Featured Interview With Eugenio Salvato
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Sheffield, United Kingdom in 1966. A son of Italian immigrants, I grew up in the 1980s when computers were “the future”. Against my better judgement I embarked on a career in computing. A career that was financially rewarding, but personally demanding. With more money than I could spend, and no time to spend it, I decided enough was enough. At the age of forty, I gave it all up. For the next seven years I focused on pursuing my interests and making up for lost time. The years passed quickly… and allowed plenty of time for reflection.
One day, I woke up and realized.
“It’s time… I need a new challenge.”
I decided I owed it to myself to pursue something I wanted to do. Something I enjoyed doing. I wanted to make a contribution. I wanted to make my mark. But what was that something I wanted to do? I only knew it wasn’t computing. I delved deep into my psyche, and searched for an answer. Months went by, but without result. Then, one day, it struck me. As an aspiring young man, I dreamed of becoming a writer, but somehow allowed others to discourage me. I failed to follow my calling…
Until now.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Books and Films have always fascinated me. It started with children’s comics like the Beano, and progressed to superhero comics by DC and Marvel. Every week, I would spend my entire pocket money on comics, and would read them over and over until I was able to replenish my supply. I remember, my favorite superheroes were Thor and Captain America. But, in truth, I loved them all.
Eventually, I graduated to novels. The very first book I read was Treasure Island. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. I was completely captivated by the story. It opened up a whole new world to me. I remember the feeling of disappointment when I finished the book. I refused to be torn away. So, I read the book all over again. It had a profound effect on me. For a long time after, I was hooked on books.
It never really occurred to me that I could write a story of my own. Nobody really encouraged me as a child. Although at school, I remember, it was one of the few subjects that I was good at. And at the age of 16, I decided I wanted to become a journalist. A sports journalist to be precise. But I was advised against it, and I was too young to know better than to comply.
So, it wasn’t until I was well into my forties that I realized I wanted to write.
So, here I am. Writing.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
One of my favorite authors is Charles Dickens. I love his stories, but most of all I love his characters. His characters are memorable. His characters are vivid. His characters are larger than life. Sometimes over the top, but never forgettable.
Another favorite author of mine is David Gemmell. For me, a story must have heroes, and plenty of them. On that front, David Gemmell always delivers. And for me, a story should always be thrilling. And nothing is more thrilling than a good action scene. Once again, David Gemmell delivers in abundance.
I would say those two authors have had the biggest influence on my style. I strive to create memorable characters. Always heroic in their own way. Most of the time flawed. A lot of the time conflicted. But you’re always rooting for them.
As far as genres go, it’s difficult to say. It’s a bit like asking, “What’s your favorite music?” If I was pushed, I would lean towards Heroic Fantasy. But in truth, a good story is a good story irrespective of the genre. I’ve read all kinds of books, ranging from the Classics, to Science Fiction, to Heroic Fantasy. As far as writing goes, I don’t like to restrict myself to a single genre either. To date, I have written a Heroic Fantasy novel set in ancient Rome, and a Detective Mystery Thriller set in modern-day England. As for my latest book, it crosses a number of genres.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
I like to write about the human condition, how people deal with internal and external conflict, and how the line between right and wrong—good and evil—is often blurred.
My first book, Blood Feud, is set against the backdrop of gladiatorial combat. The story is about two brothers with conflicting ideals and opposing fighting styles. It explores how people often justify wrongdoing in the name of a “noble” cause. And how they’re willing to sacrifice everything in the pursuit of that aim.
My second book, Driven to Kill, is set in modern-day England. The story depicts a deadly rivalry between a master criminal and a journeyman detective. It explores how unhealthy fixation can often spiral out of control, and how none of us really know what we’re truly capable of, until we’re faced with an impossible choice, especially when the life of a loved one is at stake.
My latest book, Runners, is set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic wasteland. It tells the story of an ancient people’s battle for survival. The story explores how sworn enemies are able to set aside their differences to achieve a common goal. But how they must first learn to overcome their prejudices, and forgive past wrong-doings, in order to achieve their aims.
I don’t want to give too much away, but there are five different threads to the story. Each thread follows a different band of heroes, each hero is trying to achieve a different goal. A goal that is very dear to them. It goes without saying, they all stand in each other’s way, and are on a collision course. Not all of them will succeed.
My latest book is my biggest challenge to date. The plot is complex, and there’s a lot to resolve. I’ve been working on it for ten months now, and I’m at the editing stage. I’m hoping it will be published by February 2015.
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