Richard Farren Barber was born in Nottingham in July 1970. After studying in London he returned to the East Midlands. He lives with his wife and son and works as a Development Services Manager for a local university.
He has had stories published in Alt-Dead, Alt Zombie, Blood Oranges, The British Fantasy Society Journal, ePocalypse - Tales from the End, The Horror Zine, Murky Depths, Midnight Echo, Midnight Street, Morpheus Tales, MT Urban Horror Special, Night Terrors II, The House of Horror, Trembles, Terror Scribes and broadcast on BBC Radio Derby and Erewash Sound.

During 2010/11 Richard was sponsored by Writing East Midlands to undertake a mentoring scheme in which he was supported in the development of his novel Bloodie Bones, which he is now shamelessly hawking amongst agents and publishers.

It  was a great pleasure to have Lisa Von Biela over for an in depth interview.   

Lisa von Biela worked in Information Technology for 25 years, and still claims there is no application she cannot break in testing.  She left the field to attend the University of Minnesota Law School, graduating magna cum laude in 2009.  She now practices law in Seattle, Washington.  One of her legal articles, a research piece published in theFood and Drug Law Journal, was cited in an amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court.  She currently serves on the editorial board of the American Bar Association’s quarterly publication, The SciTech Lawyer.After placing 37th in the Personal Essay category of the 1999 Writer’s Digest contest, Lisa began to write short, dark fiction.  Her first publication was in The Edge in 2002.  She went on to publish a number of short works in various small press venues, including Gothic.net, Twilight Times, Dark Animus, AfterburnSF, and more.  THE GENESIS CODE is her first novel. Look for her second novel, THE JANUS LEGACY, and her first novella, ASH AND BONE, to be published by DarkFuse in 2014

Click Read more for a fascinating interview with Lisa. 

Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

I'm in my late 30's, live in North Yorkshire, work full time in the Tourism industry, and have a very active two year old to contend with at home. The job and family leaving me with only a limited time in which I can settle down to my writing.

As for my novel, Discoredia, this is due to be released in late August through the Books of the Dead Press. It was actually written a few years ago, when I seemed to have a lot more spare time! Initially I wrote it as a challenge set by my girlfriend, to whom I'm now happily married, as she was tired of me complaining about books, and movies, and how, if it had been me, I'd have done things differently. Essentially the challenge was that if I thought I was so damn clever I should prove it. The response was a 90 odd thousand word horror novel.

Do you prefer the term Horror, Weird Fiction or Dark Fiction?

Out of those three I'd probably go for Horror, but I've also had a tendency to use the term "Chiller". 

Who are some of your favourite authors?

Stephen King has to come out top, with Clive Barker and James Herbert making up my top 3 authors. Not only have I enjoyed their works over a considerable number of years, but their writing has also inspired me in my own. Alongside those three I've also enjoyed novels by Dan Simmons, particularly Carrion Comfort, Dean Koontz, Richard Laymon, and Justin Cronin.

What are you reading now?

For the past few weeks I've been ploughing my way through the other books recently released by Books of the Dead Press, as we are all looking to support each other over the coming months. Other than that I've got Joyland (Stephen King) and Cabal (Clive Barker) sitting there on my bedside table waiting to be read. 

Which book do you wish you had written?

That's a tough one, as I like to see parts of myself in what I write, and that wouldn't be the case with any book other than one that I have personally written. If I had to chose a book that I'd like to have written, but with my own slant on things, then it would be a close call between The Stand, and IT. 

If you could use any other author’s creation in your own work, who or what would you use?

I've read some great characters, plus seen a number of great characters in the movies and on T.V, but, having said that, I'd always rather be original than use someone else's creations. Then again, it would be cool to give some cameos to characters like Pennywise. I think I'd rather do that, a little nod to someone else's creations, than use them too much, or as if they were my own. I'd also be pretty possessive over my own characters, and wouldn't really want anyone else telling their stories which may go in a different direction to that which I'd prefer.

