Your journey began with a life-altering breakdown in 2008—what was that moment like, and how did it reshape your path?
it was a shock to say the least, I awoke to the sudden realisation that things were never going to be the same again. It forced me to analyse my life, whilst studying and scrutinizing detail, i would have otherwise over looked.
What first led you to question the roots of your ill health, and how did that curiosity evolve into deeper research?
The sudden realisation that the voices in my head, constantly nagging me or bringing me down were real. Very loud and very proud, and that there stories or reasons for abuse seemed to include misguided logic, but logic none the less, not based on facts, but weren't mearly a random apperation either.
Project Chess explores hidden systems and conspiracies—what inspired the title and its symbolism?
Upon research into the claims and arguments in my head, I realized that it only were there stories in history which seemingly repeated the same pattern of behaviour from time to time but the patterns in questions, seemed to involve the hidden sinewaves or communication networks of the Gods. With my realization that the Antikythera mechanism was on infact a sinewave reader, invented by Archimedes, (circa 200 bc) I couldn't believe not understand how he would have came to need a mechanism, similar to the Hollerith machine, to translate machine code. A feat of engineering which would normally take an army of humans, centuries to desipher any particular coded message.
How much of the trilogy is rooted in your personal experiences versus historical research?
I initially wanted to explain the details of my case or health problem but the more my research took me down the very many rabbit holes in history, the more the details of my case, fell into insignificance.
During your years of research, did you encounter any discoveries that genuinely shocked or changed your worldview?
The antikythera mechanism proved to me that the ancient world of antiquity had more going on than meets the eye. I mean, why else would they invent a sinewave reader, capable of reading digital sinewaves, if they weren't sending messages through the airwaves? It kind of reminded me, although the wrong time period, why parrots on the shoulders of pirate's, used to say, 'pieces of eight, pieces of eight,' in reference to the 8-bit messages flowing through the airwaves, relating to monatery payments.
As a self-described truth-seeker, how do you separate credible information from misinformation?
hmm, I guess when the concept or understanding that you come up with, fits into the tapestry of history, allowing you if you had the time, to branch off in different directions and still come up with credible answers.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while writing such a complex and controversial series?
concentration!! The voices in my head, would drive both my reason for research but also my reason for having no rest bite for years on end. It and they were gruelling, putting me through years of sleep deprivation, just to get me to join one of their varying unions, fraternities or socialist styled church groups.
Did you face resistance or skepticism from others when sharing your ideas? How did you handle it?
I tended not to confide in others, I knew the information was way to rich in detail or historical reasoning for anyone I knew to get their head around, so I kept my head down, and hit the books, or internet as the case maybe and seeked reassurance from my research...
How does your background as a historian influence the narrative and structure of Project Chess?
I was never really a historian, I only ever had an outside interest in certain stories in the past, always watching documentaries etc, but upon taking up the challenge to get my head around my mental health problem, it seemed I already had a relatively good grounding, without needing to try to hard.
Are there particular themes or messages you hope readers will take away from the trilogy?
Never give up, if you know your right, keep at it, prove it! Ohh, and always give sympathy for the fool that doesn't believe you...
How did your health journey shape not only your writing but also your perspective on modern society?
I guess I learnt to recognise the unseen dangers in life, revolving dating, romance and the army of White Doves out there, who in an attempt to recruit for their unions, would walk over hit coals for an untapped root system.. it's frightening..
Can you describe your writing process—especially when dealing with intricate and layered subject matter?
yeah, in one word, 'Terrible!' I attempted initially to try relate my story as if I was a 'hippy' version of Steven Fry, but I didn't believe in this type of style coming from me, it seems I could relate better, when I just attempted to tell my story, or write it, as myself , a self confesed version of 'Stoner Simpson,' I guess...
Were there moments during the creation of Project Chess where you doubted continuing? What kept you going?
If ever I got too tired or frustrated, I knew no matter what, I needed to finish it, as the voices in my head wouldn't give me any rest until I did.
Who do you believe will connect most deeply with your work—truth seekers, skeptics, or a broader audience?
I have no idea, I am just happy that hopefully someone would take the time to read it, as I know its a long book, with 3 volumes, but hopefully if they do, they come out the other side, more knowledgeable than when they went in...
Would you recommend AllAuthor to fellow authors, and if so, what services or tools on the platform have you found most useful in growing your business?
I believe AllAuthors is a great site, I think it is important to attempt to reach out to as many sites and amateurs and professionals alike, when trying to launch your book, hopefully learning along the way, some of the various practises which can help sell your book, like retweeting your books adverts around social media as much as possible, helping gain as much exposure as possible. AllAuthors has been great for that, helping keep the tweets rolling out, whilst your busy with the next project.
