Leeds horror writer and fan of all things Formula One, Michael Bray, began writing seriously two years ago. In this time, he has managed to shock the genre with his intelligent and captivating prose. Influenced by authors such as King, Herbert and Lumley, Bray is set to release his second novel, 'Echoes' this coming Friday (May 16th)
'Echoes', sequel to his best selling novel, 'Whisper', takes place five years after the events of the first book, in the fictional town of Oakwell. Following the burning of Hope House at the frantic end of 'Whisper', the previously quaint town is on its last legs. Oakwell has become a paranormal hotspot for investigators around the globe. Town councillor, Henry Marshall, after deciding to use the towns unwanted fame to his advantage, manipulates the council into building a hotel on the site of the destroyed building. This, as in all the very best horrors, reawakens the evil which resides on the land. Marshall is corrupted by these malevolent forces, becoming obsessed with bringing back the young couple who had survived the fire so that the spirits can take their revenge.
'Echoes', sequel to his best selling novel, 'Whisper', takes place five years after the events of the first book, in the fictional town of Oakwell. Following the burning of Hope House at the frantic end of 'Whisper', the previously quaint town is on its last legs. Oakwell has become a paranormal hotspot for investigators around the globe. Town councillor, Henry Marshall, after deciding to use the towns unwanted fame to his advantage, manipulates the council into building a hotel on the site of the destroyed building. This, as in all the very best horrors, reawakens the evil which resides on the land. Marshall is corrupted by these malevolent forces, becoming obsessed with bringing back the young couple who had survived the fire so that the spirits can take their revenge.
So, how did the story begin? The original novel, 'Whisper', started life as a short story.
"I used to pass a cemetery on my bus ride into work every day. There was a house belonging to the grounds keeper, on its own at the edge of the cemetery, which inspired the story."
The protagonists in 'Whisper' are newly-weds. Steve Samson, logical and level-headed, and Melody, too naïve for her own good, make for a great dynamic. By the time we catch up with them in 'Echoes', we get to see the toll that events in 'Whisper' truly had on them.
The first novel in what will be a trilogy was initially self published by Bray. He hadn't considered the traditional publishing route, but after speaking with Graeme Reynolds, author of the brilliant 'High Moor' series, the option became very viable. Graeme had recently launched his own publishing house, 'Horrific Tales' and had already read and thoroughly enjoyed 'Whisper'. So, before long, the deals were done.
"I used to pass a cemetery on my bus ride into work every day. There was a house belonging to the grounds keeper, on its own at the edge of the cemetery, which inspired the story."
The protagonists in 'Whisper' are newly-weds. Steve Samson, logical and level-headed, and Melody, too naïve for her own good, make for a great dynamic. By the time we catch up with them in 'Echoes', we get to see the toll that events in 'Whisper' truly had on them.
The first novel in what will be a trilogy was initially self published by Bray. He hadn't considered the traditional publishing route, but after speaking with Graeme Reynolds, author of the brilliant 'High Moor' series, the option became very viable. Graeme had recently launched his own publishing house, 'Horrific Tales' and had already read and thoroughly enjoyed 'Whisper'. So, before long, the deals were done.
In terms of sales, 'Whisper' began fairly slowly, but then Bray began promoting on Facebook, Twitter and by using the perfect marketing method, word of mouth. Sales sky rocketed and the book moved quickly up the charts, taking his other books with it.
When 'Horrific Tales Publishing' took the reins, 'Whisper' was driven to the next level. It was re-edited and a new cover was designed by the fantastic illustrator, Stu Smith of Graviton Creations (cover artist for 'Funhouse' and 'Echoes'). 'Horrific' invested in marketing via bookbub and review blogs, among others ahead of the re-launch.
When 'Horrific Tales Publishing' took the reins, 'Whisper' was driven to the next level. It was re-edited and a new cover was designed by the fantastic illustrator, Stu Smith of Graviton Creations (cover artist for 'Funhouse' and 'Echoes'). 'Horrific' invested in marketing via bookbub and review blogs, among others ahead of the re-launch.
"I will admit to being nervous at this point. Horrific had already paid me a good sized advance and I was worried that the book had already peaked and would flop."
How wrong he was. Sales on the re-launch were even stronger. 'Whisper' hit #3 in the paid horror charts for both the UK and the US, keeping pace with Stephen King's 'Doctor Sleep'.
Bray recently signed a fantastic six book deal with 'Permuted Press' so expect big things in the offing from this up and coming author.
The guitar playing writer, who is married and has a twelve year old daughter, now has a massive following. With the imminent release of 'Echoes' and the final book in the 'Whisper' trilogy on its way, his fan base is sure to grow.
It really has been a pleasure talking with Michael and I look forward to reading more of your work.
If you would like to get in touch with him, or check out all of his works, then either comment on this post or use one of the links below.
Before we part company and I sneak off into this endless cyber universe, I wanted to share some of Brays wisdom.
The guitar playing writer, who is married and has a twelve year old daughter, now has a massive following. With the imminent release of 'Echoes' and the final book in the 'Whisper' trilogy on its way, his fan base is sure to grow.
It really has been a pleasure talking with Michael and I look forward to reading more of your work.
If you would like to get in touch with him, or check out all of his works, then either comment on this post or use one of the links below.
Before we part company and I sneak off into this endless cyber universe, I wanted to share some of Brays wisdom.
"My best advice to new writers would most definitely be to get a thick skin and get it quickly. Rejection will hurt, but long term will make you stronger."
Thank you all for reading and I would love to hear your thoughts. Take care.