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Punch and Counter Punch
Zipline: Aftermath follows a rookie cop about to become a father who starts having strange, vivid dreams. The line between reality and fantasy blurs, leading him to wonder if something sinister is at play. Where did the idea for this novel come from, and how did it develop over time?
The story idea came from a YouTube book talker named Murphy Naipier, a married mother of two. She had a segment called Dear Author, where her followers explained what they hated in a series. The readers didn’t want a five—to ten-year gap in the story but rather wanted to know what happened after the first book. I was dumbfoundedly struck by that. So, I had to craft a story about what happened after the mountain trip. It was, at first, easy. I already knew what each character would do because they said so in the first book. Make Gail pregnant with twins and have Neal be a rookie in his second year. (I asked a traffic officer how long a newbie would be considered a rookie and was told two years) Then, bring in the SUV back that was mentioned in the first book, and I have the basis for a thriller mystery. The ending needed work but presented a new problem because a character who should die lived. That created a new storyline.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
Competition is the green-eyed devil to an established person. I had to ensure that whatever the antagonist/protagonist said or did sounded justifiable to the reader. It was a punch and counter punch as one had authority by rank while the other exuded authority by nature. Again, there is a delicate balance in the creation of that story.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
What I had to do was that when he was on the job, it was at a faster pace; however, when he was at home, it was at a slower pace. I needed him to have a pause, just like the reader needs a pause after some excitement. I wanted the reader to see and feel the hunt as he pursued his prey, but it was all about the family when he was home. Neal loves his wife and would do anything for her and his friends.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
The next two books are already going through the editorial process. They’re a two-part story. One is called HYBRID and should be out by November. Still working on that blurb. I can tell you all the questions about that mountain will be answered in the following two books. Remember Marcus? He lived in Aftermath, so he gets a story of his journey that ties back to the gang.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Gail and her friends may have escaped the mountain, but now they all have to deal with the AFTERMATH.
Two years later, all have entered the workforce. Neal and Gail are contentedly married, and she’s pregnant with twins on the way. But Neal is unsettled as special abilities emerge, which he has to learn to embrace. Worse yet, he’s having strange visions of gruesome murders that actually happened as if he was there. Now Neal, Gail, and friends are wondering if he is truly going rabid. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they find the truth is far worse and more insidious than anyone could imagine.
Aftermath is a mystery suspense continuation to Zip Line that will grip you from beginning until the very end.
This Spirited Trip To The Very End
Zipline follows a group of friends on a camping trip that goes awry when they realize the haunting stories they were told might be true. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This started out as a short story about a camping trip that went terribly awry. I had some of the elements for the story but had to ask questions like – why would they go up the mountain? I kept asking questions till I had a novella.
Your characters are interesting and well-developed. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Gail is the one who wants to face her fears. Danny just wanted to ride the zip line. Neal went because Gail was his girlfriend. Paula went to keep an eye on Danny because she was jealous of Danny’s and Gail’s relationship. Sam is Neal’s best friend who is along for the ride. All the characters just graduated from college and have employment waiting for them to start in two weeks. I needed each one to have a different motivation for being there which really melded the personalities perfectly. Each one is distinct and has a purpose being there. And yet, you can feel the love between each one, including Sam. Everybody loves Sam.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme is going from adolescence to adulthood. From being reckless to responsible. I think everyone who reads this will admit that they grew up really fast and had those adult conversations by the end of the story. Another is Love and Trust which were tested by the decisions that were being made along the journey. Lastly, looking at the future juxtaposed against the reality of the situation they were in. I think the reader will enjoy this spirited trip to the very end.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Since this is the start of a series, the other four books are in various editing, the next one is called AFTERMATH. Murphy Napier has a series on YouTube called Dear Author. This is where her following tells us, the authors, what they want in a sequel. So the next book takes place two years after this one and is from the point of view of Neal. Yes, the gang’s back together to solve another mystery that will have you at the edge of your seat biting your nails. It was supposed to come out next month, but I’m making some additions to and editing it right now, so look for it next year and stop by my website panothonymichael.com to get any updates. And when you finish reading it, leave a review on Amazon, please. That really helps.
Author Links: Amazon | Website
The plan was simple. Hike, camp, and ride the zipline back down the mountain. But Uncle Perkins’ stories are true, and the horrors are real. Now the simple plan is the only plan they have to get off that mountain or disappear, remaining there forever.
Zipline is an immediately gripping, fast-paced, unique story that will keep you entertained until the last sentence.
LITERARY TITAN 