7 Deadly Questions with Colin F. Barnes – editor of City of Hell Chronicles

1. In the City of Hell Chronicles (CoH) you have created quite a desolate landscape for your cadre of authors to populate with their stories of survival, death, and debauchery. Talk to me about the inspiration for this collection and why you chose to approach it via an anthology as opposed to your own tale.

It's been an idea I've had rattling around my head for a while now. I like the idea of shared worlds and the myriad stories that can be told within these themes. I think the idea originally came from a writing podcast that was discussing shared-worlds. Over time I built up this idea and eventually committed the details to paper. I chose to do it as an anthology mainly to collaborate. Any idea benefits from the input of others, and I wanted to see where this theme could go. Also, by doing it as anthology, I can bring in unique and distinct voices. It's not to say I won't do solo projects within the City of Hell (I have a number of novellas planned), but I do like the vitality an anthology of different authors brings.

2. I was impressed with the amount of science that lives and breathes within City of Hell. Describe the research that went into creating the City of Hell.

I have to be totally honest here and say that isn't really down to me. I was lucky enough to have some amazing contributors who took it upon themselves to do some research into ant colonies. Through a forum I setup we discussed the various approaches, and the authors did the rest. We were also lucky to have a qualified scientist on board: Victoria Griesdoorn, who was responsible for the wonderful medical report. I felt it really added some gravity to the whole anthology.

3. I've read the works of several of the authors who participated in the anthology and am impressed with how their unique brands of storytelling feel right at home within the overarching plot and landscape. How much control did each of the authors have in crafting their own storylines and what role did you play in ensuring consistency throughout?

I set-out ground rules within a scope document, but generally left it up to the contributors to provide an outline of their story. We collaborated on some, and on a few I gave some guidance. We all critiqued each others stories (including my own) so although the stories are individual to the respective author, as a group we worked on the project as a whole. There were few situations where I had to insist on certain things to ensure consistency, but it wasn't too difficult because we were communicating throughout the project. I really was blesses with an amazing group of authors. They all worked really hard and had as much passion as me for this project, I couldn't have asked for a better group of writers, they are a special group of people.

4. The illustrations included within City of Hell are amazing and really place the reader much more deeply within both the setting and inside the hearts and minds of the characters. Talk to me about the illustrations, the illustrator, and why you felt the need to include artwork.

As for why, I just thought a project like this would benefit from some visuals. I've always loved illustrated books, and you don't see it very much these days. I wanted this book to stand out and be different from all the other anthologies, and I felt that the illustrations would dovetail nicely with the stories and offer the reader something extra. The illustrations were done by an artist called Thomas Boatwright. He is mostly a cartoonist, but is very skilled. I've worked with him on other projects and knew he would be perfect for this. After I had the initial outlines by the contributors, I forwarded them to him and he interpreted them perfectly, capturing the essence of the stories in the illustrations wonderfully well. It is an added expense in the production of the book and makes formatting for print and eBook a much harder proposition, but like anything in this world, you get out what you put into it, and I feel along with the stories, it adds a touch of quality to the product.

5. As a writer and fan of horror, Colin - what frightens you?

Not a great deal to be honest. I'm kind of desensitized to most things these days. There's nothing supernatural or paranormal that scares me. It's the closer more personal things like losing my sight, or a family member, or getting dementia (my nan had Alzheimer's and that was horrific to watch) that scares me.

6. I understand that there will be more to read from City of Hell. What can you share about plans for the future?

There certainly will be more. I'll be opening submissions for Volume 2 of the anthology shortly after the launch of this first one. I intend to release 2 volumes a year (Until everyone gets sick of it!). I'm also currently in the outline stage of a couple of novellas in the City of Hell world. I do have plans to write a collaborative novel, but that is someway off. My aim is to create an enduring mythos that I can visit often, kind of like Robert E. Howard or H.P.Lovecraft with their respective worlds. I see it as a kind of playground that you can return to and play about in.

7. Where can readers go to learn more about City of Hell, the contributing authors, and even about your dark mind?

Thank you for asking. We have a dedicated website for City of Hell, which can be found at: www.cityofhellchronicles.com. You can also find links to all the contributors' websites on there. My own site is at: www.colinfbarnes.com and the publishing name that I'm putting CoH out under also has a website that will have news of new anthologies: www.anachronpress.com and submission opportunities for future projects.

About The City of Hell Authors

1. Genesis – by Colin F. Barnes.

This is the start of it all. Franklin Garrett, an old embittered clock-maker is pivotal in the bringing about of the destruction of humanity and the rise of the Great Maurr. This tale will take you from events just before Maurr's ascension to the beginnings of his domination. It's grisly, insane, and a little bit twisted.

2. Centipede Medical Report – by V.D Griesdoorn.

Our resident scientist Victoria Griesdoorn applies her specialist scientific background to give us a harrowing view into an autopsy-gone-wrong on one of Maurr's diabolical scouts: the gigantic centipede. The dispassionate and exacting detail of a scientist truly brings us the horror of this hideous creature.

3. The Door From Below – by Ren Warom.

This story, set in Hong Kong, follows the crazy band members of C.I.D as they struggle to deal with the creepy and sinister 'Stock Takers' as they come up from underground via diabolical doors direct from Maurr's dominion. Japcore Punk, Gore and terrifying monsters. What more can you want?

4. London Calling – by Kendall Grey.

A tale of hope and faith gone wrong. A young girl stumbles across a group of priests holding out from Maurr's minions in St. Peter's cathedral. Let's just say her stay isn't what she hoped for. A gruesome tale of purest horror, this story will have you wincing.

5. The Lucky Ones – by Anne C. Michaud.

When everything is taking away from you by Maurr's minions there's not a lot of options left. This is a tale of desolation, loneliness and final choices. A chilling tale with deep emotions, this will tug at your heart strings as well as your gag reflex.

6. The Final Passage – by Belinda Frisch.

This take place inside the City of Hell itself. You'll get a glimpse of the horrific tortures that Maurr has applied to mankind. Read the terror as he instructs his hybrid creatures to use humans to breed hybrids and work in the 'social stomach' rooms. This is a tale of one family's desire to escape; and their willingness to do anything to get away from the diabolical City of Hell.

7. The Nursery – by Amy L. Overley.

Another story that takes us inside the gigantic City of Hell. This time we see what happens when a lone survivor is forced to fight against the giant soldier-ants and evil hybrids. A terrifying story at all levels, you'll be rooting for the protagonist as she battles against Maurr's irresistible influence.

8. Sanguine – by V.D. Griesdoorn.

Victoria rounds up our first volume with a tale about blood. That life force that becomes so precious. Set in Moscow, we follow the events of the young protagonist as she struggles to stay alive and look after the last few remaining survivors in an old hospital. Evil is everywhere, but the job still needs to be done. Can she succeed?