This is so incredibly exciting! I was able to interview the protagonist of both A Life Transparent (Monochrome Trilogy, #1)
DD: How does it feel to be getting so much attention?
DC: It’s strange. I’ve never considered myself a very “stand out” sort of guy. I live (or lived, I guess) a pretty low-key lifestyle until recently. I’m so used to being the person who fades into the background that being in this spotlight is almost uncomfortable.
DD: Family relationships are so important. How did it feel to work with your brother?
DC: Enlightening. He’s always been one to forge ahead and do his own thing, so being able to work along with him has been really insightful. He’s guided me through the investigation process, teaching me everything he knows about this grim business, and I’m grateful for that. Yeah, he’s stubborn at times, and he can be a bastard—but so can I, y’know? We have our disagreements, but we usually work it out. I just wish he’d open his eyes to more creative possibilities. He sees the world in black and white. I try to see the gray places in between. Naturally we’re going to clash.
DD: Do you know how Donna is doing?
DC: About as well as can be expected. I hated leaving her like I did, but it was something that had to be done. I’m sure she’s furious with me, but she’s a strong woman. I believe she’ll be okay in my absence. I have to. Without her, I might as well stay in the Monochrome.
DD: Tell us how it feels in the liminal space and the Monochrome.
DC: The ‘chrome is an empty place. I have a hard time describing it as anything else. The place is a void, if that makes any sense? There’s an uneasy stillness in the air that’s almost suffocating, and the low drones that occupy your ears like tinnitus is maddening. I think liminal space is even worse. Not only are the constant shifting colors hard on the eyes, but there’s also the constant reminder that you’re this close to crossing over—but can’t. Not right away, at least. Took me a while to figure out how, but the price to do so was very steep. Everything has a price in the Monochrome.
DD: If you were to compare Aleister Dullington to a classic literature villain, who would it be?
DC: I’m not sure this would count as a “villain” from classic literature, but Dullington reminds me of the fallen angel Mephistopheles from Faust. I could also make a case for comparisons to the cenobite Pinhead from Clive Barker’s The Hellbound Heart, but I’m not sure if you would consider that “classic” literature.
DD: What is the most unsettling thing about the Monochrome?
DC: I’d have to say it’s a draw between the low drones that seem to emanate from the place and lack of texture on every surface. The disorientation that comes from the latter makes it hard to find your way, like being trapped in a maze. This doesn’t exactly help when you’re running from an army of Yawning.
DD: Without giving too much away, how do you feel about your present challenges?
DC: I’m scared. I’m worried about my wife and my unborn child. I don’t trust Dullington, and I question his reasoning for keeping Sparrow around, but I have no choice at this point. I’m stuck in this place, and if he says the way out is through, so be it.
DD: Is there anything you want to share with those who haven’t read about your … I almost hesitate to call them adventures because that sounds positive and fun … so far?
DC: I’d like to caution everyone. Live your life. Don’t give up on your goals. I almost did, and the price—flickering out into this hell called the Monochrome—has all but destroyed me. Don’t make my mistakes. Don’t become mediocre.
DD: Thank you so much, Donovan. I don’t want to keep you. I know you have a lot to do right now. And readers, so do YOU. Go grab A Life Transparent (Monochrome Trilogy, #1)
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