1. Tell us a little about yourself and what got you into writing?

I currently live in Australia after moving from England at age 10. I've been writing short stories and musings for 35 years, though never publishing any of them. In 2020, finding ample extra time during the pandemic, I finally pursued novel-writing to translate the fantasy adventure tales swirling in my imagination. I published my first novel "The Second Rising" in May 2023, then quickly released 3 more books in the fantasy genre.

2. Do you have a favourite time and place where you write?

In the morning, absolutely. A fresh cup of coffee and maybe the Hobbit/Lord of The Rings soundtrack playing in the background for inspiration. I'm a big fan of both.

3. Where do your ideas come from?

As a fantasy writer, I draw much inspiration from my dreams and imagination. Forests spark visions of fairy grottos and lost elf kingdoms. Stormy seas conjure battling sorcerers. Sometimes as I lay in bed, snippets of wondrous new worlds or courageous characters will reveal themselves to me, forcing me to hurriedly jot them down. Movies, books and video games feed my creativity too — even my children and pets have inspired characters and plotlines.

4. Do you plan the story before you start, or let it carry you?

Not really. I have a vague idea of the ending and maybe some key scenes, but mostly I'm flying by the seat of my pants, like a wizard embarking on an epic quest without a map. I love letting the characters lead rather than overly plotting things out — joining them on the narrative journey without knowing what lies ahead allows me to experience genuine surprises as well.

5. What genre are your books and what drew you to it?

Fantasy. I've loved it since childhood, when I would dive into magical worlds sparking my imagination with mystical lands, wizards, dragons, and epic quests. What draws me in is the chance to construct enthralling imaginary settings where anything seems possible. I want my books to recapture that goosebumps feeling of awe I've cherished since childhood.

6. What dream cast would you like for your latest book?

Cillian Murphy as Jonathon Rourke, Kristen Bell as Emma, Tom Hardy as Deacon Miller, Holly Hunter as Terry the elf, Seth MacFarlane as Flash, Donald Glover as Ace.

7. Who are your favourite authors?

J.R.R. Tolkien set the bar high. Brandon Sanderson, Robin Hobb and Robert Jordan expanded my sense of what vibrant magic systems and multilayered characters look like. R.F. Kuang pulled me in a darker direction. Ken Follett's focus on immersive settings and character development deeply shaped my process.

10. What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming a writer?

Go for it — don't put off writing. The key is consistency: make writing a regular habit. Capture ideas in a notebook you carry everywhere. Voraciously read within your genre. Most importantly, don't get discouraged. Let your early drafts be messy — magical moments hide within them. Even modest daily progress adds up over time into something incredible you can one day share.

What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?

The inspiration stemmed from a desire to explore the nuanced dynamics of connection and the transformative power of empathy and understanding. By exploring the intricate web of human emotions and relationships, the story uncovers the profound connections that can be forged between individuals of diverse backgrounds, as they push each other to reconsider their beliefs and ultimately grow together.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore?

The union between Caelen and Leira — with Leira hailing from a faction traditionally viewed as antagonistic — serves to explore deeply the notions of betrayal and fidelity. The burgeoning affection between them, amidst the tumult of their clashing clans, evokes the timeless theme of forbidden love. Additionally, the imperative for individuals of disparate origins to collaborate highlights the theme of surmounting prejudice and fostering understanding.

Where does the story go next?

When I wrote this story, my vision did not extend to advancing the saga through the lens of the primary characters. Nonetheless, it constitutes a crucial segment of the grand narrative that is Arghost's lore. The series comprises discrete narratives that piece by piece elaborate on Volthar's climactic rise, providing depth and context to the expansive history of Arghost.