Morgan Solis is an American author and piano composer who is known for The Backrooms novella, which has created a new buzz around psychological genres.
After years of formal writing experience, Solis created The Backrooms. This novella has reached readers of all levels and has sparked some controversy since its release.
Along with writing, Solis is an avid piano composer and has composed more than thirty arrangements, being self-taught and consistent in the industry.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
Watching The Twilight Zone growing up made me interested in storytelling, and how not all stories make you feel “good.” It was an uneasy feeling that made me excited to write!
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
My first job was as a gymnastics coach, and I competed in that sport for many years prior, sparking that particular job interest.
After that I was a teacher at a bilingual academy, I didn’t know the language spoken there so that job was challenging, fun, and interesting!
Now, while writing and making music, I am an art and antique appraiser, and I love what I do.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
It plays on the idea of the Backrooms lore, but the book is nothing like the original story. The book is more of a psychological story, not science fiction. It took only a couple months to write, it flowed naturally on the paper.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
I designed the cover myself, and was proud of my work and color scheme. I feel as if it’s unique and stands out in a crowd, I’m proud of it to be honest! When I first held my paperback in my hands, it was a proud moment also. I felt like an “author.” I thought to myself, “Wow, I made the story, formatted it, designed the cover, and now it’s finally come to life!” It was a good day.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Anything old-timey, think the 1930s, and slightly out of tune. Piano and saxophone come to mind as well.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I hope that readers fill in gaps with their own imagination. I want the readers to understand that the book is short, but there are many metaphors and mixed meanings within the book. It seems simple but there was a lot of thought put into it.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
Publishing it on my own without anyone swaying my story.
What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?
I don’t write stories much as it feels “forced.” I got this idea and went with it because I had a burst of creativity. For now, I am casually writing a poetry book compiled through the years, that would be my next piece of work.