Indie Author Interview with Marcus Abston - Author of the Historical Fiction Novel Bloodlines.
Marcus Abston is the author of Bloodlines (A Dying Truth Exposed, Book One). He is from the south side suburbs of Chicago. He has two degrees in zoology, loves the Olympic games, and is interested Native American history, especially regarding issues that have divided families.Interview with Marcus Abston
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| Author Marcus Abston |
Marcus Abston: I’m actually a brand new author. My only background with writing is writing my thesis. This forced me to learn from heavily experienced authors.
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite books, and who or what are your writing influences?
C.S. Lewis, Michael Crichton, Stephen King, Maya Angelou, Suzanne Collins, Rebecca Roanhorse, and T.D. Jakes are some of my favorite writers. I’m not sure if my writing style has really been influenced by any of them. However, some of my stories including the second book to Bloodlines will focus around life choices so in that case T.D. Jakes and C. S. Lewis are influencers.
"[...] to create stories that talked about American history that isn’t taught"
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
I never planned to be an author. As I got into graduate school a piece of me wanted to create stories that talked about American history that isn’t taught, and I also wanted to help teenagers and adults with making life choices.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Bloodlines (A Dying Truth Exposed, Book One) is my first story.
"I can’t always write when it’s quiet [...]"
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
I listen to music normally without lyrics. I can’t always write when it’s quiet because there is so much ruining through my mind I can’t focus. I do better when I have to ignore something or use music to trigger emotions. I listen to some R&B songs to fully flush out scenes that may be intimate to some degree, and other styles of music to help me go deep into their world.
Please, describe your desk/workplace.
It’s very structured though most times my writing is done on my laptop on my lap.
"The hardest for me personally is showing and not telling."
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
The easiest thing for me putting the story’s timeline together, and creating different personalities of the characters. The hardest for me personally is showing and not telling. It’s real adjust for me because I’m used to writing in a scientific manner.
"I always like to pull people into the story[...]"
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The thought that my stories may connect people, and also encourage others. I always like to pull people into the story to the point they question what their own actions would be if they were in the story.
Marcus, please tell us a little about your Historical Fiction Novel BLOODLINES (A Dying Truth Exposed).
My story focuses on the genealogy of a family with an African American and Native American background. The patriarch of the family realizes that the young adults of the family have nearly forgotten everything they’ve been taught. To educate his family and to reinforce the importance of remembering the past he leads them into the story of Annabelle. Annabelle was born a slave on the Brown plantation. As a child she befriends her Master’s daughters, and becomes the best friend of the youngest daughter Judy Mays. After Judy Mays becomes married circumstances force Annabelle to run away, and attempt to escape to the north. Now brings in her legacy and her fight to stay a free young woman, but is there anywhere safe for her in this period?
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
What inspired you to write the book?
I wanted to tell a story that reflected the relationships between African Americans and Native Americans in the 1800s. It’s rarely talked about in American history, and there is a massive cultural disconnect with many individuals with this background. Much of the disconnect was caused by societal pressures, and the story touches on this issue.
"[...] Christianity from the perspectives of minorities in this era."
Who do you see as your target audience?
People who are interested in historical fiction, genealogy, Native American history, African American history, and even Christianity from the perspectives of minorities in this era.
What makes your book special?
My book will put pieces together a lot of families with an African American and Native American background are unable to do. My book will also show unexpected friendships are some of the greatest a person could ever have.
How would you describe the success of your self-published books so far?
I would describe my book as a success because I was able to have it published. Because I’m new I’ll have to wait and see how the story changes.
"Be patient, have fun, and follow your own path [...]"
Can you give some advice for other Authors regarding the writing process?
Be patient, have fun, and follow your own path because you have your own unique story to tell.
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
Yes I am working on a Series. Bloodlines will be a series, and I will have three other series that will also come out as well.
Where do you see the book market in 5 or 10 years? Will there be only eBooks and will book stores disappear like record stores disappeared?
I believe bookstores will still exist. There some people that want something physical to hold onto, and an ebook isn’t good enough for them.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
An iPad is my choice.
Do you write full-time or do you have a day job? When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I’m not a full-time writer. I actually teach biology and human anatomy & physiology. I spend my time reading, doing extreme workouts, spending time with loved ones, writing, watching movies, or watching anime.
How can readers connect with you?
Reader can email me through my website or at marcuscabston@gmail.com
Thank you very much for the Interview, Marcus.
About the Book Bloodlines
A grandfather confronted with the fact that his family is woefully ignorant about their own lineage and legacy is determined to educate them. So begins the tale of his great-great-grandmother, Annabelle.
Annabelle was a slave born on a cotton plantation in Mississippi and raised as a house servant thanks to the plantation master's daughters having a fondness for her. The youngest daughter protects her as best she can from the wrath of the cruel master and his wife, but then marries and leaves the plantation. Unable to bear the master's heinous acts against her any longer, the teenaged slave girl escapes north to be free.
But is anywhere really safe for a runaway slave girl in the 1800s? Her journey is only the beginning of a legacy.
Links to the Book
Link to the Paperback Bloodlines on Amazon
