Folks, please give a warm welcome to Essel Pratt, the author of such books as Secession and Sharkantula. I really enjoyed the audiobook version of Sharkantula. Scroll to the bottom for the giveaway, a chance to win an ebook of the dystopian literary fiction Secession.
What was the first major news story you remember as a child?
This is a great question! I can remember staying home from school when I was a child. I’m not sure why I stayed home, but I don’t remember being sick. However, I do remember sitting on the floor in front of the television watching the Challenger space shuttle getting ready to launch. I was nine at the time and it was the first shuttle launch I saw. I can remember being excited that the individuals on the shuttle were going to do something I would never get the chance to do. Then, shortly after launch, the shuttle blew up. I don’t think I fully understood how impactful the tragedy was at the time. Yet, I knew it was a significant event that I would never forget. I can remember thinking about how the people in the shuttle must have felt, if they even knew what was about to happen to them. I still think back to that from time to time, as I write about characters in the final grips of their lives.
Have you ever made a decision based on a fictional character or book?
I think that it is human nature that all of us do, from time to time. It is sort of the “what would Jesus do” mentality. C.S. Lewis was a huge inspiration for me growing up. There were times that I was in situations that were tough, even as a youngster, that had me asking how the Pevensies would react to situations, or get through them. When I was younger, and even now, my imagination was overactive. So, I would often play out scenarios in my head, from the point of views of different characters I’d read about or watched on television. I think I still do this today, as new obstacles of life veer their ugly heads.
If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?
Hands down, this would be a signed copy of The Chronicles of Narnia. C. S. Lewis is my all-time hero in the realm of writing. If I were to be greedy, I’d have a signed copy of each book in The Chronicles of Narnia.
If you could give any literary villain a happy ending who would you chose?
This is a tough one. So many villains in literature are either misunderstood or would be heroes from another’s point of view. I think this would be a toss-up between Captain Hook and Dracula. In my eyes, Captain Hook was not a bad person. Instead, he was plagued by jealousy and desire. There really was no financial gain in the realm of Neverland for him, as is the catalyst of most pirate adventures. I think there is a happy ending there, it just needs to be found. As for Dracula, the basis of his character is a vile historical leader. Yet, after a limitless life, I would imagine that all the power and control would eventually wear him down, causing him to rethink his existence. It would be great to take on a novel that explores the transition from evil to wanting to help others.
What scent brings back great memories?
As strange as it may seem, I can’t think of any scent that brings back great memories. I can think of some that bring back less than desirable memories, but none that are great. This question got me thinking, though, that it really doesn’t matter if the memories are good or bad, as long as they are used to make us better people. As a child, we moved a lot for many different reasons. So, a smell that is not so great is the smell of bleach. When we’d move, my parents would clean the house with bleach and water. To me, this signaled the end of hanging out with friends and the fear of making new friends at a new school. It wasn’t until later in my adolescence that I was able to stay at the same school after a move. So, bleach reminds me of ‘the end’ in a weird sort of way. Yet, I’ve learned from those times of constant moving and made sure that as an adult, my family is more stable.
If you could, what book or movie or TV series would you like to experience for the first time all over again and why?
There are so many out there, but I’ll say it would be a tie between The Boxcar Children and The Chronicles of Narnia. Both show a transition from struggle to betterment, in some fashion or another. This is a theme I try to keep in mind in a lot of my writing now that I’ve been in the business for a bit. When I first started, it seems no one ever survived a short story. But now, that isn’t entirely true. So, experiencing the two book series over again from a fresh new perspective is something I would love.
What has been your worst or most difficult job? How does it compare to writing?
Yikes, this is a tough one. I can’t say that I’ve ever had a job that was too difficult or horrific that would be the making of a horror story. But, I worked for a small company that was being managed by a woman that felt she owned the company. I wouldn’t say it was the worst job, because I eventually replaced her. However, it was difficult because she made a huge mess of things in many unethical ways. Yet, there were a lot of story plots developed there, so my writing often compared in various ways.
What book should be made into a game (card, PC, board, etc.) and why? Is there a specific character who you would want to play in this game?
A book of mine or of another author? If one of mine, Final Reverie or Sharkantula would translate well into a video game or a board game. Each has a cast of characters that one could play as and immerse themselves into the world. If a book of another author, I think it would be interesting to delve into the world of the cenobites and outwit Pinhead from Hellraiser.
Would you prefer to visit Earth in 2100 or travel back to 1900 for a short visit? Why?
This is another tough question. However, I would rather go back in time to 1900 and experience the past. The past is known, so it would be an amazing history lesson. Going forward would be quite scary, because it is unknown. Would I be traveling to a dystopian landscape or a fruitful future that I do not belong in? I would feel much more comfortable in the past.
What is a recurring or the most memorable geeky argument or debate you have taken part in?
There are so many! As a fan of the oxford comma, I’d have to say it is my favorite geeky debate that often leads to a much more in depth conversation about writing in general. However, these debates are better left to be face to face, rather than online.
More about the Author
Essel Pratt is a purveyor of horror and fantasy, conjuring tales that haunt souls and inspire imagination. As a student of psychology and teller of tales, Essel writes to share the complex nature of his imaginings with the world. His ever-expanding catalog of short stories spans multiple anthologies and collections, ranging from whimsical fantasy to bizarre horror, including everything in between. Dedicated fans have praised his creations, labeling his talents as prolific in substance.
Hailing from Mishawaka, Indiana, his passion for writing began in the early years as his imagination taunted from within, begging for a release. Dabbling in art at first, he found that the stories that pleaded to be told could not be imprisoned by ink and paint alone. His most notable and prevalent accomplishments include Final Reverie, Sharkantula, and the multiple short stories that have garnered a following of their own, such as the adventures of Detective Mansfield.
Where to Find Essel Pratt
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ GoodReads
Book Blurb for Secession:
Not with an iron fist, but with nuclear words.
Upon scripted words of unification, the American President delivers an ultimatum for the citizens of the United States of America. Remain loyal to The Great Experiment that is America or relocate to Texas and Louisiana, former states that President Barry Bigly forced to secede from the Union.
The New Sovereign Nation of Texiana begins as a sanctuary for those that predicted President Bigly’s tyrannical rule, only to become a desolate wasteland shut off from the rest of the world by a massive border wall. As the Texianans struggle to adjust to their new lifestyles, The American President has other plans to keep their lack of loyalty at bay; raining down deadly chemicals upon the Texianans while preaching propaganda across the airwaves. Unknowingly creating a horde of Victims within the wall’s borders.
Not willing to stand by as the American President methodically eradicates all that do not believe in his ideals for the next evolution of The United States, three young adults join forces to rise up and restore peace and true unity once again.
GIVEAWAY!!!
Essel Pratt is offering up 5 ebook copies (in either mobi or PDF format -winner’s choice) of his dystopian literary fiction Secession. Open world wide! Do the Rafflecopter thing below or answer these questions in the comments: 1) What book would you like to experience for the first time all over again? 2) Leave a way to contact you (email, Twitter, etc.). Ends January 17th, 2018, midnight.
