I first heard of Matthew Wayne Selznick last July when he was interviewed on J.C. Hutchins’ UltraCreatives podcast. MWZ is a conventional and podcast novelist who narrated his book Brave Men Run.
The story is set in “the Sovereign Era, an alternate history where the sudden appearance of people with remarkable physical and psychical powers promises to change the course of human destiny.” The tale begins in 1985 in a world very similar to our own — until the world learns that those with super powers live among us.
At the center of Brave Men Run is Nick Charters, a teenager a lot more interested in hanging with his new girlfriend than in dealing with his unusual abilities and the mystery of how he came to have them. Think Breakfast Club meets Spider-Man.
The podcast novel, which is how I experienced the story, is a lot of fun. Selznick does an expert job managing the narration. His characters are interesting and smart. He keenly captures the flavor of ’80s angst, fanning Cold War flames with the addition of real super powers.
It’s a great story and I want more. So get to writin’ on that sequel, Mr. Selznick!
The print incarnation of Brave Men Run is available from Swarm Press.
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:28 am
Thanks for the kind words about “Brave Men Run — A Novel of the Sovereign Era!” I’m glad you enjoyed Nate’s story.
While “Brave Men Run” is a stand-alone novel, there will be other books in the Sovereign Era cycle. I’m working on “Pilgrimage” right now.
Cheers!