Author Interview with Eastern Shadows Author – Peter Nordgren

Welcome to the author interview with Peter Nordgren as he shares with us about his book– Eastern Shadows!

Blurb

“Eastern Shadows is a gripping, atmospheric mystery that plunges readers deep into Thailand’s underworld, where a vanished woman, a haunted journalist, and a powerful tycoon’s secrets collide in a razor-sharp exploration of identity, corruption, and the ghostly weight of the past.” – NewInBooks.com

A young woman vanishes while exploring her roots in Thailand.

She left on her own. She posts on social media. “I’m safe,” she claims.

But her mother doesn’t buy it. Neither do her friends.

What really happened to her? And where is she now?

Enter Shane Morris, a struggling journalist who once called Thailand home. He speaks the language. He knows the culture. But he’s still just an outsider, sent to unravel an intricate web of rumors and lies.

Navigating a land of corrupt officials, seedy motels, and ancient temples, Shane is pulled into the heart of Thailand’s shadowy underbelly. With each step toward the truth, he draws the attention of Kittisak Wanchai, a real-estate tycoon with criminal ties and a secret: he’s the missing woman’s father.

From the neon-soaked streets of Bangkok to the sacred shrines of the north, Shane is forced to confront the darkest parts of himself, and his past, to put the pieces together.

Surrounded on all sides by corruption and deceit, Shane’s world will be stripped bare and he’ll be left with a devastating choice: loyalty to the living, or devotion to the dead.

Eastern Shadows is a gritty, haunting reflection on the duality of human nature, and the lengths one is willing to go to hide their darkest secrets, all while peeling back the layers lurking beneath the Land of Smiles.

Ready to learn more about Eastern Shadows and the author behind it? Keep reading for our interview with author Peter Nordgren!

Author Nordgren, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with Scribbles about your book, Eastern Shadows!

Q: To kick things off, author Nordgren, what was your inspiration to write Eastern Shadows?

Author Nordgren: I was a missionary in Thailand for two of the most formative years of my life. I had the opportunity to live in six different cities spread across the country, and knew I always wanted a digestible (and fun) way to share my experiences. Many of the scenarios in the book really happened to me in one form or another.

It sounds like your time in Thailand truly had a memorable impact on you if you were so inspired to use your experiences to create a novel.

Q: What was your inspiration for creating Shane’s character?

Author Nordgren: At his core, he is basically me and every other foreign missionary I worked with, from the observations of the culture to the “fish out of water” mentality. I combined this with the traits of classic gumshoe characters you would find in other hardboiled stories.

The fact that Shane is mirrored after you and others like you (foreign missionaries) is definitely a surprising revelation that we did not expect to learn from you author Nordgren.

Q: From what we read in Eastern Shadows, Shane has quite the resume, but yet he’s unemployed. Does he have a skeleton in his closet that prevents him from being gainfully employed?

Author Nordgren: Without spoiling anything, I think it’s safe to say that as the story progresses you learn that he has quite a few skeletons in his closet.

We do agree with you that as Eastern Shadows progresses, we do learn quite a few secrets about Shane. However, we never really thought any of it was so bad that it would preclude him from being gainfully employed. We’re probably jaded in that viewpoint. LOL!

Q: As Eastern Shadows progresses, you have Shane hoping for a meet-up with a prospective employer.

Yet, this individual never shows up. Was the point of that entire set-up to place Shane in the localle that he needed to be in to better set up the storyline for where you were intending to take things?

Author Nordgren: Yes, I never intended the prospective employer to turn into anything other than an excuse for him to stumble into the story in a realistic way.

Oh okay! That makes sense as it does help set the story up, as you said, “in a realistic way.”

Q: Shane is a far cry from being the most empathetic character around. Is there some history there that makes him not that interested in other people’s troubles?

Author Nordgren: Like all classic noir characters, he’s an anti-hero at best. That was intentional. I think his likeability depends on the perspective of the reader. Many reviewers have found Shane’s world-weariness and somewhat pessimistic outlook to be relatable, as well as a realistic way to present someone who’s not the traditional action hero or jack-of-all-trades, therefore making him actually quite likeable. There’s a line near the beginning of the book about him being truthful and real with people (maybe a bit too much so), and that’s his strength in helping him solve the case. But it’s also a character flaw that creates distance between him and others. He’s good at what he does, but he suffers for it.

