Kitty's Book Spot! got together with the author of the amazing thriller, "The Dream Actor." We wanted to get to know Birks Kalulu, as well as his story. If you are a fan of fast paced, family feuds & unpredictable action - this book is for you!
Amazon (kindle) http://amzn.to/2kwipWt
Paperback http://amzn.to/2CPes5E
1. Do you listen to music as you write?
Do I listen to music as I write? Well yes and no. So many things move me while writing, things like another book, a film or a life situation. Back to your question though, not all music inspires me to write. There are chapters in my book ‘The Dream Actor’, which I wrote under the influence of mid tempo music. I didn’t need music to write the death scenes though, I just tapped into my memories and broke back the pain and anguish I felt when my father passed away this year in October, that wasn’t hard. Away from writing, I love to listen to music while I read.
2. Are you a reader? What is your favorite work of fiction?
I am a bookworm! And that is just an understatement. I have read many books since my childhood and I have lost count of the number. Books contain life treasures. I have read books that are grossly horrific, to true life stories that just blow away the mind. I am the type of person that would rather read a book than watch the movie version. My favorite work of fiction is the classical book by English novelist George Orwell called “animal farm”.
3. Your new book is so different and exciting. What inspired this kind of story?
Different it is indeed. The main inspiration about this book came from reading and watching documentaries on dreams (lucid dreams for example). Also in my family, in every generation we have had twins. These highly complex phenomenon spurred by my unending wild imagination conjured up this kind of a story. It was wonderful writing every letter and seeing the characters working to gather and later clashing with each other. The book is writing is more from narrations than your typical novel dialogues. And the setup is serene but with a dash of chaos, typical human life right? I believe there is nothing on the bookshelves close to the story line in this book. It will make the reader flip pages till saliva dries up! What can I say, in a way, this book tries to demonstrate that dream do come true…in strange ways.
4. If your characters were in your neighborhood, would you want to be friends with them?
Well, I cannot say, because from the outlook, it seems like a pretty normal family. The boys are obedient and loving. Their father has a normal job and nothing out of the usual. So I might be their friend. On the flip side, I might be a victim of their nightmares. So it is a 50/50 situation. Let us wait for the sequel, maybe it gets better.
5. Have you ever made/would you make a (music) playlist for your story?
I have not thought of that to be honest. But that would not be a hard thing because I am a music producer for Kalulu sound factory. I guarantee that would be fun to do! Thank you for the idea.
6. Will you share with our readers something about yourself no one else knows?
Sure but I hope I do not get in trouble for it. I used to steal books from the school library so that I could selfishly read them alone. I had depleted the school library; well mostly it was a stash of novels…so I guess I can be forgiven for that.
7. What other genres would you want to write?
I write nonfiction too. For example next year I will be publishing a memoir about my late father.
8. Do you have siblings? We will see them in this book?
I have 5 siblings, and one of them, my brother, contributed immensely during the course of writing this book. Two of my younger siblings are actually fraternal twins, of the opposite sex. So maybe in a subtle way I have incorporated bits of my personally life. Either way, it is pure fiction.
9. If you could pick anyone to be your hero, fiction or real, who would you pick?
This is a hard question. I want to pick myself, but that would be illegal considering the nature of your question. So now, who to choose, real or fiction? I go with MacGyver. And I digress.
10. What is your favorite snack?
Those tantalizing, mouthwatering, pop play eat – pringles.
11. What do you hope the readers take away from your story?
This is a good question, considering my book is an action thriller filled with short fused detectives and family feuds. Well the readers can take away this, that dreams do come true – so pay attention to them.
Author Information:
Birks Kalulu is a university graduate with a degree in public administration from the University of Zambia. He is currently working at Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. He is also an online entrepreneur, loves traveling and networking with like-minded people. Birks is a loving husband and father to two beautiful children. Writing is his passion. He believes the brain is limitless and every problem has a solution.
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