#BadMoonRising The Things in Heaven and Earth by Michael Scott Hopkins #paranormal #supernatural #horror

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising

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

Amazon

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.

Hopsfiction.com

https://www.facebook.com/MichaelScottHopkinsAuthor

42 thoughts on “#BadMoonRising The Things in Heaven and Earth by Michael Scott Hopkins #paranormal #supernatural #horror”

  5. Pingback: #BadMoonRising – Post 14 Featuring Victoria Zigler and 15 Featuring Michael Scott Hopkins | The Write Stuff

  6. 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! 👍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. 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! 😲😁😲

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

    1. 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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    1. 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!

      Liked by 2 people

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    1. 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.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. 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.

    Liked by 2 people

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