Title: Erafeen: The Jestivan (Book One)
Author: David F. Farris
Publisher: The Jestivan
ISBN: 978-0692606407
Pages: 296
Genre: Fantasy
Author Interview with David F. Farris
Interviewed by: Ella Vincent
Today we are talking to David F. Farris, author of “Erafeen: The Jestivan (Book One).”
PBR: The world of Erafeen is so detailed and seems so real. How did you create such detail in the novel?
When you sculpt/develop a world (and story) for 5 years before even writing it, visuals tend to permanently etch their way into your mind. Unlike a lot of fantasies these days, Erafeen was intended to stretch across several books from the beginning. I didn’t release book #1, then decide to make sequels. I know this story from beginning to end already. I know the fates of each character, and the paths taken to reach them. And that makes writing it that much easier. It’s a big world, however, so there are still many nooks and crannies that even I have yet to fully explore.
PBR: Is any character in the novel based on anyone you know? Is Bryson based on you in any way?
In terms of Bryson’s parents? No. In terms of his personality? Very much so, but more-so a younger me. I have grown out of that personality as the years have progressed, but Bryson is that anchor to remind me of who I once was.
As for other characters, not really. I’m thinking really hard about some connections, but obviously, if I’m having to think that much, it’s unlikely. All of the characters are their own, not relating to anyone I know in my personal life.
PBR: This book is high fantasy. Which fantasy authors influenced you most?
J.K. Rowling and Patrick Rothfuss. Hands down. I think the J.K. Rowling one is obvious. However, Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicle isn’t as action packed as my story, and his writing is a lot more florid than mine—basically, it’s pretty. The similarity comes with the focus on character development. I pride my story on being character-driven. While I might have this entire story planned out from start to end (books 1 to 5), they’re not random acts in the plot that progress it. Instead, character decisions drive events to happen.
I must also give a shout-out to anime such as One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, and Fairy Tail. They inspired me just as much as any fantasy novel did.
PBR: Erafeen has a lot of strong female characters. Who are your favorite female characters in fantasy novels?
Without question, Arya Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire) tops the list. I absolutely adore strong female characters—when written correctly. I knew when I first started creating this world that I wanted a balance of male and female power players. And I must thank anime/manga (Japanese comics) for this unique approach. In anime, it is common for female characters to be powerful.
As for other female characters in the fantasy world: Hermoine Granger (Harry Potter), Auri (Kingkiller Chronicle), and this next one will seem a little out of place, but oh well… Katerina Petrova/Katherine Pierce (The Vampire Diaries).
PBR: The book has a great mix of action and humor. Was that a conscious decision in your writing?
That was done purposefully. Once again, I’ll use the word, “balance”. And this didn’t apply to only action and humor, so throw world-building, adventure, and character development in there, too. It’s the core belief for me when writing a book.
But yes, I want people to laugh as much as possible while they can. This series is dark, and while it may not reach its darkest depths in Book 1, it will get there soon enough.
PBR: Can you give a hint of what will happen in future Erafeen stories?
In Book 2, a few new kingdoms will be added to the focus. More characters will have their own PoV’s. And, of course, Bryson will learn some things… that’s so vague, and I apologize. I will say this: Erafeen is a multi-book series, so there is a LOT of story left to be told.
To learn more about “Erafeen: The Jestivan” please read the review at: Pacific Book Review
