I have a deep love for fantasy worlds, especially their lore. Creating universes from scratch, from the first spark of the cosmos that gave birth to dragons to the world’s end, fascinates me. I’m enthralled by the politics, language, and the diverse beings that inhabit different parts of these worlds.
Erik Julkin – 24 March 2024
The Back Flap
In a world devoid of magic, how does one sever a bond forged by its very essence?
Like a raging storm, he swept into her life,tearing apart her home and taking away the only family she had. He went as far as attempting to suffocate her with his anger, giving birth to the curse they now tirelessly endeavor to break.
Caves, ancient ruins, forbidden forests… They’ve been to places no other human dared to set foot in. They’ve met races that were thought to be long extinct. Yet, upon countless failures, they have more questions than answers.
And one particular haunts her over and over again.
Does he still want to kill the last witch?
About the book
What is the book about?
It serves as an introductory adventure to the Omniworld universe, focusing on the story of Red and Dave, who are attempting to break a curse that binds them. However, there’s a catch: the world has lost all magic. How does one break a magic curse in a magicless world? While grappling with this dilemma, they rescue a young bard from a bandits’ lair. Since bards are known for their knowledge of stories and legends, they decide to try their luck and see if he possibly knows anything that could help them. But someone is determined to capture the bard at any cost and sends a talented killer after them.
When did you start writing the book?
1st of September 2023, but the idea was born about three months earlier.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took six months and a few days from the first sentence to the published novella.
Where did you get the idea from?
Since 2016, I spend most of my free time playing a modified version of TTRPGs games. Just me and my partner. I’m the Gamemaster creating the stories and playing all the NPC characters and she plays the main character. It is heavily focused on the plot and character development instead of classic game mechanics. No dices, no character sheets. We just talk for hours, pretending we are fantasy characters.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Formatting was a pain, because I decided I want the book to include illustrations. To get it right and make it compatible with ebook readers was a challenge. And marketing, of course.
What came easily?
Everything else. The story wrote itself in a month. Editing was slow, but still fun.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Entirely fictitious.
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?
I grew up reading The Little Prince. This pretty much says what to expect from me.
As a teenager, I was addicted to the Dragonlance series and Tolkien, but later I found beauty in the haunting works of King, Lumley, Matheson, and the Czech author Kulhánek. All of these authors have had a significant influence on my writing.
I have a deep love for fantasy worlds, especially their lore. Creating universes from scratch, from the first spark of the cosmos that gave birth to dragons to the world’s end, fascinates me. I’m enthralled by the politics, language, and the diverse beings that inhabit different parts of these worlds.
Stephen King has influenced the way I perceive fear and tension. His scary scenes are not based on ugly monsters and gore, but rather on atmosphere and the feeling of a nightmare. On the other hand, Kulhánek is a master of action and gore. And dark humor. However, I find myself drawn more to banter between characters, a trait I recently realized I learned from the TV show Frasier.
However, I must admit that I don’t read as much anymore. Until 2016, I read every day, finishing a few of Dan Brown’s books in a single day. But since 2016, I’ve found myself gravitating more towards gaming. I’ve always been a gamer, but these days, some indie developers create such fascinating worlds and rich stories that it’s impossible to ignore. It’s almost like reading a book you can interact with.
Do you have a target reader?
Everyone who enjoys fantasy worlds that feel real, where all beings have their struggles. A place that feels alive and magical. Readers who enjoy romance, adventure, and sometimes darker themes.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
It all starts with an idea. Then, I either play the idea as a TTRPG adventure or discuss it with my partner. If the idea is too noisy and hard to forget, I put it on my ‘To write’ list. Afterward, I write almost every day for an hour or two, always away from my computer and phone. I try to put one scene on paper from start to finish, without forcing myself to write a specific amount like three pages or hundreds of words. When I feel like it, I pick up the pen and write the scene. Rarely, I do two or more scenes in one sitting.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
A couple of sentences? Wow, no. 😊 If I outline, I can jot down a few words, like the main points for that chapter, but that’s all I’m capable of. Most of the time, I only know a few scenes—the beginning and the end—for the entire book. The rest is what my characters did along the way without me having power over it.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I always finish the first draft with no editing. Pen on paper.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No, I do all by myself.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I do. I always choose a song or ambient playlist that fits what I’m writing. Things like ‘Haunted Ambient Forest’ or ‘Cemetery at Night’ and such. Or a song the character likes or is listening to in that scene (this only works with my literary fiction novels I work on).
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No.
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 started working on my first novel in 2016, and I began researching literary agencies to understand the traditional publishing process. As I delved deeper, Google and YouTube started showing me publishing-related content, and I came across self-publishing videos. I thought, ‘Wow, this is it.’ I appreciate the freedom it offers. Additionally, I struggle with the idea of sending thousands of emails to agents, hoping they’ll notice me. My priority is to write. While making money is great and it’s certainly the dream, what matters most to me is sharing my writing with the world.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Combination.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have some plans but I’m improvising that plan. 😊
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Be prepared to change roles throughout the entire journey: writer for a month, editor for the next three, then salesperson, marketer, entertainer, and all other roles you need to become a one-man business. This appeals to those who tire easily of doing the same thing for an extended duration.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Bratislava, the capital of a post socialistic country in Europe called Slovakia.
Where do you live now?
Sadly, the same place.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m an unstable unicorn.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing my debut mysterious psychological literary fiction novel, Silent Smile, and I’m getting ready to start writing the sequel for Red and Dave.
End of Interview:
For more from Erik Julkin visit his website and follow him on Instagram and Tik Tok.
Get your copy of The Witch & the Wolf: Bond of the Ancients from Amazon US or Amazon UK for ebooks, or if you prefer paper visit website for The Great British Book Shop.