Ghosts, demons, possession – all of these words excite me when any are mentioned in a book description, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when all three popped up in the blurb of today’s featured novel. It’s his first time at BMR, so let’s give a big welcome to Michael Scott Hopkins!
Have you ever had a tarot card reading?
Lots of times. When I was a kid, my parents had friends who claimed to be psychics. I had lots of readings, not one of which has come true yet. But it was fascinating at the time.
Would you rather dunk for apples or carve a Jack o’ lantern?
Carve a Jack o’ lantern. I completely lack the artistic skills to make one that looks good, but I hate pumpkin so much there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with plunging a knife into one. There is considerably less chance of drowning as well.
Do you ever see figures in your peripheral vision?
When I was a kid, I did. Quite often. This was when I had a paper route (tells you how old I am), and the paper deliveries had to be made at four or five a.m. It was still dark outside, and the streets were deserted. I was literally the only soul around. But I would see movement out of the corner of my eye, look fast to try to catch whatever it was, scared as heck, and then there was nothing there. But I had a sense that something was always there and following me. That’s why I seldom managed to actually hit the porches when I threw the papers.
Would you and your main character get along?
We would unless he was on one of his murder rampages, since he kills people he likes.
What do you do to get inside your characters’ heads?
I run. It’s a great way to clear your mind of the usual distractions and work out who your characters are, their backstories and motivation. I mean, aside from sweating, what else are you going to do?
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
Hopefully, everyone. However, the novel is meant for readers who want to be challenged a bit, to engage with uncertainty of what is happening to the main character along his journey and his emotional growth.
“…plenty of the unpredictable chills and excitement horror thriller fans appreciate.” -Kirkus Reviews
Nash Baxter is a liar.
He’s the famous skeptic who rides his motorcycle across the country debunking hauntings everywhere he goes. Yet he knows ghosts are real – suffering remnants of the departed, held fast to this world and tormented by demons. Hell, it seems, exists all across the land, side-by-side with the living world. Nash has the power to see into that hell and destroy the demons by a force of will.
But sometimes demons fight back…
When they do, they possess Nash and force him to commit murder. Not that Nash minds. He does not feel emotions. Not fear. Not horror. That is until a mysterious woman comes into his life and convinces him nothing was ever as it seemed. He has one purpose in life – to save the world from the truest evil, an evil that lives and breathes inside of Nash Baxter himself.
Purchase Link
Author Bio and Social Media
Michael Scott Hopkins grew up on San Leandro, California. He joined the United States Air Force out of high school and served for eight years, working as an avionics technician on F-4 Phantom aircraft. After being honorably discharged, he worked as a mechanic for the U.S. Postal Service. While working for the Postal Service, he earned a BA in English and went on to graduate studies, earning his master’s degree from Governors State University.
After earning his MA, Hopkins started a career in public relations and as a speechwriter. He also taught English literature as an adjunct professor for his alma mater, GSU. While working in public relations, Hopkins started law school, graduating cum laude from The John Marshall Law School, where he was a member of The John Marshall Law Review.
He lives in Joliet, Illinois, with his wife of more than 30 thirty years, Carla, his golden retriever, Charlie, and two black cats named Lolli and Pop.
He and Carla have three grown sons, Tyler, Kyle, and Eric.
That’s an interesting look at pumpkin carving. I never thought on those terms but then I don’t dislike pumpkins 🎃.
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It made me think about a Charlie Brown Halloween when Lucy stabbed the pumpkin, lol.
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Family and friends often suggest my stance on pumpkins is irrational. In my defense, they really are yucky.
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for sharing, Michael!
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Teri, my pleasure. Thanks for letting me be a part of “Bad Moon Rising,” which is a great Halloween treat for horror fans!
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Well, that’s as good a reason as any for liking pumpkin carving best. LOL!
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Work out some anger issues!
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Yep. LOL!
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I had to laugh at Michael’s reason for enjoying carving pumpkins. 🙂 And this books looks like one I absolutely must have. Off to Amazon! Thank you for featuring Michael today, Teri!
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It’s not one I’ve really heard of, Jan. But I totally get it.
