A Fool’s Tragedy: Tome I of Tellurian Otherworld follows the last akiko on his quest for retribution that is filled with unexpected challenges. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

To be honest, I had a few different variations at the start of the writing process, but I knew I wanted to bring back the Mistress of Quietus from the first book Benign Dystopia in one form or another, and so, I began there. Since she was designed to strongly resemble Baba Jaga from Slavic folklore, I, naturally, delved into the fables which incorporated the supernatural being as well as others linked to the creature
in some way. It was in this pursuit, that I eventually stumbled across Koschei the Deathless, and after a bit of research into the immortal wizard, I decided to model my setup around the Russian fairy tale, The Death of Koschei the Deathless, since it did include the likes of Baba Jaga. It was actually this very tale which heavily influenced the story’s plot and through it, I formed the initial theme of my work: the fear of mortality and the search for a cure. This, of course, evolved over time, but through it all, the fear of death remained an intricate part of A Fool’s Tragedy and was undeniably vital during its early stages.

The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?

I would have to say the jinni, Will. He was by far my favorite character to write and develop; and although others were enjoyable in their own right, I found the jinni was the most entertaining. I will add, Will only came about because of the main character’s flaws, which although do make him unique, they also serve to make him a bit difficult at times. I think one of the biggest challenges I faced was creating a companion for Jadecan to quest through the whole of Neldar with. On the surface may not seem like too big a task, but given the main character’s hostile nature, and how intimate he is with death itself, I needed one that both Jadecan couldn’t kill, nor just simply depart the company of. And yes, the story does open with Sophis, the tinkerer, as his companion, which the first book set up, but the issue I felt came in the form of Jadecan needing him more so than actually caring for him. This regretfully, in the long run, wouldn’t bode well for dear Sophis, and so, mainly because of readers’ fondness for the character, I admit, I removed him until such time I felt comfortable enough to reinstate him as Jadecan’s primary companion. The last thing I wanted to have happen was for Sophis to die, which does happen more often than not in my writings, and Will, well… he was not only a phenomenal character to write, but also pivotal in the evolution of Jadecan, which in the end, I believe strengthened his relationship with Sophis as well as everyone else around him.

I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?

I am most definitely a pantser through and through, which probably comes as no surprise. Everything which happens within the work develops organically whilst writing it. There are very few aspects I plan, and the most I do in the plotting department is brainstorming as I research topics associated with the chapter I’m currently building. I couldn’t write my stories any other way, I think. The twists and turns are just as surprising to me, the author, as they are to the main character, Jadecan. This is genuinely reflected within the narrative as well, which I personally believe strengthens the overall reading experience, and from those I’ve spoken to who have read the work (of which I can count on one hand, mind you) they tend to agree. And yes, this writing style is likely the culprit behind the rapid shifts in setting and the frequent departure of side characters in the novel the review had made note of. I, myself, do not find it an issue, but I can see how some may find it challenges the clarity of the plot progression and the depth of connection with supporting characters, this is true. My primary focus during the writing of Tellurian Otherworld, as a whole, though, (tome one and tome two) I admit, was the development of its setting and the Elder’s Vault series’ main character, Jadecan, and not much else. To that end, however, plot progression and depth of connection with all characters are among the many parts of my writing I am tirelessly working to improve.

Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?

The second tome, A Hero’s Comedy, will take readers back to the world of Neldar where the characters, Jadecan and Sophis, will continue their quest for the fabled Agari stone in hopes of using it to recover the lich’s death. This, of course, is all in search of the Queen’s ark, which Benign Dystopia set up with its new ending (which is not a part of the published work, mind you). As of writing this, I have all but one chapter left to complete the manuscript, so I have a pretty good idea as to where the characters will be in the next book, you could say. To not spoil anything, I will only add that most, if not all, of the supporting characters from tome one, A Fool’s Tragedy, will come back in a big way. It is full of twists and turns, no different than the first tome of Tellurian Otherworld, but I do think it is a bit more clear in its plot progression and will help a great deal in rounding out the entirety of the work as a whole. I am hopeful to have A Hero’s Comedy: Tome II of Tellurian Otherworld concluded within the next few weeks, but as is often the case with writing feats such as these, I cannot guarantee it, but nevertheless, it is nearly complete. With that, I bid you farewell for now, and may you all have a legendary day. Thank you.

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