Mark Anthony Weaves Dark Magic Through His Award-Winning “LIT” Series

PHOTO: Mark Anthony: The Mastermind Behind The “LIT” Series, Crafting Horror That Lingers Long After The Final Page. Photo Credit Carisse Antonas Photography Perth, Western Australia 

Exploring A Mastermind Of Horror Fiction

Mark Anthony shares his journey from nurse to award-winning author, details his creative process, and teases the spine-chilling future of the captivating “LIT” series.

Mark Anthony’s name has become synonymous with dark storytelling that lingers in the minds of readers long after the final page has been turned. An extraordinary talent emerging from Perth, Australia, Anthony has successfully blended his professional career as a compassionate Cancer Nurse with his remarkable gift for crafting haunting narratives. His “LIT” series, born out of a nightmare that sparked an uncontainable creative fire, stands as a testament to both his vivid imagination and his natural aptitude for storytelling.

Since the release of “LIT”—the gripping debut that introduced readers to the unforgettable trio of Ellie, Josh, and Sam, and the chilling shadow people that plague their world—Anthony has cemented his place in the pantheon of modern horror writers. Garnering five-star acclaim from respected platforms such as Goodreads and Kirkus Reviews, each instalment in the series has expanded the dark, intricate universe he weaves. His follow-up novels, “ASCENT” and the recently released “RAGE,” delve deeper into the lore, preserving the raw intensity of the original while enriching the narrative with fresh characters and compelling dynamics. It is no wonder his works have earned Gold Literary Titan awards and collective praise from critics and fans alike.

What truly sets Mark Anthony apart is the signature voice he brings to the horror genre—a voice unafraid of exploring life’s darkest recesses while anchoring his tales in humanity and profound emotion. His ability to make readers cling to every word and reflect on his stories long after they have ended is a rare gift indeed. Whether he’s penning advice on character creation for Killer Nashville Magazine or shaping his next masterpiece under the vibrant lights of Barcelona, Anthony continues to redefine and elevate the genre.

In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House, we sit down with the man who has drawn so many into his macabre yet mesmerising worlds. Join us as Mark Anthony reflects on his journey, his inspirations, and the stories still waiting to be told.

Mark Anthony masterfully creates gripping horror tales with unforgettable characters, earning universal acclaim and elevating the genre to new heights.

What inspired you to write ‘LIT’, and how did your personal experiences influence its creation?

It began with a bad dream. One of those nightmares that when you wake, it haunts you for the rest of the day. I built the story, in its most basic form around the premise of that dream. The main character was already there, and the gruesome idea was already in place. Shadow people, the shadow self, all those concepts came into play.

“The world was strange, scary, and unpredictable. Everyone felt it. I figured it was the perfect time to tell this story.” – Mark Anthony

Can you elaborate on the concept of ‘Conduits’ in ‘LIT’ and how you developed this unique element?

I found the term for the process, not the process for the term. The exciting thing about it was that the Conduit was simply, a person. An ordinary, everyday person who had to deal with this supernatural, violent intrusion into their lives whilst living in complete isolation and loneliness. The Conduit enabled me to build real, vibrant characters. Each with their own pain, trauma and ways of dealing with this curse. As a writer, it allowed me the freedom to play in the beautiful grey areas of the human condition. That was so much fun. No bad, no good. No guilty, no innocent.

How do you balance the supernatural and psychological aspects in your storytelling to create a compelling narrative?

People can have painful lives. Loss, trauma, depression, fear. I think everyone knows these feelings and these govern an individual’s reaction to the supernatural. The series had a lot of attention from ambassadors of Mental Health, and I am grateful for that. The horror aspects show that people will find strength wherever they can. That to hope, is sometimes scary. To care is sometimes risky. Each character in the LIT series fights their own monster and their own trauma. I hope readers can relate to this, as I know I can.

What challenges did you face while writing the ‘LIT’ series, and how did you overcome them?

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process! Well, most of it. Writer’s block was never really a problem for me however, sinking into the process could be quite challenging because I am quite an upbeat person! I think it’s important to just write. Just start and keep going. I knew what I wanted the story to be, so I kept myself on track by focusing on the end goal and pace of a particular storyline. Writing the violence was never fun but necessary. It truly is scary what you can imagine in your own mind. We all do it, its just I make a storyline around it.

How has your background as an avid fan of supernatural and dark fantasy genres shaped your writing style?

It’s the greats that inspired me. Peter Blatty, Dean Koontz and Anne Rice. I think because my imagination is very visual, and I always found that great storytelling coupled with amazing and vibrant characters took the story so far. Great visual references and well written characters are essential. The reader must care what the characters are up against! It elevates threat, fear and suspense. The reader walks with the character. If the character resonates with them, the reader will bond with them and follow them with dedication and feeling. The reviews for the series indicate my readers love the characters and feel they can relate with one or more of them. The readers own these characters and invest heavily in them. I have to respect that in my writing.

Could you share insights into your writing process, particularly how you build suspense and tension in your novels?

Picture the scene in your mind. Feel it, see it, smell it and hear it. I create image boards and have a set playlist of music for when I am writing. They are all very centric to me. Images that create feeling or spark a mood. A phrase that brings me to that place to write, that atmosphere to work within. Music causes emotions. I use it to bring a certain theme or gravitas to my work as I write. Everyone is different.

What themes do you hope readers will take away from the ‘LIT’ series?

I am hoping it moves people. Yes, it scares people. It is dark, surreal and at times, even disturbing. But watch the way the people move within it and the relationships that form. It speaks to real people, the reality of no complete good, no complete bad and how innocence can be lost as a reaction to fear.

What advice would you offer to aspiring authors looking to write in the supernatural and dark fantasy genres?

Keep writing and have faith in your work. It sounds easier in theory than in execution, but it is essential. Learn all you can, read all you can but somewhere in that keep your own voice. That’s what separates you from others. Fine tune your own unique approach.