The Nosferatu Conspiracy, Book One: The Sleepwalker received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Brian James Gage.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Nosferatu Conspiracy, Book One: The Sleepwalker. Published Mar. 2, 2020.
What’s the book’s first line?
The Buzău River stops flowing at the base of the Carpathian Mountains east of Braşov—a paranormal phenomenon known as dead water.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
A sprawling supernatural thriller set in Saint Petersburg, Russia, against the backdrop of the Fall of the Romanov Dynasty. Evoking elements of Jack the Ripper and Vlad Dracula, the first book in the Nosferatu Conspiracy series is an action-packed and suspense-filled alternative retelling of Rasputin’s diabolical influence over the final days of the Romanov Dynasty.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Several things. Initially, an illustration that appeared in a short poem I had published gave me the idea about vampires ruling society. Then that inspired me to work within the story of Rasputin and the Fall of the Romanov Dynasty to tie it all together.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I’d like to think because it’s very entertaining and creepy. My end goal with anything I write it to entertain and delight readers (and spook them out as well). Hopefully, they’ll find this novel to be a unique take on the story of Rasputin.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The main antagonist is Rasputin who, when murdered, was poisoned, shot twice, and severely beaten —but would not die. His attackers finally fettered him and drowned him underneath the icy Neva river. When they found his body three days later, he’d broken free his bindings and his fingernails showed signs he’d tried to claw through the ice. So that story ties in heavily to the narrative.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Rasputin – Adam Driver
Felix Yusupov – Robert Pattinson
Rurk & Denis Kozlov – Gary Oldman
Alexandra Feodorovna – Julia Garner
When did you first decide to become an author?
Probably when I was 10 years old. I’ve always been a story teller and wrote my first screenplay in the fifth grade.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
This is my 5th book, but my debut novel.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am a business owner and also study classical piano performance at conservatory.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Depends if I’m actively working on a project. If so, 3-5 hours a day.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The hardest part I think is getting the “literati” as I call them to take you seriously for reviews, interviews, and things of that nature. It’s difficult to build a groundswell around the work with so many firewalls installed by some of the bigger journals, etc who will only accept traditionally published works. The best part is the creative freedom and the author royalties earned by Kindle and the like.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Ensure you are producing your self-published works to the highest standards. Hire professional cover designers, editors, etc so you are producing quality work.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I have been traditionally published 4x. I’ve had way more fun doing this book myself. I would certainly consider traditionally again if the price was right. Other than that, I enjoy the creative freedom too much.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I just want to entertain as many readers as possible. I would be more interested in making a living solely from that if the opportunity came. But as far as fame goes – only for my work. I would prefer to remain personally as anonymous as possible.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Probably Neil Gaiman or Stephen King.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The Mount by Carol Emshwiller. A must read if you haven’t.