Forgotten Realm of Secrets follows a curious young boy seeking answers to the truth about his identity who winds up in a realm where dreams and reality blur. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The inspiration came from a short story I read on a blog several years ago. It was based on the idea of “a square peg not fitting in a round hole”and was semi-autobiographical in nature. What made it especially unique was that the protagonist wasn’t a person—the tale was told in a fantasy fiction narrative where the character was actually a “little square” wooden block, not a human. I found the premise deeply touching, and with the agreement of the blogger, knew it could be beautifully incorporated into a fantasy fiction novel—especially since fantasy fiction is my passion. The feeling of not quite fitting in resonates with so many people, and I was inspired to take that emotional theme and expand it into a larger, more complex story. Forgotten Realm of Secrets was born from that. I imagined what the character would be like as a living breathing person and Little Square came to life. I envisioned him not “fitting in” to his world, and going on a long journey to find the truth of who he was; and in a fantasy world, the possibilities of what could happen to him are untold.

I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?

To me, there’s nothing more intriguing-or frightening,  than something that isn’t what it seems. When I first imagined the realm where Lit was born, I pictured the setting of a peaceful, charming small-town. On the surface, it seems almost perfect. But as you explore, you realize something is not quite right with this place.  Being frozen in time gave it an eerie, “Twilight Zone” kinda quality. The sweet, idyllic exterior masked the secrets and dangers lurking beneath. As the story progressed, the world shifted with Lit’s journey. His surroundings change depending on the challenges I needed him to face. 

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Some of the key themes I wanted to incorporate were those integral to the story. Forgotten Realm of Secrets is not just a fantasy fiction novel. Themes of self-discovery, coming of age, adventure, mystery, and courage were important.  Lit’s journey is not just a physical one, but an emotional and personal journey where he faces the unknown, uncovers hidden truths about himself, and grows in ways he never expected. These themes are woven throughout the story, as Lit learns to confront each challenge with bravery and courage, while discovering what he is truly made of. 

At the beginning, Lit is a homesick boy, who was very dependent on his parents and siblings. But as the story progresses and he starts to fend for himself, though he never stops missing them, he realizes that he has the ability to survive on his own. In that vein, the theme of love and support from his family, as well as dear friends, was important to express because it contributed to his growth.

Even though Lit never stops missing his loved ones, he knew from the start that by choosing to leave home and take on this quest, he risked never seeing them again—something that almost made him reconsider. But in the end, he made the decision to have the courage to follow his heart.  Lit believed that if he succeeds in his quest, he might one day find his way back to his family—not as the uncertain, unhappy boy who had always wondered where he fit in, but as a happier, more fulfilled young man. He no longer wanted to be the mope who had spent so much time feeling lost and out of place at home. Instead, he wanted to return with a clearer sense of who he was and the confidence that he had discovered his true self and maybe his true home. 

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Yes, Forgotten Realm of Secrets is the first book in the series. Book Two is expected to hit book shelves around early 2025. Things really heat up in the next installment as Lit who is now seasoned and toughened by his experiences, faces even bigger challenges, and the threats are more terrifying. 

Lit’s already been through a lot, and in this next part of his journey, he’s determined not to give up. He’s ready to take the risks and push forward to reach his ultimate goal—to find wisdom, discover where he fits in, and uncover the secrets that have been kept hidden from him. But will he?

At this point, Lit has gained a new level of confidence. He’s not just surviving—he’s realized he enjoys the journey he has embarked upon. Even though the world around him is full of unknowns, supernatural and life threatening situations, it’s a journey he never could have imagined.

In the next book, readers can expect to meet even more strange and intriguing characters, some alive and some not, along with immersive worlds, strange phenomena, and ancient artifacts. Lit’s journey is far from over, and it’s going to challenge him in ways he never imagined.

Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website