The following is an interview with writer Shawn Brink regarding the release of the horror novel, Pets for Legion. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Brink about the creative process of bringing the story to life, how the story may connect with its readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of Pets for Legion! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise?
Shawn Brink: Pets for Legion is a Christian horror novel with the premise based on the Biblical story about the legion of demons that Jesus cast out of the possessed man. “And he [Jesus] asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.” – Mark 5:9 – The Bible (KJV)
In that Bible story, there was a man possessed by demons. Jesus approached him and commanded that they leave the man. The demons beg Jesus not to send them away from the area, so he gives them permission to possess a nearby herd of pigs. They enter the pigs. The pigs go berserk, run into a lake, and drown.
Pets for Legion answers the question: Where did the legion of demons go after the pigs drowned? In Pets for Legion, they’re living under a small town in Northern Iowa, U.S.A., and manipulating the citizens to do their bidding. When a woman named Sasha James discovers the truth, Legion doesn’t take it kindly. From there, things really start to get interesting.
Here’s the book blurb:
When local school paraprofessional Sasha James rescues a child from a mysterious assailant, she unknowingly marks herself as the next target. To survive this supernatural foe, she will need to search deeper than the physical, pray for power beyond the natural, and fight like there’s no tomorrow.
Here’s the book trailer.
BD: What can you share with us about your creative process in bringing the story to life?
SB: I know some authors write out character profiles, plot outlines, write during certain times of day or for so many hours, etc. I don’t do any of those things.
When I start writing a new book, I already have the characters in my head, so I don’t type out character profiles. It’s the same with the plot. Since I already know pretty much what’s going to occur in the book, writing it out ahead of time seems pointless.
By keeping everything inside my brain, a certain level of fluidity is maintained. The characters take on a life of their own and often guide my fingers as they type, and it’s the same with the plot. Since nothing’s put in stone, things can change on a dime if it makes sense to do so.
Also, I don’t have specific times of day I write. Instead, I give myself daily goals and make sure I attain them before quitting for the day.
BD: Who are some of your creative influences?
SB: Authors: Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Edgar Allan Poe, Clive Barker, C.S. Lewis, H.P. Lovecraft, Dr. Seuss and others.
Also, pretty much anything can be a creative influence. For example:
Dreams
Nightmares
Faith
Music
Friends
Enemies
My surroundings
Etc.
BD: If given the opportunity, do you foresee expanding the world of the book or its characters into subsequent stories?
SB: It’s always a possibility. However, I am not actively working on that project. I simply have too many other projects going on right now.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Sasha’s story will connect with and impact readers?
SB: The target audience for this book include those who enjoy any of the following genres of fiction:
Horror
Supernatural
Christian
Christian horror
From a secular-fiction standpoint: Pets for Legion is a horror thriller. It’s meant to instill a sense of ambition in the reader and a desire to never give up no matter how large the obstacles.
From a Christian-fiction standpoint: Pets for Legion shows how God takes care of his children even when things appear hopeless. It’s a story of flawed characters who finding hope in a chaotic world.
The book’s angle: Pets for Legion has been enjoyed by many readers regardless of their religious beliefs. Although it is a Christian horror novel, it’s not preachy. It has all the elements enjoyed by readers of horror fiction, just from a Christian perspective. The book is fictional, and at its core is meant to be read as a form of entertainment.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
SB: I’ve signed a contract with Tell-Tale Publishing Group for my next novel, a Christian supernatural thriller/horror novel entitled Bound by Blood.
Working Book Blurb for Bound by Blood
Two factions seek to control one city. A demonic cult and a Christian church skirmish for territory. Battle lines are drawn. Angels and demons square off as brother goes against brother. The spoils of this war are human souls. Who will rise victorious, and at what cost?
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Pets for Legion and your other work?
SB: Website: shawnbrinkauthor.wordpress.com
Twitter handle: @shawnbrinkauth2
Shawn writes primarily speculative fiction and is building a following with five published novels to his name. He also has numerous shorter works in various publications and anthologies. For a list of publishing credits, and/or to learn more about Shawn’s writing, please go to his website: shawnbrinkauthor.wordpress.com. Shawn is represented by Liverman Literary Agency and resides in eastern Nebraska, U.S.A.
