I was listening to the radio and I began to see the MC clearly in my mind. It was like seeing a movie scene….
That is how I see my stories, they are movies in my head.

A.R. Thackrah – 27 September 2025

The Back Flap

The Adventure That History Forgot!

He can still hear his mentor’s words now: “It is the names and faces history forgets that often turn the tides.” His mentor and friend was the great Harry Houdini!

The Illusionist is a fictional series that takes you on the astounding adventure of Henry Houdini’s mysterious apprentice and his quest to avenge his mentor’s murder. But first, he would need to disappear!

See how he silently writes history when he encounters individuals like:

◆ Jack the Ripper

◆ Fred Russell (“The Father of Modern Ventriloquism”)

◆ Harry Houdini

And More!!!

About the book

When did you start writing the book?

December 2024

How long did it take you to write it?

About 5 months

Where did you get the idea from

Music, I was listening to the radio and I began to see the MC clearly in my mind. It was like seeing a movie scene….

That is how I see my stories, they are movies in my head.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Making sure the fiction could fit into historical context. For Example: finding out the actual cross streets for Whitechapel at the time of the 1800s.

What came easily?

The storyline and events.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Both, Charles (MC) is fictional… Or is he? 😁

Others are real, like Jack the Ripper, Houdini, the Duke of Clarence, Boudini and others.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

There are a few that have influenced or taught me. For example, Jane Austen, she was very focused on making her characters dynamic and relatable. Also, I respect that for years her books were popular without us knowing what she looked like. She let her Work market.. Not her looks.

Do you have a target reader?

Anyone that enjoys a good Mystery.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I like to answer questions that I formulate. This helps me with defining the characters and the story. Sometimes I use a whiteboard on my wall to help with this. Outlines later organize these sessions.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

That comes later in my process, after I have clear answers to possible questions and I have decided what questions need to be answered later. I headline with major events in that chapter, subheadings of what it will mean for the story. Once that is done I choose a name for the Chapter.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Both, as I write I check the flow with Copilot reading to me. After I read it aloud myself to check the flow. I try to preserve my voice as much as I can.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Not at this time

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes sometimes, instrumental soundtracks mostly. Lindsey Stirling, she is wonderful!

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, they usually require too high of a percentage to start.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Well, I loved the idea that the exposure of my book depended on me. Also, the cost of an agent under a traditional contract.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I made my cover and submitted it to 10-20 individuals and received judgements on it before I printed it.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Hmmm… That’s a good question. I suppose it is both. We have executed a marketing plan, but we have seized opportunities that have fallen in our laps as well.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Do not give up easy and be patient.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in California, United States

Where do you live now?

United States, Not California lol

What would you like readers to know about you?

I cherish my readers and enjoy interacting with them. On Instagram: everebooksnmore I answer questions submitted by readers. Every Monday I pick a question and answer it.

What are you working on now?

I am working on a few projects that involve time travel, pirates and infamous queens.

The main focus right now is the next installment in this series.

The Illusionist: A Ripping Cause

This book will be longer due to the fact that the MC, Charles, is making sense of the memories that have been unlocked in the first installment. Also, we’ll get to know the Characters a little more deeply.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Illusionist from Amazon US or Amazon UK.