This week I have decided to elaborate on my reasons for writing a new fantasy trilogy. I have long enjoyed reading fantasy novels and loved a vast majority of them. That said, I have also encountered some novels which I found to be lacking with regard to depth of characters and plot. Too many novels were generic in nature, usually having a selection of characters that got together in a tavern and conspired to go out on a quest. The quest usually had some challenges and creatures to kill, with a treasure at the end to reward the characters. The characters were similar to one another and reacted to things in a similar manner. I reasoned that if those books could get published, then I could write much better material myself. Not one to complain about something without doing something about it, I set about writing my own story.

I started writing my new series, “The Dragon Mage Trilogy”, in 1997 and finished the first book in 2002. It has a variety of characters with individual goals, experiences, and attitudes that are reflected in their actions as they join Kazin on his quest. Their unique abilities are diverse, yet assist in the journey they set out on, making their team more capable of overcoming obstacles. As a united group of companions, they learn to accept and admire the abilities of one another.

As for the quest in book one, Kazins’ Quest, it starts out tamely enough, but changes as time goes on, making the story more realistic. Quite often in real life, our own goals change to adapt to real life experiences that take place continuously. As the story goes on, it takes on a life of its own and the companions are swept up in a wave of events that are mostly beyond their control. They must adapt to events as they unfold or they will lose their effectiveness. Their quick thinking and coordinated efforts must result in success or all is lost. As you read through the novel, watch for the changing events and how the characters react. This is what separates heroes from regular characters.

I hope you enjoy the characters. Some of them will be in the second book and some will resurface in the third book. Anyone who grows attached to them will see them again eventually. If enough interest is generated, I may even bring some of them into a related series, using the same world that was created in “The Dragon Mage Trilogy”.