Author Interview with James Boyle

Can you tell us what inspired you to write Ni'il: The Awakening?

Kind of. I started with the character of a small-town cop, who has to do his job without a lot of manpower, or the technology a larger city would afford him. I'd used him in a sketch a while back and liked the figure. I then went about putting him in a very, very, difficult situation to see how he would handle it. Since I mainly write horror-themed work, that's where it ended up going.

Is there anything about Dan (not depicted in your novel) that only you know? 

Absolutely. Right away, I don't believe there is anything in the novel that really describes what he looks like. Some hints, perhaps, but very little actual description. He also was very close to his mother before she died when he was young, which, coupled with his wife's death, contributes to his motivation to protect Stephanie at any cost.

What writers have influenced you the most?  

That's a harder question to answer. Of course, considering my genre, Stephen King is an influence, but so is Clive Barker. Stylistically, Hemingway would have to among the major influences because of his simplicity. I would also have to say though that some others, at least behind the scenes, would be Alain Robbe-Grillet, (I spent a lot of time imitating his style in college) and Donald Barthelme.

What book is currently on your nightstand?  

Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. One of the best novels of modern times about the Native American experience now. Written by a Native American. Very good.

Are you currently working on another novel?

Yes. Right now, I'm about halfway through the first draft of the third and final? Novel of the Ni'il Trilogy. I'm hoping to have it finished (and the story wrapped up) by next winter. It's tentatively entitled: Ni'il: Waking Turtle.

Thank you James for taking time out today! It's really appreciated!!

You can visit James’ website at www.jamesboylewrites.com.