An Interview with James Berrywood & Steven Aspen

James Berrywood & Steven Aspen are a dynamic writing duo from the heart of Liverpool, combining their love for fantasy, psychological thrillers and historical dramas in books like their debut novel Stranger In the Mind.

Find all their links at aspenberrywood.com.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

James: From as early as I can remember, stories and storytelling were a huge part of my life, all thanks to my grandad. He introduced me to the fantastical worlds of Stargate, X-files, and Charmed. We’d spend hours dissecting episodes, and then he’d encourage me to pen our ideas on old typewriters we found at car boot sales. It was escapism and imagination made real; I loved him as my first-ever editor!

But it wasn’t just about the stories; it was about the secrets they held, much like my own as a young person in the closet. As I grew, J.K. Rowling’s tales of a boy with a hidden life really struck a chord, igniting my passion to one day tell my own stories. These experiences laid the groundwork for who I am as a writer today—forever searching for a little bit of magic in the mundane.

Steven: For me, writing wasn’t a childhood dream but a discovery made later in life. It’s the creative challenges and unexpected journeys that stories can take us on that drew me in. I was captivated by the raw, unfiltered creativity that writing offered, especially during tough times. Influenced by the grit of 1920s fiction and non-fiction, I found a particular resonance with the era’s chaotic beauty and moral complexities. The desire to weave these elements into a book series that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking has been a driving force behind my writing.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

James: Stranger in the Mind sprang into existence during a tumultuous time for us—2023 was marked by personal grief, and then, out of the blue, I was hospitalised with a heart issue at just thirty-three years old. Writing this book became not just a creative outlet but a real lifeline. The initial spark? That came from a wild idea Steven dreamt up, deeply rooted in the vibrant and tumultuous era of the 1920s. The more we explored the setting—the speakeasies, the jazz, the hidden shadows of society—the more the story began to take on a life of its own.

Steven: Absolutely, and to add to that, the idea actually started as a dream—quite literally! I envisioned a figure, ‘The Sex Reaper,’ a predator in the shadows of the roaring twenties preying upon patients in hospitals. It’s morphed significantly since then! Now it’s narrative rich with psychological depth and it was an exhilarating journey to write. This book has been a bit of a lifeline through our own storms, reshaping our grief and challenges into something profoundly meaningful!

James: Yes, from that initial kernel of an idea to now, I would certainly be in a very different place had it not been for this author adventure coming along.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

James: Stranger in the Mind really gets to the heart of our tale—those uncharted territories of our psyche and the eerie undercurrents of human behaviour. Landing on this title was…quite the adventure; we kicked off with ‘The Sex Reaper,’ which, let’s be honest, didn’t quite capture the essence we were aiming for. But during one of our brainstorming sessions (picture coffee and the occasional bourbon) ‘Stranger in the Mind’ emerged, and it just clicked—like a light in the fog.

Steven: James nailed it there. Finding the title was definitely a process just as dynamic as our writing sessions. It evolved as our understanding of the story deepened, shifting from the shock value of the original to something that encapsulated the mystery and psychological intrigue of our debut novel. When ‘Stranger in the Mind’ surfaced, it just resonated immediately, perfectly mirroring the complexity and depth we wanted to convey.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Steven: So, just close your eyes and imagine for a moment. Well, maybe don’t since you’re likely reading this! Just imagine stepping into a speakeasy with all its hidden glamour and grit—that’s the vibe we’d want for our soundtrack. Given our novel’s 1920s setting, jazz naturally forms the heart of any playlist I could imagine. Louis Armstrong’s ‘West End Blues’ and ‘St James Infirmary’ are staples in our imagined playlist, you might even notice them featured in the book. These tracks not only set the mood but do echo the deeper, sometimes darker themes of our story.

James: And it’s not just about the classics; we’d infuse some slightly more modern touches too. Billie Holiday’s ‘Strange Fruit’ might feel a little dated, but its powerful message and emotional depth mirror the psychological and societal exploration in our book. We’ve even curated a special audio mix—think of it as the novel’s title track—that blends historical and contemporary influences. It’s available on our socials, and we think it really sets the scene. You’ll have to let us know if you agree!

Describe your dream book cover.

Steven: I think you have to attract the eye, so something that is a visual echo of the mystery and atmosphere of our plot and the 1920s in Liverpool. Perhaps a foggy street scene, an imposing Brownlow Hill lit by the dim glow of gaslights that invite you in and hint at the dark mysteries within…then maybe a simple striking character and plot focus on the back, promising a thrilling story…

James: You literally described our actual cover! We’re thrilled with our current cover, but I’m already thinking about experimenting with future editions. That excites me probably a little more than it should… Short term, imagine the same cover with touches of foil that catch the light, mimicking the flicker of gas lamps. A metallic glint could subtly highlight elements like a mysterious figure in the mists… Longer term, there are some incredible ways we could capture the essence, eeriness and intrigue of what we call ‘the mindscape’ for special editions of the book, inviting a reader to step into a world where dreams become nightmares… Perhaps one day!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

James: A few, actually! Most recently I’ve been a senior HR manager in a UK public service organisation. While that might not seem directly related to writing, my work has given me an insight into reality of people’s stories and the complexities of life—elements that deeply enrich my writing. Something readers wouldn’t know or might find surprising? I’m not sure really, maybe that despite a somewhat formal-sounding day job, I have a vibrant passion for fantasy and sci-fi, and I love an RPG.

Steven: As for me, I’ve had an eclectic career path. Initially, I worked as a manager in hospitality and bars—a fast-paced world that taught me a lot about people and their dramas that unfold nightly. Craving a change and purpose, I returned to University to follow a passion for numbers, and I am now a specialist maths teacher. Shifted from mixing cocktails to solving equations! A little-known fact? I make a mean Amaretto Caipirinha.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

Steven: Throughout the creation of Stranger in the Mind, our research led us to Liverpool Central Library. We poured over historical texts and newspaper clippings about and from 1920s Liverpool. Just absorbing the whole climate was incredibly helpful in breathing a more authentic feel into our book. The archived newspapers in particular were fascinating! There’s so so much from the time that is interwoven throughout the book thanks to Liverpool Central Library.

James: And on my side I particularly enjoyed our ‘writing’ research – insights from books like Save the Cat Writes a Novel, which can be incredibly useful for understanding how to think about and structure narratives, when used in the right way. I especially seek out any author ‘on writing’ type interviews/podcasts. For comfort and creative fuel, I’d often return to the works of Sanderson, Butcher, Rowling, and Yarros, all for very different reasons but whose styles provide both escape and inspiration.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Steven: I hope it helps to remind us all how deeply our histories shape us. I’d like to think most people who read it will walk away with a nuanced appreciation for the complexities of that era and some of the timeless nature of human struggles.

James: My hope is that readers find both hope and unease, reflecting the duality of our themes. The ideal reader is curious and empathetic, drawn to thrillers that explore the dark, often gritty facets of human nature and leave a lasting impression well beyond the final page.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.