An Interview with Michael Spitzkoff

Michael Spitzkoff, originally from Red Bank, New Jersey, now resides in Avondale, Arizona. Michael’s professional background consists of Real Estate Investing, clinical and administrative experience in the medical field, as well as being a veteran of the United States Army. Having a true passion for storytelling, Michael became a full-time writer.

In the past thirteen years, Michael has completed one novella, ten screenplays, three short stories, and two novels, currently working on a third and fourth novel.

Being a crime fiction enthusiast, Michael wrote his first novel, entitled Culmination, which has been edited and renamed Sullivan’s Crimeography. He completed his second novel, a suspense/thriller called The Arbonox Syndrome.

Michael enjoys spending time with his wife Tricia and his pets Sammy and Scotty. Michael’s hobbies include watching and playing sports, films, and binge-watching TV shows with his wife.

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

As far back as I can remember, I have been a huge fan of different story mediums, particularly films of many different genres. Watching movies was a form of escapism for me.

I loved reading novels in the thriller and horror genres which forced me to use my imagination.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

Over a decade ago I stumbled upon a screenplay about an underground extortion ring. I read this screenplay and it planted the seed to create a story about a mass conspiracy since I’ve always been fascinated with this sub-genre.

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

As far as the title is concerned, it speaks for itself. The word “Arbonox” is something that I conjured up out of the blue. It sounded ominous to me and I believed it helped set the tone for the story coupled with using the word “Syndrome.” Ironically, several years ago I stumbled upon a gaming website where the creator of this site used the same word, just in a different context.

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

Due to the nature of the story, the music would be non-diegetic with a nefarious tone.

Describe your dream book cover.

A cover art that captures the essence of the story, something dark and riveting to attract potential readers who are into this genre.

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

I’ve worked in a variety of different industries: from the clinical side of the medical field to being in the United States military for five years.

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

I learned through fiction stories such as the Andromeda Strain, Contagion, and Outbreak, all made into films. I read a great deal of literature on respiratory pathogens and pandemic response, also material on sociology/psychology and how a pandemic affects populations, giving a more realistic, authentic feel. COVID and the world events that followed, gave me plenty of references to put the finishing touches on to the story.

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

Since this book is a thriller/mystery novel, first and foremost I’d hope readers will be entertained, and perhaps relate to some of the characters and scenarios in the story.

My perfect reader is to have an open mind to the suspension of disbelief and of course, be a fan of this genre.

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