Interview with Barry Smith

Author of "Twilight Dynasty: Courting Evil"

A: The basic premise for Twilight Dynasty: Courting Evil involves a family law lawyer, Kyle Morrow, who undergoes past life regression as a harmless diversion. He discovers that he lived a previous life in Atlantis, but finds that a former adversary, an Atlantean sorcerer, has also incarnated in the present day. The adversary has recovered mystic knowledge from his previous life and plans to make Morrow pay for wrongs committed 10,000 years ago. Morrow is caught up in a battle that takes him far beyond the courtroom. He finds himself fighting for his loved ones, his life, his sanity, and ultimately his very soul. Unfortunately, Morrow doesn’t know who his adversary is in his present existence... is it a friend, a relative, or a shadowy stranger.

A: Twilight Dynasty was inspired by my own past life regressions. I have been regressed on numerous occasions. Included in these regression sessions was the exploration of my five Atlantean incarnations. My late regressionist was a college professor who, on occasion, used a lady psychic as an assistant with his regression therapy. Two of the characters in Twilight Dynasty: Courting Evil are based upon my regressionist and this blonde psychic. I have also drawn upon my twenty plus years of practicing law to mold Morrow into a dynamic, but realistic, protagonist.

Q: What have been your other major sources of inspiration?

A: My writing style and my interest in the fantasy/horror genre was inspired at an early stage by the flamboyant writing styles of some of the best pulp fiction writers, most notably Robert E. Howard (the creator of Conan the Barbarian and Kull of Atlantis) and H. P. Lovecraft (author of the Cthulhu Mythos as well as The Dunwich Horror). My challenge since that early influence has been to add realistic settings and believable characterization to such stories, without sacrificing the supernatural elements and the action-packed writing style. Just before I penned the final version of Twilight Dynasty: Courting Evil, I read The Oath by Frank E. Peretti. Although a Christian author, Peretti's writing is far from staid, conservative pap. Peretti employs a fast-paced style coupled with realistic settings. On the very edge of reality, the supernatural elements lurk. The Oath was some of the most heady and satisfying reading that I had enjoyed for some time. I never want my writing to become predictable or formula driven. Twilight Dynasty combines elements of adventure, horror, romance, sword & sorcery, fantasy, and suspense. I would categorize Twilight Dynasty: Courting Evil as a supernatural thriller, with more unexpected twists and turns than a runaway rollercoaster.

A: I have always been fascinated by the quirks of human nature. For example, most people believe what they want to believe, and hear what they want to hear. Very few people question information that supports their own world view. Shirley MacLaine and others channel spirit guides and accept the information that they supply at face value. Being a lawyer, however, I've been trained to be somewhat cynical and to test everything...in effect, to insist on corroboration for the testimony of a crucial witness. In many ways, Twilight Dynasty is a quest for truth, and therefore, involves questioning (or cross-examining) what we would otherwise assume as fact. Past life regression by its very nature involves being led by a spirit guide. It is, in essence, a spiritual journey. As any ghostbuster worth his (or her) salt will tell you, not all spirits are benign. Thus, the premise for Twilight Dynasty. What could happen if, by undergoing regression therapy, one ends up "Courting Evil"?

A: Twilight Dynasty: Courting Evil is a cautionary tale. It dramatizes the dangers of conducting spiritual exploration without taking into account the inherent risks. Twilight Dynasty: Courting Evil, however, is written on several levels. It can simply be read as a fast-paced thriller. Other readers will enjoy it as a thought-provoking journey of discovery. Yet others will come to realize that the life-changing perspectives in Twilight Dynasty are far more than mere fantasy.