Current Work
I’m currently working on the second book of the Tales of Aia series. I don’t yet know how long the series will be, but there is more than enough material for a decalogy, so fingers crossed that I inherit my grandfather’s longevity!
My first book, Tome’s Quest, is a variation on themes familiar from The Neverending Story and His Dark Materials. The twist is that the fantasy world is intentionally created and inhabited by the protagonist as a unique form of self-healing. I’ve included a description below, but fair warning: it contains spoilers…
Tome’s Quest
Seeking to discover his worth amid enduring survivor guilt over his twin sister’s death in utero, fourteen-year-old Thomas (Tome) creates the fantasy world of Aia and inserts himself as its protagonist. After befriending a diminutive scholar named Blithe, Tome learns the key to his deliverance is to find his Coziest Place: the ultimate life goal for all creatures in Aia. Forced into the blighted Deepcellar Wastes and the chaos of the Underrealms, Tome struggles with his sense of worth as his companions suffer—even die—for his sake. Tome and his companions at last find haven among the Vericinii: a fiercely independent people ruled largely by children. Supported by Maaden, their eleven-year-old Queen, Tome’s quest grows hopeful at long last. None can aid him as much as his mentor, the exiled waerrat noblewoman Cambysa, but her quiet narcissism undermines him throughout, posing the greatest threat to the completion of his quest.
Heroes
I would feel like a bit of an ingrate if I didn’t carve out space to praise and thank some of my fantasy writer heroes. Whatever I amount to as a fantasy writer, it would be less if it were not for the following people.
Even if every fantasy writer on Earth did homage to Tolkien, I would still consider it an honor (even a duty) to add my own humble tribute. Some philosophers have referred to Aristotle as ‘The Philosopher.’ In the same way, I consider Tolkien ‘The Fantasist.’ My debt to his work is far greater than I can every repay.
I am also indebted to Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickmann. Their unforgettable Dragonlance novels kickstarted my exploration of contemporary fantasy. I spent years with the Forgotten Realms fantasy novel authors, especially R.A. Salvatore, Ed Greenwood, Kate Novak, and Jeff Grubb.
I can’t say enough about the work of two German authors: Michael Ende and Walter Moers (if you’ve never read The Neverending Story or The City of Dreaming Books, I strongly recommend them). Among contemporaries, Patrick Rothfuss and John Gwynne are favorites.
Lastly, George R. R. Martin’s work has astounded and delighted me on many levels. Very few authors out there are Tolkien-class worldbuilders, but in my opinion Martin is among them.
