Author Interview – M.D. Neu’s Blog
I was so happy to get the chance to chat with fellow NSP author, M.D. Neu over on his blog. We talked everything from my debut novel, One Bullet, to my current Inquisition Trilogy, along with random info about me – if anyone actually cares about that sort of thing, haha.
Welcome Casey, before we get started why don’t you tell us something about yourself. Something not in your standard bio.
I’m a space nerd, on top of my other geeky interests – as though there aren’t enough. I love all things space – whether it’s studying the science of it, admiring the infinite beauty, or pondering that age-old question of “where does alien life exist out there?” I pretty much stalk NASA’s Facebook page (and mission pages) and watch their live streams whenever I can. I may also talk to Curiosity as though it’s actually the one answering posts – so sue me! – and cried when they had to call off the search for a signal from Oppy. I cheer for JPL like they’re rock stars. Basically, if NASA asked for volunteers to go to Mars tomorrow, I’d be the first to sign up.
Without spoilers why don’t you tell us about The Inquisition Trilogy.
Well, the trilogy’s conflict centers around our titular bad guys, the Inquisition. They’re an organization that has risen to power, found in multiple countries around the world. Once famed dragon killers – thanks for making them extinct, jerks – they’ve become experts in all things magicae and weaseled their way into politics by becoming the policing force for magicae in their respective countries. And, like any power-hungry entity with no real government oversight, well, things have gone…bad.
In each book, the POV gets passed between couples but we stay within the same group of friends that are fighting back against the Inquisition. While there’s an overarching plot that carries out over the course of all three books, each has their own individual subplots happening within them as well. So, there’s plenty going on.
We’ve talked quite a bit about your contemporary fantasy series, let’s switch gears and talk about your other novel, One Bullet. Tell us about it? What inspired you to write this story? What was it like to get the Honorable Mention from the Rainbow Awards? That had to feel good.
One Bullet follows the story of former police officer, Ethan Brant, and Detective Shawn Greyson, who met the night Ethan was shot. Shawn not only saved Ethan that night, but continues to help him in his recovery. During that time, the pair inevitably become close friends…and then something more.
It was really exciting to get an Honorable Mention on my debut novel. It was an unexpected surprise, to be sure!
As far as the inspiration goes…I remember being inspired by the amazing artist known as Yuumei, and a particular illustration they had done for their Fisheye Placebo webcomic entitled “Rise.” For some reason, it percolated in my head and formed into this idea of a first meeting between two characters – one being shot and the other that saved their life. Funny enough, as the plot of the novel actually took form, the reason behind the shooting and way it takes place is completely different to how it was originally envisioned – which involved a protest. But, that art is still the source for the entire project, despite the changes.
