This book is for fans of the fantasy genre. It’s also for those who have thought about writing fantasy stories of their own but maybe need a little “push.”
Dan O’Mahony – 7 October 2022
The Back Flap
There’s nothing more powerful than a good story.
Twelve-year-old Ronnie Jackman has gone through something no child should ever have to face. Not only did he lose both of his parents, but he watched them die in a raging fire.
His pain runs deep and there is no telling what would have happened to him if he didn’t meet Mr. Griffin, a mysterious substitute teacher who helps Ronnie tap into a wellspring of imagination that was waiting inside of him. Mr. Griffin inspires Ronnie to write fantasy stories, where he casts himself as the hero and creates a powerful foe that serves as the target for his grief and guilt over his parents’ deaths.
Ronnie revels in his newfound ability. But there comes a point when it appears his imagination is literally starting to get away from him. The line between writer and story begins to blur, and characters from Ronnie’s stories start appearing in the real world.
Ronnie must learn to control his imagination. If he can, he stands a chance of becoming the hero he wants to be in real life, as a tragedy erupts at school that threatens the life of one of his new friends.
Pick up a copy of Illumina today and experience imagination fully unleashed.
About the book
What is the book about?
This book is about a young boy, Ronnie Jackman, who witnessed his parents die in a fire. He goes to live with his grandparents and starts attending a new school. There, he meets a mysterious substitute teacher who inspires him to write fantasy stories. Writing becomes therapeutic for Ronnie. He creates a heroic alter ego and a villain to serve as a target for his anger and guilt over his parents’ death.
Writing empowers Ronnie. He makes friends, who end up being transformed into characters in his stories – along with a trio of bullies. However, there comes a point when Ronnie’s fantasy world starts to bleed into the real world, leading to a huge confrontation that will change Ronnie forever.
When did you start writing the book?
Back in 2016.
How long did it take you to write it?
About a year. But I’ve sat on it for a long time. It was very experimental, and I wasn’t sure people would “get it.”
Where did you get the idea from?
My love for the fantasy genre. I’ve always wanted to do a high fantasy story. My love of writing played a big part in the creation of this story too. I’m at peace and feel whole when I’m writing, and writing has gotten me through some very traumatic times. I was going through one when I initially wrote this book. Writing gave me the strength to get through that very troubling episode of my life.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I struggled with the concept of having “stories within the main story.” The stories that Ronnie “writes” came out a lot longer than I had originally hoped they would be, even with editing. I address this through Ronnie’s POV, stating that sometimes you need to let the story just tell itself.
That was one reason why I’ve kept this book on the shelf for so long. That and the fact I talk about the writing process (and some experiences writing this book) through Ronnie. I also share theories about the relationship between writers and their stories I worried might be kind of “out there.”
But every time I read through this manuscript, I felt nothing but love for the story and the characters. I hope readers do too.
What came easily?
When writing, I’m able to get into a “flow,” where the words just come to me almost as if from an outside source.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
There’s always a piece of me in every one of my protagonists. Ronnie’s grandparents were also patterned after my own.
It’s funny you asked this, because as I already mentioned Ronnie bases characters for his stories on people from his real life.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Neil Gaiman and Stephen King are definitely my top two. Also, this might sound weird for someone who writes MG and YA, but “Mr. Fight Club” himself, Chuck Palahniuk had a huge influence on my writing style. I learned a lot about capturing a character’s voice by reading his books.
Do you have a target reader?
This book is for fans of the fantasy genre. It’s also for those who have thought about writing fantasy stories of their own but maybe need a little “push.” I would be immensely flattered if this book inspires people to start writing.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
It always starts out with a general concept, but that gets fleshed out when I start developing the characters. For me, character development is the most important aspect of story-telling. I have found it is indeed true that if you spend enough time developing the characters they will take on a life of their own and guide you as you write.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I’m somewhere between a “pantser” and a “plotter.” I have a plan on where I want my story to go, but I always remain ready for my characters to “speak up.” They’ll tell me what they want to say or do, and that ends up changing parts of the story. But always for the better.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I am almost pathological about editing as I write. I can’t help it. I edit after I’ve finished writing as well.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I do my own editing. I’m very fastidious about it. I actually enjoy the whole editing-revising process. I refer to it as “spinning straw into gold.”
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Oh yeah, music is very important. I like listening to The Chieftains, a legendary Irish folk band, when I write. I’ll throw more contemporary bands into the mix too, such as The Cure, The Cranberries, and Morrissey.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I have in the past.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I’ve self-published and tried to go the traditional route simultaneously. During my last round of querying, A few agents expressed interest in that particular manuscript – The Fifth Cycle: A New Hero is Forged. They requested full copies of the manuscript. When they got back to me, they would rave about how much they liked it and how much it had to offer but would end up saying something like “It just wasn’t what they were looking for at this time” or they couldn’t see themselves “championing” this particular book. Argh!
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I got this cover done professionally.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’ve already started with a cover-reveal via social media. I’ve also made a list of promo sites to enlist as the release date draws near. I will also be hosting a book signing at the Irish Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix, my home away from home. I’m also looking at alternative ways of marketing.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. Don’t do it unless you have a passion for writing and for the stories you want to tell.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I bounced around between Northern and Southern California for most of my life.
Where do you live now?
I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I came out to help my mother take care of my grandmother who passed away about six years ago. My Mom and I sort of look after each other now.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I just want to tell stories people will enjoy, and hopefully they will be meaningful to my readers in some way.
What are you working on now?
I mentioned The Fifth Cycle earlier. That is the first book in an intended series. I’m planning on starting the second book in that series very soon.
End of Interview:
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