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Author Interview: Forest McMullin
Have you ever had an imaginary friend?
No. I’ve always been pretty comfortable being alone, so an imaginary friend wasn’t necessary. Writing is a solitary experience for me, so I guess it’s good that I’m fine being by myself.
Do you have any phobias?
I’m not classically claustrophobic but being in extremely crowded places makes me very uncomfortable. Being in tight places like closets or caves, no problem. But being in a crush of people is my idea of hell.
Do you listen to music when you’re writing?
Definitely not. When I’m doing other kinds of computer work–research, correspondence, etc.– yes. But not when I’m doing serious writing. It’s too easy to let it be a distraction.
Do you ever read your stories out loud?
Always. It’s a good way to catch things that need correction and/or improvement, but especially for understanding dialog. Timing and rhythm are critical in writing dialog and actually hearing what a character is saying is the best way to work on that.
Tell us about your main character and who inspired him/her.
I’m the inspiration for the main character. I lived many of the situations depicted in Shooting at Shadows. The way Ethan approaches his photojournalism is very much the way I did. His musings on the ethics of the profession are my musings. That said, when the plot gets exciting and starts to crash around him, that’s all fiction. I was able to take specific real conversations and events and insert them into a novel that’s much more exciting than anything that ever happened to me.
A photograph can tell the truth. It can also get you killed.
Ethan McGuire’s relentless pursuit of explosive stories has cost him his family, his integrity, and now–possibly–his life. While documenting the rise of white supremacist movements in Western New York, Ethan encounters a world of neo-Nazis, heavily armed survivalists, rogue FBI agents, and violent criminals, all with something to hide. But when a crew of ruthless bank robbers starts hunting him for photos he doesn’t even know he has, the stakes turn deadly.
As his enemies close in and his family becomes a target, Ethan must expose the truth–before it buries him. Shooting at Shadows is a relentless thriller and chilling cautionary tale, inspired by the author’s real-life experiences as a photojournalist. It exposes the darkness lurking beneath the surface of American extremism–and the cost of bringing it to light.
“One hopes that McMullin has further adventures planned for his unlikely hero.” –Kirkus Reviews
“…a provocative thriller exploring highly pertinent themes in American culture today…” –Fredrick Soukup, author of Blood up North
Read an Excerpt
Someone outside began pounding on the truck in time to the chant and within moments it sounded like everyone who could reach the sides was pounding too:
“BOOM BOOM BOOM! BOOM BOOM BOOM!
“KKK! GO AWAY! KKK! GO AWAY!”
It was deafening, like being inside a giant bass drum. The thin metal walls of the truck amplified the beating and Ethan could
feel the horrible reverberation in his chest. Everyone moved toward the center of the bed as if the walls could come crashing in on them at any second. The two holding the rear gate down were fighting the door as people outside tried to raise it.
Suddenly the pounding stopped and Ethan felt the truck moving. The crowd was so loud he hadn’t heard the engine start. But how could they get through that mob without running anyone over? Maybe if Kevin went slowly enough, they’d let the truck pass. Surely the police would be able to get there and see to their safety. Then he realized it wasn’t forward motion he felt. The truck was swaying side to side. The chanting changed too. “O-VER! O-VER! O-VER!” They were trying to turn the truck on its side. Ethan didn’t think it could be done, but with this many people it was impossible to know for sure.
Everyone inside moved away from the center and put their hands against the sides to steady themselves. It was like trying to stand in a boat on choppy seas. Back and forth, back and forth the truck rocked, gaining momentum every time. Ethan saw the men holding the door down lose their balance and fall. The door rose and blinded them with brilliant sunlight.
About the Author:
Forest McMullin is a writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Earlier in his career, he was a photojournalist who specialized in photographing fringe social groups. Today he writes both long and short form fiction, Shooting at Shadows is his first novel.
Website: http://forest-mcmullin.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/forestmcm
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/forest.mcmullin
Substack: https://substack.com/forestmcmullin
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/forestmcm.bsky.social
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shooting-Shadows-Crime-Thriller-McGuire/dp/B0FC2VR1KS/ref=sr_1_1
Thank you so much for featuring SHOOTING AT SHADOWS and Forest McMullin today.
Thanks for the spotlight on SHOOTING AT SHADOWS today. I’m grateful.
It’s a pleasure to have you here Forest! Congratulations on this exciting release!