Page 36 - Reader's House magazine

Exploring A Mastermind Of Horror Fiction MARK ANTHONY Weaves Dark Magic Through His Award-Winning “LIT” Series and teases the spine-chilling future of the captivating “LIT” series. “Mark Anthony shares his journey from nurse to award-winning author, details his creative process, as told to Dan Peters Mark Anthony’s name has become synonymous with dark storytelling that lingers in the minds of readers long after the final page has been turned. An extraordi- nary talent emerging from Perth, Australia, Anthony has successfully blended his pro- fessional career as a compassionate Cancer Nurse with his remarkable gift for crafting haunting narratives. His Lit series, born out of a nightmare that sparked an uncontainable creative fire, stands as a testament to both his vivid imagination and his natural aptitude for storytelling. Since the release of Lit—the gripping debut D R A F T Horror isn’t just about fear. For me, it’s about emotion, humanity, and the shadows we all carry.” What truly sets Mark Anthony apart is the signature voice he brings to the horror gen- re—a voice unafraid of exploring life’s darkest recesses while anchoring his tales in humanity and profound emotion. His ability to make readers cling to every word and reflect on his stories long after they have ended is a rare gift indeed. Whether he’s penning advice on char- acter creation for Killer Nashville Magazine or shaping his next masterpiece under the vibrant lights of Barcelona, Anthony continues to redefine and elevate the genre. In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House, we sit down with the man who has drawn so many into his macabre yet mesmer- that introduced readers to the unforgettable ising worlds. Join us as Mark Anthony reflects trio of Ellie, Josh, and Sam, and the chilling Can you elaborate on the concept of ‘Conduits’ in ‘LIT’ and how you developed this unique element? I found the term for the process, not the process for the term. The exciting thing about it was that the Conduit was simply, a person. An ordinary, everyday person who had to deal with this supernatural, violent intrusion into their lives whilst living in complete isolation and loneliness. The Conduit enabled me to build real, vibrant characters. Each with their own pain, trauma and ways of dealing with this curse. As a writer, it allowed me the free- dom to play in the beautiful grey areas of the human condition. That was so much fun. No bad, no good. No guilty, no innocent. on his journey, his inspirations, and the stories shadow people that plague their world—An- still waiting to be told. thony has cemented his place in the pantheon of modern horror writers. Garnering five-star acclaim from respected platforms such as Goodreads and Kirkus Reviews, each instal- ment in the series has expanded the dark, intri- cate universe he weaves. His follow-up novels, “Ascent” and the recently released Rage, delve deeper into the lore, preserving the raw intensity of the original while enriching the narrative with fresh characters and compelling dynamics. It is no wonder his works have earned Gold Literary Titan awards and collec- What inspired you to write ‘LIT’, and how did your personal experiences influence its creation? It began with a bad dream. One of those nightmares that when you wake, it haunts you for the rest of the day. I built the story, in its most basic form around the premise of that dream. The main character was already there, and the gruesome idea was already in place. Shadow people, the shadow self, all those concepts came into play. tive praise from critics and fans alike. How do you balance the supernatural and psychological aspects in your storytelling to create a compelling narrative? People can have painful lives. Loss, trauma, depression, fear. I think everyone knows these feelings and these govern an individual’s reac- tion to the supernatural. The series had a lot of attention from ambassadors of Mental Health, and I am grateful for that. The horror aspects show that people will find strength wherever they can. That to hope, is sometimes scary. To care is sometimes risky. Each character in the LIT series fights their own monster and their 36 II Reader’s House