Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m 38 years old and I’ve been writing most of my life. I am a huge horror fan and see something incredibly beautiful in the macabre. I try to find that beauty through my work, hopefully scaring people a little at the same time.
I never like to pin myself down to one specific genre, but I do prefer to write dark urban fantasy or horror. I think there is a great wealth of talent in the horror fantasy sub genre that is yet to be discovered. The fantasy of changing form or slipping into another world is more relevant to people than it has ever been.
I have written three books for publication, and I’m currently deep into my next project, which is the concluding part of the Fallen Gods Saga.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest title is Sanctuary 12, which is book one in the Fallen Gods Saga.
The concept of this book series was inspired by a documentary called Flight From Death. It explained that every human’s innate fear of death causes us to develop immortality myths in our subconscious, and these myths we hold are the root cause of all human suffering. That idea fascinated me, so instead of creating my own immortality myth, I decided to create an immortality mythology. The story and characters grew from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Ha ha. I have several.
When I’m struggling to pull a scene together or figure out a tricky plot point, I’ll run a really hot bath, pull the shower curtain so I’m completely enclosed, and just lie there. It sounds silly, but it has never failed to work.
Music is also very important to me. I get so many ideas from music. The idea for The Last Cut is Always the Deepest came from one line in a song by the band, Funeral For A Friend. Music inspires feeling, and there’s no better motivator to write fiction than emotion.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite author is Clive Barker. I love the shades in which he sees the world. I think we see the world in a similar way. Judging by the amount of people who regularly follow him through the wonders of social media, it seems there are many more beautiful freaks out there too.
I also have a massive respect for Stephen King because he is a master storyteller.
What are you working on now?
I think I mentioned it earlier. It’s called Mind Over Matterless, and it’s the third and final chapter of the Fallen Gods Saga. It’s a massive book, so I doubt it will be ready until next year. However, with Sanctuary 12 out now, and Infanticide (book 2) due for release in November, I hope fans of the series will have enough to keep them busy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think when it comes to social media the rule is, the more the merrier. One thing I’ve learned is decide how and when you are going to promote your work well in advance. Many websites that help promote new authors tend to require advanced notice.
For example, don’t set up a free promotion and start to look how you will promote it a few days before its due to start.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Treat the setting of your story like a character. Give it as much care and attention and it will bear fruit. It will make the world you create richer and more interesting.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This one is easy. Never, ever censor yourself. If you shape your writing based on what other might think of you when they read it, you’re denying the truth in your work. That truth is what makes your work unique, because that is the only part that truly belongs to you.
What are you reading now?
I’m going back in time and reading things I’m ashamed I let pass me by. Currently, I’m delving into Clive Barker’s Books of Blood. I must admit, they are delicious.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have quite a few projects lined up, mostly in the horror genre. I think my next book will be a very King-esque tale about a man down on his luck, who whilst renovating a bar, finds an old juke box with ‘special’ qualities.
I get exciting by the thought of an artist bringing my characters to life in comic book form. I’m a massive fan of comic books and graphic novels, so who knows.
What is your favorite book of all time?
That’s tough. The one that made the biggest impression on me was Shikasta by Doris Lessing. It’s very heady science fiction that teaches us a great deal about how we choose to live our lives.
Author Websites and Profiles
T.W. Malpass Website
T.W. Malpass Amazon Profile
T.W. Malpass’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account