In Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins, a banker finds himself collaborating with Jesus Christ when he sets out to make a name for himself in the financial world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My inspiration stems from my own experiences. I grew up in churches and, eventually, found myself attached to a congregation which was more intense than the others. After two years, the leaders found their calling in a movement pioneered by a self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ of an international organisation. This is where radical behaviour and ideas were cultivated.

After many more years of manipulation and threats, I decided to leave after witnessing the leader of my church assault a child for wearing a shirt with a skull on it. Something they believed was a mark of the devil.

This was a life-changing experience. In many ways, writing Sovereignty was as much about reconciling my past as it was about creating something engaging and, hopefully, relatable.

What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight in Amphion’s character development?

In many ways, Amphion’s trials and character development mirrors my own. Grappling with the promise of eternal life and the terror of damnation are powerful motivators and were not forgotten easily. I saw a lot of people my age leave the church and lose themselves in drugs and crime because, in leaving, they abandoned the only ethical structure in their lives.

It was important for me to highlight Amphion’s immorality as an avaricious business tycoon and the perpetrator of manipulation as this represents the leaders of the church. But to also show his own self-deception and fear which forces him to believe his own lie which represents the followers—at one time, myself.

Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?

Sovereignty is as much a criticism of capitalism as it is of Christianity. Businesses can operate ethically, however, they will manipulate any market to increase profits, and, where no market exists, they are willing to leverage people’s emotions, fear, and faith to create one. Churches can be wholesome, community-oriented organisations, however, the temptation for leaders to exploit their followers for money and power is often too great to resist.

I feel that modern businesses and conventional churches are similar in many ways, as businesses have become increasingly dogmatic, and churches lean into their potential to manipulate for profit.

Can you tell us a little about the next book you are working on? When can readers expect to see it released?

I’m going back to my roots. As someone who’s always loved a gritty mystery, I’m writing a detective thriller with a focus on deep characters and building unique relationships between them. My next novel will centre on a reformed addict as he tracks an international contract killer who is extracting their victim’s bones. The broader mystery is why anyone would pay such extravagant amounts for such a pointless exercise.

It’s hard to say much without giving the twists away, but I’m having fun with it and it should be ready late 2024.

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