The story behind Grimm's Puppets

Grimm’s Puppet is available on Amazon in both Paperback and Hardcover, as well as on the Kindle (Image: Tom Prater)

By Mukarram Hamid

Grimm's Puppet is a psychological thriller by first-time author Tom Prater. The book follows author Will Metlocke, who possesses psychic abilities, as he travels back to his hometown at his estranged father's request in hopes of solving a series of murder cases. The book deals with many topics, such as the main character, Will, being diagnosed with cancer and reconnecting with his father.

Tom Prater, the author of the book, said: "Grimm's Puppets centres around a serial killer who is inspired by the Grimm's Fairy Tales to take their victim; an author, with seemingly psychic powers, who is tasked by his father, a disgraced former FBI agent, to track down the killer and bring justice."

Prater is currently studying at Bath Spa University for his master's in creative writing, but he created Grimm's Puppet before his course even began.

Prater said: "During one of the lockdowns, I started writing a screenplay based on an idea I had about lawyers. Feedback suggested I was too descriptive for that narrative form, so I started writing a novel instead.

"I had just finished reading 11.22.63 by Stephen King, which inspired me to write a time-travel mystery story. This idea later translated into Grimm's.

"The time travel component was altered, but the central mystery remained."

Although Grimm's Puppet was successful, Prater realises there is more to accomplish with his writing, and his master's course is beneficial.

Prater said, "I am writing something different now for my course, and it's been a very healthy journey of understanding the weak aspects of my previous writing and acknowledging where I did a good job.

"I am working with some of the country's most accomplished writers, and it's opened my eyes to how I want to write."

When creating the book, the 22-year-old took inspiration from different media, which helped create the characters, the theme, and the overall product.

Prater said: "Coming up with my book was a strangely quick process compared to my other works. I watched the movie se7en and loved the pattern used in the film; I thought it was very clever.

"That got me thinking about a pattern I could use for the nature of the murders, and Grimm's Fairytales was one of my first choices. I wrote down some themes and ideas for the book, and they all worked.

"Will evolved from various fictional characters, especially Hugh Laurie's Gregory House."

Readers of the book may think that Will is based on Prater as they both share the same job. However, this is not the case.

Prater said: "Many people think authors write their main characters as an impression of themselves. This may be true, but I hope people don't think I am too like Will.

"Using personal experience and thoughts can help create three-dimensional characters, so even if I try to distance myself from my creations, I find aspects of my personality bleed through into some of my writing."

Additionally, the book tackles some main issues that could be present in most people's lives, such as dealing with cancer, reconnecting with estranged parents and a journey of acceptance. Prater used his personal experiences to aid in writing about these issues.

Prater said, "Grimm's was never about the central mystery of discovering the identity of the Grimm Reaper. It was merely a backdrop for the father-son storyline and for Will's journey of acceptance.

"I think the strongest stories are those where the character development is at the forefront, and everything else plays second fiddle.

"I have had personal experience with cancer, and I think it's important to not shy away from discussing uncomfortable themes in my work."

“Selling the book has been a lesson in humility and in realising how generous people can be” (Image: Tom Prater)

Like many authors before him, Prater decided to self-publish his book even though agencies had tried to make offers. Given this, Prater mainly handled the entire process of creating, editing, and publishing the book.

Prater said: "I had no interest from agents and turned down an offer from one agency, believing that I could promote myself better than they could. That is a decision that I don't regret in the slightest.

"Many self-published books are instantly dismissed because the author doesn't spend enough time on their cover, but I was put in touch with a lovely man who created a fantastic final cover for me.

"I formatted it all myself, which took an entire night, but it was easy to follow due to some great online tutorials.

"Selling the book has been a lesson in humility and in realising how generous people can be."

Prater has found the reception given for himself and his book to be "motivational" and "heart-warming".

Prater said: "I have sold well over 150 signed copies, and over 3,500 people have downloaded it or bought a paperback online.

"Reviews have largely been very good. I was anxious about receiving my first one-star review, but whenever I feel a little gloomy about them, I search up the negative reviews for literacy classics and see what people have said.

"The fact people have been so generous to give my writing a chance is so heart-warming and hugely motivational."

Prater is also a huge fan of his own work, giving it a five-star review on Goodreads. He states, "I know I wrote it, but I enjoyed rereading it."

Prater also said, "My favourite part of the book must be the ending. Many of the reviews point to the final third of the book as unputdownable.

"I found the middle so difficult to write, and then the end came so naturally that it was a joy to create. An amalgamation of all my favourite ideas."

Grimm’s Puppet is available to buy for paperback, hardback and Kindle on Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grimms-Puppets-Dark-Psychological-Thriller/dp/B0BKS8KNG1.