Nothing in the publishing world goes fast, but that said, the re-release for Rafen is rolling around slowly but surely. In the meantime, after exploring two of the main themes in the book, I thought I'd mention my influences.
I've been asked about my influences a lot, sometimes especially by those who disagree with the content of the book, saying it's too "fantastical" or too "violent". Interestingly, I read very little fantasy fiction myself, meaning that the vast majority of what I've written must either come from the few fantasy books I have read (and be extremely plagiarized) or it is highly original. Otherwise, perhaps, there is a third option, and one seldom considered: I've been inspired by life itself. There are events in life that sometimes feel so surreal that one supposes they might be fantasy: something incredibly wonderful or something unspeakably bad. I believe that the fantasy elements in my work derive from all three of these concepts, so some extent. I am hoping, of course, more is original than hackneyed.
Admittedly, my tone of writing and my characterization have largely been inspired by classic works. Things like the following:
The Forsyte Saga
Jude the Obscure, The Major of Casterbridge
Hamlet, Macbeth
The Lord of the Rings
Katherine Mansfield's complete works
C. S. Lewis' brilliant theological works
And more recently A Severe Mercy
It would be careless of me to omit the Bible, which of course has been hugely influential, especially the Psalms. My main character Rafen was more or less inspired by the Biblical figure David.
Certainly, one thing I was told as a child was to read plenty of fantasy and fairy tales, to ensure that I was well-versed in my genre and could write it proficiently. Increasingly, as I've watched the genre being overwhelmed by twenty-first century tropes, I've moved towards the second piece of advice I was given, which was: "Read widely, read everything." I don't read as widely as I should, but I do seek to read works of quality whatever genre they might be. As an author, be careful not to read too much of your genre. You will become merely a product of its age and miss authenticity altogether. Surround yourself with all sorts of literature, and don't limit it to that. Look long and hard at the beautiful and the illuminating, whether it be paintings, nature, music, or books.
May your journey be a thrilling one.
I've been asked about my influences a lot, sometimes especially by those who disagree with the content of the book, saying it's too "fantastical" or too "violent". Interestingly, I read very little fantasy fiction myself, meaning that the vast majority of what I've written must either come from the few fantasy books I have read (and be extremely plagiarized) or it is highly original. Otherwise, perhaps, there is a third option, and one seldom considered: I've been inspired by life itself. There are events in life that sometimes feel so surreal that one supposes they might be fantasy: something incredibly wonderful or something unspeakably bad. I believe that the fantasy elements in my work derive from all three of these concepts, so some extent. I am hoping, of course, more is original than hackneyed.
Admittedly, my tone of writing and my characterization have largely been inspired by classic works. Things like the following:
The Forsyte Saga
Jude the Obscure, The Major of Casterbridge
Hamlet, Macbeth
The Lord of the Rings
Katherine Mansfield's complete works
C. S. Lewis' brilliant theological works
And more recently A Severe Mercy
It would be careless of me to omit the Bible, which of course has been hugely influential, especially the Psalms. My main character Rafen was more or less inspired by the Biblical figure David.
Certainly, one thing I was told as a child was to read plenty of fantasy and fairy tales, to ensure that I was well-versed in my genre and could write it proficiently. Increasingly, as I've watched the genre being overwhelmed by twenty-first century tropes, I've moved towards the second piece of advice I was given, which was: "Read widely, read everything." I don't read as widely as I should, but I do seek to read works of quality whatever genre they might be. As an author, be careful not to read too much of your genre. You will become merely a product of its age and miss authenticity altogether. Surround yourself with all sorts of literature, and don't limit it to that. Look long and hard at the beautiful and the illuminating, whether it be paintings, nature, music, or books.
May your journey be a thrilling one.
