Stephen H. Provost

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Stephen H. Provost, author of "Crimson Scourge"

Stephen H. Provost

I’ve done a number of interviews with various authors over the past few years, all via written questionnaires that they returned to me by email. On the occasion of my 50th book being released, I decided to fill one of those questionnaires out myself.

I’m very excited to talk about Crimson Scourge: Rise of the Fourth Horseman, which marks my return to writing fiction after a three-year hiatus. It’s not that I’ve been idle during that time: I’ve written more than two dozen nonfiction history books on subjects ranging from Mark Twain to the history of the nation’s highways.

At one point, I didn’t think I’d ever get back to writing fiction, but when I looked back on some of my unfinished files, I decided that this one, at least, deserved to be completed. So without further ado, here’s my interview on Crimson Scourge.

THE AUTHOR

Name, age and occupation: Stephen H. Provost, 59, author (retired journalist)

Where and with whom do you live? Carson City, Nevada, with my girlfriend Sharon Stora, her mom, six poodles and three cats

If you could co-write a book with any author, living or dead, whom would you choose? I don’t think I’d share one of my story ideas with anyone. I’ve come to realize that I’m somewhat proprietary with my stories and specific about my ideas. I think it comes from being an only child: I’m used to working alone. That said, Sharon has been an immense help to me with research and editing; and although she isn’t an author, we work well together and I’m sure we’d produce something great.

Why do you write? For any number of reasons, but mostly because I enjoy immersing myself in other worlds, whether they’re real worlds from the past (my history writing) or imaginary worlds (my fiction)

Where do you write? At a PC in my home office

What animal, real or imaginary, would you choose as your constant companion? A cat or a dragon… ideally, both

What do you collect? As I’ve grown older, I’ve become less interested in material things. I prefer to collect experiences, adventures, knowledge, and memories—especially during my travels on the road.

What fairy tale describes your life, and why? Alice in Wonderland. It’s been one heck of a trippy ride.

Your superhero alter-ego: Crimson Scourge, of course

Historical period you’d like to visit: I’d be fascinated to live through the 1950s and 1960s as an adult. I was born in 1963, so I wasn’t old enough to be aware of much during the ’60s, but I think it was a fascinating time of cultural and artistic evolution. It would be incredible to experience all the changes that took place in the period following World War II through 1969. I would have so much firsthand experience and material for my nonfiction books, most of which focus on 20th century history.

THE BOOK

Title, genre and length? Crimson Scourge: Rise of the Fourth Horseman. It’s a dystopian science fiction novel that checks in at 371 pages. I love twists, and this story has even more than is typical for my novels. It’s also a lot heavier on action sequences than my previous works. Sharon compares it to The Matrix and The Sixth Sense, which are two of my all-time favorite movies. For the observant reader, it includes a number of “Easter eggs” in homage to science fiction, action, and fantasy stories that have influenced me.

When and where does it take place? In the 23rd century. I like to set science fiction fairly far into the future, so our actual history doesn’t run up against the story’s fictional timeline. For instance, 1984 didn’t look the way George Orwell envisioned it (although it could be argued that we’re headed in that direction in 2023). Most of Crimson Scourge is set in future Los Angeles, which is divided into two sections: an elevated platform for the privileged and an earthbound slum below. I took my inspiration from a third-season episode of Star Trek: The Original Series called The Cloud Minders.

How did you come up with the title? The main title refers both to the main character, who wears a crimson cloak, and to the spread of a lethal virus called Stone Disease. The subtitle came to me at the last minute, once the book was written. It refers to the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse in the Book of Revelation, who brought violence, death, and pestilence or plague upon the earth. The Crimson Scourge does the same thing.

What inspired you to write it? Much of it is inspired by current events, including the COVID pandemic, the Trump presidency, and the corporate influence on American politics. This is actually the third book I’ve written with a specific event in mind. (The first two were The Only Dragon for a Dragon Festival in Virginia and Mark Twain’s Nevada for Mark Twain Days in Carson City.) This one was written in advance of the Silver Age Comic Con, set for July 8 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. I hadn’t released any fiction in more than three years, since I published Pathfinder of Destiny in 2020. I started the book in 2021 and wrote about two-thirds of it before I abandoned it. I became so enthralled with historical nonfiction that I wasn’t sure I’d ever return to novel writing, but when I looked back at this story, I thought, “This is good. I have to finish it!”

Is there a sequel in the works? The story is self-contained, but I included an epilogue that leaves the door very much open for a sequel, and I have a few ideas. More immediately, I’m planning another story in the same universe, but with different characters. It’s part of a grand plan that may or may not come to fruition, but at least I’ve got the first element in the books (or in the book!).        

Where, how can you get it? It’s available in paperback or Kindle ebook on Amazon. It will also be available at various events Sharon and I attend in Northern Nevada, such as Dayton Valley Days, the Genoa Candy Dance, both in mid- to late September, and at various speaking engagements.

What would you select as your book’s theme song? “Sole Survivor” by Asia, off the band’s 1983 debut album (the one that includes “Heat of the Moment”).

Who would you choose to write the musical score? For the musical score, I’d love to hear a collaboration between Trent Reznor and Yes guitarist Trevor Rabin, both of whom have worked extensively doing film soundtracks.

Who would want to ban it? Anyone who’s scared of social commentary. I don’t like “preachy” books, but I do like to incorporate my thoughts on our culture and prejudices in the natural flow of my narrative. I love fantasy and science fiction because they allow writers to do this through the use of allegory and issues transplanted from our real, modern world. Star Trek has always done a masterful job at that, in my opinion, and has served as my biggest inspiration in that regard. Also, anyone who doesn’t like cussing: The main character is a former soldier who cusses like a proverbial sailor.

THE HERO

Name, age and occupation: Tyson Aurelius Dorn, a man in his early 30s who’s a decorated war veteran and chief of security at the United States of the Americas Corporation (USAC) Western Regional headquarters. The name was inspired by Tyson Fury, Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, and Michael Dorn, who played Worf on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Where and with whom do they live? On the Nuvangeles Platform with his girlfriend, Maggie Benbow, who also works for USAC.

Who would play your protagonist in a movie? Most of the actors who come to mind are a little old for the part, but I envision someone like Thomas Jane playing a character like the one he played in The Expanse. There’s a certain noir undertone to the narrative that I think he’d handle well, and he also has a history of playing a badass in the first Punisher movie.  

Who is his primary antagonist? He lives in a world in which everything is run by a corporate government that rakes in revenue through video streaming, gambling on life-and-death real-life situations, and subconscious advertising. That government (aka “The System”) is his primary antagonist, along with an individual who… you’ll have to read the book.

What’s his or her celebrity crush? Zooey Deschanel.

What’s his biggest fear/phobia? Tarantulas  

On what TV show would he/she appear as a special guest? American Gladiators

Weapon of choice (gun, knife, intellect, magic, manipulation, etc.) His fists and his reflexes, though he also uses various firearms, knives, and throwing stars

At the beginning of the book, our hero is …  a child unhappy that he can’t watch his favorite cartoon.

Worst habit? Falling into traps

Best feature? Determination, reflexes (and, according to Maggie, he has a nice butt)