Page 85 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

BY DAN PETERS
Exploring the Craft of Character Development and Suspense
Acclaimed author Jason Gabriel, a resident
of the Midwestern United States, has been a literary force
Master of Dark Fantasy
Descendant,” Gabriel emphasizes the importance of character deve- lopment. He begins with a series
of “what if” questions to build his characters, allowing their arcs to drive the suspense in the story. He also employs “Character auditions,” writing a few pages with a protago- nist or antagonist to see if they fit into the narrative. This meticulous process ensures that each character contributes meaningfully to the story’s tension and excitement.
Exploring the Craft of Character Development and Suspense in the Shards Trilogy and ‘The Descendant’
ever since he first delved into
the world of books with J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. This transformative experience ignited a passion for storytelling that has only grown stronger over the de- cades. Gabriel’s novels are known for their intricate character arcs and richly detailed settings, and his latest work, The Descendant, is no exception. In this novel, a group
of protagonists must confront their inner demons to face a looming threat to their world, a narrative approach that has resonated deeply with his readers.
Balancing fantasy and suspense is another critical aspect of Gabriel’s storytelling. He strives to create a fantasy setting that feels real and engaging while maintaining a high level of conflict and suspense.
Gabriel’s fascination with damaged characters and their complex journeys is a hallmark
of his writing. He skillfully uses these characters to create suspense, conflict, and tension, weaving them seamlessly into his narratives. This method is evident in his Shards Trilogy, particularly in the character of Brandt, a “broken” protagonist whose journey of overcoming personal demons serves as a powerful metaphor for transforma-
This balance is crucial to keeping readers invested in the story and ensuring that the fantasy elements enhance rather than detract from the narrative.
tion. Gabriel describes the trilogy as a
Developing Brandt’s character and his emotional journey posed significant challenges for Gab-
riel. Maintaining a character arc over three books requires careful pacing to keep readers engaged without rushing the character’s development. Gabriel’s solution is a delicate balancing act, ensuring that Brandt’s progress is neither too fast nor too slow.
sets the stage for the rest of the Shards Trilogy, with books two and three promising to escalate
the tension and suspense. Gabriel hints at the introduction of a new female protagonist in the upcoming books, a character he is particularly excited about. This new addition is
narrative.
In Gabriel’s view, a compelling dark fantasy novel requires high stakes, relentless suspense, and characters that readers care about, all set within a dangerous fantasy world. He achieves this by creating characters whose fates matter deep- ly to him, even when their primary purpose is to die. This emotional investment in his characters trans- lates into a gripping and immersive reading experience for his audience.
When not writing, Gabriel enjoys riding his bike through the scenic woods near his home and cherishes time spent with his family. His de- dication to his craft and his ability to create deeply engaging stories make him a standout author in the realm of dark fantasy.
Gabriel’s commitment to his readers is evident in every page he writes. He meticulously crafts each character, ensuring they are mul- ti-dimensional and relatable. This attention to detail extends to his world-building, where he creates settings that are not only fantas- tical but also grounded in reality. This duality allows readers to lose themselves in his books while still feeling a connection to the world he has created.
The positive response from readers to The Descendant, is a testament to Gabriel’s skill as a storyteller. His ability to blend complex characters with a richly detailed setting has created a novel that is both thrilling and thou- ght-provoking. As readers eagerly await the next installments in the Shards Trilogy, it is clear that Jason Gabriel’s work will continue to captivate and inspire.
Jason Gabriel’s journey from a young reader enchanted by “Lord of the Rings” to an acclaimed author of dark fantasy is a story
of passion, dedication, and talent. His ability to create compelling characters and immersive worlds has earned him a devoted following and a place among the greats in the genre. With more exciting works on the horizon, Gabriel’s star is sure to continue rising.
I am very cautious about the fantasy elements in my books. I make certain that the fantasy setting makes sense and feels real. Hopefully, the readers will feel the same. I want it to be exciting, different, and interesting, but I try to maintain a balance so it feels real. ”
Jason Gabriel
“roller coaster ride,” filled
The Hunt for the Descendant
with the ups and downs
of character develop-
ment.
When asked about his wri-
expected“
ting process for crafting suspense
to bring fresh dynamics to the story and further enrich the
and action in “The Hunt
for the
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