Alan Baxter, author of the Alex Caine urban fantasy series, talks about his Focus 2014 story.
What was the inspiration for your story “Shadows Of The Lonely Dead”?
I’ve had a lot of experience with extended terminal illness in my life, in people young and old. Far too much, to be honest, when even one is too many. But I knew that at some point I would address aspects of that experience through stories and this is one of those tales. The focus on the palliative care hospice in this yarn is drawn from bitter personal experience, and the sense of natural justice is something I explore in a lot of my work.
What should new readers know about you?
I like good single malt scotch… Oh wait, you don’t mean in order to send me gifts? They should know that I mostly write dark weird urban fantasy and horror, often delving into the realms of crime, mystery, noir and, occasionally, science fiction. They should also know to never judge me by my browser history.
Can you remember the first story you read that made you want to be a writer? 
No. I think I was born with a desire to spin yarns. At least, I can’t remember ever not having that urge.
Name your top five favourite authors.
That’s impossible! I can name five that come to mind right now as incredibly formative on me as a writer and as a person. By the time I get to the end of this list, I could easily name five more, and five more, etc. However, for now:
Clive Barker
Ursula K Le Guin
Alan Moore
Michael Moorcock
Anne McCaffrey
…aaaaannnddd already I’m uncomfortable with people I’ve missed, but I’ll let that stand for now.
The future of Australian spec-fic is …?
Assured.
Alan Baxter is a British-Australian author who writes dark fantasy, horror and sci-fi, rides a motorcycle and loves his dog. He also teaches Kung Fu. He lives among dairy paddocks on the beautiful south coast of NSW, Australia, with his wife, son, dog and cat. He’s the award-winning author of six novels and over sixty short stories and novellas. So far. Read extracts from his novels, a novella and short stories at his website – www.warriorscribe.com – or find him on Twitter @AlanBaxter and Facebook, and feel free to tell him what you think. About anything.