Interview with JB Michaels, author of The Bud Hutchins Supernatural Thriller Series

What can you tell us about your new release, The Bud Hutchins Supernatural Thriller Series?

There is a lot to say about the series! It is carefully constructed to entertain, enlighten, and thrill with a balanced mix of history, science fiction, magic, religion, and the supernatural! The first book introduces you to the ancient origin of The Order of St. Michael and then you rush headlong into the modern era to meet Bud, Maeve, and Ivy. There are many ways to describe the series and the books contain homages to classic Hollywood horror, so a unique way to describe them would be Monster Thrillers! Again, that is only one way to describe them the books are most definitely unique and above all entertaining. Like NewInBooks says, books are a force for good in the world. I think this series fits that description!

What books are currently on your nightstand?

The Pioneers by David McCullough, the Sean Wyatt Adventure series by Ernest Dempsey, and Thrawn by Timothy Zahn.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to be the funniest, craziest guy in the room.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

I would absolutely spend it talking to my Mom. She passed away last year after a tragic yet inspiring, five and a half year battle with Stage IV cancer. I count myself extremely fortunate to have had such an amazing human being in my life. She especially loved the third book in this set and was forever the champion of my work and dreams.

What makes your world go round?

Professionally, my students and writing of course! I get to share my love of history with Chicago’s incredible children during the day then dive headfirst into my imagination and write pulse-pounding thrillers by night.

Personally, my family is what keeps me going. My wife is the most incredible partner. We created the best person ever, our son. He is hilarious and just a great guy! Oh and very very adorable. I don’t care that I am that parent gushing over his kid. Ha!

What scene in The Bud Hutchins Supernatural Thriller Series was your favorite to write?

I can’t just pick one book or scene!

I had an absolute blast writing “The Ancient Order” in general. I did a ton of research for that book! The final battle against a seemingly unbeatable and relentless enemy is some of my best work I feel.

In “The Order of St. Michael”, writing the Beauregard zombies scene was much fun and the scene is a good mix of character quirks, action, and horror.

Lastly, in “The Elixir” a monstrous rampage through downtown Chicago from the Willis Tower to Orchestra Hall to the Art Institute was so engaging and I can’t help but smile at how much fun it is.

JB Michaels is the author of the new collection The Bud Hutchins Supernatural Thriller Series.

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