Describe typical day spent writing. Do you have any unusual writing habits?

There's no such thing as a typical day's writing for me as I just have to fit it in when and where I can. The most typical element would be when my wife's out and my son's asleep!

What piece of your own work are you most proud of?

It would have to be Discoredia as it proved that I could not only write a novel, but also write a novel that people could stand to read cover to cover. In which case it couldn't be that terrible.

What is the hardest lesson you have learned with regards to your writing?

Patience. As soon as Discoredia was written I went down the self publishing route even though the product wasn't as polished as it should have been. I shouldn't have done that but I seem to have got away with it, largely because I didn't make a lot of sales.

What do you like to do to relax?

The fairly standard stuff - T.V, a nice walk, and sleep. I also love spending time with my son, but that isn't exactly relaxing.

Can you tell us about your last book, and can you tell us about what you are working on next?

The two are actually one and the same, the sequel to Discoredia. The novel is complete, but it needs not just polishing, but also revising in parts as I'm not 100% happy with it, particularly the ending. I'm also working on a number of short stories as writing novels is a very intense experience for me, and one I think I'd struggle to accomplish at the moment. As things stand I need to focus on the release of Discoredia, and having the sequel ready to roll if it's a success, as well as all the other things life throws at me outside of my writing.

Madelyn Serrato was born in California and attended college in Washington, where she received a BA in Psychology. She currently resides in Arizona and will start medical school by the end of the summer. When not writing, she enjoys boxing, reading, and watching terrible movies with friends. Wolves of Calderwood has been a labor of love for many years and is her first to be published. Join 

Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

I consider myself a part time writer but that’s not to say it’s not something I love. With three kids and a full time career I really have to pick my spots when to write. I’ve never thought to write for money or to sell a ton of books, I just really try and write what I want to read then hope others will enjoy it as well. I look forward to entertaining people and hope my work accomplishes that.

Do you prefer the term Horror, Weird Fiction or Dark Fiction?

I little of all three I think but my latest work, The hand that feeds, is primarily horror. I will say there is a hint of dark humour as well which I think brings a lot to the story that you might not get from other works in the zombie category.

Who are some of your favourite authors?

I’ve forgotten more authors than I can remember but off the top of my head I would say; J.R.R. Tolkien, Arthur C. Clark, H.P. Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce, Robert E. Howard, Orson Scott Card, and Philip K. Dick to name a few.

What are you reading now?

I’m in the middle of The road to Woodbury by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansiga. I read the first book in the story and enjoyed it a great deal. My wife and I have been fans of the Walking Dead show since it started so getting to read some history about the characters is very interesting.

How would you describe your writing style?

I’m always working on multiple stories at the same time. I’ve never been able to write something beginning to end without touching anything else (I would probably be faster if I could!). Multiple projects allow me to keep my interest and not get worn out on any one thing.

Describe a typical day spent writing. Do you have any unusual writing habits?

My time spent writing is never typical. As a part time writer with a full time job I have to take the time to write whenever it presents itself. If you include the attention needs of my three children, my best times to write usually include after bed times and the occasional early in the morning session before anyone gets up.

I’ve been told my process is a little out of the ordinary but not obsessive. My first draft is always just a way to get the main idea and movement of the story down on paper. For me, the real challenge starts once the draft is written and the endless bouts of edits begins.

What’s your favourite food?

I stick to a pretty strict diet but when I really want to tear into something I can always go for a good medium-rear steak.

What’s your favourite album?

I’m an old school heavy metal fan. My favourite album, without a doubt, is Piece of Mind by Iron Maiden.

What’s the most important lesson you have learned about writing?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned and would pass on to anyone who writes is to have a thick skin. The truth is that your work is never as good or bad as you might think it is and more important, even if it’s great that doesn’t mean anyone in the business is going to be willing to take a chance on you. You have to roll with the punches and keep trying.

..fame and fortune, or respect?

