Jens Boele, a veteran media designer in
the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic
expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his
writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his
debut book, “Sunshine,” in 2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and
his latest spine-tingling creation, “Urbex Predator.” Jens is a
genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His
narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge
readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s
storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind;
his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling
examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane. Jens
sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the
gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues
his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic
thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading
experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day
readers alike. Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across
borders, as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated
into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States,
Jens’s passion for exploration and his international perspective,
nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing,
offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity.
Visit Jens’ website at
https://
Can you tell us what your book, Urbex Predator, is about?
Absolutely! 'Urbex Predator' is a heart-pounding thriller that takes
readers on a gripping journey into the depths of horror and suspense.
Set against the eerie backdrop of abandoned Cold War-era barracks, the
story follows two groups of urban explorers whose innocent photo shoots
quickly turn into a fight for
survival. As they navigate through the
desolate ruins, they encounter a gang of depraved hoodlums whose
menacing presence escalates into brutal violence. What unfolds is a
relentless battle, where the boundaries between life and death blur, and
the characters are forced to confront their deepest fears.
It's a pulse-pounding narrative filled with unexpected twists,
sinister secrets, and unforgettable characters. Get ready for an
adrenaline-fueled ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat
until the very last page!
Can you tell us a little about your main and supporting characters?
Absolutely, that's a fantastic inquiry, delving into a crucial aspect
of the book. The issue of character count has been raised by some
readers, prompting me to create a comprehensive character cheat sheet
available for download on my website. However, I respectfully disagree
with the notion of an excessive character count. In a horror novel with a
high body count, each character serves a purpose, contributing to the
intricate tapestry of the narrative.
Let's zero in on the key players: Nela and Tess, inseparable friends
embarking on a journey to document the abandoned barracks for Nela's
photography thesis. While Nela exudes focus and determination, Tess
dreams of a glamorous modeling career, their dynamic akin to yin and
yang, revolving around their differing perspectives on photography's
significance.
Enter Yelka and Zander, childhood companions drawn to urban
exploration for the sheer thrill of discovery. Yelka radiates warmth and
curiosity, relishing in the exploration of abandoned sites, while
Zander harbors unspoken affections for Yelka, channeling his expertise
in urban exploration to fuel her passion. Accompanying them are Vivien,
Yelka's sister, an emerging social media influencer, and her manager
Damon, solely focused on bolstering Vivien's online presence.
When faced with the menacing gang of hoodlums, our protagonists find
themselves navigating a perilous struggle for survival, prompting
reflection on who will survive and, as a famous quote suggests, what
will be left of them. Prepare for a riveting exploration of friendship,
survival, and the shadows that lurk within the abandoned corridors of
the human psyche.
Your book is set in abandoned Cold War-era barracks. Can you tell us why you chose this location in particular?
"Urbex Predator" is fundamentally grounded in the realm of urban
exploration, making the selection of an abandoned locale as the primary
setting a natural choice. I envisioned an isolated, secluded world
nestled amidst the wilderness, drawing inspiration from my personal
experiences in urban exploration. Old military compounds emerged as the
quintessential backdrop, offering vast expanses far removed from urban
hubs.
These compounds, apart from the barracks themselves, encompass a
myriad of structures including housing, medical facilities, sports
arenas, and even entertainment outlets like cinemas and theaters.
Exploring these vast expanses is akin to stepping into a time capsule
reclaimed by nature, evoking sensations reminiscent of an apocalyptic
film set, albeit grounded in reality.
The compound depicted in "Urbex Predator" is entirely fictional,
crafted as an amalgamation of various abandoned barracks I've
encountered. Adhering to a cardinal rule of urban exploration,
disclosing the exact location of these sites to the public is strictly
forbidden. While real-world locations akin to those in the book exist,
their anonymity must be preserved to uphold the integrity of the
urbexing community.
And let's not forget a cardinal rule of horror storytelling:
transgression invites peril. In "Urbex Predator," as in any horror
narrative, defiance of established norms invariably leads to dire
consequences. It's a chilling reminder that in the realm of horror,
breaking the rules comes at a grave cost.
How long did it take you to write your book?
