Thanks for this interview, Jens. Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regard to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing? Can you tell us about your journey?
Thank you for having me; I truly appreciate it. While I wish the journey had been smoother and success had fallen into my lap, I've come to realize that the challenges, the learning experiences, and the enjoyment of success are all part of the process. I strongly believe that starting from scratch and learning everything along the way is essential for true success. It's through the journey that we understand why we succeed or fail. So, my advice is to embrace the journey, walk the extra mile, and see where it leads you.
Now, let's talk about "Urbex Predator." It's been quite a journey indeed. While I've published two books before this one, "Urbex Predator" stands out because it's a horror novel, a departure from my recent crime thrillers, and it's heavily influenced by my experiences as an Urban Explorer. I remember one particular exploration when we stumbled upon abandoned barracks in the middle of nowhere. It got me thinking, "What if the worst-case scenario happened and we were trapped by a gang of thugs?" We had a close encounter with some hoodlums recently, narrowly escaping recognition. It felt like a scene out of the book when Nela and Tess spot what they think are other Urbexers, only for things to take a violent turn. These experiences, along with the abandoned places we encountered, inspired the book.
The initial feedback upon publication was positive, and I even received an offer to read at a theater hosting a photo exhibition—an important milestone in my career. Unfortunately, the event was canceled at the last moment, which was disappointing. Nevertheless, I pressed on, and with family and friends in the US, it felt natural to enter the US market.
However, I soon realized that being a writer wasn't enough; I needed to become a marketer to publish a book in English. It was a challenge I accepted wholeheartedly. It took six months of preparation before the release date to get the book off the ground, but here it is, hitting the top ten Amazon ranks right after launch.
So, in summary, it's been a rocky road, but it's been a journey filled with learning and enjoyment.
When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?
I have a deep love for travel. Beyond urban explorations, I relish the opportunity to journey abroad, exploring different countries and connecting with diverse cultures. As Mark Twain eloquently put it, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” Having traversed Europe, Africa, North, Middle, and South America, I can attest to the truth in Twain's words.
While I've had the pleasure of visiting many incredible destinations, my heart belongs to the USA. I've explored coastlines, reveled in the vibrancy of New Orleans and Key West, glimpsed Al Capone's final home in Philadelphia, ventured to Alcatraz, trekked through New York in a single day, and ultimately concluded that Florida holds a special place in my heart. So, if you ever find yourself in Orlando, let's connect.
Beyond travel, I'm also a fervent advocate for fitness. As the saying goes, "Mens sana in corpore sano" — a healthy mind in a healthy body. And that, my friends, is my final quote for today. Well, maybe.
What makes your book stand out from the rest?
I believe two key elements distinguish my book. Firstly, it delves into the fascinating world of urban exploration. Before crafting my story, I scoured the book market but found no mention of Urbexing or Bandos, as it's sometimes termed. For the uninitiated, urban exploration involves the investigation of manmade structures, often abandoned ruins or hidden components of the built environment. It's a hobby steeped in photography and historical intrigue, occasionally requiring ventures onto private property. This trespassing element is where the classic ingredients of horror stories emerge. Remember, a good scary tale demands three things: an initial sin, a confined space, and a formidable monster. Welcome to the forbidden barracks and the gang's Hades.
However, our monster isn't supernatural – no zombies or demons here. It's the most terrifying entity imaginable: the human being. In my experiences, I've encountered individuals who were far from pleasant, characters I've explored in my recent crime thrillers. Now, I've transplanted these criminal, malevolent souls into the barracks, shaping them into the ultimate monsters. Trust me, such individuals exist, and encountering them is not exactly fun.
So, what sets this book apart? A distinctive setting and chillingly real monsters.
Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?
Of course, I would love to. Enjoy!
Silence was all that was left. Neither the shouting of the officers nor the marching thunder of the soldiers had remained from the Cold War. Finally, it was time itself that had defeated all enemies.
Unwavering, indifferent, and relentless, it gnawed at the foundations of what the Allied forces had left behind. Heat had cracked the asphalt, rain washed out the concrete, wind and storm had smashed doors and windows. Tar paper had melted in the sun and frozen in winter. Tiles had cracked in the freezing cold. Weather had crept into the woodwork and driven the paint out of the wood. Moss and ferns clung to exterior walls, clogging gutters, and water pipes. The forces of nature had achieved what those of the enemy had failed to do.
In the cold moonlight, Scott and Billy wandered between the former apartment blocks near the barracks. Six-story residential silos had probably housed the soldiers’ families at that time. Today they were surrounded by trees that had not been planted yet when the houses were abandoned. In the moonlight, the open front doors of the house looked like the entrance to a more sinister and terrifying world than the darkness of the woods. The night wind carried the heavy smell of forest soil and damp cellars to their noses. Now the nocturnal animals came to life and mingled their calls with leaves rustling.
