Interview with Chandler Morrison, Author of Dead Inside

When reading an impactful title, such as Chandler Morrison's Dead Inside, one may have many questions for the author who crafted such a tale.
I find myself lucky to be able to share an interview with Mr Morrison about one of the most interesting and awe-inspiring books I've ever read.

First, a bit about Dead Inside...

A security guard goes about his day-to-day life, trying his best to stay under everyone's radar; and that's not just because he has one very peculiar, and many would argue sickening interest...

See, this guard prefers the company of dead girls over living ones. However, one night he meets Helen, and realises that he's not the only one with nasty habits.

I'm so pleased to have gotten the chance to interview the author of this devastatingly well-written and incredible title - enjoy!

First of all - what inspired you to write this title? A lot of people assume I wrote it for shock value, which wasn’t the case at all. I never think about people’s potential reactions when writing a book; the reader doesn’t even cross my mind during the writing process, and even when it’s done, I’m not particularly invested in how it’s received.

The creation of each book is an intensely personal experience. I’m always working through something, and Dead Inside was no different. I had just gotten out of a very bad relationship that led to a period of extreme darkness in my life, and I was trying to write my way out of that darkness while sort of figuring out what made me get so wrapped up in such an unhealthy pairing in the first place.

All of that is obviously submerged beneath several layers of obfuscation in the form of social commentary and genre parody, but the emotional truth of what I was going through is there at its core.

Was there any significance in not giving the main character a name? I guess I wanted to give him an anonymity that suggested he could be anyone. There are so many people with whom we cross paths in the course of a day, and we never know what they’re thinking or what sorts of things they do when no one else is around. Anyone could be a monster. Everyone could be.

 

Did you write any alternate endings, or would the story always have ended the same? No, no alternate endings. It was always going to be exactly what it is. I never feel like I’m guiding the direction of the story or deciding what actions the characters take. It’s like there’s this separate universe that exists in my imagination, and I simply go there and write down what I see.

In that vein, the story itself is always the least interesting aspect to me. I don’t really care about plot, even as a reader. I’m much more interested in style, mood, atmosphere. Vibes. Plot is just a way to move the characters from one scene to the next.

 

What contributed to the somewhat gory & vivid scenes within the book? It’s endlessly baffling to me that the gore is so often what people get out of the book. I’m especially surprised by the readers who see it as shock value, because I just don’t know how you can take any of it seriously enough to be offended by it. It’s all deliberately over the top and absurd to the point that none of it is realistic.

The abortion clinic scene, for instance, about which so many people love to draw ire, isn’t even logistically or scientifically feasible. I was trying to parody the “extreme horror” genre, because so much of extreme horror is kind of silly. The excessive gore in Dead Inside is supposed to bring a comedic levity to offset the grim bleakness of the rest of the book.

It’s interesting that so many people miss that and just classify it among the same books it’s making fun of, because I never have and never will consider myself an extreme horror author, or even a horror author. I’ve always identified primarily as a satirist, but I think the internet has made it difficult for people to recognize satire in a lot of cases.

 

Were there any parts in the book that you found difficult to write? There’s a page or two near the end where the narrator can’t sleep, and he starts experiencing symptoms of sleep deprivation. I wanted that to be authentic, so before writing that sequence, I made myself stay awake for something like five straight days.

Sleep is something I quite enjoy, so I guess that was pretty tough. I’m older now and I don’t think I could do something like that again.

Dead Inside can be found on Amazon, as well as the Kindle store!

 

REVIEW: Enlightened as Hell, Dr. Tony Ortega - 5/5

 Self-help books can sometimes be hit-or-miss, giving advice that sometimes doesn't make much sense, or doesn't come from a place of experience. Well, this is one self-help book that was written with both understanding and love.

Enlightened as Hell: How to be spiritual and not be a d*ck by Dr. Tony Ortega has to be one of the most wonderful self-help books I've read.

This is a book which was come from a place of hurt, only to be crafted with love and genuine care; the result being a short yet stunning account of how to not be a better person, but how to be a better you.

