The Hunt for Alesta follows a reluctant teenage prince who is prophesied to be the chosen one with magical abilities that will save his kingdom from a curse that will destroy it. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Great question. My inspiration came from two authors who truly shaped my writing. J.R.R. Tolkien and David Eddings were my absolute favorites. Their ability to captivate from the very first pages left a lasting impression on me.

I also give a nod to J.K. Rowling, particularly in her magical settings. It sparked my imagination and helped craft my own world—so a blend of all three, really. That is likely why so many reviewers have mentioned my magical doors and described my world as ‘whimsical.’ (But you’ll need to read the books to see what that is all about.)

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?

Without doubt, my primary influence was, again, J.R.R. Tolkien. He was a true master of worldbuilding and description. From the moment I first read The Hobbit, I was captivated by the richness of the world he created, and it set me on a path to build a world of my own.

As I wrote, the prose seemed to take on a life of its own—fairy lamps, talking doors, and more—everything just fell into place naturally. I try to consider the kind of world I would have loved to immerse myself in as a middle-grade reader, and that vision shaped Westmore and the Western Lands.

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

Mostly, friendship, coming-of-age, teenage angst, romance, and more. I hoped to capture the essence that not every teen is eager to embrace responsibility right away—even if they are a prince. Often, they just want to enjoy the moment, hang out with friends, and be carefree, brushing aside the harsher realities of life. But despite all the youthful desire for freedom, they still prove themselves to be resilient—formidable even—when the bonds of friendship and mutual respect keep them united, especially through the toughest of times.

Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?

Without giving too much away, let me just say the prince faces a major twist in Book 2. Being the Chosen One is not as glamorous as it seems, and the harsh truth turns out to be more disappointing than he ever anticipated.

The third and final installment is already available, so I shall hold off on revealing too much. But rest assured, the unexpected twists and turns—things every teenager knows all too well—are a constant thread throughout the series.

Book 2: Apadora Rising dives into the tension that arises when friends no longer see eye to eye. New enemies emerge, and life spirals out of control for the group.

In Book 3: The King’s Ascent, the friends face off against a host of villains in a desperate attempt to save Westmore. (Teaser question: Will Prince Barrett abandon the throne, or will he fight to keep the city his family has ruled for generations?)

Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Website | Amazon