Exploring Eschatology, Psychological Depth, and Military Dynamics
Karl Muller discusses inspiration, weaving psychology, biblical influences, faction complexities, and life’s impact on storytelling in Shadow Works.
Embarking on an exploration of the mind and beyond, we find ourselves in conversation with Karl Muller, the architect behind the enigmatic novel, Shadow Works: The House of Mire. Muller’s life has been a tapestry woven with threads of diversity and intrigue, shaped by a nomadic existence tethered to military service and seasoned with experiences as a counselor and victim advocate. His narrative prowess draws deeply from this reservoir of encounters, infusing his tale with layers of psychological complexity and spiritual resonance.
Rooted in Muller’s personal encounters with the inexplicable, Shadow Works emerges as a tapestry interwoven with the threads of eschatology, supernatural conflict, and the machinations of power. Muller’s candid revelation regarding the genesis of his novel unveils a journey that spans over two decades, from the initial conception during college days to its resurrection amidst the upheaval of a global pandemic. This serendipitous revival breathed life into a tale that had long lingered in the shadows of memory.
The interplay of psychological elements within Muller’s narrative is a testament to his astute observation of human dynamics, honed through years of service in the military trenches and the trenches of the human psyche. Drawing parallels between military deployments and the unfolding drama within his book, Muller illuminates the intricacies of group dynamics amidst the chaos of conflict, lending authenticity and depth to his characters’ struggles.
Central to the fabric of Shadow Works is the concept of Eschaton, a term laden with biblical connotations of apocalypse and divine will. Muller deftly navigates this celestial terrain, intertwining the cosmic narrative with the mundane lives of his characters, blurring the lines between the extraordinary and the ordinary.
At the heart of Muller’s narrative beats the age-old dichotomy of light versus darkness, embodied in the conflict between The Flock and The Coven. Yet, true to the complexities of human nature, Muller delves beyond mere archetypes, imbuing each faction with layers of motive and moral ambiguity. In this dance of shadows and light, heroes and villains emerge not as monoliths but as flawed, multifaceted beings driven by personal agendas and collective ideologies.
Muller’s own odyssey, marked by countless relocations and cultural collisions, serves as the crucible from which his storytelling prowess emerges. Through his characters’ diverse backstories, linguistic nuances, and geographic tapestry, Muller paints a vivid tableau reflective of his own kaleidoscopic journey through life.
As we unravel the layers of Shadow Works, guided by Muller’s insightful reflections, we are beckoned into a world where the boundaries between the seen and the unseen blur, and where the shadows hold secrets that may yet shape the destiny of all who dare to tread its murky depths.
What inspired you to delve into the themes of eschatology, supernatural conflict, and the manipulation of power structures in your novel SHADOW WORKS: The House of Mire?
The novel was inspired by some weird things that happened to me when I was younger, things that some would consider paranormal. I assigned intent to these experiences for creative purposes, which gave rise to the notion of good vs evil and this became the foundation of the book. There are religious elements throughout the novel, but it is not a religious book.
I created the story and character concepts for the book in 2001 while attending college. I didn’t have the time to dedicate to writing at the time, so I pushed the project aside. The pages resurfaced twenty years later during a COVID garage cleaning. I read the pages, still found them interesting, and began writing the story.
With your background in counseling and victim advocacy, how did you weave psychological elements into the narrative of your book?
I crafted the narrative with a military deployment in mind. Military personnel frequently find themselves in groups of strangers and given tasks they must work on cooperatively while overcoming barriers that stand in their way. Playing offense one day and defense the next. It is controlled chaos, but somehow works. The group dynamics that emerge from these scenarios is very interesting to witness and I applied these characteristics to the story.
Could you discuss the significance of the term Eschaton in your story, and how it influences the characters and the unfolding events?
The biblical term, Eschaton refers to the end of the world. This speaks to a celestial awareness of God’s will, that the world is in the beginning stage of Armageddon. The big game is about to begin, however the characters are unaware of this event.
The conflict between The Flock and The Coven seems to represent a battle between light and darkness. What motivated you to explore such dichotomies, and how do you portray the complexities within each faction?
I started with the ageless tale of good vs evil, and reduced this theme into factions while placing the narrative in the modern day. Much of the plot was informed by my consideration of these groups’ goals as well as the personal incentives of each character. Bad actors aren’t hiding in shadows any longer and good actors no longer turn the other cheek.
Your diverse life experiences, including military service and frequent relocation, likely provided unique perspectives. How did these experiences shape your storytelling approach and the development of your characters?
I spent the first 48 years of my life on the road moving from one place to the next due to military relocations: as a child dependent, an active-duty military member, and as a husband to a military spouse, resulting in over 35 moves and ten years living abroad. While tumultuous, the experience provided an abundance of cultural and spiritual fulfilment to draw from when writing. This influence is reflected in character backstories, language, geography, historical events, and aspects of my professional career.
