Author Interview – Ian Backhouse – Beneath The Dark
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I can recall getting into James Herbert and M R James amazingly when I was around 10 and was captivated with their stories of the supernatural (Backhouse Beneath). Before that, I can remember the amount I cherished English lessons when it came to writing a story. So to the extent that I can remember, I had write to compose a book since I was around 7 or 8 years of age!
When did you take a step to start writing?
I researched advice on the most effective method of writing a novel when I was around16. The best guidance I was given was – finish it! Regardless of what you do, finish it! It was clarified to me that the hardest thing for new writers to do was really finish a book. Thus, regardless of how terrible it was going, or the amount I didn’t rate my work, I was not to stop. That is precisely exact thing I did and composed my first book called ‘Disciples Of The Oak’ about a pagan cult. It was totally terrible! Be that as it may, I rapidly learned the discipline of writing consistently and really having the obligation to complete it.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
‘Beneath The Dark’ is my first professionally written book, which I wrote during the second lockdown. It is the 6th novel I’ve written, however I’d never sent any others out before this to agents or publishers as I didn’t feel the standard was sufficient. The idea got hold of me during lockdown, as though it came from no-where. I was a man possessed. rom plot to planning appeared to come together naturally that I had a hunch it would stand up to my own standards. From very beginning to end, it required around a half year.
What made you want to write Backhouse BeneathThe Dark?
I want readers to love the story, to lose all sense of direction in it, to be excited, and away from their concerns and daily existences. To be invigorated, terrified, wowed and not have the option to put the book down. that is the core, all things considered, for me. No literati subtext, no deeper implications, simply extraordinary stories and idealism, and I make no apology for that.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Backhouse Beneath The Dark?
For me it’s generally the planning. I need to get everything right at this stage to get those creative energies to begin flowing. That means guaranteeing the details that progress the story are in every section, (some may be hints, other’s distractions, or foreshadowing for instance) as well as placing them in a succession that will keep the reader connected, moving the speed along, guaranteeing the parts end in a way that makes the reader need to continue, etc. This is generally an apprehensive time for me, and by a wide margin the hardest piece of writing.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
This specific book draws on my own encounters a cop in the Met, yet that is the only time I’ll do that. It gives the book gravitas as I can write easily and realistically about the character, as well with creativity. However, I also needed to have a hero who was grounded and straightforward to take the risk and grow tnensions. He needed to change his perspective on the world to manage the terrible events that he is confronted with.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
One of my significant standards is to stay far away from the standard, tired, reiterated ‘demon’ plots and ‘monster’ plots. Thus, I had opportunity and energy to concoct something as one of a kind as could be expected.
I guess nothing is really extraordinary – even subliminally we learn from past creators – yet I give a valiant effort. In this way, I will quite often take what are accepted theories in the paranormal world and steer them off in a totally new bearings, or unpick them, as though they are maybe mistaken, and uncover how it truly is!
I can’t give a lot of away, however albeit the plot is based loosly around the great beyond, and where we go, it takes it to a lot more obscure spot, reconsidering those acknowledged thoughts, and uncovering something that a large portion of humanity doesn’t realize even exists as a feature of this life and death circle we go through.
What is the inciting incident of Backhouse Beneath The Dark?
Several people succumb to the antagonist – in a manner I can’t reveal as it would be enormous spoiler – and their destiny is very brutal and strange: not death, but rather more terrible. Furthermore, this triggers a chain response including the police office, our principal hero, the only one on two little islands of the shore of Britain, and his endeavors to stop any more terrible events, which as you can imagine, turns out poorly from the beginning!
What is the main conflict of Backhouse Beneath The Dark?
Try not to mess around with things you don’t know anything about with regards to the occult! Yet, there are small conflcits to – internal ones for a few of the characters, that are perspective changing.
Did you plot Backhouse Beneath The Dark in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
I’m an enormous planner! I start with a thought, get it on paper, then, at that point, begin scrutinizing that thought – is it acceptable, even in paranormal terms, provided that this is true does x, y ,z work, assuming this happens does that seem OK, does everything join together, no lose ends or badly devised plot twists, in the event that they can do this, why wouldn’t they do that.
The plot needs to work or the entire story self-destructs, yet not just that, on the off chance that it holds water, the frightening parts and terrifying parts ought make you jump, check out the space for any dark shadows.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Backhouse Beneath The Dark need?
My publishers are splendid. We went this way and that multiple times with the entire original copy, Victoria my publishing organizer fixing grammar mistakes. Thus, editing required about a month.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
As was told to me, when you start your book – finish it. Try not to move on before it’s done regardless of your thoughts about it. Everybody is unique and has their own specific manner of writing. I’m not saying everybody can write, however in the event that you can, you will have a special voice, so be glad for that and don’t hesitate for even a moment to put it out there for an agent or publisher.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Indeed for sure. I’m now 33% of a way through ‘Alice Malign’ which is significantly stronger, in two or three different ways. I’m so satisfied with how it’s going, which is interesting for me as I’m exceptionally unforgiving with myself. However, once more, I have that premonition, and when that’s what I get, I know it’s heading down the correct path. I truly can’t part with anything – all I can maybe say is Alice is quite a person, and everything begins when she’s just 8 years of age!
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment?
I’m thrilled. As a writer, I am always doubting yourself. I did not think I’d start a writing career at 53, but it goes to show you should never give up. I’m confident and proud of my work but it is so important to stay humble, and never get above yourself.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
https://www.instagram.com/ibhorrorauthor/
Social Media