The Telepathy Office

Author Keith Gell has self-published a fantasy novel which is a blend of urban punk and magic punk.

The vast metropolis, a city inhabited by goblins, is in the throes of an industrial revolution forged in magic. Manna, magical energy captured in physical form, fuels its factories that produce artefacts, to be traded across the galaxy. Wizards are the new elite. They use their magical skill to amass great wealth, and in turn, political power. Resentment grows among the mundane goblin proletariat.

Magic purveys every aspect of goblin life: Telepathic communication, weather control, and healing. But alongside the benefits come risks: Mutation from manna pollution, and magical diseases of vampirism and lycanthropy. But the biggest threat of all is demonic invasion.

Vampires steal a book to summon a demon. Infernal manna finds its way onto the market place, with awful consequences.

Grand Master Pharaoh Henry must recruit a team of demon hunters to stop a full-scale invasion from Hell. But Henry is a dangerous fanatic, and those who work for him end up dead, or worse. No right-minded wizard would risk death, or losing his soul, so he recruits who he can: A drug addicted augurist, a dishonoured ork, a cowardly policeman, a fugitive vampire, and a vain fashionista who shares her mind with a demon.

Against the backdrop of armed revolution, they investigate a Satanic plot, to prevent the opening of a gate to Hell itself.

You can read an interview about this urban fantasy author on Brighton & Hove Independent. You may visit his page at Goodreads Author Keith Gell.

Keith’s Interview

Do you consider yourself (1) an introvert OR (2) an extrovert?

I am an extrovert. I am a chatterbox who talks to everyone.

A friendly guy!

You prefer (1) to eat a home-cooked meal with family and friends OR (2) to eat in a big-name restaurant?

Both and neither. I love eating at home with my family and friends. Also, I like eating in foreign restaurants with my family. In particular, I like Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants in Soho, and Indian restaurants on the Brick Lane. I would not particularly want to eat at a ‘Big Name’ restaurant, unless I won the meal as a prize.

A variety for you!

Do you find it (1) easy to give a witty retort OR (2) think of what you should have said after the conversation is over?

I find it easy to give a witty retort because, in the words of Jonny Rotten, I stock up on cheap comments. My favourite retort is (to be used after an obnoxious or ignorant comment), ‘You’re still evolving aren’t you X’ (to be delivered with an encouraging tone of voice).

Wow, what a comeback!

Do you write (1) when the mood takes you OR (2) at a set time?

I have ideas for scenes, usually when I’m swimming or walking. Later I write them down, then string them together to write a book. For The Telepathy Office I slotted them into a standard 3-act structure, hyper texting them together with an Excel spreadsheet.

Interesting process!

(1) Can you name just one favorite novel OR (2) you love too many to just pick one?

It would be easier to name my favourite authors: H G Wells, Arthur C Clarke, C S Lewis, Alfred Bester, Douglas Adams, and Arthur Conan Doyle.

Fantastic writers!

Thanks for being interviewed, Keith!