Author Jaq D Hawkins has made a name for herself in the world of fantasy fiction with her captivating world-building and unique characters.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into her creative process, inspirations, and what she has in store for readers.
Join us as we learn more about this incredible author and get a sneak peek into the fantastical worlds she has created.
What inspired you to start writing in the fantasy genre?
My love of reading fantasy made me always want to create my own world. Then one day, the goblins kidnapped me and showed me theirs.
How do you approach world-building in your stories?
It tends to flow organically with me. A need to explain how something works extracts that information from the secret compartment in my brain where the Akashic records for that reality are held.
Can you walk us through your writing process?
It varies, but basically an idea will spawn characters who then take over and drag me into their world.
For example, I threw some magicians into my goblin world just because magic is my thing and the blighters took over, formed a government and based it on their LARP games.
I never got a look in!
Would you survive in your own fantasy world?
Probably. I’m pretty down to earth and sensible. I know better than to go mucking around in the wrong caverns.
What themes do you explore in your work?
Prejudice is a big one. Preconceptions. The tendency of most people to accept what they are taught when young and not ask questions.
Asking myself why goblins should be at odds with humans was a big part of the early stages of forming that world.
Generally what we perceive as evil isn’t just mindless malice (serial killers excepted). There’s a reason why peoples would be enemies.
What do you consider to be your biggest influences as a writer?
A whole lot of sci-fi and fantasy from age twelve, after a childhood of enjoying stories with magic. Interesting worlds especially.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to research for your stories?
Not related to my goblin series, but finding what metal the cutlery used in Victorian workhouses was took me down a rather extensive rabbit hole. Obviously they wouldn’t use silver.
Another one is the varying theories on magnetic pole shifts of the Earth and the possible consequences if the planet reversed position.
What do you hope readers take away from your stories?
A bittersweet longing to be part of the goblin world. It’s actually rather a stress-free sort of life. Most of the time anyway.
Would you rather have a pet dragon or a unicorn, why?
Dragon! As long as it could talk. I’ve always had a fascination with reptilian creatures. Unicorns are cool too though.
If you were stuck on a deserted island with one of your characters, who would it be and why?
Haghuf, definitely. He would probably know a way off the island, perhaps through a deep cavern under the ocean. If not he’s still the most practical goblin I know.
What would you name your pet dragon?
Khadri (see my story, A Wizard’s Quandary).
Where is the best place to start reading your work?
That depends if you like exposition or quick action. Dance of the Goblins for the former, Demoniac Dance for quick action. It can stand alone.
Of course, if you prefer flying with airship pirates, The Wake of the Dragon is a steampunk adventure written for adult readers.
Jaq D Hawkins is the author of The Goblin Trilogy, which includes Dance of the Goblins, Demoniac Dance and Power of the Dance. She has also written the Airship Mechanoids Steampunk series which begins with The Wake of the Dragon and a science fantasy romp, The Chase For Choronzon.
Find Jaq online:
Website: jaqdhawkins.com
Facebook: facebook.com/GoblinSeries
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/218599.Jaq_D_Hawkins
Twitter: @jaqdhawkins
Pinterest: uk.pinterest.com/jaqdhawkins
