BooksChatter: ℚ♫ The Skull Collector

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Paris Singer to talk about The Skull Collector (8 November 2015, Forsaken, 135 pages), a Dark Fantasy novel.

In a world in which children are exploited, monsters are saviors, and dark magic is constantly at play, a little girl will go to any lengths to be reunited with her lost ones.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Paris Singer, thank you for joining us today.

As we love music, Paris Singer has shared with us his music playlist for The Skull Collector - enjoy!

The last four pieces in the playlist refer specifically to the characters in The Skull Collector

The Little Girl:
Ice Dance – Danny Elfman

The Doll Maker:
Cookie Factory – Danny Elfman

Sooty:
Peter and the Wolf: The Bird – Prokofiev

The Violinist:
Anna’s Theme – John Corigliano

What was the inspiration for The Skull Collector?

"My inspiration initially came from a wonderful illustration I once saw of a girl laying next to a pile of skulls by a river. As soon as I saw it, the story exploded in my mind. "

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"We've all had times of struggle and strife in our lives we've had to fight to overcome. Characters like the Doll-Maker who have promised us great things in exchange for our trust. Moments of bleak darkness and desperation, with only blind faith to guide us to an uncertain future. I guess you could say certain aspects of my own life are reflected here."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Skull Collector - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"This sombre, macabre cover was illustrated and created by Yosbe Design, to whom I am deeply grateful. It illustrates the pain and sorrow of the main character as it is in the novel perfectly, along with her only friend and companion. As such, I think the cover is an excellent representation of what lies in the pages beyond. I love it."

Why should we read The Skull Collector and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"If you like dark, fantastical worlds in which strange, quirky characters and monsters abound, where happiness is an ugly word an hope a mere glint in a dark sky then you might like it. The Skull Collector is its own tale, though I've heard the name Tim Burton mentioned in its style."

Who would you recommend The Skull Collector to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I'd recommend it to lovers of gothic, macabre, dark fantasy fiction. The only thing I would warn readers about is that it can, at times, be a little unapologetically violent. That said, the violence is necessary, I think."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"Well, I don't really think of genre when I write. I just think of stories I'd like to read, worlds I like seeing in my own mind. These do, admittedly, tend to drift towards the dark side of fiction, however. That said, many of my favorite authors do write paranormal, dark, horror, mystery books. I guess its something I'm drawn to."

What is your writing process?

"I tend to stare into space until I can place myself inside the story. From there, I'll try to describe what I see, smell and hear as much as I'm able to. Like a fly on the wall, I guess."

What is in store next?

"I have a paranormal thriller novel being released probably early next year called 'The Regulars', and I'm currently working on another dark fantasy novel, which I'm having fun with, despite it's sinister moments. After that I'll continue with a horror set in Victorian London, and a couple other projects."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?