End of Morrow is the gripping conclusion to the trilogy following the lives of an English archaeologist from 1850 AD and a Guardian of the East from 2300 BC whose actions will determine the fate of humankind. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the trilogy?

The initial idea for the conclusion of the trilogy was born during my first research phase. I identified the Akkadian period, circa 2300 BC, as an ideal time setting. King Sargon of Akkad also stood out as a fascinating antagonist. He was building the world’s first empire and this was changing the known world. I thought, what if this God-King was challenged and not by another ruler but by an individual? This was the seed for the David vs. Goliath battle that would take me two decades to complete. My research was ongoing. I wanted to ensure that my story adhered to historical knowledge of the period and, importantly, King Sargon’s fate. The greatest transformation in my perceived path to the trilogy’s climax occurred through the individual characters taking on lives of their own. Everything is interconnected and I marvelled at the way the characters worked with or against each other towards the inevitable end.

What was one of the hardest parts in End of Morrow for you to write?

The hardest part in writing the final novel in the trilogy was telling myself that it was complete. There was part of me that did not want to let it go. I’m a perfectionist, so I was examining all the character arcs and conflicts. I reworked the end of the final chapter and I was emotional when I re-read this part. When I shared the new end with my partner, she told me that she liked the character Fred Baker for the first time. That was my sign that it was complete. 

Where do you see your characters after the book ends?

I feel that the characters in my novels took on lives of their own that were somewhat outside of my control. In writing, I would always ask the character what they would do? I believe readers will be able to easily imagine the future lives of those who survive. The futures of some key characters are purposely left ambiguous and this is because life is ongoing and I want these characters to live on in their active state, rather than as a person who once lived.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

My next novel is set much closer to home in a small country town in Australia. I wrote a screenplay for this story when my trilogy was being edited, so it will be an easy write for me. I’m not ready to reveal the idea but I can tell you that it involves a butcher, a kangaroo, a reporter and, ultimately, the whole world. It is based on a true story and I hope to film a documentary to accompany the novel. My prediction is that it will be available in 2025. I look forward to sharing updates with my followers.

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