BooksChatter: ℚ Preordained: Preordained [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author David L Wallace to talk about Preordained (9 April 2018, David L Wallace, 347 pages), a Supernatural Mystery Thriller, book one in the Preordained series.

“An expertly plotted and executed mystery, shot through with the supernatural...builds suspense effortlessly, hurtling towards a riveting conclusion.” - Clarion Review

“Original and engaging…full of plot twists, surprises, and a substantial dash of the supernatural.” - Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Prize in Fiction

“A gripping detective story with biblical undertones…aptly blends the horror and crime genres.” – Kirkus Reviews

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to David L Wallace; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Preordained ?

"Inspiration for Preordained (2018) came from childhood events in my life.

My parents moved our family from New York to South Carolina when I was in the first grade. The locals in the surrounding areas, both family members and neighbors, would speak of ghost, paranormal, and supernatural events, believing with everything in them that those stories were real.

I’ve enjoyed watching and reading numerous stories of that ilk and when I decided to pen one, naturally, I decided to make the setting be one of the neighboring counties to where I grew up."

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

"I’ve written and published two thrillers. Both have aspects of my character built within the main protagonist. And since I write from within by becoming each of my characters, a part of me is reflected in each of them.

This can be difficult sometimes if a scene takes on a sadistic or gory nature, such as in the opening scene of Preordained. For the aspects of the characters that are not part of me, I’m forced to imagine how that character would act. And since what I write comes from my imagination, characters that do bad things in my stories are also a part of me."

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

"Preordained is a supernatural, crime thriller and I wanted a cover that would set the right tone and expectations for readers.

I chose the angel hair oak tree because, by the light of the moon or against the backdrop of an overcast sky, the branches remind me of Medusa’s hair.

The hooded man with a concealed face represents the zealous superstitions, religious beliefs, and supernatural / paranormal predilections in the story.

I initially reached out to a professional to design the cover for me but eventually turned it over to my son who completed the artwork."

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

"There are many layers to these two questions.

The setting of Preordained is in an interesting and unique part of South Carolina that’s steeped in superstitious, paranormal, and supernatural beliefs systems - a fact that limited people in the world at large are aware of about that area. When the idea for Preordained came to me and as I started to flush out the skeleton of the story, I realized it was shaping up to be a combination of a whodunit puzzle with thriller, supernatural, and psychological elements.

Because of the number of genres, which set it apart from many novels I’ve read, and before embarking on a year plus journey to compose it, I decided to seek feedback on my idea. I flushed out the outline, put it in book form, and then sent a copy to Kirkus Reviews, Clarion Reviews and Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Prize in Fiction to get their take on it. Their positive feedback reinforced my belief that readers would enjoy and connect with the story."

Can you tell us something quirky about Preordained , its story and characters?

"There are two things of note in Preordained that are reality based.

First, the little-known ancestry lineage trail of Art Somers, my main character, is a fact that British doctors uncovered. Also, the relationship between a former governor of South Carolina and one of the serial killer’s victims found in Brookgreen Gardens, is an urban legend in the area that proved to be factual."

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

"The major warning is that if you wear a pacemaker, don’t read it at night. Lol.

On a serious note, readers who like novels with any of the following aspects would enjoy Preordained: a whodunit puzzle; thrillers that place the main character in jeopardy with rising escalation throughout; supernatural or psychological leanings."

If you could / wished to turn Preordained and the Preordained series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I didn’t think about directors and I’ve already discussed the setting earlier.

As I wrote the story, I envisioned Vin Diesel playing the role of Det. Art Somers, who is my main protagonist, but Vin doesn’t have long hair. I think his personality would fit the part.

I think the perfect Angela Hunter in the story would be Malin Ackerman. They are the only two stars I thought of as I wrote the story."

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

"A thriller with a whodunit puzzle is what I prefer to write and read. Those are the main elements in each story I write.

My debut novel, Trojan (2016), also fits the techno and political thriller genres. Preordained, as I noted earlier, it commercial and written across multiple genres.

The stories as I envision the character motivations and the events that happen to them, dictate the genre or genres they land in. My focus is on creating a compelling story and I let the genre mappings take care of themselves."

What is your writing process?

"Once I come up with an idea and work out the character motivations, I create and stick to the story spine and allow the characters to be themselves."

What is in store next?

"I’m in the process of working out the outlines for the next book in my Preordained and Trojan series. I’m torn between which one I want to write first but I will soon decide."

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?

"I have a few things that I enjoy. I don’t have a pet because my son is allergic to dogs.

My guitar is one of my closest friends and due to working feverously to complete Preordained, I haven’t touched her in a while. Your question presented me the perfect opportunity to get reacquainted with her."

Glad to hear that! And if you have a picture of her, we'd love to feature her here :-)

Who’s the killer? Art? Someone else? Join Art and Angela in this mind-bending whodunit and uncover an irrefutable truth that neither of them wanted to face.