An Interview to Chad T. Nelson:

Behind the pages of a Horror Fiction Author

Interview by Lilia Griselle GS

Last year, on the night before the dead are said to be raised again,  author Chad T. Nelson published his most recent fiction book, The Blackwater Phenomenon. A thriller, horror novel perfect to read on Halloween (for those who are not afraid of sleeping with the lights off afterwards). Chad is better known as the author of his first short novel, “The Luminously Lurid Legends of Lewiston Idaho,” which gave a whole different spooky flavor to this gem of a state, where he was born and raised.

<img src="BlackwaterFlow.jpg alt="Cover of horror book black and white dark sea waters and gray sky">

Book Cover of “The Blackwater Phenomenon” by Chad T Nelson

 

 

Genre:

The genre of the novel is thriller, horror, and suspense.

What’s the story about (in one sentence)?

A struggle with faith about the existence of God.

What was the inspiration for this book? 

I am an agnostic person. I have been always intrigued about what would happen if there were one hundred percent modern evidence of the existence of God, how mankind would react and act.

Inspiration comes in many ways, for me, it was a nighttime photograph that my nephew with his girlfriend took of a trail as they were walking by. As soon as I saw this picture, a secret mysterious park came to my mind. I kept asking myself, what’s at the end of the trail? I imagined a boogeyman as well and the blackwater butcher in the novel just wrote itself.

What were your 1-2 biggest learning experience(s) or surprise(s) throughout the publishing process and why?

Editing and story structure. I never went to college, but I’ve always tried very hard to speak professionally. As I began writing, I found myself falling victim to my bad grammar habits.

What books or authors would you say this book “is for fans of…”?

I consider myself a huge fan of classic fiction horror and classic suspense from Allan Poe to Dean Koontz. Since I have been always fascinated by ambiguous stories, I like to write them as well. I believe this book is for fans of strange original stories that exposed the possibilities of the monstrosity of mankind and the danger of their reactions. As humans are almost hardwired for aggression. I  thought one day, what would mankind do with modern evidence of the supernatural and paranormal? This novel is for fans of questions like this.

As to directly answer your question, this novel could be for fans of 1984 by George Orwell, The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson, Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach, The Missing by Sarah Langan, and Under The Dome and Needful things by Stephen King. This novel could also be for fans of any of the books of Clive Barker.

What TV series would you say this book is for fans of?

I think fans of Stranger Things would be a good fit to say.

Favorite author or series?
Dean Koontz, [the author of the Odd Thomas series], is one of my favorite authors making also Odd Thomas my favorite TV series.

Why is Odd Thomas your favorite series?
Odd Thomas is an old fashion mysterious story with a modern twist. I love the flow of the story and how is narrated in first person. I also feel I can relate with the main character, in the sense that I’m able to be aware very quickly on people’s energy and vibes too.
    
Did Odd Thomas inspire any of your own writing? If so, how?

The story that Koontz portrays in Phantoms inspires me in the way, he transforms a known old tale and reinvented the “boogeyman” into a freshly scary original story.

Do you relate to the main character in your fiction horror novel?

He is an ordinary man, so I believe and hope everyone will able to relate with him.
The only way I relate with him is my struggle with faith.

What would you have done differently (either in the writing process or in the story itself) if you could do it again? 

Well, I am always thinking of new ideas, I can’t help it. I can be a bit of a perfectionist sometimes so I probably would at take more time checking for plot holes.

Something personal about you people may be surprised to know? Or an anecdote you think would be fun to share? Can you elaborate?

I’m a total animal lover, but I consider myself a cat person above all. Cats bring me a sense of peacefulness. My cat Ian just turned 19 years old on November of last year!

Any music you think would accompany your book well?

I wrote my book listening to industrial metal, mainly Marilyn Manson; The Pale emperor album. It has a blues rock vibe to it. Highly recommend the song third day of a seven-day binge. Nine Inch Nails suits my book too. I believe industrial metal fits well with my book because this genre of music usually talks and asks a lot of questions about life.

What’s next for you?

I’m writing my third book, Azazel’s Arsenal, and look forward to publish it.

<img src="Chad-Nelson.jpg" alt="author of the book the black water phenomenon wearing sunglasses looking thoughtful and serious">

Chad T. Nelson, author of the book “The Blackwater Phenomenon”

Chad Nelson has had an affinity for surreal quotes, as far back as high school. He is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Washington Irving, Walt Whitman, and of course Robert Frost. He lacked the confidence to pursue publishing a book, until he heard an interview with Stephen King, where he said that every aspiring artist will put a novel down or stop a movie and say ‘I can do better.’

Chad shortly found his voice, and wrote his first short novel over the next year called “The Luminously Lurid Legends of Lewiston Idaho.” Chad was born and raised in Lewiston, Idaho and attended Lewiston High School. He spent over 12 years as an auto parts technician.

Connect with Chad via Facebook at Fearful Fringes Productions  or via email.

Feel free to check Chad’s profile in our authors section

Get access to read the first pages and buy the book at Amazon.

 

 

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