What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I love mythology, religion, and ancient history. While most parents read books like *The Very Hungry Caterpillar* to their kids, my parents read to me Greek and Mesopotamian myths and stories from the Bible. I grew up on Gilgamesh and Zeus and Thor, and, of course, Jesus and King David and Enoch. I’ve carried them with me throughout my life and still read books by scholars and historians on these topics. I find it endlessly fascinating to learn about these ancient people, what they believed in, and how they lived. Eventually, it led me to develop this dark fantasy, sword and sorcery story about a Christian antihero in the Roman Empire, fighting off demons, fallen angels, and wayward gods while also dealing with his own struggles.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
“My Salvation” by Sakis Tolis, easily. Sakis Tolis is a Greek musician in a black metal band (this song comes from his solo album). Despite being a devout Orthodox Christian, I love black metal, especially Hellenic black metal. Black metal takes a lot of inspiration from mythology and ancient history.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Michael Moorcock. I know—that’s a writer, not a genre, but Michael Moorcock has written in every genre, and I adore his books. I’ve also been known to read a good romance novel. I’ll devour a Colleen Hoover or Rachel Van Dyken book.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Right now, I’ve been going through Steven Erikson’s Malazan books. Erikson is a fantastic writer. He’s created such a complex world, but his writing is both simple and engaging. I have no idea what the heck is going on, and yet I find myself engrossed nonetheless. I’m also going through John Strickland’s four-volume series Paradise and Utopia: The Rise and Fall of What the West Once Was. It’s nonfiction, involving history, religion, culture, and philosophy.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I would say the last battle. It’s full of action, but it’s also highly emotional, and much gets revealed that will end up leading the reader into the rest of the series. It both closes the current story and opens it up for more stories to come.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I script before I write the scene. Meaning, I write the scene as a play before I fill it with the details, the emotion, and the action. It sounds like it would take more time to write a book this way, but for me, it makes the writing much faster.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
The Jesus Prayer — “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This short, singular Orthodox prayer has been used by saints and monks for centuries.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That this was a fun ride - and that they want to ride again!
George Alexandros is the author of the new book Beneath the Mire (Demon Slayer Rome Book 1)
Connect with George Alexandros
