https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD9PK2HR
Alex and Emma have a close working relationship. How do their interactions shape the mood of the story?
Alex and Emma's dynamic is truly central to the story's mood. Their
relationship starts purely as a professional one, but it naturally evolves into
a deep friendship and partnership within their firm, even before the main
events of my story begin. From such a bond, a love story almost always
blossoms, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that.
Alex
is a born leader and adventurer. When his visions first started, they were
beautiful and brought him joy. He somehow built a connection to the girl he saw
in these visions, and that's precisely why her suffering affected him so
profoundly. Emma, on the other hand, has always been the logical element in
their duo. Not only did she graduate from the police academy with honors, but
she's also incredibly intelligent and courageous. Many people have asked me if
she'll be a typical female character and the answer is no. Emma is a capable
young woman who can handle a computer virus, a biker in a bar, and even a
street shootout or a combat zone.
The combination of these two characters creates, for me as the author and I hope for all readers, a perfect synergy for every situation. Their dialogues are a living testament to their friendship, devotion, and later, love. You just need to let yourself be carried away by them to feel how their interactions constantly shape and enrich the mood of the story, from tension to heartwarming moments.
Detroit is featured prominently in the first chapter. Why did you choose this city as the starting point for Alex's investigation?
I chose Detroit because when I was little, my father brought me a hockey jersey from the USA as a souvenir, and also when I played NHL on the computer as a young boy, I was always Detroit. Plus, many of my favorite characters and films are set in Detroit. The city somehow grew on me, and I hope I'll get to visit it someday.
Humor appears in unexpected moments, such as the "sandwich incident." Why did you include these lighter scenes?
You know, when I'm writing my book, I really immerse myself in my characters' stories. And in the real world, things like that just happen. Humorous moments occur in the most inconvenient times, or vice versa. So, even in the most intense part of the story, something unexpected can and should happen, something that either relieves the tension or strengthens the situation in that particular part of the narrative.
Alex experiences visions and nightmares. How important are these dreams to driving the plot?
For me as the author, the question isn't just how important these visions are for the plot, but why Alex has them at all. The story could have unfolded differently, without the visions. However, at the very beginning of the narrative, these visions connect Alex to that girl. That's why her suffering affected him so deeply. So, the question really is: why exactly is Alex the one who has these specific visions?
You describe Alex's nightmares with vivid imagery. How did you create these unsettling scenes?
As I've already mentioned, when I write about my characters, I really immerse myself in them. Unfortunately, sometimes these visions are horrific, sometimes they're adventurous... and other times they're mysterious... but I see them in my mind.
The novel hints at a deeper connection between Alex and Emma. What influenced your decision to include this relationship?
I've been married for over 20 years, and my wife has always been my rock. So, Alex wouldn't get very far without Emma. Even if you're strong, it's always good to have someone you can rely on, just like I rely on my beloved wife. When I was thinking about this story, I worked backward: first there was Sarah, then Viktor... and every story needs a hero, so Alex came to be. But no hero is complete without their personal friend. Just as Frodo had Sam, as Batman has Robin... so Alex got Emma. She became his colleague, friend, and love, just like in life.
Emma's character provides emotional support for Alex. How essential is her role in his journey?
It's quite difficult to answer that question without giving away plot details. However, I can confirm that her role is extremely essential, even if it might not seem so at the very beginning.
The story introduces supernatural elements. What inspired you to blend detective work with paranormal themes?
This combination arose from the history of Alex's character. In the book, I reveal his childhood and how paranormal phenomena have accompanied him his entire life, what they've done to him, and how he lived. So, the fact that he became a detective was essentially just a development. Alex always wanted to and always helped people in need. By using his abilities, he simply became a private detective.
Alex struggles with isolation due to his visions. Did personal experiences inform how you portrayed his internal conflict?
Yes, partly, it's based on personal experience. I believe we all have some kind of inner demon we want to defeat... And we all search for how to conquer our own... I found the most powerful sword I've ever held in my hand... the pen.
What made you choose New Orleans as the location connected to Alex’s visions and the core mystery?
New Orleans is strongly associated
with voodoo. And while my vision of using spells, curses, and magical powders
isn't directly based on voodoo, it's the closest real world concept I could
bring to readers from imagination to reality. You know, you can describe
magical things, but then it sounds like Harry Potter, and I didn't want that.
That's why I created an illusion of forces, spells, and magical powders based
on voodoo, and that led me to New Orleans.