Readers will always decide for themselves whether they are drawn to a character or not. That is the beauty of each person’s reaction to a novel, that they are discovering for sure. We do agree that Shane comes off as a realistic character and a realist. You definitely reflect throughout Eastern Shadows how his character flaws impact his relationships with other people around him.

Q: Throughout Eastern Shadows, you keep the story pretty focused on Shane as he goes through Thailand on his quest to find Ploy. How did you settle on the various cities that Shane visits?

Author Nordgren: An interesting observation, as I consciously made an effort to weave in perspectives from supporting and cameo characters. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least 8 or 9 other characters whose POV we share apart from Shane’s (a good number for a story written in limited third person). But, of course, the bulk of it does focus on Shane as he is the lens through which the reader sees this world and solves the mystery. The locations are all areas I spent extended periods of time in (Bangkok and its outskirts, Samut Prakan, Rangsit, Bang Bua Thong, Lampang, Buriram, and Surin).

Q: What was it like creating the complexities of Ploy’s mysterious disappearance?

Author Nordgren: A lot of fun. My original outline actually had a very different ending and resolution, and it wasn’t until about halfway through that I decided to change things up. This spontaneity enabled me to solve the mystery right alongside Shane.

So, somewhere out there is an “alternative” storyline concerning Ploy? Sounds like you had originally written the story taking a particular expected path concerning Ploy, but then decided to take it a different way. We’d say that was probably a good call. LOL!

Don’t worry fellow readers, we won’t spoil the surprise for you.

Q: Author Nordgren, you have created quite the cast of characters in Eastern Shadows, which character would you say was the one you enjoyed writing the most? Why?

Author Nordgren: Most of the characters are based on real people, and I’d have to say my favorite to write about was Tongsuk – the homeless vagabond living with his two mastiffs in the burned-out shell of an abandoned house. The physical descriptions of him and his surroundings are exactly how they were in real life, as is his ultimate fate.

Hall was also a fun character to flesh out and possibly my favorite person in the entire book. He’s a combination of all the exuberant Thai youths I met who liked to hang out with foreigners and had somehow learned to speak English at a surprisingly fluent level.

Oh wow! Part of us had a feeling that the characters were based on real people, but we didn’t dare to really hope that it was true! LOL! Honestly, though that’s pretty interesting that most of the characters in your book, Eastern Shadows, are based on real people.

Q: Thailand is known to be quite a beautiful and exotic location. Why did you decide to not focus much on the scenery of the land?

Author Nordgren: We have to agree to disagree here. Early in the process, I shared my writing with many who have spent extended time (or actually still live) in Thailand and the consensus was, “Yep, this truly feels like Thailand.” I made a conscious effort to be as detailed as possible (hence the feeling of some that certain passages are heavily descriptive), making sure to capture everything from the sights to the smells to the atmosphere, all as someone living there sees it, and not just someone looking at the country through a tourist’s lens.

It’s a strength I’m proud of that has been commended in nearly every review the book has received so far. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the isolated mountains and jungles of the north, I feel like I fit it all in there. And there’s certainly no shortage of Buddhist imagery, Muay Thai combat, unique transportation, spicy food, murky canals, seedy love motels, exotic animals, and colorful locals.

The opening scene even establishes the Mucalinda statue (a common element of Theravada Buddhism) as the thematic symbol of light vs. dark that permeates throughout the story and Shane’s mindset. And without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that there’s really nowhere else in the world where it could have ended the way it did.

Overall, I think the perception of how much of Thailand the book contains might be a matter perspective for some. Those who have never actually been to Thailand or have a stereotypical image in their mind of what it’s like might be expecting something different. But this is Thailand as I experienced it for two years, albeit with the main focus being the story and characters.

Those looking for a straight travelogue, or an idealized version of what they think Thailand should be, should probably look somewhere else. But if a reader ever has the chance to visit the places in the book, I dare you to try to explain to me afterwards that they aren’t almost exactly how I described them. If there really is anything specific that’s missing which prevents the story from giving it that authentic Thai feel, let me know! I’ll work it into the next one.

