Interview with James Quinlan Meservy
Author of
The Realm of Light Series - and much more
Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.
My current work in progress is an epic fantasy adventure. The original inspiration for this story was the question, “What would a book look like if “Big Brother” from Orwell’s 1984 was a clan of lazy dragons?” And I am just running with the idea.
Where did you get the idea for this book or series?
Usually I get my book ideas from my dreams, and also from conversations with fellow Indie authors.
Do you write in more than one genre?
Most of my published works are fantasy. I have YA fantasy, Epic Fantasy, and Children Fantasy titles. But, I also have published a couple sci-fi short stories, a collection of poetry that I published with my daughters, and then there is my “Definition of Evil” short story that is not really any subgenre of speculative fiction. So yeah, I write in more than one genre. I let the stories that come to my mind and into my dreams tell me what genre they are, and if I cannot turn it into a fantasy story, oh well, I write it anyway.
Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.
I am going to focus on my Realm of the Light series here. What is unique about that series is the afterlife. The Realm of the Light series is so much more than just a YA Sword and Sorcery/Urban Fantasy adventure. It includes angels and demons, and what makes my work unique is the interactions between the angels, demons, and mortals.
Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?
So, here again, focusing on The Realm of the Light series, I suffer from hydrophobia and I am self conscious about my stutter. TJ from The United, is hydrophobic, and has a stutter.
From my personal history, what manifests itself the strongest is my knowledge of the Russian language. Several of the terms that I create in the Realm of the Light series were based on loose translations or in some cases transliterations of Russian words.
What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?
Helpful to know about me? I am not sure. I graduated from USU with a degree in anthropology, emphasis in archaeology, and minors in Russian and Geology. I often use my academic knowledge of current and ancient cultures when world-building, and as I have already said, when I need a term for some concept or some special weapon, I often turn to my knowledge of the Russian language.
Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?
Tessonja Odette. Specifically her Twisting Minds book. Tessonja is gaining a large following for her fantasy work, especially her ‘Entagled With Fae’ series. But I have known Tessonja for a long time, and after the original Lela Trilogy, but before the Entangled With Fae series there was Twisting Minds. To my knowledge, it is Odette’s only published dystopian story, and it is by far and away my favorite of her work.
Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?
I would most highly recommend my latest works. Becoming Captain Torreigh is probably my best written published story.
Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?
The United, The Realm of the Light Book 1 was originally self published. After it was on the market for a few months, I was asked by Tate Publishing if I would consider publishing with them. Not knowing any better, I agree. A year after I signed on with them, Tate Publishing went out of business.
Now we get to the biggest break. After Tate Publishing gave me back the rights to The United, The Realm of the Light Book 1, fellow Indie author, and mentor, Cris Pasqueralle recommended by book to his publisher, Cosby Media Productions. CMP signed me shortly thereafter. I will forever be grateful to Cris for the pitch to join the CMP family.
What question do you wish you would get asked more often?
I am not sure. I don’t know if I ever have given any thought to what questions I wish I would have been asked.
Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?
“Mornin’, if it is always mornin’, the day can always get better.”
It is a great mindset to help me remember to be cheerful, and hopeful for a better day.
Not his interview was submitted over 2 years ago, but was near the bottom of a deep pile, so check out James' more recent books at his Amazon page.
______________________________
Thanks to James for participating.
I'm into chapter five on my boys' adventure book sequel. It promises to be TNT in print. The first book, Accidental Pirates, will be available later this month.