Ortega has written books similar to Enlightened as Hell in the past, but within the pages, it seems as though this may be his magnum opus.

I simply adored this book. I felt as though Ortega was speaking to me and me only, giving me advice that he believed in so strongly to help me not be a d*ck.

The writing style was simply beautiful; it flowed expertly well, and made me feel as though I was listening to a friend, rather than simply reading a book.

The whole experience felt very personal, largely due to Ortega dropping in pieces of his past and bits of experience. This was in no way intended to preach, but given to the reader in order to learn from and accept that yes, bad things will happen, but tomorrow is another chance to live and love your life.

I felt as though, while I was reading, that any problems I had, big or small, were understood. I felt validated somehow reading Enlightened as Hell, which was something genuinely beautiful.

Another thing I loved about this book, was the #ElevateNOW quotes scattered throughout. These acted like little nuggets of advice that related to the chapter I was reading.

They were a summary of sorts, while providing small quotes that you could write down and keep somewhere, if you felt they related to you.

All in all, while Enlightened as Hell: How to be spiritual and not be a d*ck was a short read, it was a wonderful one.

I felt genuine joy while reading, and I know anyone else who picks up this book will too. It is a legitimately helpful and, as the title suggests, enlightening experience that is sure to not only help those who read it, but will motivate anyone to realise that bad exists, yes, but we can rise like Phoenix out of the ashes and make a better day for ourselves, one step at a time.

Question!

Hello everyone! 💜

I wanted to ask if you read self-help books? I myself read them every now and again, usually alongside a regular read.

Do you find that they help you? I love them, and think that each one offers something different. 😇

If you'd like recommendations, or want to recommend me a self-help book, comment below! 👇

Question!

What are you reading at the moment?

I've been reading 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King for a little while now; it's a long read, but I've also not been reading every single day, so that's probably why it's taking me so long 😄

Let me know what your current read is below! 🤎

REVIEW: Together We Burn, Isabel Ibanez - 5/5

Santivilla is home to one of the most respected dragon fighting rings in the world; a place where man and dragon battle it out in front of huge, expectant crowds. However, one show goes terribly wrong, and changes Zarela's life forever. Now, a year later, tragedy strikes at her own family's arena, meaning she must fight with all she has to save her family name; but she needs help to do it, which is a lot easier said than done...

When I heard about Together We Burn, I was immediately intrigued. I don't read a lot of fantasy, but the idea of this story really stood out and, once I'd finished the book, I was in complete awe.

One of the first things I noticed about this book, was Isabel Ibanez's truly beautiful writing. This is a world like no other, and Ibanez made it come to life in such a fantastic way; it felt so real, which blew me away.

Each character, especially Zarela, was crafted with such elegance, thought and love, which made the story all that more beautiful.

Zarela is a wonderful main character. She is feisty when she needs to be, and as stubborn as anything. She embodies grace and determination, and it was a genuine pleasure to read about her journey.

The other characters, such as Zarela's father, Santiago, her best friend Lola (who is also a maid in her household), and Arturo, the dragon tamer whose assistance should make the difference between the loss of Zarela's arena and its continuation, were as bold as the sun.

Arturo and Zarela are a brilliant duo, to say the least. She doesn't back down when it comes to saving her arena and her family legacy, and he is just as stubborn as she is, if not more so.

They dance together, but with words; they know how to annoy one another, and it was hilarious to read. They also have so much heart, and care deeply about many things, although Arturo won't let anyone see that...

Every character was great, and I loved their personalities and the way a sense of family and humour was created.

In regard to the story, I'm not sure I can praise it highly enough. The idea of a flamenco dancer (Zarela) deciding to become a Dragonador (dragon fighter) in order to save her arena and those within it, was genuinely amazing.

Dragons and flamenco dancing - who'd have thought this idea would result in such a perfect plot? One that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

I am in love with Zarela and her world. A dancer goes on stage to warm up the crowd before a dragon fighter takes the dancer's place and faces a mighty beast; it's something I've never heard before, and may not again.

