Hello, Zach. Thanks for taking the time to be on my blog. I see your book Ring Fenced is currently on sale for 99 cents. Let’s talk about that book.
What is the story about?
My novel is about a power obsessed character who controls his own life and those around him by adopting five separate personae – effectively juggling five separate lives.
Who is the main character?
The character was born Benjamin Shroot and is known as Benji Shroot for one of his lives (his birth family); for the others he adopts the surname Short and becomes Ben (a corporate finance banker), Bennie (husband and father), Jamie (so he can indulge in promiscuous relationships)and Benjamin a(pornography writer and business owner).
What inspired this tale?
I am aware and have experienced many aspects of modern life which require a degree of compartmentalization or ‘ring fencing’. I wanted to create a character who personified the concept.
How did the story come to you?
I came up with the idea of the character and his multiple lives. I didn’t start with a story. Instead, I wrote about him and his life and the story unfolded. I had no idea where it was going but it developed a life of its own.
Did you have to research for this novel and if so, why?
A considerable amount of research was carried out as I wanted to try to ensure accuracy and authenticity. As I have a background in business and finance as well as writing and publishing I already had in depth knowledge of much of the content. However I did need to research the protagonist’s sociopathic behavior and how he handled relationships, also to check geographical and product references.
If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn and why?
I found much of the research into sociopathic behavior disturbing. I wanted to write about my character and his experiences without being specific about his condition or being judgmental, instead allowing the reader to form their own opinions.
Do you relate to your character?
I don’t believe you can truly write about a character that you can’t relate to. I have to imagine myself as my character to know how he world think and act so as I’m able to write about him.
Is your protagonist anything like you personally?
Yes, I’m sorry to say.
If yes, then how?
Although I don’t believe that I’m sociopathic maybe I’m not the best one to ask. I do however share many similarities with Benjamin. I’ve taken a number of my experiences, sometimes grossly exaggerating them, to help bring him to life. I must emphasize, though, that the book is a work of fiction and many parts, particularly the criminal activity, are entirely constructed from research and imagination.
What made you write this character; what made them important to you or made you want to tell their story?
Once I had the idea for the character, I felt compelled to write about him. It almost became an obsession – I had to keep at it until the story was told. As mentioned above, I didn’t know at first where it was going and I wanted to find out.
Is there anything specific you want readers to know about this piece of work?
Ring Fenced was my first novel. Previously I’d only written flash fiction. When writing it, I didn’t know whether it would become a short story or a novella. As the plot expanded it became a full novel. I’ve subsequently written other novels; a crime series set in Glasgow and an investigative journalism thriller. First written in 2011, Ring Fenced has recently been rereleased through Creativia.
Your book sounds intriguing. I just bought and put it on my TBR list. Click on the cover to read a preview or buy your 99cent copy today:
Okay, let’s learn more about you, as a writer Who is Zach Abrams? What inspired you to start writing?
My wife is the author Elly Grant and without doubt she has been the greatest influence. As a child, I wasn’t encouraged to read, let alone write. I was quite academic so the reading I did was almost entirely non-fiction. Elly was a keen reader and encouraged me and once I started there was no looking back. Elly has always enjoyed writing and this inspired me to start as well.
What is your favorite book you have written and why
A difficult decision as there are different reasons why I might choose each of them. I think my first choice has to be Ring Fenced as being my first novel it changed my whole perspective on writing.
When you are not writing, what do you do to recharge?
I spend time with family, read, listen to music, swim and play chess. Normally I spend a lot of the year in France (French Catalonia) and I like to walk in the Pyrenees.
Are you an Indie Author or are you part of a publishing house?
I started as an Indie Author, publishing my books through Author Way. Recently, I transferred my thrillers so they are now published through Creativia and the crime series will follow soon.
Do you read books within the genres you write?
Often although I enjoy many other genres.
Besides being an author, do you have a second job?.
I am an Accountant, Business Consultant and Company Director although I have now retired from most of that activity to concentrate on writing.
What do you enjoy most about being an author?.
After many years in business, writing reports and making presentations, I find writing novels is a much more honorable form of fiction. But seriously, I get a thrill from the idea that people in many different countries have read and enjoyed my books. Initially, I wrote them because I enjoyed writing. It’s a wonderful bonus to know that they have been appreciated by others.
Other books by Zach Abrams:
Excellent interview. I don’t know if I would be so quick owning up to be a sociopath. Sinner, yes, but the other is a little extreme.
Me either. If that’s what he meant. 🙂