The Monarchs received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Mark Sabbas.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Monarchs was published on June 25th of this year.
What’s the book’s first line?
For a moment, there was stillness.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Centered upon seventeen-year-old Samuel Helen who is among the first in a wave of “new youth” children born into a war-ravaged world with large, bright eyes and extraordinary psychic abilities, The Monarchs is an action-packed tale of adventure, romance, bravery, and spiritual transformation suitable for both teenagers and adults.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The initial idea for The Monarchs came to me all the way back in 2014 on a spring break beach trip during my senior year of college. My own interest in spirituality, mysticism, and psychic phenomena inspired this book, but it was also influenced by the concept of Indigo Children, which was trending on the internet at the time, as well as popular videos and movies such as M83’s “Midnight City” music video and the X-Men series.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
With colorful characters, riveting psychic action, and an engaging plot filled with romance, humor, and wisdom, The Monarchs contains all the necessary elements to captivate readers. But the unique metaphysical themes, such as the nature of consciousness and free will versus destiny, set this book apart from your typical “kids-with-powers” novel. My hope is that the enlightening wisdom found in these pages will leave readers feeling deeply inspired and uplifted. Music fans will also discover an added dimension in the many references to beloved bands and artists.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
With eyes nearly twice the size of an average human being and powerful yet erratic telekinetic abilities, seventeen-year-old Samuel Helen is indeed a distinctive character. But even though there are many who see him as something other than human, he still struggles with issues of fear, shame, and being a male teenager, all while striving to overcome his traumatic past. Samuel somewhat reminds me of an older, male version of Eleven from Stranger Things.
When did you first decide to become an author?
When the idea first came to me.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Although I’ve contributed to a children’s book series in the past, this is the first proper novel I’ve written.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
My day job is a financial analyst. My other side job, besides writing, is working as a mentor teaching virtual classes to children for the Aramis Creative Learning Center.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
It depends on when I feel creative inspiration. When I was writing The Monarchs, I tried to spend at least a couple hours a day writing. But I trust when that feeling comes to me.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
I loved working with my small press publisher because they are a close-knit team who allowed me creative freedom. It is exciting to step into the world of book publishing as an independent author. It might be hard to get noticed, yet it also feels like you are entering a realm of all possibility.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Follow your passion and calling at any cost, without fear of judgment, ridicule, or failure. My first draft was sloppily written and had I listened to others, my novel would never have been published. Have faith in your writing, trust in the ideas that come to you, and, most importantly, enjoy the process. Then put your work out there when the time is right without getting attached to outcomes or expectations.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
It depends on how comfortable I feel with the publisher. If The Monarchs sells a certain number of combined copies, then I will be offered a traditional deal on my next book by my current publisher. I am hoping for that, but we will see.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
It is tough to conceptualize my motivation, but it is larger than money or recognition. I write because it is exciting to me and I feel that it is part of my calling. There is a certain responsibility I feel to express the ideas that come into physical form. I also hope that my novel will expand people’s consciousness with its spiritual ideas, helping them to transform into the best versions of themselves and transcend mental limitations.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.