The Hate was the first of Michael’s ‘companions’ when I was drawing up the framework for his story. I’ve always had an affinity for the classic ‘man vs. self’ and i suppose it would be only natural that I reflect this in Michael’s world.

One day I stumbled upon a realization as I was crafting portions of the narrative: there’s only one common denominator in every single problem I’ve ever had. Me.

This changed the feel of Michael’s world dramatically; the external forces acting upon Michael took a back seat to the ways which he chose to handle them. It was an important milestone for both the character and myself.