What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
This book began with Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024.
For much of my life, I lived in St. Petersburg, Florida, without ever experiencing a direct hit from a major hurricane. Then I moved hundreds of miles inland to a secluded valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains and took a direct hit. Clearly, irony has a sense of humor.
My wife Jeanne and I spent a sleepless night in our basement while wind gusts nearing 100 miles an hour tore through the valley. Trees fell. Power vanished. The house groaned and flexed around us. I won’t pretend we weren’t afraid.
By morning, we were cut off. A bridge had been destroyed, and the only other road out lay buried beneath fallen trees. For several days, about a dozen neighbors and we were trapped.
Our generator provided light and hot food, but we had no cell signal or internet. Our daughters in Florida had no way of knowing we were safe. When a sheriff’s deputy finally reached our driveway, he found me drinking coffee on the porch while our daughters feared the worst. That strange combination of ordinary comforts and profound isolation stayed with me, as did the devastation in the forests surrounding our home.
Eventually, the writer in me began asking: What if a storm that isolated a community also unleashed something far worse?
The valley I call home is steeped in Cherokee history and folklore, which inspired the creature in the novel. I took creative liberties in shaping my fictional interpretation; it is not intended as an accurate representation of Cherokee spiritual traditions. But the fear, uncertainty, and dependence on neighbors grew from real experience. I wanted to write a story that honored the land and the people who adore it.
A hurricane lit the match. I tended the fire.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
For husband and wife John and Joan: “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty. Ordinary people refusing to surrender.
For Cody, our rugged landscaper: “A Country Boy Can Survive” by Hank Williams Jr. A natural fit for his wilderness skills, toughness, and determination.
For the monster Spearfinger: “One Way or Another” by Blondie. An unexpectedly cheerful soundtrack for something that intends to find you—and kill you, no matter what.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to read is epic fantasy, though I also enjoy horror, thrillers, sci-fi, and literary classics. My favorite genre to write is epic fantasy, with horror a close second.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’ve recently been binge-reading Joe Abercrombie. I started with his First Law trilogy and am now reading his Age of Madness trilogy. When it comes to epic and dark fantasy, he’s tough to beat. If you love dark, rugged, pull-no-punches fantasy, you can’t go wrong with Abercrombie.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite was the final confrontation with Spearfinger. I can’t say much without spoiling the ending, but an unexpected hero plays a crucial role. After putting these characters through so much, it was deeply satisfying to give them their chance to fight back.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I write (or revise) pretty much every day. Out of 365 days, I doubt I miss more than fifteen days a year. I do have one habit that some might consider quirky. I don’t write in my office at my desk. Instead, I write exclusively on my Mac laptop in a variety of places: in my living-room recliner in front of the fireplace, in my cushioned chair on my front porch, in my beach-chair recliner on my back deck, or even sitting up in bed. Probably not great for my neck and back, but it’s just the way I am.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
It’s a small world, but I wouldn’t want to have to paint it.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I’d like readers to remember the people who live in the valley and care about what happens to them. They aren’t trained to fight monsters. They’re neighbors trying to protect their families and one another under terrifying circumstances. Having lived through Hurricane Helene myself, I know how much a neighbor’s willingness to help can mean when you’re cut off from the world.