Interview With Author Trevor Carter
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Greetings!
I'm a Software Test Engineer by day and a writer by night. Truth be told, I actually write mostly in the mornings and on the weekends.
Since June, 2022, I have written seven novels, two novellas, and a collection of science fiction short stories. I prefer to write fantasy, magical realism, and science fiction. All available on Amazon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel, Lost in the Abyss, was just released a couple of months ago.
I developed an interest in simulation theory over a year ago. Since then, I've read a couple of books and several articles. I've also watched countless YouTube videos of people discussing simulation theory. I also have an interest in human consciousness, something I've studied for a few years now. Also in the mix is parapsychological phenomena, something I've studied for close to thirty years.
I began wondering what might happen if science discovered a way to download human consciousness into a simulated reality, one that is indistinguishable from the "real world." Then I wondered what would happen if a part of a person's psyche (the Shadow) somehow got disconnected when the person entered the simulation. How might that dark part of the human mind react to being in a simulation? Would it have free reign? Would be able to manipulate the elements and become a virtual entity?
Lost in the Abyss explores these ideas. A professor of neuroscience develops a new technology that allows him to download human consciousness into a simulated world. He invites four of his students to be the first to try the new technology. When one of the students enters the simulation, a dark entity attached to their psyche becomes disconnected from their consciousness and turns the simulate world into a hellish realm.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do have an unusual writing habit. Or, at least I think it's unusual.
During the writing process, I often take breaks to allow the content of my unconscious to find its way to the surface of my conscious mind. I do this using a technique similar to the technique that Thomas Edison used. It involves getting the mind into a type of liminal state. I achieve this state by laying down and allowing myself to get into that state between wakefulness and sleep. At least ninety-percent of the time, new ideas come to the surface.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
William Peter Blatty's books have had a major influence over my work (The Exorcist and Legion).
In my study of parapsychological phenomena and UFOs, the works of Jacques Vallee has had the most influence on me.
What are you working on now?
I'm working on a supernatural thriller that involves balls of colored light known as earthlights. There has been considerable research into these lights. They appear to be a natural phenomena created by geophysical forces. Some researchers think these lights have consciousness, that they have some base-level intelligence. In my novel, these lights appear in a small town and began wreaking havoc on the citizens.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have used Amazon ads, Facebook ads, and consistently post on Twitter. I've recently started to post on Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't sweat the technical stuff at first. Just write. Write, write, write, and write some more. Don't make excuses for not writing. Since the first day I started writing, I haven't missed a day.
And don't believe it when someone tells you there's such a thing as "writer's block." It doesn't exist. There are tons of writing prompts that can spark ideas.
Finally, don't wait for inspiration. Inspiration comes with work. The more I write, the more inspired I become.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day. Make it a habit. Never, ever miss a day.
What are you reading now?
Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to find an agent and get published traditionally. I am currently querying with a novel I finished a couple of months ago.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Exorcist, Psychoid, and Messengers of Deception
Author Websites and Profiles
Trevor Carter’s Social Media Links