of my novel writing.
And in a happy convergence I have been asked to write the official novel for our new game Elite: Dangerous.
2. What are the major themes you deal with in your writing?
In my latest book I deal with the nature of reality, meta physics and what makes humans different.
3. What’s the one thing you must have when you write?
My laptop! I also require Jaffa Cakes.
4. If you hosted a dinner party, who are six people you’d invite (living or dead)?
I’d invite a varied group:
Assuming he really exists I’d first invite Lucifer and along with him Jesus, I’m sure the two would have plenty to talk about.
I’d then invite Ian M Banks, my favourite author. I’d love to pick his brain.
I think Bill Clinton would have some good stories to tell.
There has to be a pretty face at the table, but preferably somebody with brains as well, so Helen Mirram would receive an invite.
John Milton as the writer of the greatest story ever told would be more than welcome.
5. If your book was made into a movie, who would you want to write the soundtrack?
I think a German band called Grendel (cyber goth) with suitable orchestral backing would do a good job.
6. What’s up next for you?
I have a first draft called Faust 2.0 that needs developing. It’s about an Internet chatbot that starts granting wishes. I also have the third novel in the trilogy to write and the game novel as well. Busy times 🙂
Conversations in the Abyss is available now from Amazon US and UK.
About the author
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.
Also by Michael:
The Cult of Me
For too long he dwelt apart, watched those who passed him by. With his unique abilities he entered their minds and inflicted terrible suffering upon them. They didn’t even know who he was. The game has lasted for years, but now the game has become stale. On an impulse he decides to make a final and very public last stand. After surrendering himself to the police he enacts his plan to seize the prison for his final bloody act.
There he discovers that he’s not as unique as he once thought.
An Odd Quartet
A quartet of dark short stories (10,000 words) to thrill and chill.
The Yellow Lady
Grave robbing is a dirty business, in more ways than one. When he disturbs the grave from a childhood scary story he discovers it’s not always treasure to be found.
This Empty Place
At the heat death of the universe, Death contemplates his existence.
Forced Entry
Terrorists seize an average suburban house. A Special Forces hostage rescue team is sent in and encounter more than they were trained for.
The Reluctant Demon
A young demon prepares to take his possession exam.