The following is an interview with writer/journalist Adam Carter regarding the upcoming release of the supernatural horror graphic novel, Betweeners, through GlobalComix and Amazon Kindle. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Carter about his shared creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page, what he hopes that readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Betweeners! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the premise of this thrilling take on the exorcism genre?
Adam Carter: I generally describe the book as a dark fantasy/horror tale with a twist. It’s the story of a repentant lost soul named Mike Baxter, who – decades after his death and subsequent punishment in Hell – manages to escape his captors by possessing a body back on Earth.
Though freed from his torment, Baxter finds himself desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the demons that are chasing him. He then takes up the mantle of an exorcist to banish as many ghouls as possible before they can drag his soul back to Hell.
All the while, Baxter is navigating an unfamiliar modern world and trying to make sure no one discovers that he isn’t who he’s pretending to be – including his host’s estranged son, who shows up unannounced after years away from home. If you like Dexter, demons, and character development, you’ll like this.
BD: As a writer and journalist, what can you tell us about your creative process in both researching and crafting the narrative behind this story, and how, if at all, do you feel that your perspective as a journalist aided or influenced your storytelling process?
AC: Betweeners started with a fairly simple idea: What would an exorcism look like if you got rid of most of the iconography tied to organized religion? I knew I didn’t want a priest as the main character here, but I still needed a compelling reason as to why someone wouldn’t use traditional tools while fighting demons – because otherwise, it’s kind of like bringing a sharpened stick to a gunfight.
Then it hit me – what if our exorcist couldn’t hold a crucifix or holy water because he’s also possessed? That got me researching Christian exorcism techniques, and figuring out how I might adapt them to Baxter’s unique circumstances. Everything else started to flow from there.
As for my journalism background, it has undoubtedly helped shape how I write dialogue. Spending countless hours transcribing interviews really gives you an insight as to how people actually speak.
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 Baxter’s story may connect with and impact readers?
AC: I think this story speaks to the universality of wanting second chances. Everyone has regrets; from something as simple as taking the wrong job to the untimely dissolution of a relationship, all the way to a parent or loved one dying before you could make peace over a falling out.
Who wouldn’t love a do-over for at least one thing in their life – to know that redemption and forgiveness can be earned after a mistake? This story is obviously an extreme example of that premise (given the hellfire and our main character’s ties to organized crime), but it’s that idea of recognizing your mistakes and trying to be better than I hope resonates with anyone who reads this book.
BD: Do you foresee revisiting the world and characters of this story for future story arcs or for adaptation to other mediums?
AC: I would love to, if the interest is there from readers. I tried to end the book in a way that provided a satisfying conclusion – but I also made sure to leave things open-ended enough that I could continue this story. I do know what comes next for these characters… and it’s likely not exactly what people might expect.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
AC: I’ve done quite a bit of true crime reporting that people can find with a little Googling, but my Simpsons-themed rock band is a bit more lighthearted and fun. (In case you were wondering, a few hundred people singing along to “Monorail” is a great time.)
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Betweeners and your other work?
AC: Just that I’m profoundly grateful when anyone takes the time to read something I’ve written. Betweeners has been a labor of love, a lot of work, and a long time coming – so thank you, right from the bottom of the cold stone where my heart should be.
