Welcome to the first day of the Mondays with Mephistopheles: 9am - Rhys blog tour. It will run until August 9th and will feature excerpts and new author interviews each day. But first, here is the obligatory blurb about the novel to settle you into this strange world:
Abraham Rogers has an unusual psychotherapy practice: monsters. This first installment is a session with Rhys, the IT vampire who can’t quite connect with the modern world the way he would like.
A few questions for the author:
Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?
Stay the course. A lot of first-time authors have bungled their perceptions and expectations of what it means to be a published author. Very few of us ever reach the level of super-stardom. Realize that marketing your book becomes crucial, whether you are traditionally published or self-published. Write even you don't want to to and stop complaining about the unfairness of this or that. Write a book you are proud of and then take your lumps. This process takes time.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I love writing books, and I love helping people put together books. I started a literary and publishing consulting company with the sole purpose of helping first-time writers out. Do you need an experienced editor to look over your short story or novel? Do you need help building a platform or self-publishing your book? Are you right on the cusp of realizing your dream, but you need someone to help you those few extra steps? Are you a business in the need of an established copy-editor and/or copywriter? All that matters to me is the integrity of your artistic vision and helping you create the highest quality work possible. Visit my website for details: www.amalgamconsulting.com
If we're sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it's been for you in this role, what did we achieve together?
We helped a lot of people realize their dreams of publishing. I was able to meet my personal publishing goals and I feel vindicated that I was able to support my goal of making writing and publishing full-time a sustainable reality. And I was able to move to the coast and enjoy temperate weather for the rest of my life. Dream fulfilled.
Here be an excerpt for your enjoyment:
Abraham Rogers had become a psychologist for a variety of reasons, chief among them that he was uncomfortable with the rigidity of psychiatry as a profession and its propensity to solve psychological issues with pharmaceuticals. He had his clients call him Abe, as he felt the Doctor moniker was too heavy handed for his type of treatment.
He fancied himself a proponent in a long line of humanistic psychologists who offered unconditional support for anyone who needed to work through personal or professional issues.
As he sat in his dark office, shades drawn and lamp set to its lowest setting, he ruminated about the use of the word human.
His practice had suffered as of late.
The market had become saturated with recent graduates and despite a growing despair on the horizon, his billable hours began to decrease.
He had to consider a new kind of client.
The buzzing sound from the intercom on his desk woke him from his thoughtful pose. Standing, he depressed the button.
His secretary’s voice did not match her appearance. The brusque tone suggested a woman solidly built with a perpetual scowl. Eve was the very picture of carefree youth: bright blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair.
“Dr. Rogers, your 11 o’clock appointment is here. Should I send him in?”
Abe liked to meet his clients in the waiting room.
“I’ll be right out.”
Taking the three long steps from his comfortable seat to the thick oak door, Abe smiled––though managed little more than a self-conscious smirk.
Rhys was a mere specter of a man. His porcelain skin was accented by a burgundy shirt and dark pants. A pair of polarized sunglasses hid his eyes as he turned his head to the approaching Dr. Rogers.
“Good morning, Rhys. Shall we?”
Rhys stood with a smooth and effortless movement. His lean frame was hidden beneath layers of superfluous clothing despite the humidity outside of the office.
Abe had become accustomed to the strange turn his life had taken. Every academic had to specialize at some point in their career. Abraham Rogers’ practice had become a respite for the strange.
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Bio: A psychologist, author, editor, philosopher, martial artist, and skeptic, he has published several novels and currently has many in print, including: The End of the World Playlist, Bitten, The Journey, The Ocean and the Hourglass, The Path of the Fallen, The Portent, and Cerulean Dreams. Follow him on Twitter (@AuthorDanOBrien) or visit his blog http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com. He recently started a consultation business. You can find more information about it here: http://www.amalgamconsulting.com/.
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