Two Graves brings together two very different stories connected by the desire for revenge. What inspired you to explore retribution through two novellas rather than a single longer narrative?
When a story idea pops up, I write something down quickly so it won’t leave my head, never to return. Just a word or two. Last year I had list on my wall saying ‘Squid. Betty. True Story. Mule. Bust out. Bullied at school. Revelation.’ At some point I realised that most of the story ideas were about some form of revenge, or could be with a few tweaks, and that they would all fit nicely into novella or long novelette length. Eventually I decided on two per book; the overall length felt right. Two Graves is the third in the series so far.
The title draws on the warning that when seeking revenge, you should dig two graves. What fascinates you about the idea that the person pursuing revenge may ultimately be damaged just as profoundly as their intended victim?
It’s about which path you choose. Any satisfaction derived from the payback may be only fleeting, and will inevitably cause pain to others, possibly people you don’t even know. Acting on the need for revenge is another step into the darkness, away from the light. For some, the temptation to take revenge may become irresistible. The need festers, and grows.
In The Torment of Frances Cullen, Frances despises the social circle she is expected to participate in but continues because it is what her husband requires. How important are questions of appearance, conformity and other people's expectations to the story?
Essential. For a while, Frances is willing participator in the ‘Stepford Wife meets Guardianista’ social circle, but she always sees through the façade, and begins to be disgusted by her ‘friends’ and neighbours’ blatant self-interest, their superficiality. When Frances refuses to conform, she no longer fits in.
Jennifer in The Content Creator begins from a very different position. She is independent, enjoys her work and even has a good relationship with her ex-husband's girlfriend—until Sook Lee enters her life. What is it about Sook that makes Jennifer's resentment become something far more consuming?
Spoiler, so I can’t give specifics! Suffice to say that Sook is tickling every one of Jennifer’s unresolved but well-buried anger issues. Which is confusing at first, because on first meeting Jennifer likes her, despite her own prejudices.
Jennifer's background in traditional journalism contrasts with Sook's place in the world of new media. Did you want their conflict to explore wider changes in how we create, consume and value media, as well as Jennifer's personal jealousy and resentment?
Absolutely. The changes become more pronounced all the time. Alas, it is difficult to explain the limitations of the new way of creating, consuming and valuing media, to those who haven’t experienced the old, because what they have is all they know.
It’s like when your parents (or grandparents) told you about life in the 1950s. You quite liked hearing about it, but you can’t imagine living like that. And no, I’m not saying ‘everything was better before the internet’, which would be foolish, as its upsides are boundless. As an invention it’s a mighty feat that has changed everyone’s lives. The problem is the people who decide how it will be used. The dumbing down, the clickbait, the promotion of certain ideologies/beliefs. Everywhere, there are paid influencers who push these points of view, absorbed by users in such a way that they don’t realise they’ve been told what to think.
Both stories seem to ask how apparently ordinary people can reach a point where reason begins to give way to obsession. How do you make that psychological progression convincing without signalling too early just how far a character might eventually go?
By slowly introducing many character traits, even those that, at first, may seem unrelated to the outcome. As the story moves on, the reader discovers events and situations from the past, weaved into the fundamental personality to produce a ticking time bomb. It’s all about the weaving!
I’m not good at suspending my disbelief, so I don’t expect readers to be, either, which is why feasibilty is important to me. That the character’s behaviour should not seem unrealistic.
Frances and Jennifer have established lives, families and identities before everything begins to unravel. Was it important to you that these were women with something substantial to lose rather than characters already living on the margins?
A good question. My immediate, off-the-cuff answer was ‘No, but it makes for a better story’! It’s not that simple, though. Both stories in Two Graves contain whispers of tragi-humour, Frances in particular, which I felt was the right mood for the series. It’s easier to create this if this character is blasé about their good fortune, or looks down on others. Entertaining to read, too; the schadenfreude thing. If someone is already down on their luck, we tend to feel more sympathy; we want things to turn out well for them.
Two Graves is the third book in your Revenge series. What is it about revenge that has given you enough material to return to the theme across several books, and do you find yourself discovering different aspects of it each time?
Yes, but I had to box them in to four basic types! I decided on the structure of the series whilst writing the first drafts. Served Cold is about revenge as the long calculated game. The two stories in So Shall Ye Reap show how life can take its own revenge. The last book will be called Justice.
Although The Torment of Frances Cullen and The Content Creator tell separate stories, what do you think Frances and Jennifer ultimately have in common, and what do you hope readers take away from seeing where their desire for retribution leads them?
I believe character traits are in the eye of the reader, who might see elements that Frances and Jennifer have in common that I have not yet observed. As for what might be taken away from it, the title of Book #2 sums it up for all of them in some way or another.
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7
A huge thank you to Terry Tyler for joining me today and telling us more about Two Graves.
Revenge may be at the heart of both stories, but it is the people behind that desire for retribution who make the premise particularly intriguing. Frances and Jennifer have lives, relationships and plenty to lose, yet resentment has a nasty habit of growing when it is given enough time and attention.
With flashes of Terry's trademark dark humour alongside the more uncomfortable consequences of obsession, Two Graves sounds like another deliciously sharp addition to the Revenge series.
If you enjoy contemporary fiction with flawed characters, psychological tension and a darker edge, then Two Graves is certainly one to add to your reading list.
Pick up your copy of
Two Graves HERERead with #KindleUnlimited
Terry Tyler is the author of thirty-one books available from Amazon, the latest being the 'Revenge' series, a collection of novellas.
Other recent publications include the SFV-1 rage virus series: Infected, Darkness, Reset and Safe Zone, also 'Where There's Doubt', the story of a romance scammer and his prey. Terry is an avid reader and book reviewer, and a member of Rosie Amber's Book Review Team.
Terry's interests are photography, wildlife, birdwatching and history, particularly Saxon, Plantagenet and Tudor. She likes going for long walks in quiet places where there are lots of trees, and lives in the north east of England with her husband. She is a Christian.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