None really, I just want to write what I can be proud of no matter the genre. If I had to pick one, I’d choose respect. If someone respected my work I would assume they enjoyed it for the most part.

What piece of your own work are you most proud of?

That’s a hard one for me. As I stated in my most important lesson learned, I’ve worked hard to keep a thick skin and a part of that is not falling in love with anything I write. The one thing that stands out would be the first short story I ever published. It was for a website that’s no longer up but I remember at the time how good it felt to read my name in the by-line for all to see. 

Can you tell us about your last book, and can you tell us about what you are working on next?

My last book is still my current book. The hand that feeds is due out the first week of September 2013 from Severed Press. I went into writing it with a growing bore of a large section of zombie novels. I wanted to keep away from the standard; infection starts, infection spreads, infection stopped model and try and create an interesting and in depth story involving believable and relatable characters. I think the book description sums it up best:

How far will a parent go to keep their child alive?

John and Angela Mason’s lives are brought to a tormenting halt when their ten year old son is reduced to a lifeless shell. John watches his wife slip into madness as his son rises from the dead. He realizes they must escape the terrifying infection in order to survive but how can he choose between the insanity consuming his wife and the undying hunger of his son.

An appetite for death will come in one form or another and it will be left to John to decide on the hand that feeds.

I’m currently working on a few items including a follow up to, The hand that feeds as well as shopping around a YA-Fantasy novel entitled, The last shadow gate.

They crept down the hall on their hands and knees. The scratching grew louder. Two distinct shadows formed in the space beneath the bedroom door. Alex was standing there and both John and Angela knew it.

They reached the end of the hall and stopped. Angela looked over at him with pleading eyes. John’s mind screamed at him to back away and he had to force himself to reach for the doorknob. He felt the cold metal with his fingers and paused. The scratching on the other side of the door stopped before he turned the knob.

John froze. He and Angela sat at the door for several agonizing minutes, listening for anything. John could hear his heart beating over everything else. The next sound they heard was something hitting the ground. It was far enough from the door not to break the light underneath. A moment later, something slid across the floor. John held his breath until it came to a stop.

Angela reached for the doorknob, wrapped her hand over John’s, and turned. Hesitantly, they pushed. A rush of stench engulfed them as the door opened. Angela turned away; John had to put his hand over his nose to keep from gagging. He kept his eyes on the room, waiting for anything to move. Both of them stepped through the doorway and the sight of blood smeared on the hardwood floor struck them. Small handprints dotted the maroon colored mess. 

Chunks of dark brown fur clung to the floorboards. A hacking gag from Angela pulled John’s eyes to the corner of the room directly across from the door. There on the floor lay the remains of the family dog, Rex. There was little left to identify the animal. All that remained was a mix of blood and exposed organs dotted by patches of soaked fur.

“My, God,” John said.

The smell intensified once he could see the remains of the dog. Nauseous, his head spun as the aroma of death filled his senses. He wanted to get back out into the hallway as quickly as he could. He couldn’t fathom what was happening to his son, and the only thing he knew for sure was that the thing that awoke on Alex’s bed, wasn’t a boy, it was a monster. He felt his legs shaking beneath him and he couldn’t make them stop.

His concentration was broken. A new sound crept across the bedroom floor and grabbed a hold of him. John recognized it at once. The low, guttural growl was the same as it had been when Alex lay on his bed. John felt Angela’s fingernails dig into his arm. He looked down at her hand and back up at her face. She wasn’t looking at him. Her face was pale and her eyes widened beyond their limits.

John found himself unwilling to look. He knew she’d found where Alex was and John wasn’t sure he wanted to know. He was more willing to leave the room and never open the door again. Slowly, he forced himself to follow her stare. He turned on his heels and gazed back at the small bed. It took him a moment to see them. John was drawn down to the dark space underneath the bed. What he found there would haunt him every time he closed his eyes. Looking back at them, watching every move from within the darkness, were the soulless eyes of his son.

 Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

Certainly.  My name is Michael Hebler and I have made a career for myself as an international film publicist, and alongside that, I have begun to establish a fulfilling career as a rather adverse author.  I say “adverse” because my first publication was a children’s picture book called, “The Night After Christmas,” which was the book that started this vocational path.  How’s that for adversity when following with a horror series?

Do you prefer the term Horror, Weird Fiction or Dark Fiction?

Hmm.  I don’t think I prefer any one over the other.  In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve used all three at some point in the promotion of my Chupacabra Series; however, if I thought one better described this series more than the others, I’d say the most accurate would be “Weird Fiction” because of the western backdrop and it’s not necessarily horror all the time.  I hope having said, “It’s not necessarily horror all the time,” doesn’t scare readers away.  Anyone else see the irony in that last sentence? (laughing)

Who are some of your favourite authors?

My tastes are quite eclectic.  J.K. Rowling, Robert McCammon, Dean Koontz, Charles Dickens, Michael Crichton, Cormac McCarthy, Patricia Nell Warren to name a few.

What are you reading now?

Well, just the other day, I finished a novella by Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo called “Pie: An Old Brown Horse,” which I thought was a great feel good book told through the point of view of a horse.  I’m also currently reading Rowling’s non-Potter, “The Casual Vacancy,” and I just started McCammon’s “Mine.”  I usually don’t read multiple books at once, but on the odd occasion I do, I like them to be completely different genres so they fit my current mood better.

 Which book do you wish you had written?

It’s a toss-up between two.  Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” would be one.  The story is just brilliant and dark, and it’s a classic for a reason.  The other would be McCammon’s “The Wolf’s Hour.”  It was what originally inspired me to write “Night of the Chupacabra,” in the sense of crossing genres.  I read the book back in the late 1980’s after it was originally published, and aside from the story being exciting and well-told, I just loved the concept of Nazi werewolves.  It combined the supernatural with World War II, whereas “Chupacabra” combines the supernatural with the America’s Old West… well, at least for the first four novels.

If you could use any other author’s creation in your own work, who or what would you use?

I wish I were as scientifically brilliant as was Michael Crichton.  The majority of his books are grounded in science, which make them far more appealing to me than if they had been written without that element.  For example, “Jurassic Park,” and the fact that Crichton established that the DNA of dinosaurs were drawn from perfectly preserved mosquitos that fed on them.  I mean… it’s so remarkably believable and at least for me, gave the story a hint of non-fiction, which in turn, made the concept much more exciting.  And not just “Jurassic Park,” but I also enjoyed Crichton taking both sides and describing pros and cons of ‘global warming’ in “State of Fear.”  It was fascinating because he had been able to bring a level of perspective that not many others could achieve.  The hemispheres of his mind seemed to have been split perfectly down centre; making him both left and right brained.  I wish I had his in-depth knowledge for my own work.  But having said that, I do think I have my own special creations in other areas of my writing.

Describe typical day spent writing. Do you have any unusual writing habits?

No habits really.  I currently have so many projects on the table, I usually let my mood decided whether I want to write all-new - from scratch - on the book currently in progress, or do I want to rewrite something that’s already been stamped “completed.” (because I know it’s really not complete until it’s published) Or I could go back even farther and just start brainstorming new ideas and jotting down copious notes.  Sometimes I listen to music when I write, sometimes I don’t.  The third chupacabra book, “Legend of the Chupacabra” is already written, and when I was writing it, I think I replayed the soundtrack to “Pirates of the Caribbean 3” more than 100 times because it influenced the nautical themes in the story.  Right now, I’m a little more than half way through the fourth chupacabra book, “Dawn of the Chupacabra,” and I have not listened to a single note of music while writing it.  So a lot of my habits depend on various aspects.

What piece of your own work are you most proud of?

