Interview: George Bachman

Last Updated: 09 June 2024

Today author George Bachman is stopping by the blog for a quick chat. Interested? Read on to find out more!

How did you first become interested in writing?

I've been interested in writing for as long as I can remember. There's never been a time when literature and technology weren't twin loves.

Tell me about Spellcaster.

Spellcaster is a fantasy set in an alternate fin de siècle England. It revolves around Christine, a socialite plagued by a debilitating illness and the paranormal visions that cause them. During the London Season her older sister Allie, the family heir, seeks a husband among the titled but impoverished Englishmen.  

Meanwhile, Christine searches England's occult underground for answers. The only witch who can help is another impoverished aristocrat, Lady Kinloss whose social standing and finances have taken a hit because of a scandalous affair with Lord Serton. Unfortunately for Christine, Kinloss won't help her unless Christine cajoles Allie into marrying Serton so that the illicit pair can share Allie's dowry and inheritance. Christine must choose between betraying Allie and saving her own life.

What draws you to writing fantasy?

Reality has too many rules to abide by. I love creating new worlds and then trying to persuade my readers of their verisimilitude.

What’s the hardest thing about writing?

Dialogue. Persuasive dialogue is the single most difficult part of the whole business.

Which authors inspire you?

It varies from story to story, but for this book: Mark Helprin, John Crowley, and Edith Wharton were the chief inspirations.

What’s your all-time favourite book?

My Riverdale Shakespeare or my annotated Alice books. For single works, this week it's Cao Xueqin's Dream of the Red Chamber.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

None beyond being read and hopefully appreciated.

What are your interests outside of writing and reading?

Independent cinema, particularly from Asia.

What are you reading at the moment?

Michael Shea's The Autopsy and Other Tales.

Spellcaster is available to buy now (paid link; commission earned).

Will you be reading Spellcaster? Let me know in the comments below!