Marie Harbon's Bio:
'Seven Point Eight' began life as a short story in the early nineties but on realising the idea could be grown into something more substantial, it was later developed into a trilogy. When it became clear how vast an epic it was becoming, it was finally born as a full five part series of books. Work on 'The Second Chronicle' has already begun.
Discussions have just begun to turn 'Seven Point Eight' into a movie or TV series.
Aside from writing, Marie has two children and lives with her son and four guitars in the town of Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, which is in England. She is a self-confessed fabric geek and purveyor of beautiful, often ostentatious clothing.
Author Interview
Questions and Answers
NEWS: The First Chronicle goes FREE in the Kindle store: Mon April 16, Tues 17th, Weds 18th and Thu 19th , 2012.
Learn About Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle: Review of Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle by Marie Harbon
1. How can you introduce your novel "Seven Point Eight" to readers?
Be prepared for a journey, an expedition that draws together fringe science, psychic powers, alternate dimensions, time travel, past lives, miracles, folklore, consciousness,
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| Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle (Volume 1) |
Written in the style of a TV series, 'Seven Point Eight' interweaves the human dramas of love, betrayal, bitterness and above all, courage in a world where everyone must face their own dark shadow. Plus, it asks some pretty existential questions regarding the meaning of our lives and destiny, our karma and dharma, and last but not least, God and the universe.
'Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle’ lays the groundwork, and sweeps through the 40s, 50s and 60s to modern day in a wild nostalgic, scientific, paranormal ride. The physicist, Paul, begins a quest to measure the soul but soon founds himself swept into Max’s world, where research is sold to the military at the highest bid. When the talented psychic, Tahra, walks into his life, they soon embark on a ground-breaking project designed to stretch the frontiers of exploration, only to make a reality shattering discovery….
2. What set you on the road to writing "Seven Point Eight"?
The original concept revolved around a group of extraordinary people, although the over-arcing story came together over the period of a few years. I wrote a short story in the 90s featuring the machine and consciousness travel, and I liked the idea so much that I developed it further.
3. How many Chronicles will there be?
There are five in all, and The Second Chronicle is due for release around July/August. Each book will feature a main character on the cover, with the story involving them in a significant way.
The Second Chronicle’s cover will depict Max, and in the book, we see his demons run amok, while we get to deal with the legacy of the machine.
The Third Chronicle will feature Ava and in this book, her purpose and secrets will be revealed.
The Fourth Chronicle focuses on Paul to a large degree, the portion of his life after the machine and his new project.
The Fifth Chronicle concludes with the focus on Sam, his demons and dilemmas, plus, it wraps up all the story threads and mysteries.
4. Briefly mention the characters that will return in future chronicles? Without mentioning names will there be other new faces to come?
The five main characters; Tahra, Paul, Max, Ava and Sam continue to plan significant roles. We’ve been introduced to most of the secondary characters in the first book, and as we move through the series, their roles and connections become clearer. There are a few we haven’t met as yet. One will appear in The Second Chronicle, someone we can despise!
5. From what's gathered in your novel would you say you're a believer of aliens/ other life-forms out in the vast expanse of space?
Yes, it’s far too big a universe for us to be alone, that’s such a waste of space! I believe there’s a whole host of physical and non-physical life forms out there that we’re ignorant of. The universe is teeming with life at different levels. I also speculate on the purpose and meaning of this in the series.
6. Marie, was the research for the novel huge or hard? I mean from what can be read it sure seems like the novel progresses through quite a long list of events of plain human discovery and modernization. What was it like in terms of research?
Yes, pretty substantial. I approached it in layers, so that I laid down the scientific geeky elements first, as they were essential to the story and dialogue. I layered the historical backdrop in on the next draft, to establish the cultural context and backdrop. There won’t be as much research historically for the next book, as I’ve got to keep everything tight; there’s a huge amount of plot to pack in.
7. You as an Author: What age in your life did you know writing was a definite option for you?
Quite early. I wrote stories from a young age, and created novel length books from the age of 12. Sometimes, you just have a calling.
8. You as a regular person: What is your favorite thing to do each day?
I have little time in which to switch off from writing, but I have another hobby. Sewing is quite a passion too, particularly bags, corsets and some items of clothing.
9. You as a regular person: About how frequently do you visit book blogs? What's your favorite thing about them?
I tend to follow links as they’re posted on Facebook profiles, or in groups I’m a member of. These links often introduce me to a new blog. I also subscribe to Jeff Bennington’s Writing Bomb, and like Novel Publicity, plus Yamina Today. There are plenty of useful postings on writing, marketing and the like.
10. You as an Author: Do you have other jobs besides writing?
I still have to work a day job, so that I can cover the costs of editing, cover design and publicity. During the day, I frequently work as a substitute teacher and when I get home, I start on my writing/publicity tasks.
11. You as a regular person: Who has been your greatest inspiration from other writers, if any?
I was always a fan of Stephen King, but now, some of works could be considered as ‘drawn out’, as the market is in favour of tighter plot and pacing. Screenplay/script writing is a major interest of mine, and at the moment, I’m studying the pilot scripts for Lost, Fringe and V. ‘Seven Point Eight’ is written in the style of a TV series, and I love the way they build a huge story and connect up all the different threads.
12. You as a regular person: Who do you admire most in your life?
I admire people who follow their own path, regardless of what society thinks. Strong and successful women also inspire me, and people who stand up to the shortfalls of the system.
Marie, thank you so much for agreeing to provide answers to many of these questions.
Many thanks for hosting me, glad you enjoyed my book .
Do hope you success in future endeavors!
Learn About Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle: Review of Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle by Marie Harbon
