Hi everyone, I know I have been very quiet of late but I am hopefully back ! Today I am delighted to have Dan Antion of NoFacilities here visiting me to discuss his new book, part two of The Dreamers Alliance , The Evil You Choose.
“Hi Dan it’s really great to see you come on in, let’s go through to the garden and take a seat . Ruby is ready out there sleeping. You’ve certainly picked a great afternoon for us to have tea and a chat about Book 2 in your series The Dreamers Alliance, Knuckleheads.”
“Hi willow it’s good to be here, it’s nice and restful here considering how central to the town you are. I’ll just take a seat here if I may.“
“And to drink Dan? I am having a black coffee but I do have all types of tea in just for you.”Yes do sit there you have the shade and a nice view.
What can I interest you in? something to eat? we have the typically English sandwiches, cream cheese and salmon , ham and cheese, coronation chicken…ect., cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam.”
“I try one of each willow they are small and delicate.. not like the sandwiches back home. Not much more than a bite each. I think I’ll try some earl grey Please”
“Now then, let’s talk about the book.
What gave you the idea for Dreamers Alliance, Knuckleheads and The Evil You Choose. Did both books come to you as a done deal or did you start the first book and find there was just so much more to write.”
“I actually started this series with The Evil You Choose. I was trying to work in a lot, probably too much of the backstory when it was suggested that maybe the backstory could be a separate book. I set The Evil You Choose aside and wrote Knuckleheads.”
“I believe you said they can be read as stand alone stories….is that correct…I have actually read both books and yes indeed they both stand alone well but they are great as a pair. Here try one of these beef and horseradish sandwiches they are very tasty.”
“Cheers… yes they do have a kick. The books yes I wanted to write them so they could stand on their own, but everyone who has read both agrees that the second book is better if you had read Knuckleheads first. There’s a third book in the series as well. That is a sequel to the current book, and will be released in late November. The third book, working title, “When Evil Chooses You,” is a true sequel.”
“I like the sound of a third book Dan, I shall definitely be up for reading that one too. When I finished reading The Evil You Choose, I really wanted more? So how long have you been writing this story? Have you found it hard or have experienced being along for the ride while the story wrote itself? Can I offer you a piece cake or a scone?
“The Victoria Sponge looks very light willow I think I will try some of that, did you make it?
I started writing The Evil You Choose in early 2020, shortly after I retired. I thought I would have it finished by July or August, then I switched to Knuckleheads. I finished a rough draft of that fairly quickly, but I already had an idea for a sequel. I started working on that, to make sure the entire story would hang together. By the spring of 2021, I had drafts of all three books. Several people had suggested waiting until all three were complete before releasing any of the series, since events might need to change. That turned out to be excellent advice, as all three books have changed over time. I thought I was ready to release the books in March 2022. I ordered proof copies and began working with my beta readers and proofreaders.”
I find, Dan I can write absolutely anywhere and do , but do you have a special place where you write , a room, a shed or do you just write just like me do you write where ever ? How is the cake? ” More tea?
“The cake is very moist and so are these scones did you make them all willow.”
“I made the cakes and sandwiches but the scones are made by hubby he’s an excellent cook not unlike your Billy. “
“Well he does have a light touch willow your lucky. Where do I write? most of the three books have been written at a small desk in our bedroom. I am comfortable there, and its size prevents me from cluttering it with distractions. I built the desk, and I guess that fact helps me to feel creative in that space.”
“Are there parts of this story that you have drawn from your personal life or have you plucked it all out of the either Dan?”
“I do experience lucid dreams. I have since I was a teenager. I am not able to travel in them like Zach, but I often become aware of the fact that I am dreaming, and I can change the nature of a dream. The childhood portions of Knuckleheads are drawn from my own experience, and those of my brother and a few close friends. I found it impossible to make up a different childhood. I wouldn’t know what it would have been like. All three books are set in the area around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am very familiar with that area and although I’ve lived on both coasts, and in New York City and briefly in the south, I think Pittsburgh is the most interesting place I’ve ever lived.
I also had several friends who were labeled as being “mildly retarded” or were considered “abnormal” and suffered from isolation when we were in school. The school systems were very crowded in the 1960s, and they really didn’t have time to deal with these kids. The character of Billy is a composite of those kids. There is no one person that is Billy, or Zach, but I understand both characters.”
I can understand that well Dan, I was isolated at school, by teachers and piers… Like Billy I had a couple of good friends and apart from them I kept very much under the radar. Thankfully we all grow up and experiences like that often makes us stronger “
How about we visit my local pub later and I can review your two books. But first Dan? Here are the important links for everyone to visit!
relinks.me/B0BCBQSHQZ
Amazon and universal link to my author page
reLinks: relinks.me/DanielAntion
Knuckleheads Paperback edition.
https://www.facebook.com/dantion
The Blurb The Evil You Choose.
Zach Amstead had kept his ability to participate in lucid dreams a secret for over fifty years However, in the high-tech world of the 21st century, he has been discovered by an FBI Special Agent who has a corrupt agenda and who is willing to employ illegal tactics while working toward his goal.
Thomas Slocum gives Zach a choice – cooperate in an illegal operation or be arrested as a terrorist. Slocum’s plan puts Zach on a collision course with organized crime leaders, a corrupt politician and brings innocent people into dangerous situations. Worse, the FBI process which allowed Slocum to uncover Zach’s abilities threatens to expose the abilities of his best friend, Billy.
Zach must get ahead of the FBI in a dangerous race. He must protect Billy, and he must choose where along the spectrum of good and evil he can place his trust.
Well Dan it’s been great to have you here to sit and chat, I have really enjoyed talking about your new book. I hope you can come again soon. Maybe when the third part of the trilogy is out.
Keep an eye out everyone out everyone I shall be reviewing books one and two very soon.
willowdot21 