Interview with Abdur Mohammed

Author of Rise of Prophecy (The Anuk Chronicles, Vol.1)

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Originally from NYC, and currently residing in Virginia Beach, VA.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

After joining the Navy, I left for Illinois, then Pensacola. In-between Mississippi and California, I ended up in Virginia Beach Permanently – Mostly due to being assigned to Fighter Squadrons. Even after spending 13 years on Active Duty, I’ve managed to remain in Virginia Beach for most of my time.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve had a story in my head since childhood. I found a vehicle (a voice if you will) for my story one night, in a cold compartment on-board an aircraft carrier…in the middle of an operating theater; three sailors were discussing the Ancient Astronaut Theory and its relation to the History channels long-running show, Ancient Aliens.

I was unfamiliar with the show, but the works of Erich von Daniken and Zecharia Sitchen were common in my family. I asked about potential interest for a fictional accounting of the non-fiction research the community is bombarded with…the positive reaction was all I needed to start my first outline.

In short, there was not a visual telling of the Ancient Astronaut/Alternative History theory, outside the non-fiction version on television.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

The original version were a collection of screenplays, spearheaded by a one-hour pilot (intended for cable/streaming), but as common sense would have it, you could be holding the goose that lays golden egg…but no one cares in Hollywood if you’re not connected, or are an unknown. Remember, I was in the military and not in the entertainment industry.

That being said, it was suggested I reverse adapt my scripts into novel format (this was hard). Nevertheless, the style of the novels have turned into a visual one, immersing the reader into a new universe, with unapologetic connections being made to real-world politics, mythology, anthropology, archaeology, and religion.

You end up living in a contained universe with a cast of believable characters, that could have shaped the world we live in today…and who all gave rise to the myths passed down for eons.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

The original audience I wrote my series for were the Alternative History/Ancient Astronaut Theorists. As the pages moved forward, it became clear that fans of late ’80’s – ’90’s action-adventure movies will be entertained, along with the deep thinker familiar with mythology and anthropology.

Matter of fact, on my YouTube Channel – THE ANUK CHRONICLES, I posted a few videos dedicated to the series, of which I’ve already struck a nerve with religious types. So I suppose religious types may connect as well. There is a large number of religious undertones…but only in an ancient sense. The 3rd book, THE BALLAD OF PERSEPHONE, has already garnered me some harsh words from a religious group…really (laughing here) I don’t care.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

There are a lot of con-artists out there, who will insist you give them your money (lots of it) to take the same actions you can yourself for free…in my case, I was a fool to give hard earned cash to a “House claiming to support authors”…which was a scam.

In my naivete I used to think (outside the military) people were honest and told no lies…at least the ones in business who call you with promises to help. One individual put it this way…”Freedom is the facility to be freely take advantage of people.”

In short, I learned the hard way that there is support out there…you just have to know where to look for it, and do not think you’re alone in your journey…seek out help.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Proper planning prevents poor performance.

Instead of writing and publishing a novel within 6 months…take your time with the first one, especially if it is a series. Start marketing 6 months before release. You’re not alone…get beta readers and other focus groups. Most important, HIRE EDITORS. Don’t forget proof readers, and proof the proof readers when they’re done (I guarantee there will be mistakes).

Oh, and don’t quit your day job.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

The idea answer would be Everyone….the world, the universe. Realistically however, I would like to reach just enough people to spark an interest in the screenplays. THE ANUK CHRONICLES series was written with the screen in mind (Cable/streaming). The hope is to reach the right segment of readers who would like to see my vision come true.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Marketing has proved to be my kryptonite. With the first novel, RISE OF PROPHECY, I had no idea how to market, despite reading and being taken for a ride. By the second Volume, RISE OF VILLAINS, efforts garnered over 1,300 units downloaded release weekend…and it’s been a trickle ever since. With the 3rd, THE BALLAD OF PERSEPHONE, I missed a couple of steps, but got most of it right…so the learning curve, albeit adifficult one, is evening out.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

After a harrowing year of publishing debacle, I believe I can close my eyes from start to finish of the process, and come out the other end unscathed. Whatever I’ve learned in the process, I feel the need to give back…and as such am doing so via YouTube channel.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

As mentioned before…marketing. This wicked undertaking I liken to Lucifer planning Shrek’s birthday party – I am sure you can imagine the chaos.

When do you think you will write your next book?

So far THE ANUK CHRONICLES consists of:
RISE OF PROPHECY, Vol.1
RISE OF VILLAINS, Vol.2
THE BALLAD OF PERSEPHONE, Vol.3.

Volume 2 and 3 were released four months between one another. I am taking my time with the final novel in the series, RISE OF THE ANCIENTS, because I want it to bring the reader into the 21st century, and thereby spark a new series. I expect to have my first draft completed by April 2020 – looking for a street-team and readers by the way.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self-published.