Tom Howard — An interview with the author of Too Many Mystics
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Can you tell us a little bit about your Superworld Universe and how this ties into it?
When my four children were small and we’d go on long trips in the car, I’d tell them stories about them being superheroes. In one story, they were thrust into a parallel Earth where most people were superpowered. Madame Mystic, Superworld’s Sorcerous Supreme, sent them home. I’ve sold many Superworld stories and collected them in Superworld Stories Volume 1 by Tom Howard (available on Amazon).
Parallel universes seemed to have a moment a couple years ago, has that shaped how you approached this story and universe?
When I did several Madame Mystic stories each version was different (and way before the Marvel Multiverse), so the only way I could explain the differences was for her to have copies in each universe.
Does Amos have any powers himself or is he the type of character that always finds themselves in the midst of the weird?
He does not. I based him on Carl Kolchak from the Night Stalker, sort of a weirdness magnet.
Is Amos able to easily settle back into his normal routine of PI work for suspected adulterers?
Yes. Although it’s unlikely to be boring.
What about the young Madame Mystic, what does her future have in store for her?
Great question! I suspect Amos’ Madame Mystic will take her under her wing and teach her how to be a sorceress.
How many times has this story been rejected by other markets?
Eight times, which is relatively few for me. One rejected it after they asked for an expanded ending (which I did!).
What’s a great short story you’ve reread recently?
Zenna Henderson’s Gilead.
What book are you reading right now?
The World We Made by N.K Jemisin, awesome sequel to The City We Became.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
“Too Many Mystics” was fun to write because I could stick in Easter eggs of some of the famous witches from the movies (Mary Poppins, Elphaba, Trelawny). I’m almost halfway through the Superworld Stories Volume 2 anthology. It has several Madame Mystic stories in it.