John W. Wells III

 

 Interview with John W. Wells III

Author of

The Kalib Andrews Chronicles

 Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

I am currently working on The Invisible City, the third book in The Kalib Andrews Chronicles. I am so excited to share this one with the world. In the third book, Kalib and his friends are forced to leave Hainesville after the town is afflicted with a supernatural plague in the third book. And the only way to save the city is to find one of the last remaining Enochian stones. That stone, combined with an ancient spell and the blood of the Angel Warrior, will vanquish the demon, Beelzebub, who is responsible for the city's supernatural disaster. But where does one find an Enochian stone? Legend has it that a fragment of the stone was hidden inside an ancient city. So, what’s the dilemma? This ancient city is hidden by magic and can only be found if one knows where to look. A difficult piece of knowledge to come by considering that the city inhabitants have been forbidden to leave for thousands of years.

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

When I was a kid, I LOVED fantasy. Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lord of the Rings, and even the Percy Jackson series (though I was a little older when that came out). But the one thing I never saw as a kid was a hero that looked like me. As an African American, I wanted kids to see heroes that looked like them among the myriad of eurocentric protagonists. I wanted BIPOC kids to know that they are more than just the sidekick. So I wrote one. When people tell me they read my books, they tell me that they were inspired by the diversity represented in my books. And this inspires me to keep writing.

Do you write in more than one genre?

I tend to stick to the genre that I like to read, Contemporary fantasy. This is where I feel most comfortable. But who knows, maybe I will venture out into other genres one day.

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

I believe my sense of character and voice make my story unique. When people read my book, I think they will empathize with my main character, Kalib. They get the chance to be in his head and hear what he is thinking, and I think the reader's connection to him is powerful.

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

I relate a lot to my main character. We are not the same, but I believe our core needs are similar. In the first book, Kalib struggles with his identity. Being the mayor's adopted son, he doesn’t know where his place is. He wants to know where he belongs and his purpose. These insecurities are the engine that drives Kalib’s story.

Now, I was not adopted. However, I did grow up in my own smaller version of a LimeLight. I grew up a pastor's kid in a small town. Because of this, I often shared with Kalibs feelings that I was in the way. Or that I didn’t belong. I spent most of my Adolescence searching for my place, for my people, and I never found it. So I think I subconsciously infused Kalib with my own struggle with identity, acceptance, and belonging.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

For a brief moment, during a safari in Kenya, I was in danger of being charged by an elephant. The driver didn’t realize until we left that there was a baby elephant in the bushes, and the mother thought we were a threat and began to position herself between the baby and us. The driver then informed us that it was time to go.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

Jonathan Yanez is a great author, and he tells funny and compelling stories. I came across his books at a seminar and then had the privilege of meeting the guy; not only are his books excellent, but he is also a pretty cool and down-to-earth guy.

Also, Rick Riordan is my favorite author. My love for him began with his fast-paced and witty, Spider-manesque dialogue in the Percy Jackson series. But my admiration grew to respect during the Magnus Chase Series when I realized how intentional he was about inclusivity in his stories. He truly tries to represent all kinds of people without judgment. And to me, that is both admirable and important.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

The Heir of Ambrose is my favorite book that I’ve written so far. It was just such a hard story to write. And even going into it, I wasn’t sure how I would write it. I was afraid it would just be a bridge book, and I hate those. But, once I wrote it, it was most definitely NOT a bridge book. It was more involved than I ever thought possible. There is an intriguing mystery, great world-building, and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

Meeting my editor, Mentor, and Coach. What started as just a business relationship has evolved into a relationship that has changed my life. My editor is a wise man who not only gets my stories, but he gets me as well. He has taught me more than I could have ever learned in school, and I attribute much of my success to the time (probably more time than necessary) that he takes to ensure that I understand the notes he is giving me. He is no longer just an editor. He has become my mentor, my teacher, and my friend.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

mmmh… maybe “Where would you like to visit?”

Do you have a catchphrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

 I don’t! But I think I need one.

_________________________________

Thanks to John for participating.