I basically just write to entertain the reader. A non-horror reader can be drawn into speculative literature overnight.

Anthony Crowley – 6 September 2015

The Back Flap

Simon Kessler, is a reality television Psychic about to embark on the biggest show of his career. But eventually learns that he has been living in denial since the murder of his true love, Isabelle.
Gradually he discovers a secret conspiracy which has been undiscovered for many years. This is a story of deception, lies, and betrayal of the untold truth of Simon Kessler’s life as he begins to learn more about himself, and the dark magickal past of his friends and family.

About the book

What is the book about?

The story focuses towards Simon Kessler who is a reality television Psychic and he’s about to embark on the biggest show of his career. But eventually learns that he has been living in whirlwind of denial since the murder of his true love, Isabelle.

Gradually he discovers a secret conspiracy which has been undiscovered for many years. This is a story of deception, lies, and betrayal of the untold truth of Simon Kessler’s life as he begins to learn more about himself, and the dark magical past of his friends and family

When did you start writing the book?

I initially began writing the story back in 2010

How long did it take you to write it?

The story idea didn’t take very long to come to me. It was spontaneous idea that happened. I then had a break from writing, due to personal issues. I then began to focus more towards what I wanted to do and without the distractions. I continued writing the story in 2013.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was exercising Yoga twice daily at that time and once my mind travelled into a semi-unconscious state and I began to imagine certain scenarios that would form within The Mirrored Room. I then watched a show called Crossing Over with John Edward. Then the idea came to me.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

To be honest I didn’t struggle with the idea and flow of the initial story, until I began writing again and noticed my style had changed due to learning the craft. I think all of us as we become older and mature, the same happens to how we describe and put things together.

What came easily?

The story plot and characters played an important part by building up inside my mind during my sleep and the daytime hours.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

All of the story’s characters are entirely fictitious.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I was early influenced by Edgar Allan Poe, Dennis Wheatley, H.P.Lovecraft and Clive Barker. Later on during my teenage years I began to read more Jack Ketchum and Ramsey Campbell. That’s just a few of them.

Do you have a target reader?

No. I basically I write to entertain the reader and also it is a positive escape that has always been a part of me. A non-horror reader can be drawn into speculative literature overnight. I also write other genres, including non-fiction.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

It depends on the day, usually I multi task for many hours on most days. I prefer late afternoon and I work straight through until morning.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I usually just include my chapter headings and let my imagination unfold.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I have performed both methods. Personally, I find It much easier to execute that task when the project draft is finished.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

All the time. My laptop becomes my literary music instrument. Music depends on the mood, but most times it usually is piano based such as singer/songwriters from Elton John, Billy Joel, Liberace and Little Richard. I enjoy a variety of music from 1920’s Jazz to classic rock and Eurodance also.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I have previously submitted work to Agents. It’s the luck of the draw. You win some, you lose some. I have had a few Agents interested previously from overseas.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was the latter, it was a gradual process, nobody knows the future and situations can change.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I’m also a graphic designer. I design my own covers to save time, but also it’s extra rewarding to yourself as a creative artist.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have previous business and marketing skills. I tend to use a technique each time.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Research your possible publishing outlet. Never jump in head first. Learn their background and what it could do for you.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Birmingham, UK

Where do you live now?

I have lived all over the UK. Currently I’m residing in a village near Birmingham.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I have an incredible passion for piano. I once studied classical piano studies and reached grade six, but then my instrument was in sudden disrepair and I travelled to a few locations and it was impossible to continue at that time. 2016 I am going to focus towards my studies again.

What are you working on now?

I currently have a contributed story titled Saturnalia in a forthcoming anthology Demonology. The collection is inspired by King James VI’s legendary opus of the same name. It features contributions by some of today’s most talented authors such as Tim Dry, Paul Flewitt, Juan J. Gutierrez, Christopher L.Beck. Demonology is published by Lycopolis Press and edited by Dean M.Drinkel. Later this year I have a fifteen story collection titled Doomsday After Midnight due for release. Currently I’m working on more short stories and a new dark poetry collection Winter Chills”and two novels.

End of Interview:

For more from Anthony, follow him on Twitter or like his Facebook page. You can also watch the trailer for The Mirrored Room below.

To get your copy of The Mirrored Room visit Amazon US (paper or ebook) or Amazon UK (paper or ebook).