Oh okay, so while Eastern Shadows isn’t intentionally written for a more specific niche audience, it dances a fine line of doing exactly right if what you’re telling us is correct. Most people who read noir-mystery fiction haven’t typically been to the place the story is about, so readers will definitely need to set aside preconceived notions concerning Thailand in Eastern Shadows, otherwise they’ll potentially find themselves disappointed.

Okay, so there you have it, fellow readers, try to set aside your preconceived perceptions concerning Thailand and try to “walk” into this book with an open mind. If you’re someone who has actually been to Thailand, the probability of you enjoying this book are higher than someone who potentially never has and is inclined to view/think of it in a more “tourist” mindset.

Q: What was a particular challenge for you when it came to writing Eastern Shadows?

Author Nordgren: Moving past the pressure to meet the expectations of everyone who will pick up this book. I had to fight through the noise and feedback of others, swallow my pride to accept what they suggested that worked, yet stay true to my vision. While the story is fictional, many of the observations, experiences, and settings are not. Much of it truly was reflective of my actual experience, and I’m proud that I was able to convey it.

It’s never an easy thing to do any of that, but it seems you managed and came up with a pretty interesting debut novel overall. You absolutely did convey a lot of realism in your novel and should definitely be proud of that!

Q: As Eastern Shadows progresses, the mysteries begin to pile up. Multiple characters begin to drop, and the question of “who dunnit” is prevalent. How did you decide which characters were going to meet an untimely end?

Author Nordgren: Although I made some changes to the ending as I got further into the novel, outlining the story in advance helped me decide the fate of many of the characters. Although there were some major changes. Even after the first draft was written, I went back and saved some characters who didn’t make it all the way through before, and vice versa.

Outlines for the win, ladies and gentlemen! LOL! Some fates were saved, while others were lost. It’s all in the name of the game of life!

Q: How did you come up with Wanchai’s character? He doesn’t play a “key” role in the story, but his shadow definitely looms large throughout Eastern Shadows.

Author Nordgren: I needed an antagonist that fit into the “noir” style I was going for. Wanchai is rich, mysterious, and has layers (some good, some bad). He’s a play on the classic James Bond-type villain, but with his own unique spin. His physical characteristics (fancy clothing, partial paralysis) were an amalgam of several real-life people I knew in Thailand. Also, the fact that he has half a working body is meant to reflect his inner psyche. Here’s a guy who has had tremendous success in life and has done a lot of good for others, yet there’s a part of him that’s dead inside – the part that allows him to turn around and carry out some of the heinous criminal acts he’s been accused of.

Ah! We never really thought of him that way, but it definitely makes a lot of sense! The representation that you create for him is both subtle, but also not at the same time. It’s quite interesting and is sure to really make readers think when they encounter him.

Q: We’re curious about Ploy’s mom, Sumali. Was the primary reason why she didn’t want Ploy to “meet” her father because of how he had treated her, Sumali?

Author Nordgren: Good catch. Yes, that was meant to be the primary reason, even if she never admits it (to Shane or herself). Sumali’s character also ties heavily into Thai culture, and the expectation many of the older generation have that their offspring are obligated to live life according to their parents’ designs.

Hmmm…that’s quite interesting. It’s too bad that Sumali never admits to her shortcomings, but it’s a part of her character, and makes for quite the push for Ploy to take the path that she chooses to take.

Q: Throughout Eastern Shadows, you put a good amount of dialogue in Thai. Some of the dialogue you translate for readers into English, and others you don’t. How did you decide on what dialogue to translate into English and what to leave without any translation?

Author Nordgren: Most of it is translated, but yes, there are some instances where it isn’t. Some of this is due to context – it may be more obvious in some cases than others what the character might be saying (or at least what they’re talking about). Or, in some cases, the translation is woven more discreetly into the narrative or subsequent lines of dialogue.

One character whose lines are seldom translated is the villainous “One-Hair.” This was a conscious decision in order to give the character more of a sense of mystery than those around him. One doesn’t need to know exactly what he’s saying (hint: he uses a lot of vulgar Thai words). What’s important is to know the context of the situation. He’s a man of action (and few words), and the lack of translation doesn’t take away from the reader knowing how he’s feeling in the moment (or what’s happening).