Ibanez's writing is exceptional, as I felt every emotion on every page; Zarela's anger, hurt and hope, as well as her joy when things seem to be going her way.

The plot is simply sensational, and I adore the world the author has created here, full of danger, love, food and wine; a firey yet perfect combination.

The first few chapters of the book were a great set-up for the rest of the story, and I found myself thinking 'one more chapter', before realising that the sun had gone down while I read.

This book is something special. It has everything you'd want from an action genre, with some love, drama and thrills mixed in.

Every twist (especially the final one!) had an impact on the story in a brilliant way, and Zarela's ability to push through any pain or grief at such a young age (18) was rather inspiring; she took everything head-on out of love for her family.

Together We Burn is a book I will be recommending at every opportunity, and its story will no doubt stick with me for a very long time.

Together We Burn is out now!

Any book suggestions?

Hello everyone! I wanted to ask you to comment below a book that stuck with you a while after reading; my book would be The Witch's Heart, as its story really stood out! ❤📚

INTERVIEW - Author A. A. Chaudhuri

 I'm so excited to share this with you all! Author of She's Mine and this year's The Loyal Friend, A. A. Chaudhuri, has kindly offered to do a Q&A with me!

I asked her about her newest book, her favourite Italian dish, and what her all-time favourite book is - read the interview below! 😇💕

How does it feel to be releasing another book into the world?

EXCITING! It’s always such an amazing, rewarding feeling releasing a new book. It’s the culmination of months of hard work, including painstaking editing (!) and so to see it out there in the world gives me a great sense of joy and satisfaction.

It’s also a little scary! As an author you try your utmost to make your book as compelling and error-free as possible, but writing is such a subjective industry and there’ll inevitably be critics. But it’s all part and parcel of the job, and I’m pleased to say I’ve been thrilled by the positive response and fabulous reviews I’ve received so far from advance readers.

I recently received my author paperback copies and I have to say holding my book for the first time and seeing my name on the cover, never gets old! I also adore the graphics for The Loyal Friend, Hera and the design team have done the most incredible job and the feedback has been amazing!

What was your inspiration for The Loyal Friend, and how did you come up with the story?

I wanted to base it in a setting I didn’t feel had been done before in the psychological thriller genre, and with the health and fitness industry having become a key part of so many people’s lifestyles - largely owing to the stress we encounter on a daily basis, along with the push given by lockdown to keep ourselves fit and healthy - I also felt the setting would be widely relatable.

Also because I know from my own experiences that unlike the gym, fitness classes attract a huge variety of attendees of varying ages and fitness levels, not to mention different genders.

Having said all that, although the backdrop for the novel is a health club, the story centres on so much more than that, chiefly the interplay between three very different women and past and present events that are prompting them to act and live out their lives in the way they do. Natalie, Grace, and Susan are ostensibly three normal women tackling everyday issues so many women around the world face these days.

Body hang-ups, the advent of menopause, juggling work, family and elderly parents all feature in some way, along with other more delicate issues of child abuse and infidelity, all of which I feel are themes readers are able to empathise with. Female friendships, especially toxic ones, always make for highly addictive reads, and the friendships in my book can definitely be labelled as this, but I also wanted to write a book that shows how taking a wrong path and/or doing something unforgiveable can have a domino effect on the lives of so many people and in the most dreadful way.

Like Grace, I have struggled with my own mental health owing to the stress of caring for my elderly parents, while managing a career and young family, while I have also come across women like Susan who appear to have the perfect life but really are concealing a feeling of disenchantment and emptiness behind the glamourous, happy veneer.

The pressures on women to perform and ‘have it all’ can be intense these days, and that’s something I also hope comes through in the book and resonates with people, especially female readers. Before Covid, I used to work out with a lovely group of girls at a local gym and this experience helped to inspire me and create authenticity around the novel, in terms of the set-up of group classes and diverse groups of characters who inhabit them.

I am pleased to say, however, that nothing so scandalous happened at my fitness classes, and none of the women featured bear any resemblance to them.

Is there anything you can tell us about the book, without giving anything away?

