Interview James Quinlan Meservy

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For this week’s Feature Friday Futures interview we are joined by James Quinlan Meservy who is here to tell us about his novel The United, The Realm of the Light Book 1

Full series

How did you build this concept, what research did you do?

The idea for The United came about as a 5^th grade creative writing assignment. Our teacher assigned us to write a Halloween themed story. The idea came to me to write about a wolf with magical powers that wanted to devour the souls of mortals.

As I turned the original short story into the novel, The United, I researched different types of Native American legends and myths. In my research, I came across a few different types of Native legends that would fit my purposes, but ultimately decided to use the manidone in my story.

What was the most surprising thing you found out while researching/writing your latest book?

My latest book, well, my latest publication is Within the Shadows, Rai Saga Anthology Vol 1.

The most surprising thing I discovered while writing a few of the short stories was how to create a theme driven story. I traditionally am a pantser, and as such, let the story tell me the theme, but with The First Denizen War, my writing coach challenged me to really think about the story, and what theme I wanted to share before writing, and focus my writing on that theme. For a first attempt, I do not think I did too poorly, but certainly have room to improve the technique.

Can you describe your world or setting?

Returning to The United, and the Realm of the Light series as a whole, the world, or the Realm of the Light is a realm in the dominion of Rai that is very similar to our realm of Terra geographically speaking, but subtle differences in political boundaries, and culture.

What’s unique about your world?

I would say the most unique aspect of the Realm of the Light is the abundance of magic, and the ease to wield it.

How do you explain the science or magic in your world?

The Realm of the Light has a life force, and what we define as magic is really the life force of the realm responding to the requests of its inhabitants.

What was the most mundane item that you used that really has cool tech behind it – what is the tech?

I don’t have any real tech that is described in my history of the Realm of the Light, so this question is not really applicable.

How do you handle the food in your world?

Because the geography of the Realm of the Light is similar to ours, the fruits and vegetables that grow there are similar to ours as well, as are the animals.

Do you have a recipe that you could share, maybe one that our readers could try, based on the food in your world?

No, actually, nothing comes to mind.

What did you include that you wish was real today?

The ability to communicate and manipulate the life force of our realm. The natural magical abilities and ease of accessibility.

What technology or science do you think will most affect the world of tomorrow?

I am not much of a science or technology guy, but I think the continual development and applications of Artificial Intelligence will have the greatest effect on the world of tomorrow.

Anything else you would like to share?

Thank you for featuring me, and I hope you have wonderful day.