Author Interview: J.J.N. Whitley

Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome J.J.N. Whitley, author of The Orichalcum Crown, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.

About The Author

J.J.N. Whitley

J. J. N. Whitley is a licensed attorney and proud cat-dad. His time in Okinawa sparked a love for anime and JRPGs, and living in Australia did the same for sports.

You can find author Whitley here:
Instagram | Youtube | Patreon | X

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Interview

Welcome to TRB! Could you provide our readers with a personal introduction beyond your official Author Bio?

Sure. I’m JJNW (Juh-jin-wuh). I introduced myself as that one year in drama class, and the name stuck. One year for Halloween I told a friend I was JJNW’s ghost, and that stuck too.

I’m naturally fidgety and always itching to work on the next project, whether it’s something I’m writing, playing or watching. So when I was diagnosed with ADHD last year I thought it explained a lot.

Beyond the blurb, can you share a unique aspect or background detail about your book’s setting or characters?

One major detail is the prevalence of gods. The oft aloof All-Mother is the literal mother of Athena and one of her sisters. The original emperor runs a brothel just down the mountain. Even when they’re not directly involved in the plot, their shadows loom large.

Every book begins with an idea. What was the initial inspiration that led you to write this particular story?

Funny enough, it came from a lack of inspiration. I realized that while I’d been working on existing projects for several years, I hadn’t come up with anything new in a long time. I started with the central idea of exploring the relationships of a royal family with an aging emperor on the decline and let it flow from there.  

Fantasy often tackles profound themes. What central message or theme do you hope readers will take away from your book?

The initial theme was about the weight of leadership. Heavy is the head that wears the crown and all. But, despite the best intentions, that head is still human and prone to err. As the story evolved, it also tackled the theme of feeling like an outcast even in places where you’re supposed to be loved.

Of all the characters in your book, is there one you feel particularly close to? Why?

As much as I love Athena, I’d have to say Makoto. At her core, Makoto is someone who believes love must be earned and is almost always at risk of being lost. She wants nothing more than to be loved without needing to perform but is terrified of her authentic self being rejected.

There are elements of that I relate to. My favorite line in the book comes from her conversation with Ephraim in the garden and came right from my own heart.

How do you approach character development in a fantasy setting to ensure they are relatable to readers?

By grounding key character traits and relationships in reality. A handful of examples.

Athena being a protective older sister comes from her strained relationships with her parents. Dad is busy running the empire, and Mom is too busy being a god to care. So, she takes it on herself to make sure the little scamps are cared for.

Olive’s love of art stems from Athena’s encouragement. Now it helps her feel connected to a sister that’s no longer around.

Makoto and Ephraim are so close, because they met at a time when they each needed friendship. She needed a friend to make her feel safe in a new environment, and he needed a friend to deal with the grief of losing his parents.

When the character’s core feels grounded, their development comes naturally. Even in the face of fantastical elements.

What served as the primary inspiration for your characters? Were they from existing myths, personal experiences, dreams, or something else entirely?

Once I decided on the initial premise of a royal family, I had to start filling out the ranks. While some characters, like Ephraim and Klaus, are unique to this story, several others are from other ideas that never went anywhere. This includes major players; such as Athena, Makoto and Reina. It’s why I often refer to this story as my Island of Misfit Toys.

How long did the process of writing this book take from inception to completion?

About six years off and on. I had several drafts that started and ended in different places. I’d take breaks from writing or to work on other projects before coming back to tinker with it some more. The first idea started around February, 2020 when I was walking the track at the gym.

Are there other stories or fantasy worlds you’re currently developing?

Absolutely. One of them is a story of people trapped in a video game, so it’s a hybrid science fiction story as well. Another takes place in a world my friend made. And another is small town Indiana but with a little dash of magic. 

What attracts you to the fantasy genre specifically? Do you explore other genres as well?

I usually stick with fantasy but include other genres as part of the work. I love that fantasy has no limits and can encompass other genres. You can still write romance, horror, comedy and drama within a fantasy setting.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer? Was the journey straightforward, or did you face challenges along the way?

My fourth grade teacher, Mr. Kolp, had a mandatory journal writing period. I would write stories based on shows I was watching; like Dragon Ball or Pokémon. Had so much fun that I kept doing it. There’ve been a lot of challenges. Self-doubt, low sales and all that. But, here we are still doing it because I love it. 

Can you describe your typical writing routine?

It usually goes one of two ways. I’ll either have a flash of inspiration and starting writing a scene on my phone until the scene ends or I get stuck.

Alternatively, I’ll sit at my computer and re-read the last few paragraphs to get back into the scene. I’ll see it play out in my head and transcribe it as best I can. If I get stuck, I’ll go for a walk and think through it and hopefully get unstuck.

Editing is a crucial part of the writing process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing in the context of a fantasy narrative?

I try to note what’s missing or inconsistent in a draft when I’m reviewing it. If a character mentions something that’s from a previous draft then it needs to be cut or reworked. Likewise, if someone acts in a way they normally wouldn’t there needs to be a good reason for it or else it’s gone.

In addition, if there are elements of the plot or characterization that are lacking or not featured at all then I note where they should be inserted and rework those moments.

With the growing popularity of audiobooks and multimedia adaptations, have you considered these formats for your work?

I haven’t looked into audiobooks at this time, but I’d love one. I think it would be really cool.

I’d be ecstatic if someone wanted to adapt Orichalcum into a show, movie or game but I’m not holding my breath yet.

If you had to describe your writing style in three words, what would they be?

Talkative but violent.

What tools or methods do you prefer for writing—computer, typewriter, voice recording, or traditional pen and paper?

My go to is the notes app on my phone. That way I can write in just about any situation. But when I need to grind out some pages or editing, then I have to sit at my computer. Every now and then I do enjoy hand writing a few pages.

Could you share five books or authors that have influenced your writing, especially within the fantasy genre?

The Harry Potter series is a big one. I know I read a lot as a kid, but it’s the first time I remember being sucked into another world and not wanting to leave.

Lord of the Rings and Warriors as series with their own mythologies and large casts of characters.

I read Mistborn a few years ago, which helped a lot in developing the magic system of another story.

While not a book series, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the Trails series for its world building and character writing.

How do you tackle Writer’s Block when working within the expansive boundaries of fantasy?

A couple different ways. If a particular sentence is giving me trouble I’ll write a very basic to the point sentence, put it in brackets and move on with the paragraph.

If it’s the start of a scene or story, I’ll try hand writing and just seeing what happens. I did that with one story and a character I hadn’t previously imagined showed up and changed the whole ding dang thing.

If it’s a big picture element, I’ll play around with different versions of it and discuss it with people who know the story.

What piece of advice would you offer to budding writers, especially those looking to venture into fantasy?

Number one is to write. It’s the cliche answer, but your idea will always be just that until you write it down. 

Number two is be flexible and willing to adapt. Sometimes plot threads and characters don’t go where you initially imagined, and that’s okay. 

Last is to have a “why guy”. Someone who knows the story about as well as you do who you can bounce ideas off of. Regardless if they like the new idea or not, their job is to ask why a new direction is a good thing. The process of explaining it will generally show if it’s a passing fancy or something with deeper roots. Then you can have a good faith discussion about it.

Thank you, author Whitley, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!

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About the Book

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