Page 33 - Reader's HouseMagazine - Issue 62

STAR INTERVIEW
dice. The Fachan test their courage, while the Korred reveal why they trusted Turok. Every discovery provides character growth, allowing the world to expand without slowing the story. The pace remains steady because the world pushes the characters forward.
Your earlier works such as The Soul Reaper and A Samhain Night’s Scream also explore darker themes. Do you find yourself naturally drawn to the shadowed side of storytelling?
Like humanity, the characters contain both light and darkness. The Pangari reveal their character, exposing their true selves when the light grows thin. I write darkness because it reflects life. People face fear, loss, and doubt, but I always balance the shadows with hope. I believe in resilience, loyalty, and the strength that carries people through difficult moments. The darker themes give substance to the narra- tive light.
With over seventy genealogical articles published since 2012, has your historical research influenced the mythology and lore within your fantasy writing?
Absolutely. Genealogy teaches you that every family carries stories of triumph and heartbreak, and that history is rarely simple. Hidden connections and choices echo across generations. Those ideas shape the mythology of Faerie. The races carry ancient wounds, but their conflicts didn’t begin with Drew and Ian. They’re rooted in events long forgotten. The Pangari are tied to the past in ways the charac- ters must uncover. My research helps me build a world where history matters and where the past defines opportunities for growth.
Having received recognition from organisations such as The Ohio Genealogical Society and Carolina Bards, how has award recognition shaped your confidence or creative process?
Awards are encouraging because they remind me that my work resonates with people. Recognition gives me the confidence to take creative risks and trust my instincts when a
story asks me to go deeper. It also reminds me to stay humble and teachable in craft and discipline. Awards are a milestone along the path, not the destination.
What challenges did you encounter when writing separate narrative paths for Drew and Ian, and how did you ensure their journeys remained emotionally connected?
The greatest challenge was keeping their journeys emotionally connected. They face different trials, but their bond remains the heart of the story. I grounded their paths in shared purpose. Both are searching for the Pangari, fighting for unity, and carrying the weight of prophecy. Even when separated, their choices shape one another’s futures. Their friendship is the thread tying the story together, and I want- ed readers to feel that connection even when they walk separate paths.
What writing tips would you offer to aspiring authors who wish to craft immersive fantasy worlds with emotional resonance?
Create flawed characters. A world can be vast and beautiful, but it becomes meaningful only when readers care about the people who inhab- it it. Build your world around emotional truth. Ask what your characters fear, what they long for, and what they’re willing to sacrifice. Let the world challenge and change them. Reveal your world through their eyes, not through ex- position. Write with honesty. Readers can feel when a story comes from a place of sincerity.
What broader advice would you give to aspiring authors seeking perseverance and success in today’s publishing landscape?
Rejection is part of the journey. Keep writing, reading, and learning. Surround yourself with people who believe in your work. Protect your creative time and celebrate small victories. Remember that success is measured by growth not speed. Every story you write brings you closer to defining your voice.
The Shift in Stakes:
Why the sequel moves from curiosity to the heavy burden of choice.
Shattered Peace:
An inside look at the political collapse between the
Fey and the Dryads.
Darker Foundations:
How the author allowed the narrative tone to grow naturally from character choices.
Mythic Diplomacy:
The challenge of rebuilding trust in a world scarred by old grudges.
“FANTASY LETS US EXPLORE REAL HUMAN STRUGGLESTHROUGHAMYTHICLENS.”Reader’s House II 33
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