In the case of physical signs, I only included the translation if the actual sign would appear like that in Thailand (i.e., the roadside sign for a major pier in Bangkok would definitely label it in both English and Thai, whereas a creaky wooden sign for a tiny temple in the middle of nowhere would likely only contain Thai script). There’s also the case of clumsily translated signs, which is meant to inject both humor and authenticity (and is yet another Thailand-specific element that helps lend that unique “Thai” feel that the earlier question claims the books is missing!).

Oh okay! That puts a lot of things in perspective. We can agree that we were able to grasp some of the context clues scattered throughout the book to piece together some of the subtle (and not so subtle) nuances of what certain characters were saying…or alluding to.

We have to say that we completely understand about the signs scattered around Thailand. Like most countries, there aren’t going to be Thai and English translations on every corner. So that helps explain thing for readers. Especially for those of us who have never visited Thailand.

Q: Eastern Shadows has quite a few ebb and flow moments, but when the story really gains traction towards the latter end of the story, it really takes off. Was this particular aspect of the book intentional? Or is it just how the book turned out?

Author Nordgren: It was very intentional. I think of this book as more of a miniseries than a 90-minute film. It’s more Game of Thrones seasons 1-5 rather than seasons 6-8. I feel like there are two types of mystery readers: those who want quick, fast-paced action and those who prefer a slower, more atmospheric burn.

My intention was the latter, but with those scenes of action and quicker pacing spliced in there to give it a more cinematic feel. This is likely due to my own preferences. I drew a lot of inspiration from mid-century noir, along with the works of authors like James Ellroy, Lawrence Block, and Ian Fleming. These are all slower-burning authors who revel in detail and atmosphere and like to keep their cards close while leaving enough clues for the reader to solve the mystery on their own. Yet there are moments of tremendous action or shocking violence peppered in there.

It’s always interesting to discover how an author’s mind works. So, it’s definitely interesting to know the intentionality behind your decision to write Eastern Shadows the way that you do.

Though we have to say that we think that there are actually three kinds of mystery readers – the two that you listed, and then a third category of reader who looks for that “perfect” blending of the two. 😉

Q: Shane survives quite a handful of dire situations throughout Eastern Shadows, and he even comes to the thought of becoming a “private investigator.” Does this mean that you are considering making a series of Shane taking on similar cases? Or will this just be a “passing fancy” that he dismisses when he gets back to the States?

Author Nordgren: I haven’t decided yet. However, I feel that I’m not done with Thailand. I have some ideas if I decide to continue with Shane in the future, but his story in Thailand is through. I have more (different) stories to tell in that part of the world and that’s where I plan to go next. You might see some characters from this story pop up in the next one – villains may even become heroes.

Oh! You haven’t decided yet? Huh! Okay! But there is a possibility, so there’s always something to look forward to if it happens! LOL! It’s intriguing to know that you’re not done with Thailand in your storytelling. That’s a helpful thing to know so that readers who find enjoyment in Eastern Shadows will have some idea of what to expect with your next Thailand-based novel.

But we do know for sure from author Nordgren has shared fellow readers, that Shane’s story in Thailand? Closed. He may pop up again in the future, but don’t look for it to be in Thailand.

Oh! But there could be more stories set in Thailand with familiar characters?! Oooh! Sounds intriguing! Something for readers to look forward to for sure!

Q: If you can without dropping any spoilers, what was it like creating Nick’s character? He holds quite a few secrets, but were his friends truly unaware of his true nature?

Author Nordgren: Mostly, yes. Nick is just like all the other characters: well-intentioned at times, but inherently flawed. Some people just happen to have flaws that run deeper than others…

Hmmm…okay. So, they were mostly unaware, but there were potentially signs that they probably chose to ignore. Interesting.

Q: How much of Eastern Shadows, besides the locations, is based on reality? Did you take any inspiration from any of the people, the news reports or anything of the like from your time in Thailand as a missionary?

Author Nordgren: I think I answered this in some of the previous questions, but here’s a little more:

Yes, the statue of Pho Kasaem and the torture temple are real.

Yes, I watched someone catch a rat in their shoe while riding on the train.

Yes, I did come across a giant rooster blinded from a cockfight.

Yes, there are “Toilet Man” signs everywhere.

Yes, I actually did visit a mortuary where the orderlies dropped the body of a dead foreigner, and it rolled across the floor. And Manun the mortician is just as quirky in real life.

