Alan
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Last Breath Before Death is my fourth and latest novel. Each time I finish and release a book, I always say that it will be my last one — at least for now, but I soon get the ‘itch’ as they say, and start another! Although I don’t see myself finishing it anytime soon, I have since begun a new book which will be much shorter and more of a novella this time around. Though I’m still unsure of where I’m going with it at the moment. The urge and enthusiasm comes and goes for me, when writing a novel, particularly when you’re lost for ideas and how the story is going to progress, but once you’ve worked it out, then everything starts to flow more and into place.
The Last Breath Before Death took a little over a year to complete and release. I think I started it around August 2023, a month or so after I had finished my third novel (The Cult from Beyond). It was certainly a struggle at times, but I remained committed (I started so I’ll finish kind of attitude), and it was a good feeling after it had all been done. It’s kind of weird/amazing, how you can be struggling with finishing a story, and before you know it, even though many months have passed, it’s all finished and others have also read it.
Before starting the book, I wasn’t too sure on what the theme/idea of the story would be, other than I had a strong inkling for something ‘vampire-related’ and which would involve a freelance reporter as the main protagonist. With all my stories, I like to create fact with fiction, as it can add a little more authenticity and perhaps ‘realism’ to the plot, even though it’s mainly fiction. I also try and be as unique and original as I can, and try not to use other authors’ works to influence me too much (if at all), due to the fact that I like to create my own things. It was also another reason why I didn’t want the story to involve your ‘typical’ vampires, and wanted to do something a little more different than the norm. I always attempt and make sure that all my books’ endings have a strong finish and climax, too. The first part of the story is also about introducing Jimmy to the audience and his lifestyle and backstory, then things start to happen fairly quickly once he learns of his brother and his best friend’s disappearance.
Writing a novel takes a lot of time, money and effort, which also results in numerous read throughs checking for errors and that. I often tend to overthink things as well, making sure that there aren’t really any plot holes etc. You have to remain determined to the end! I’m also grateful for anyone out there who purchases/reads my book, and always hope that if they have liked my books, then to leave a review and recommend it to others, as being an author is difficult, and can be demoralising. Everything is also subjective, too.
THE MAIN CHARACTER
As for Jimmy (the protagonist), I wanted to make him a little ‘flawed’ and perhaps ‘less likeable’ from the start, compared to other characters from my previous other books. A kind of ‘antihero’, if you like. Even though he is still a good and caring guy, showing much courage and bravery as the story progresses. At the end of the day, you don’t always want your main character ‘too’ good! : ) And diversity can often be a good thing, keeping things varied, rather than being the same all the time. Characters are also important to me as well. I like to try and make them as real as possible and relative, creating them so that they are either likeable or the complete opposite, due to their good/evil nature etc. For example, a reader might ‘hate’ a typically bad and evil character, but in a positive way, in which they were designed to be.
SUMMARY
To sum up my latest novel to readers: I would say that it’s a chilling horror mixed with suspense. And if you like a different kind of vampire-themed story which includes folklores and facts — together with a twist (particularly at the end, without giving away anything), then hopefully this book will be for you!
*AVAILABLE ON AMAZON (INCLUDING KINDLE UNLIMITED)*