“Wait!” Billy put his hand on Scott’s shoulder. “There’s something up ahead.”
They stopped on a grassy path that once had been a road.
“What’s supposed to be there?” Scott folded his arms in front of his chest.
“Look …”
A black shadow emerged from the forest.
If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?
Considering the recent hints, you can likely guess the holiday we're discussing. It's undoubtedly an adventure vacation, a rugged survival challenge. Better start gearing up!
Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?
That's a fantastic question, and it's one that's been percolating in my mind as I wrapped up the final chapter. While I'm cautious about revealing too much, let me share this: there's a tantalizing possibility of revisiting certain characters in future adventures. But here's the twist – it's not just the heroes who might reappear. I've developed a deep attachment to every character, including the villains. And here's a little secret: I've already begun sketching out ideas for potential sequels or even an entire series. Picture it: new bandos, more rivalry, and a deadly cult lurking in the shadows.
Of course, whether this becomes a reality hinges on how readers embrace the characters and the story. If there's a clamor for more, I'm more than willing to dive back into the world of Urbex Predator.
But then again, I'm brimming with fresh ideas for entirely new literary ventures. Time, as they say, is the most precious gift. So, dear readers, if the prospect of an Urbex Predator series ignites your imagination, I'm all ears. Your wishes just might shape the course of the narrative to come.
When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or full-time profession?
When I was young, my career aspirations oscillated between becoming a stuntman like the ones in the TV show Fall Guy or a rebellious outlaw biker, the icons of yesteryears plastered all over the media (yes, I was a weird kid). Well, let's just say I've settled for a healthier lifestyle filled with sports and a keen interest in intriguing individuals. Rest assured, I never quite achieved those childhood dreams, but they did fuel my curiosity to explore the depths of the human psyche and delve into character studies. Unbeknownst to me at the time, those were the initial steps on my journey to becoming a writer.
Interestingly, my first two crime thrillers drew inspiration from real-life personalities and were received quite well. However, I soon grew weary of the gangster narratives, as they tended to blend into each other with similar tropes and themes. It might sound unconventional, but delving into horror allows for a richer exploration of the human character. In a horror story, anyone can be the protagonist, and that's precisely why the genre resonates with so many people.
Reflecting on your question, while I didn't initially see writing as a career in my youth, I believe my mindset naturally drew me into it as I explored various interests and passions.
What’s next on your to do list?
Like I mentioned earlier, being a writer these days also means being a marketer. So, my immediate focus is on monitoring the further development and success of "Urbex Predator" and learning from the happy accidents I'll encounter along the way. As for my writing career, I'm currently crafting a new plot that I plan to finish by the end of the year. Here's a sneak peek into the story: tentatively titled "The Podcast," it follows Josh and Abi, two young adults residing in the declining desert town of Dusthaven, who find themselves in a serial killer's nightmare when their hometown becomes the epicenter of a series of gruesome murders. They reach out to their favorite True Crime Podcast, "Deadly Idols," and become semi-reporters on the front lines of a manhunt. However, knowing me, things aren't always as they seem, and grim twists are to be expected.
Title: Urbex Predator
Author: Jen Boele
Publication Date: February 4, 2024
Pages: 394
Genre: Horror / Thriller
A relic from the Cold War, the old barracks beckon photographers, influencers, and adventurers, shrouded in secrets and peril. Nela and Tess dare the eerie ruins for their photography thesis, while Zander, Yelka, Vivien, and Damon embark on a simultaneous shoot. Amid the abandoned shadows, Yelka’s group runs into Steven and his ruthless gang, initially outsmarting them. Yet, Nela and Tess fall victim to a nightfall ambush, escaping but torn apart. As adrenaline courses through the gang, they stalk Yelka and her friends, unleashing a relentless manhunt. Vivien becomes their captive, setting off a chain reaction. Tess encounters Damon and Yelka, while Nela, guided by Ben, the barracks’ security manager, races to find Tess. Yelka strives to rescue Vivien, trapped in an abandoned outdoor pool. On his lone pursuit, Zander witnesses the gang’s brutality, delving into a darker realm within himself, spurred by the horrifying thrill of Steven’s actions. The scene propels Yelka, Damon, and Tess into a frenzy, unleashing chaos to liberate Vivien. Nela and Ben, attempting to overpower the gang, witness Yelka and Vivien’s escape as the gang closes in. With the arrival of Steven’s older brother, Henry, the stakes are set; the old military hospital transforms into a battleground. No one is to leave alive, and a matter of life and death ensues. In the ruthless clash, Nela and Yelka emerge as the lone defenders, while Zander pursues a mission for his own catharsis. In Henry’s basement, dubbed his Hades, the teams converge for a pulse-pounding final duel, where survival is the ultimate prize.
You can pick up your copy at Amazon.
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