Absolutely, each book I embark on brings its own unique journey, and
"Urbex Predator" was no exception. The genesis of this tale began with a
burst of inspiration in October/early November, with the first threads
of the narrative taking shape by the dawn of the new year, 2022. It was a
swift process, as I delved into the story's intricacies, spending the
following four months weaving together its tapestry.
However, the trajectory of my writing journey encountered an
unexpected pause in late February, prompted by the onset of the conflict
in Ukraine. The chilling realities of the abandoned Cold War-era
barracks mirrored the unfolding horrors of the real world, causing a
momentary hesitation in my creative process. Yet, I resolved not to
succumb to the shadow cast by Russian aggression, both in Ukraine and
across the global consciousness, and persevered in bringing this tale to
fruition.
By autumn of 2022, the manuscript stood complete, poised for the
scrutiny of test readers whose invaluable feedback shaped its final
form. Following a series of reviews and revisions, "Urbex Predator" made
its debut in Germany by the year's end, marking the culmination of one
phase of its journey. The subsequent translation into English unfolded
across the expanse of 2023, a testament to the meticulous care invested
in ensuring its accessibility to a broader audience.
In hindsight, while the act of writing itself spanned a mere four
months, the entirety of the creative process encompassed a year-long
odyssey. Each moment, each pause, and each revision bore witness to the
evolution of "Urbex Predator" from a mere concept to a tangible reality,
poised to enthrall and captivate readers across borders.
What has been the most pivotal point of your writing life?
Let me take you back to a pivotal moment in my writing journey—one
that forever altered the course of my storytelling. It all began with my
debut book, "Sunshine," a crime thriller sparked by the adrenaline of
TV's "Breaking Bad." Excitedly, I handed it over to friends for their
honest feedback, expecting accolades and applause. Instead, I received a
bewildering response: "Jens, that's a nice short story."
Confusion swept over me. How could my magnum opus be dismissed as a
mere short story? As we delved into the narrative together, their
insights unveiled a critical truth: storytelling isn't just about pace;
it's about depth and development. "Why does the drug dealer suddenly
turn into a psychopath?" they queried, prompting a deeper reflection on
character motivation and narrative arcs.
In that moment, I realized the power of structure and attention to
detail in crafting compelling tales. Our drug dealer wasn't just a
villain; he was a complex soul wrestling with his demons. His struggles
with substance abuse, compounded by toxic relationships, laid bare the
fragility of his existence. Beneath the facade of bravado lay a man
clinging desperately to his last shred of identity—the business he built
from the ground up.
As we journeyed alongside Mr. White Junior, witnessing his rise
amidst the unwavering support of friends, we simultaneously mourned the
tragic descent of our flawed antihero—the bad boy drug dealer. It's
moments like these—moments of introspection and revelation—that shape
the very essence of storytelling, inviting readers to immerse themselves
in worlds both familiar and fantastical, where every character, every
twist, holds a piece of our collective humanity.
What kind of advice would you give up and coming authors?
Ah, now that's a question that cuts to the heart of the matter—the
business of writing. It's not just about crafting compelling plots or
spinning tales; it's about mastering the art of selling your story to
the world. Picture this: You're a brilliant wordsmith, armed with plots
that could rival Shakespeare, but without the know-how to market your
masterpiece, you're a ship lost at sea.
Welcome to the world of modern publishing, where authors are not only
writers but also savvy marketers. Gone are the days of relying solely
on publishers; today, you're the CEO of your literary empire. You'll
find yourself donning multiple hats—graphic designer, editor, SEO
analyst, social media guru—the list goes on. It's a daunting prospect, I
won't sugarcoat it. But here's the reality: Either invest your time or
your money, because there's no shortcut to success.
Lesson number two? Brace yourself for the rollercoaster ride of
defining success and weathering disappointments. Even with meticulous
planning and stellar execution, there's no guarantee of overnight fame
and fortune. But amidst the uncertainty lies the beauty of the journey.
It's a test of resilience, a testament to your unwavering commitment to
the craft.
So, gear up, my fellow wordsmiths. Arm yourself with discipline and
determination, for the road ahead is anything but smooth. But remember
this: Amidst the challenges lie moments of unexpected triumphs—cherish
them, for they are the fuel that powers your writer's soul.