(laughing) So, are you trying to ask me which child I love more?  That’s not fair.  I love them all; however, if I can pinpoint an element about my stories that I’m most proud of… it would be my characters.  When I was in college I was a theatre major and I was most fascinated in studying and understanding characters and their relationships.  I had even considered psychology briefly as a major, but that seemed a bit too heavy for my liking.  But multi-layered characters were always my favourites.  I really enjoy writing characters who you can’t judge by their cover (if I’m allowed to make an awful and ironic idiom.)

What is the hardest lesson you have learned with regards to your writing?

Well, that has more to do with after writing than the process of writing, but it was to learn not to take criticism personally.  You basically discover real quick that you can’t please everybody, and as long as you’re writing from the heart and using your own voice, you’re writing and doing it well.  I had to learn that right away when I published a story, “Hunt for the Chupacabra.”  I had marketed it as a ‘short story’ which was my own fault because in reality it was just a prologue… a free story to get readers excited about the series.  It was originally written as a prologue in “Night of the Chupacabra” and would eventually tie the first book to the fourth book (which is a prequel story) but once I had decided that the series would be void of any and all prologues and epilogues, I took it out and gave it its own title.  Reviews have been mixed because readers thought it was too short of a short story.  What I should have done was market it as a ‘micro story.’  Perception has remarkable influence, and as a publicist, I should have known better.

What do you like to do to relax?

Relaxing to me is still keeping busy.  I live in Southern California but my idea of relaxing is not going to the beach to lie in the sun.  I’m a total geek.  I love playing video games like Assassin’s Creed and The Old Republic, I love movies and TV.  For a writer, I do surprisingly little reading. I’m into just about anything that has a ‘Star Wars’ label on it.  I live three miles from Disneyland, so try to go there as often as I can.  I love being kept entertained.  That’s how I like to relax.

Can you tell us about your last book, and can you tell us about what you are working on next?


I think you just asked an author’s favourite question.  Right now I’m in the middle of the Chupacabra Series.  There are six books currently scheduled and as I stated previously, I am knee deep in writing book four, “Dawn of the Chupacabra” (and the last to take place in 1800’s.)  After the Chupacabra Series is over I have a novella and two more novels planned.  The novella will be dark drama while both non-chupacabra novels will voyage into comedy… dark comedy, of course.  There is also the possibility of another children’s book about Halloween, my other favourite holiday.  Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not mention that Chupacabra Series book two, “Curse of the Chupacabra” is due out this September 10.  It’s lots of fun.

Michael became an author alongside building a successful career in feature film publicity, but his passion to create stories with suspense, laughter, and heart is not his only love.  Michael also volunteers for Meals on Wheels in Southern California, as well as aids in his local area's capture/spay/neuter/release program.​
 
To date, Michael's publications include CURSE OF THE CHUPACABRA, NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA (the first two books of six in the Chupacabra Series) and his first publication, THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age.  Michael also authored the micro story, HUNT FOR THE CHUPACABRA, preceding the events of Night of the Chupacabra, which currently is only available in audiobook as read by the author here.​
 
When Michael does have some down time, he likes to ramble on his blog:
http://www.michaelhebler.com/

Post Civil War. Families move West to begin rich new lives, only some never make it. There is a creature that lurks in the vast open deserts of the west. It can only survive on blood and, although it prefers to prey on the weak and young, it will slaughter anyone or anything, once provoked. It is unnatural, deceptive, and difficult to kill. Word about the existence of this elusive beast has not spread for anyone who has crossed paths with it did not live long enough to tell of their account. Night of the Chupacabra is about one man’s journey to reunite with his missing family, while the lethal creature that separated them, the mysterious and ravenous chupacabra, is never far behind. Night of the Chupacabra is not only a gruesome regale of carnage, but a unique combination of science fiction bloodshed with a more poignant tale of lost love set against a Western backdrop. Night of the Chupacabra takes an unflinching look at the impossible choices made for love, while knowing the consequences could ultimately lead to a fate worse than death.

They never thought their luck would be their curse.

In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.