Yes, I had to meet with someone who worked at a “Love Motel,” and yes, the vibes were just as creepy as they are in the book.

Yes, there’s a white ex-pat living in Lampang who speaks Thai like a champ and looks just like Sean Penn.

Yes, there’s another white ex-pat who travels around the country in his Ford F350 preaching about aliens in the Bible (I’m sure I’ll hear from him if he ever reads this book, and I’m not looking forward to it).

Yes, there really was a third foreigner who went kind of crazy, stole some money, and ran away to roam around Thailand.

Additionally, Ploy’s disappearance and subsequent posts on social media claiming she’s fine were based on an actual news article I read of a similar case happening in Northern Thailand.

With all that being said, I did let my imagination run wild for some of the shadier aspects of Thailand’s underworld. I have no idea if there’s a sex club that has the level of debauchery found in the Neon Fountain, and I highly doubt a foreigner can cause that level of ruckus inside one and live to tell about it! Also, I’m fairly certain you won’t find a Gideon Bible in the drawers of a Bangkok hostel-turned-heroin den.

Wow! That is a jaw-dropping amount of reality you wrapped up into Eastern Shadows! Honestly, some of it was quite humorous to read in Eastern Shadows. But to know that it was based on real things or situations?! Wow…just…just wow! LOL! All of these revelations really put Eastern Shadows in a different and unexpected light. LOL!

If anything, we’re sure that it will stimulate more readers to check out your book to uncover these scenes.

Q: What was one of the most memorable moments of Thailand that you had while you were there?

Author Nordgren: See answer to my previous question. That’s in addition to all the incredible people I met and cool places I lived and worked in. I think the stories I worked into Eastern Shadows cover my most memorable experiences. Every day was an adventure!

Knowing how much Eastern Shadows was influenced by your own personal experiences, and how many were real…it definitely sounds like every day was an adventure.

Q: Readers who pick up Eastern Shadows will be left with a few questions, and one of them will concern Shane’s ex-girlfriend, Fah. Will we ever know what happened to her after her last goodbye with Shane?

Or will we just have to use our imagination?

Author Nordgren: You’ll just have to use your imagination. Someone’s gonna have to tend that garden, though.

LOL! Okay! Imagination it is! So, fellow readers, if you want to imagine a relatively “happy ending” for Fah after reading Eastern Shadows…feel free! The sky’s the limit!

Q: With Eastern Shadows being your debut novel, are you currently working on anything new for readers who wish to pursue your works, to look forward to?

Author Nordgren: Like I said, the stories I want to tell about Thailand aren’t over, but I don’t plan to limit myself to that location or that genre if I keep going beyond a second book. But in the near future, depending on the reception and sales of this one, you can look forward to another crime-ridden tale set in Southeast Asia.

This one will be more expansive in scope, geography, and time periods. Ever heard of Jim Thompson, the American silk tycoon who lived in Bangkok and disappeared in the mountains of Malaysia in 1967? You will after you’ve read what I’m cooking up next…

Another crime-ridden tale set in Southeast Asia? Sounds intriguing! While we haven’t heard of Jim Thompson, we’re willing to bet some of our readers have! If no one has…well, there will more than likely be quite a few search engines fired up to check him out! LOL! But you definitely have our interest piqued!

Q: Is there anything that you’d like to share with our readers before you go?

Author Nordgren: Just that I’ve appreciated all the support, feedback, and encouragement from the reading and writing communities I’ve come across online. Writing, promoting, and preparing this book for publication hasn’t been easy, but I’m extremely proud of Eastern Shadows. I’ve enjoyed seeing how it’s resonated with a wide demographic of readers, and I’d highly recommend you check it out. And if you enjoy it, don’t forget to leave reviews!

Author Peter Nordgren, we appreciate you taking the time to share with us here at Scribbles and our readers about your book, Eastern Shadows. We look forward to reading more of your work in the future! Thank you so much for your time today!

We enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to read and review Eastern Shadows, and you can check out the review here.

About the Author:

Peter Nordgren is an experienced technical writer and a first-time novelist. In his free time, he is an avid reader, film buff, and sports fan. His debut novel, Eastern Shadows, was inspired by his time as a missionary in Thailand. He currently lives in Utah with his wife and three children.