Cicero James, Miracle Worker received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Hal Emerson.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The name of the book is Cicero James, Miracle Worker and it was published as an ebook in October 2024 and as a physical book in November 2024.
What’s the book’s first line?
The book’s first line is “My name is Cicero James, and I died last Thursday.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”
“Cicero James, Miracle Worker” is the story of a registered Miracle Worker living in San Francisco and his death during a routine Working job. Upon waking in the autopsy room of a morgue, Cicero James discovers that not only is he immortal but he is also the chief suspect in an illegal resurrection. And, to make matters worse, apparently a sign the world is ending. Barely a step ahead of the law, Cicero races to understand what has happened to him and comes to realize that powerful forces have set their sights on his life. They want the power he never asked for, and they are willing to kill him several times over to get it
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I’ve had a scene in my head for several years of an urban fantasy hero waking up on an autopsy room, realizing he’s died and come back to life, and having no clue how it happened or what to do about it. I wrote that scene and realized there was enough of a story there for a full book and, longer-term, a whole series.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I like to think the book has humor, heart, and hope. It emphasizes human connection in the face of the unknown and tackles the modern-day societal challenges of disconnection and isolation felt by so many. And there’s a plucky hero who can perform miracles going along for the ride with you.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
One of the most distinct aspects of Cicero James is his voice. When I started writing him, his voice mostly came out without modification or effort on my part. It just felt right. His character is full of contradictions: at times wisecracking, at times earnest; sometimes world-weary, sometimes totally naive. He’s someone I felt I could root for, which is why I continued writing his story to discover what happened to him.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I don’t know that I ever truly decided to become an author–I’ve been writing stories since I was a teenager, and it felt like a natural evolution to turn them into books. I’ve been writing books for almost fifteen years now.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
“Cicero James, Miracle Worker” is actually the 10th book I’ve written. The first one I ever wrote (also IndieReader Approved!) was The Prince of Ravens.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
When I’m not writing I’m usually on stage performing as an actor in the San Francisco Bay Area.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I try to write 4,000 words a day, which ends up being somewhere between 2 and 4 hours a day depending on how quickly things are going. I work Monday through Saturday and take Sunday off.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an indie is the complete creative control. The hardest part is getting the word out to readers about the books! There are so many books that people are excited about these days, so rising about the background noise can be difficult.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I’m motivated by the stories themselves. If I were in this for fame and fortune I would have held out for a traditional publisher or given up long ago! I can’t not think in stories, it’s like breathing for me. I sleep better each night when I spend the day writing them down and getting them out of my head and onto paper.