One of the most popular key pieces of advice that successful authors give to up-and-coming writers is to write from what you know. First-time author Jordan Spicer followed that very advice to the letter (no pun) for his new book “Tales of Reverba: A New Ember”.
Having grown up a fan of anime stories, Spicer, who is African American set out to write a fantasy anime story with an African American male main character who also happens to be named, Jordan. He took the advice to heart and we’re excited to feature him in our Author’s Spotlight Series and talk to him about the book.
What inspired you to become a writer?
For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed telling stories and thinking of imaginary worlds. I would often take something normal and give it a magical twist or some lore behind it. Like a Slim Jim is a branch from a tree with an edible bark that’s cultivated in a forest.
So, I can’t directly say anything inspired me to become a writer. I think it was just something I always enjoyed doing and as I got older part of me kept longing to write, so I did.
Who is your favorite author?
I would say, Eiichiro Oda, writer of the extremely popular anime “One Piece” would be high on the list. I remember watching One Piece when I was young and even now I still get the same excitement and feelings when I watch the newer episodes and yes even the filler episodes.
Describe your new book “Tales of Reverba” in 30 words or less
It’s a gritty western isekai with notes of progression and dark fantasy, filled with loveable characters, dangerous beasts, intense battles, and goofy situations all set in a vibrant breathing world.
Why should we read it?
If you are a fan of the Isekai genre, progression fantasy, love vibrant worlds, and seeing developed cultures or just want to see more African-American main characters this book is for you.
(For those that don’t know, Isekai is a subgenre of fantasy in which a character is suddenly transported from their world into a new or unfamiliar one.)
What books have influenced your life most?
“The Subtle Knife” (Philip Pullman) holds a special place in my heart, I believe it was the first novel I read and somehow didn’t know the book was the second book in the His Dark Materials series. I’m not sure what about it has made it stick with me all this time. I think it was the idea of being able to leave the modern world and go on an adventure, but I do know the book is always present in my mind.
Make sure to support Jordan Spicer by following him on Twitter and purchasing his new book on Amazon.