Black Rose Writer, Tyler Klumpenhower, on a quest for truth
Tyler Klumpenhower was nice enough to stop by and share some
information on his new release with Black Rose Writing.
1) Tell us something
about your new release, and what genre would you say it falls under?
My latest release is called, 'We
Live Dying.' It is the story of a clinical psychologist named Brian
Cruse who is assessing a schizophrenic killer, Tucker Wilson. It's a story of
self-discovery, twisted reality, and the quest for truth. It is a brutally
honest work that's not afraid to show how life can be perceived, even at its
darkest.
I personally have a hard time knowing what genre to put my book
in. It is under thriller/horror, but I feel as though those genres limit what
it actually is. I don't know what it is. It's a weird mix of random poetry,
journal entries, and symbolism.
2) So Tyler, I'm
sure everyone wants to know how you came up with the idea of your new book?
The book developed over a 2-3 year period. I had always had the
core idea of a young adult on the road to self-discovery, the quest for truth,
and wrestling with what reality actually is. However, I never knew how I could
actually capture the idea in an interesting way. I would daydream about
different ways to portray the journey but nothing ever fit. The book is, in a
way, reflecting the way I interpret the world around me, according to my
imagination. The idea came from a heart that longed for the truth.
3) Do you know anyone
who is a cutter or did you have to do extensive research?
This is a very personal question. As you know, ‘We Live Dying,’
closely examines the issue of self-harm. In the book, it is often referred to
as "blade.” The main character is a blade addict. I have read many books
and talked to many people about cutting but also other forms of self-injury. It
is a confusing topic, which is sadly neglected and overlooked by many because
it is scary. I wanted to learn what self-harm is rooted in, so I could help
those who struggle with it; however, greater than that, I wanted to help
myself. I struggled with cutting for a couple years. Many of the insights about
cutting comes from a heart and mind that has been addicted, to a certain
extent, to blade. One of my goals in writing the book was to tell those who
struggle with harming that they are not the only ones struggling, they are not
alone, and that there is hope and freedom to be found. Actually, this book has
opened many doors for me to speak into different people's lives about cutting
and to share my story; but more importantly, my hope in the blood of Christ. I
no longer need to shed my own blood because Christ has shed His to cover all my
shame and sin.
4) Thank you so much
for sharing such a personal part of yourself with us. I dare to
take a guess that Edgar Allen Poe was one of your favorite authors, but maybe I
am wrong. Who are your favorite authors? What are you reading now? Did Poe
influence you in any way with 'We Live Dying?'
You know, I've never been a Poe reader until recently when people
started noticing his influence on my work. I find it interesting because he had
no influence on this book at all. Ted
Dekker and Joshua S. Porter were huge influences for this book. One of
my favorite authors is Mary
Shelley. I love ‘Frankenstein.’ Right now I'm reading ‘Cross Roads’ by Wm.
Paul Young. I also love Vonnegut, Orwell, and other classic authors.
5) I understand that
you are involved with a Christian theatre group called Unbreakable.
Was there any pressure to write a Christian book instead of the one you wrote? I
know that since I am a Christian, when I wrote a book about the mafia, many
people were a little surprised.
I felt no pressure to write a Christian book. In fact, I purposely
did not send my work to a Christian publishing house because I did not want
that label. I wouldn't label my book Christian even though my faith has a very
strong influence on the content. Many people in Christian circles may be
disturbed at what I have written but I honestly don't care. I hope it breaks
some people out of their safe Christian bubble and helps them become aware of
certain issues, like self-harm. In the end, I am responsible to God for what I
have written, not man.
Unbreakable is a Canadian drama troupe with the sole purpose to
spread the love of Christ through the tool of drama. We do biblical dramas,
historical dramas, and drama workshops. We perform in homes for seniors,
schools, youth groups, conferences, and other venues. We don't just do
religious dramas because they are not accepted everywhere, especially in schools.
This year we are touring Canada, with potential to go to the Eastern States and
Germany. Right now we are touring Western Canada. The team is made up of
volunteer actors who believe God has called them to leave the comforts of
ordinary living and be on the road. It is not easy but when God calls He
enables. I am excited to see what this year of touring has in store.
7) Is there something
quirky you can tell us about yourself that most people don't know? For
instance, I have an addiction to hot wings that my family is always laughing
about. Is there something about you that we might find unusual or funny?
Haha… Well, I have this weird addiction to claw machines. I also
love "wiggly death" (jello), untoasted strawberry pop tarts, and
anything Captain America. Actually, the perfect combination is green tea and
pop tarts.
8) That’s funny. The
quirky things about writers are always fun to unveil. Are you a plotter or a
pantser?
I have a balance between the two. There has to be some structure
in the writing process but the fun lies in the mystery of what is going to
happen. Planning is very important but to be willing to throw out the plan is
more important.
9) What's next? Do you have more books waiting in the wings?
Well, touring keeps me pretty busy, but I hope to start writing a
new book soon. I am presently brainstorming.
You can find out more about Tyler and his books at
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