"Curse of the Chupacabra" stretches beyond the claustrophobic world of "Night of the Chupacabra"'s single town setting as the creature’s victims inadvertently lure the beast across the western states; not only becoming a road story soaked with blood and treachery, but a powerful chronicle of passage that exposes the consequences of not following the path of one’s own heart. “Curse of the Chupacabra” is a relentless feast of tragedy that examines the dangers awaiting those who might be kin to the most infamous abomination to walk this earth.

Born in Bath, England in 1974, a self-professed "funny onion", equal parts sport loving jock and comic book geek.

From an early age reading so many works of varied authors he took the somewhat foolhardy decision to attempt his own novels. He has currently completed four books, Rapture Falls, Vengeance Has Fangs Gated, Asylum and my newest novel Abra-Cadaver - all of which are available in ebook format for download on Amazon.

Perhaps one day he hopes he will be able to list his publishing achievements and literary awards but for now he simply hopes to have produced an interesting piece of work that entertains with a modicum of intelligence.

He has  always been an avid fan of the Horror/Supernatural genres and finds that many great works in this field are automatically dismissed due to their subject matter.

Visit him  at www.mattdrabble.com
Twitter: @MattDrabble01
Facebook: matt.drabble.3

John McIlveen has written numerous stories, poems, and articles.  He is the author of Jerks and Other Tales from a Perfect Man, and as a technical writer has many guides and manuals to his credit. His fiction has been published in Twisted Magazine, Deathrealm Magazine, Metromoms Magazine, Horror on The Installment Plan, at BuzzyMag.com, and has had stories in Borderlands 5 (a.k.a. From the Borderlands), The Monster’s, Corner (2011 St. Martin’s), Epitaphs (2011 Shroud), Under the Bed (2012 Sirens Call) , 21st Century Dead (2012 St. Martin’s), Suffer the Little Children (2013 Cruentus Libri), and Eulogies II (2013 Horrorworld). His first novel Hannahwhere is finished and en rout to a good home, and he is well into his second and third novels, Going North and Corruption.

He is the father of five lovely daughters, the O&M/MEP Liaison at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory, a writer, and a publisher.  He lives in Marlborough, MA with Roberta Colasanti.  He finds her incredibly smart and beautiful, and is very fond of the ground she walks on.

Hello Daniel, thank you for taking the time to take part in this interview. How are things with you?

This is my first overseas interview for Doors, so I’m excited about that, and I appreciate the opportunity. As it happens, it’s another beautiful day in Australia (we’ve just had the warmest winter on record) so things are good.

So who is Daniel Brako?

I’m a thirty-seven-year-old author and screenwriter, living in Sydney. My ethnic background is mixed, comprising African and German heritage. My career background is also somewhat mixed because I used to work in the mental health field. Although it was a rewarding job, I left it to pursue writing fulltime. The shift has been beneficial, because it allows me to put psychological elements into some of my books.

And why do you write?

By getting us to think outside of the proverbial square, stories can expand our consciousness. I love books and movies that get people contemplating life’s deeper issues, and I guess that’s my motivation - the fusion of engrossing plotlines with thought-provoking philosophy. The Matrix, The da Vinci Code, and Inception are examples of books and films that have thought-provoking content. Stories like that inspire me to write.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

I’m a big fan of intuitive writing, which means I leave the plotting, planning and structuring of each project to my subconscious mind. Although this process works well, it can be difficult to tap into the subconscious during the early stages of a project (the characters and the world/s they inhabit are initially sketchy). Fortunately, once I’m “anchored” into a storyline, momentum builds, and the writing becomes easier.

What do your friends and family think about your writing?

My family and friends are very supportive, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. Creative people need to be surrounded by positive influences, which is why I joined a local writers’ group. It’s great to share stories, and have that supportive network in place. I tend to avoid people who try to undermine my longterm vision.

Urban fantasy seems to be your genre of choice, what is it about urban fantasy that appeals to you?

