Toledo author Phil Farina insists he can predict things that are going to happen. His ability to experience premonitions and interact with people “we know are long dead” led him to begin drafting fictional stories of the supernatural.
“Basically, it’s almost an autobiography because all of the things that happened to the lead character, Robbie Mauro were things that happened to me and my friends.”
Farina works in chemical sales and marketing. His writing provides him with an opportunity to use his creativity and imagination. He researches subject matter to be certain information he weaves into the story is exact to make it feel real. He points to a trip to the Vatican. “Through photographs, history and the tour we went on, I was able to utilize very specific language, very specific history and architecture, and very specific descriptions so that when someon
e is reading the book, they could envision where they’re standing in the Vatican.”
Stories about zombies have entertained the public for decades including the movie, “Night of the Living Dead” in 1968. More recently, audiences were fascinated by the cable series, “The Walking Dead”.
For his book “Live, Die, Repeat,” Farina said he “went to medical school and said, guys, we need a disease that causes zombiism. We came up with a disease that for an extraordinarily short period of time could reanimate a body under extremely detailed conditions. So, I took that and said, what if zombiism is real? How would we respond?” Farina views it as a response story, not a zombie story. He asked, “What would the police do? What would schools do? What would parents do? What would the military do?”
“Sweet Embrace of Death” is the fifth published book in his series about paranormal activity. He is currently writing a sixth book, which he describes as “a time demon” story using a machine that can go back in time. It poses a bigger challenge that Farina admits he is working through carefully.
Farina intends his audience to be 14 or older but adds “there is no language, sex scenes, useless erotica” even though he acknowledges that would potentially sell more books. He relies on the quality of his writing and characters to keep readers coming back. “They identify with the main character because he is beloved.”
His goal extends beyond selling the product. “I would like to accomplish within the mind of the reader, an expansion of their knowledge and understanding. I like to entertain a little bit, get away from the mundane, the difficult stresses, and know you can go to a place that’s safe and happy.”
Farina’s books are available on his website, philfarinaauthor.com and through retailers including Amazon.
