Ask the Author: Andrew Warren
Answered Questions (10)
Andrew Warren
Thank you for your question! Yong Jin was, for me, the "face" of the MSS, who was pursuing both Caine & Sean. It was important to me that he be capable and threatening, but also not a cartoon villain. After all, he is simply following his orders and defending his country, just as any patriot would. At first, his appearance seems off putting, but I hope readers come to respect him and his relentless, yet honorable, pursuit of his duty. In a way, he may have been inspired by Tommy Lee Jone's character in The Fugitive. There were some cut scenes that focused on his investigation and pursuit more... In one scene, he reviews video footage of the prison breakout scene, and recognizes someone on the screen. I don't want to give away spoilers, but the reader was led to believe he recognized Caine... However, he actually caught a glimpse of someone else in the frame. I cut the scene, as the book was already getting longer than I planned, and it wasn't strictly nesc.
Andrew Warren
Thank you for your question! When I visited Beijing, I was struck by the contrast between the beautiful, stunning city, and the terrible air pollution. I think that duality was the basis for Fang. He’s smooth, charming, even angelic in his white suit… and yet he is surrounded by both a literal and metaphorical cloud of death. In my research for the book, certain events from China’s history really stood out to me as events that would scar and shape a person into a monster. Going through those betrayals, having everything you hold dear taken from you, even as the country grows into a prosperous super-power… Psychologically, Fang was a victim of abuse. Everything he is doing, no matter how horrific, he believes is justified. But, like so many victims, he is actually re-enacting the abuse he suffered, only on a much grander scale.
Also, I’d like to point out that China does not hold a monopoly on pollution and environmental issues. Residents of Flint, Michigan, and other cities in the US, can attest to that.
Also, I’d like to point out that China does not hold a monopoly on pollution and environmental issues. Residents of Flint, Michigan, and other cities in the US, can attest to that.
Andrew Warren
Samuel, thank you for your question! While I did certainly did research into Japanese nationalistic politics, for me that research was the window dressing on the character of Mr. K. What he really represented to me is someone who has been utterly poisoned by anger, hatred, and feelings of inadequacy. I tried to imagine what might mold a person to turn out the way K did, and cause him to participate in such abhorrent activities. Then I just tried to put myself in that headspace for a few minutes, and say whatever I thought K would say. I used my political research to mold and shape his words later, and make them a bit more relevant and believable for his character.
Andrew Warren
Thank you for your question! I have not read any Tom Wood, but a few people have recommend the Viktor series to me. Sounds like I'll have to take a look! Any other recommendations?
Andrew Warren
Living with a constant, never ending story playing in my head. It's like being at kid at the movies, but the movie never stops, and the popcorn and candy are endless...
Andrew Warren
Caffeine and violent video games ;-)
Andrew Warren
If you're not happy with the results you're getting, don't just bang your head against the wall, or give up... try something different. There are so many books and techniques to writing, and I think in some way they all work... but they don't all work for every person. If the method you're using isn't working for you, try something else, until you find what does!
Andrew Warren
In addition to a self induced crash course on social media marketing (which I am currently terrible at) I am in the outlining phase of the next Thomas Caine thriller... more news coming soon!
Andrew Warren
If I only wrote when I was "inspired", I'd maybe have a 2000 word short story to post right about now. I love stories, and story telling, but I believe you have to sit yourself down and start the work. Then, and only then, inspiration will strike how and when it chooses.
Andrew Warren
Since I was writing a prequel, I knew it would be set in Thailand, and I roughly knew where I wanted the protagonist to end up. I wanted a story that showed a cynical, bitter man realizing that unless he made some changes in his life, he might be heading down an even darker path. His experiences in Devil's Due set him up to begin the journey in Tokyo Black (Which is out to editors now.)
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