Cracker Island

I use music as one of my main inspirations. Entire scenes and characters are born from whatever I imagine during a song. This story, and its title, were informed by the Gorillaz's song "Cracker Island."

A story in it of itself, "Cracker Island" follows a man getting swept away by a cult that sustains itself by obscuring the very nature of truth. I wondered what this song would look life if written as a traditional story. That, combined with my growing fear of micro-plastics and the corrosion of truth itself following the inventions of limpid tech-bros, inspired the story.

I don't use outlines. I start by sketching my main character. I wanted to understand who a cult's child would be, and what it would take for them to realize the nature of truth. Damon appeared. From there, I started writing.

Along the way, I discovered the villainous prophets who control Cracker Island, and the 80s song lyrics that somehow haven't been lost to time. To be honest, I included those because I'd dared myself to see if there was a way to tell a story with 80s references in a way that was somehow central to the plot.

I knew I was finished when I was able to make the cover. I referenced various old horror movie posters, because there's nothing more terrifying, I think, than being the only person who believes in truth.