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Pulp Fiction-Style Storyline
He Died Two Days Ago follows three people who find themselves entangled in the power struggles between warring alien clans. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Initially, I had intended to create a stylized sci-fi/fantasy pulp fiction/film-noir short story: Nick is brutally shot; it was a mistake even though it was on purpose (Nick has a twin). He is miraculously saved by an alien.
Once that alien door opened, I tried putting myself in the mind of the reader: Who are these aliens? Why did they save Nick of all people? What is going on in their world? But simultaneously, I wanted to keep a fast-paced, pulp fiction-style storyline.
Organically, the “short story” turned into a novel. (As your readers know, sometimes plots and characters take over their own development.)
And to add one other piece to the puzzle: I look at the novel as a thematic exploration. Underneath the
different plot lines and characters, I see an examination of manifest destiny, zealotry, vengeance, power, and egomania.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed writing each character. Probably Nick was the most fun because of his unrestrained willingness to exact revenge on the henchmen.
The two hardest were Tony, his twin brother, and Artemesia, an Ephemeral. I actually know a number of twins. One question for the story is: how different can twins be?
Without giving away the plotline and character development, Artemesia had to be strong and prominent, but have a hidden character.
The overall challenge was to keep my idea of quick pacing for the story. It can be a trade-off with character development.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
Basically, organically. Even the existence of Tony, Nick’s twin, was not originally planned. Most of the twists and turns came out of me trying to be a reader, rather than an author. What would I want to know if I was a reader? Who are these aliens? What is their world like? What is the character going to do now?
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
He Died Two Days Ago is intended as a standalone. If I may suggest to readers that I have another sci-fi book out: Forever is Too Long that is speculative fiction/fantasy (also reviewed by Literary Titan). I see more opportunity with going back to that book and creating a sequel.
A new book is in the works. Again, standalone. Conceptually, think A Race to Armageddon. (It’s the current working title.)
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Can Earth Be Freed from Twisted Alien Intentions?
Pierce Savage is the ultimate mobster kingpin. With an arsenal of assassins at his beck and call, he dispatches them to take down Tony Cowen, his new enemy who has stolen Sylvia, his gun moll girlfriend.
When the assassins mistakenly shoot the wrong brother —Tony’s twin, Nick—it reveals the Ephemerals, an alien race that secretly inhabits living beings of other planets across the universe, feeding off the emotions of the entities they reside within.
When Nick is kept alive by one of the aliens, Earth becomes a twisted battleground for the plotting clans of Ephemeron.
• What will happen to Ephemeron’s ruling kingdom as rival clans clash
• What will happen to Ephemeron when its 1,000-year political cycle collides against their 300-year biological fertility clock that will pit Ephemeral against Ephemeral?
• Will the three Earthlings, pursuing their Earthly revenge against Pierce Savage and his henchmen, free themselves from alien inhabitation—and maybe free the rest of Earth?
He Died Two Days Ago delivers a fast-paced sci-fi/fantasy read woven with action and suspense.
SCI-FI/FANTASY PSYCHO THRILLERS DYSTOPIAN
He Died Two Days Ago
He Died Two Days Ago by John Posner is a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy that centers on twins Nick and Tony, who discover they are hosts to alien entities known as Ephemerals. These beings secretly inhabit humans and other creatures, feeding off the emotions of their hosts. The plot thickens when assassins, sent by a mobster kingpin, mistakenly kill Nick instead of Tony after Tony steals Sylvia, the kingpin’s girlfriend. From there, all three find themselves entangled in the power struggles between warring Ephemeral clans.
One of the novel’s strengths is its immersive introduction to the world of the Ephemerals. I was intrigued by the glimpse into their culture as they struggle over who will inherit a new world. The pacing and detail of this portion of the story were just right, allowing me to become invested in these alien beings without feeling overwhelmed. In fact, I wished we could have stayed longer in their world, as it was one of the more compelling aspects of the novel. The transition to Nick’s storyline, while necessary, shifted the narrative in a way that felt quick. That said, the idea of the Ephemerals having the power to heal a dying person added a fascinating dimension.
Nick and Tony’s predicament of getting caught in a tangled web of crime, betrayal, and alien interference felt grounded and realistic. I appreciated the authenticity in Nick’s reaction to being shot, which added depth to his character. I loved Nick and Tony and I wanted their backstory to be fleshed out more. Similarly, Sylvia’s fate, while rooted in real-world circumstances, was introduced abruptly, and I would have loved to have spent more time with her. And after Artemesia, the High Priestess of the Xemegan clan, was introduced, I would have preferred to see other traits or characteristics that made her memorable.
Still, the book’s deeper themes, like identity, control, and the influence of outside forces on our decisions, are compelling. The relationship between Nick and his twin brother Tony and how they’ve been manipulated by their respective aliens adds emotional depth to the narrative.
He Died Two Days Ago is a gritty and action-packed read that blends science fiction and thriller with surprising emotional depth. Fans of dystopian thrillers and speculative sci-fi will enjoy this for its original premise and intense action. If you’re into deep space adventures with a heavy dose of psychological tension, this one’s for you.
Pages: 352 | ASIN : B0D79NBGDM
LITERARY TITAN 