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved magic. Urban fantasy places magical elements squarely into our world. Of course, we already live in a world of mini-miracles. For example, there are patients who can undergo major operations without anesthetic, savants who possess amazing skills, and people with photographic memories. As fascinating as these gifts are, urban fantasy takes everything to a new level. By asking “what if”, it blurs the boundaries of reality, and reminds us that some magic is real.

Is there a common theme or a message that runs through your body of work?

Themes and messages aren’t things I consciously focus on. Having said that, every writer is subconsciously guided by his or her belief system. If I had to identify a theme, it might be: a higher power, such as magic or God, exists and can be found in unlikely places.

Your previous publications deal with such topics as meditation, Past Lives and Cubeology, where does your interest in spirituality stem from?

In my early twenties, I developed an appetite for (New Age) spirituality and personal development. Although I still find those areas interesting, especially with quantum physics adding scientific support, I’m not as preoccupied with it as I once was. Those books and seminars become a bit repetitive after a while.

Do you think the world would be a better place if the world was more spiritual?

Religion tends to focus on a God who is separate, whereas spirituality tends to focus on a God who resides within all things. I suspect this spiritual belief of Oneness would lead to a better, more inclusive world. But I also recognize and respect the importance of free will in determining one’s beliefs and actions.

So let’s talk about your new book Doors. Can you tell the readers what the book is about?

After counseling a client who sees imaginary doors, psychologist David Druas experiences the same hallucination, noticing otherworldly doors scattered throughout the city. When the client is murdered, David's nightmare deepens because the evidence identifies him as the killer. As the police close in, it becomes apparent that the doors are concealing a dark and tangled truth.

Do you reveal what the true nature of the Doors is?

Yes, but I can’t give too much away. I can say that the doors leads to beautiful, terrifying and dangerous new worlds. Each world has its own challenges, offering unexpected places, inhabitants, and experiences. The obvious question is: are these worlds real? This is one of the enigmas that David has to unravel.

So where would you like a door to lead you, and where wouldn’t you like a door to lead you?

The doors in my book typically lead to dangerous encounters. I’m happy for David Druas to experience these thrills & chills, but that’s not something I’d personally want for myself. I guess I’d like to find a door that could take me to a peaceful, paradise-like environment. Anywhere new and exciting, so long as I wasn’t in mortal danger.

Who would you say the book is aimed at?

Doors is aimed at adults who like fantasy, urban fantasy and horror. Hopefully readers will find it fast paced and darkly intriguing.

Can you tell us of any future projects you have lined up?

I’ve started writing an urban fantasy, tentatively called Imagine. As mentioned, I hate the early phases of each project - Imagine is partly formed in my head, but I’m finding it hard to get it onto the page. It could take anywhere from three to twelve months to complete.

And do you have any final words for the readers of this website?

I’ve appreciated the opportunity to do this interview. (Thank you, Jim!) Writing a book is half the struggle, and then promotion becomes the new challenge, so it’s great that people such as yourself are helping to draw attention to new books. I hope visitors to your site will keep an eye out for my work. Cheers.

DANIEL BRAKO is a graduate of Newcastle University where he studied psychology and philosophy. After working in the mental health field, he decided to pursue a career in writing. Since then he has written novels, screenplays, and short fiction. His work tends to blend metaphysics with "thrills & chills", making esoteric wisdom more accessible to readers. 

Daniel lives in Sydney, Australia.





DOORS 


David Druas is a successful psychologist, with a thriving practice. When he encounters Hans Werner, a client who sees imaginary doors, life takes a dark and unexpected turn.

After trying to unravel the delusion, David also notices mysterious doors. Scattered throughout the city, they lead to beautiful, terrifying and dangerous new worlds. But are they real?

When Hans Werner is murdered, the evidence identifies David as the killer. Forced to become a fugitive, he struggles to escape the deepening nightmare that threatens to overwhelm him.

As the police close in, it becomes apparent that the doors are concealing a dark and tangled truth. The question is: can David unlock their secrets before his time and sanity run out?