Chronomancer and the Time God looks like a great young
adult fantasy book. Any plans to turn
this into a series?
Yes, I have written two sequels to the Chronomancer and the
Time God. The title of the second book is "Betrayal in the Reigan
Woods" and the third book is "Champions of Rael".
Can you tell us a little about Zarethea?
Zarethea is a world torn apart by religious and political
warfare. Over a millennia ago, a prolonged conflict known as the "God
Wars" resulted in the world being torn into four sections, each dedicated
to the followers of a single god. These powerful theocracies are separated by a
mystical barrier called the Shimmering. Anyone who passes into the Shimmering
finds themselves in the land of Nextrak, a fortified city which serves as the
gateway to all other kingdoms. While this has stymied some of the direct
conflict between the races, their continual bickering and hatred has left the
world is a state of perpetual feuding.
Since the countries have been divided for centuries and
relatively isolated from each other, the human race is divided into four
separate races. Each is a reflection of their religion and culture: Lamorians,
a powerfully built militant order; Moravians, a entirely double-jointed race
that look like living Marionettes; Mystasians, a tall slender race of
sorcerers; and Nextrakians, a race adapted for living in the border land of
perpetual mists and rain. Finally, there is a non-human race called the
Reigans, who are mobile, plants.
What inspired you when writing Chronomancer and the Time
God?
As a former army linguist and a former philosophy major, I
was inspired by the many cultures and philosophies I encountered throughout my
travels. I wanted to represent those different viewpoints and philosophies into
my story in a way people could understand. Sometimes by placing things into a
fantasy world, people are less judgmental than when they encounter them in a
real world setting.
Many of my characters were inspired by a Dungeons and
Dragons campaign I led in college. The campaign was filled with inter-party
conflict and boasted a unique dynamic which I found both entertaining and
fascinating. I felt that taking those characters, complete with their
strengths, weaknesses and other quirkiness, and putting them into this war-torn
world would make for a fun adventure.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I've wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. My
parents still tell stories of how, when I was little, I would fold a bunch of
papers in half, staple along the folds to make a small book, and then fill
every page with my stories. They still have many of these books from when I was
small.
My passion for fantasy literature didn't develop until I was
in middle school, however. I had just moved to a new town and was struggling to
adjust when my English teacher handed me a copy of the Chronicles of Narnia. I
became hooked.
When writing Chronomancer and the Time God did anything
stand out as particularly challenging?
The biggest challenge that I encountered with Chronomancer
and the Time God was finding a way to present the vibrant and complex world
inside my mind without relying upon narrative. I wanted the readers to learn
about the world from the words and views of the characters rather than from my
own description. I felt this was more personal and helped build a closer
connection to the characters and an understanding of their world.
What do you like to do when not writing?
When I am not writing, I like teaching cybersecurity courses
at Rice University. I enjoy helping students develop their skills and learn
more about the fascinating cyber events around us. There is a whole cyber war
taking place, much of which doesn't get reported in mainstream media and the
average person isn't aware.
I also enjoy spending time with my family. I grew up playing
board and card games and these remain a favorite activity for my wife and I to
share with our children.
Where can readers find out more about your work?
Readers can learn more about my work by checking out my
website at jamesjmeadowsiii.com or by visiting my Facebook page:
"Chronomancer and the Time God". They can also follow me on twitter
at @jamesmeadowsiii.