We sat down with author Michael H. Ritterhouse to discuss his gripping new novel, “The Long Walk Home: When the Power Dies,” a near-future thriller that explores humanity’s response when modern conveniences suddenly vanish.

Your latest book is set in the near future—what drew you to that particular timeframe?

I chose the near future because it gives me the opportunity to place readers in a familiar setting with similar technology and a society that resembles the one they live in. I want them to find a comfortable setting that I then disrupt to discover our contemporary human response to that disruption. It’s that recognition factor that makes the story hit closer to home.

You mention writing linearly, from beginning to end. Can you tell us about your creative process?

I write from the beginning to the end and start out with a general outline or summary in my head, then just let the story flow. There’s actually a section toward the end of the story—kind of the climax—that I hadn’t pre-planned at all. It “just sort of happened” and I was surprised and thrilled at the outcome. Those unexpected moments are what make writing so exciting for me.

What about your writing environment? Do you have any particular habits or rituals?

Yes, I listen to music while I write! I mostly listen to downtempo trance. I use Pandora and podcasts, but I also use YouTube channels and their live streams. Right now, I’m listening to the latest Anjunadeep Explorations vol. 1. The rhythm really helps keep me in the flow.

Speaking of your characters—Tommy, Charley, and Bethany have really resonated with readers. Will we see them again?

Absolutely! You will see Tommy, Charley, and Bethany again. You may even see Bethany’s parents, Jason and Amy, in a cameo. The sequel is already being written and tentatively titled Free from Shadows.

Twenty book ideas? That’s impressive. Can you give us a sneak peek at one that’s particularly exciting to you?

One idea I’m really intrigued by is called The Trash Diggers. It’s about a society that has become so resource-depleted that it’s started mining its own trash dumps. It’s somewhat archaeological in nature, and the people who do this work are called “miners.” My current challenge is finding the right conflict or tension for the story to revolve around, but the concept fascinates me.

What authors have shaped your writing style?

For my current series, the greatest influence is John Christopher’s Tripod Trilogy. I’m also influenced by The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, and all the stories by Jim Kjellgaard. These authors showed me how to blend adventure with deeper themes about growing up and facing adversity.

Where can readers connect with you and find your work?

The best way to find me is to start at my webpage, mikeritterhouse.com—you can see all my social media links at the bottom of the front page. My books can be found everywhere books are sold, and if a bookstore doesn’t have it on hand, they can order it. Online, you can get it at booksamillion.com, amazon.com, and kobo.com, among others. The book is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.

Any final thoughts for aspiring writers or your readers?

I’m constantly working on short stories as a way to take notes on future ideas or capture stories I don’t want to lose. My advice would be to keep writing, even if it’s just fragments. You never know which idea will become your next big project.

“The Long Walk Home: When the Power Dies” is coming soon from Defiance Press in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. Follow Ritterhouse at http://mikeritterhouse.com