Date Published: March 15, 2021
Publisher: Del Sol Press
In the course of a morning, Dungsten Crease resurrects his neighbor’s dog, is arrested by TSA for carrying a weapon which never existed, and drowns a woman at an airline ticket counter—or could he be hallucinating? In his panic he locks himself in the men's room of a coffee shop only to find a strange man in cycling togs sharing the space. The lanky intruder claims to be Dungsten’s neurally implanted concierge unit who has two disturbing messages. Dungsten is a Shaper—an obsolete, genetically programmed tool created by a bankrupt galactic corporation to terraform planetary experiences for vacationing clients; and the woman he inadvertently killed at the airport with his Shaper abilities will be the love of his life. Attracting government agents who want to weaponize him and Galactic Business Council assassins who want to terminate him, fear drives the Shaper within to inadvertently bifurcate, a second Dungsten also now running from his pursuers. But bifurcation comes at a price: loss of appetite, swelling of the hands and feet, an erection lasting longer than four hours, loss of bladder control, rectal bleeding, psychosis, convulsions, and sudden death. To pull himself back together and if he’s lucky, survive, he must master his Shaper abilities before he becomes a victim, or worse, accidentally destroys Earth and everyone he loves along with it.
Is There a
Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
During this pandemic, I think we’ve all found ourselves in
situations we never imagined we’d be in. Like Dungsten, the protagonist of the
story, the desire to deny or run away can feel pretty strong. And yet the
ability to simply put one foot in front of the other, we can continue to step
into life, no matter what happens in our world.
Is there
anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
In a way, everything about writing is a challenge. Finding a
concept that will provide fertile ground for storytelling, developing characters
who are unique and real, building worlds so they become a character in the
story…I could go on. All of those things are a challenge, which is what makes writing
fun and rewarding.
How many
books have you written and which is your favorite?
The Bifurcation of Dungsten Crease is my sixth published
novel. The first three novels were humorous thrillers (something like Elmore Leonard’s,
Get Shorty) set in Central Texas. The next two were speculative fiction, Die
Back and Vengeance of Grimbald—a mix of sci-fi, fantasy,and historical fiction.
Now you’re asking me which of my children is my favorite? Kill’t Dead or Worse
was the first and I love the title, Die Back is a tight story and I enjoy the
mix of genres, and Bifurcation is a story I’ve had simmering for a long time,
so it’s great for Dungsten to finally see the light of day.
If You had the
chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
Simon Pegg. (Shaun of the Dead, among others) I had him in
mind when I first started writing the story in 2007. Many of his characters
have a vulnerability and a desire, but not the natural skills to be the hero.
However, his characters somehow manage to boldly face adversity, often with a
sense of humor. Dungsten is at his core a good guy and he wears his fears on
his sleeve. But when faced with insurmountable odds, he somehow manages to pull
himself together and take action.
When did
you begin writing?
My first
moment of writing fame occurred in the 3rd grade reading short
stories to the class instead of bringing pet snakes and gerbils to show and
tell. I dabbled over the years, but after dipping my toe in the novel waters in
2007, I went full Monty in 2009 and haven’t stopped.
How long
did it take to complete your first book?
The first published book took about a year. The first book I
wrote to eventually publish, 14 years. Usually it’s about a year and a half.
Did you
have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
I
have writers to inspire me to continue writing. Umberto Eco, Ian Tregillis,
China Mieville, Arthur Clarke, Donald Westlake, Phillip Dick, Elmore Leonard…I
could go on.
What is your
favorite part of the writing process?
The first time I write into the high concept of the story. I
meet my protagonist, discover if the concept has the legs for an entire novel,
and let the story naturally unfold. I can’t wait to find out what’s going to
happen!
Describe
your latest book in 4 words.
Corporate tool finds love
Can you
share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your
writing?
I’m working on a follow-on to Bifurcation, tentatively
entitled Antikythera. I’ve also got the beginnings of the third book in the
Alchemia series (Die Back & Vengeance of Grimbald), as well as another
untitled speculative fiction story. I’m not sure which one will float to the
top first.
Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog. Much
appreciated!
About the Author
Del Sol Press books by Richard Hacker are available at Amazon
The Alchimeía Series
DIEBACK: Book One
VENGEANCE OF GRIMBALD: Book Two
Other books by Richard Hacker:
Nick Sibelius Crime Series
KILL’T DEAD OR WORSE
BUZZARD BAIT
ALL HAT AND NO CATTLE
Contact Links
Purchase Link
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