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Thanks, Jan! I hope you enjoy it! I promise there are no scenes of actual pumpkin carnage in the book.
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Pingback: #BadMoonRising – Post 14 Featuring Victoria Zigler and 15 Featuring Michael Scott Hopkins | The Write Stuff
Oooooh, I’m really drawn to the subject matter of this book. Sounds like the perfect Halloween read to me, Michael, and I thoroughly enjoyed your interview answers, too. Heading over to Amazon as soon as I post this!
Great (and fun) interview, Teri. Thanks for having Michael as part of BMR today. And continued success with your running AND writing, Michael! 😊 Now, I’m off to buy a book! 👍
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Right? Everything about that description spoke my name, Marcia. Have a great weekend!
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Giving a wildlife talk tomorrow, so I’m expecting to be in a good mood for at least three days afterward! You have a great one, too! 🤗💖
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Marcia, thank you! I tried to sprinkle some humor into the book next to the demons. Hope you find a chuckle or two.
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That’s just the way I like my books, Michael, not matter what the serious or scary parts have going on. Nothing like a wee bit of comic relief to make it all better somehow. I’m really looking forward to reading The Things in Heaven and Earth! 😲😁😲
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The Things in Heaven and Earth sounds like a fun read. As far as bobbing for apples vs carving a pumpkin, I figure I can hold my breath, but I can’t sew my finger back on!
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Good point, Priscilla, lol. I have a nice set of knives, but I rarely use any of them except the steak knives because I’ve come so close to losing fingers. At least with the dull ones it’s only the occasional cut.
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I wonder why we never bob for pumpkins. No danger to the digits, and you can still tear them apart with your teeth.
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Nice to “meet” you Michael. Chuckling at your reasons for carving a pumpkin.
Your book sounds intriguing. Wishing you all the best.
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Thanks for stopping by, Joan – have a great weekend!
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Thanks, Joan. And thanks again to Teri for letting me be a part of “Bad Moon Rising.” It’s been fun.
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Welcome, Michael. The visual of you plunging a knife into a pumpkin was disturbingly satisfying. I guess you do horror well. Great answers, Thanks, Teri.
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Hi, John, and thanks!
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😁
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Another marvelous post. Shine on Bad Moon!
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Thanks for introducing Michael to us, Teri. The book sounds fantastic, and I love the cover. Michael also has quite the bio. Finally, I love the name of his cats! 🙂
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Thanks, Mae! My publisher has a talented crew doing the cover art. My son, Eric, came up with the original cover concept, which the publisher adapted. I just got the cover art for my second novel, “Gideon’s Sorrow” a few days ago, and they’ve done another terrific job with it. I can’t wait for the book to come out!
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Thanks for coming by to meet Mike, Mae! And those cat names are awesome, lol.
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Nice interview! And, Governor’s State University was just down the road from me when I lived in Hazel Crest/Flossmoor area. (back in the day!)
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Thanks, suerovens! I also went to Prairie State College. I was fortunate to have great professors at both GSU and PSC. In fact, one of my former GSU professors has included “The Things in Heaven and Earth” on her syllabus for a horror/gothic course in the Spring semester. I’m thrilled about it. Should be a lot of fun speaking to the class.
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What great and fun names for your cats, Michael. Lolli and Pop. You only need to say one word and they both would be bouncing over. I can see that Michael’s book has plenty of unpredictable chills and excitement. Great interview, Teri and Michael.
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Thanks, Miriam! Teri really put a fun format together with “Bad Moon Rising.”
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Fun sounding blurb. All the best to Michael.
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An interesting premise, Teri. I though all American’s like pumpkin pie so I’m surprise that Michael doesn’t like them.
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I like some pumpkin-flavored foods (just had pumpkin ravioli last week!), but I’m not a fan of pumpkin pie. I’m not sure why – maybe the texture?
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I’ve never eaten pumpkin pie. Sadly, they don’t have it here.
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The problem with pumpkin, Teri, is there’s too much pumpkin in it.
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Literally had me rolling on floor laughing about the stabbing pumpkins bit. Great answers and good luck with the writing, Michael.
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I’d swear I heard horror music playing in the background when I read it.
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