Like She’s Mine, The Loyal Friend is a dark, twisty, perhaps somewhat twisted (!) read, in which I take my readers on a complex journey through the minds of my key characters where not everything is as straightforward as it perhaps at first seems.

My book centres on the disappearance of young, beautiful, vivacious fitness instructor, Jade Pascal, who goes missing in mysterious circumstances and the ensuing police investigation to find out what happened to her.

It’s told mainly through the perspectives of three very different women – Natalie, Susan and Grace - who attend her classes, all with dark, complicated pasts and secrets they’ll do anything to keep buried, and all of whom could have reason to wish Jade ill.

How did you decide on the type of women Susan, Grace and Natalie would be?

Life is full of diverse characters and a writer is never off duty observing the people in their own lives or those they might see on television/the press, or even in the street! Be warned, ha-ha!

So, inevitably I will be influenced by these factors, but when deciding on the type of women Susan, Grace and Natalie would be, I wanted to make them as distinct as possible from each other, each having their own unique idiosyncrasies, but all having dark secrets in common that consume them.

I’d like to think that they also exemplify the different types of women we all might come across in our everyday lives. This is so important in the psychological thriller genre – making characters and the situations they face relatable to the reader – thereby enabling readers to connect with them and be drawn into their narratives.

Grace, for example, is a working mum struggling to cope with managing her job on top of a young family and caring for sick, elderly parents - a stressful situation so many women around the world, including myself, may find themselves in.

Natalie, on the other hand, is a young, single woman who’s had a horrendous childhood; she suffers from OCD and a lack of confidence, and therefore finds it hard enough managing her own life, let alone caring for others.

Susan, in contrast, is rich, confident and highly materialistic; someone who always puts herself first, but deep down suffers an emptiness she’s desperate to conceal.

Through each of my characters, important and universal issues like child abuse/neglect, family dysfunction, grief, infidelity and feeling unfulfilled in mid-life are explored, thereby differentiating them from one another but also showing how three very different women could be brought together by an exercise class designed to offer an outlet from their everyday hang-ups and sufferings.

Since you’re a lover of all things Italian, what’s your favourite meal from Italy?

That’s a hard one! I love all the delicious fish dishes they do so brilliantly in the south of Italy, including grilled calamari which is one of my all-time favourites.

But you can’t beat a plate of Spaghetti Vongole following a starter of Buffalo mozzarella and rounded off with some amazing Italian gelato which I rate as second to none!

What made you retire from working in law and become an author?

Although I enjoyed some aspects of being a lawyer, made some wonderful friends (including my husband!) and I certainly wouldn’t have been able to write my legal thrillers authentically without the experience I gained from law, it was never the perfect fit for me, not the way being an author is.

I found the work too dull and lacking in creativity. I am happiest writing, letting my imagination run wild with no boundaries or rules curtailing me, meaning it never feels like a chore, which sadly law, which as I said, can be rather dry and formulaic, often did!

Law requires a thick skin and certain ruthlessness to survive, and it got to the point where I wasn’t enjoying it. The City is an especially tough place to work, and I came across quite a few hard-nosed characters who made my life miserable and who I didn’t much want to be around.

It wasn’t for me as I said, but I’m grateful for the inspiration it gave me to write my books as well as teaching me attention to detail and the importance of disciplined meticulous planning, both of which are essential in thriller writing.

It also made me a stronger person – able to withstand the writing rejections over the years although I won’t lie, there have been tears (!) - and I’m happy to say that career-wise, it’s the best move I could have made. There’s nothing better than getting lost in my characters and the worlds they inhabit.

Finally, what is your all-time favourite book?

That’s an impossible question!! Simply because I love so many books of different genres, thriller, romantic, historical and so on! So I am going to have to cheat and say my all-time favourite thriller would have to be A Time to Kill.

It’s a powerful, moving story, flawlessly plotted with diverse, compelling, believable characters, and a plot that moves along at breakneck speed, but which also addresses some poignant issues that touch the heart in a way that will stay with you forever. It’s Grisham’s best, in my opinion.

The Loyal Friend releases tomorrow (June 23rd, 2022)!