It is my pleasure to host author J. Ellington on my blog today. His fantasy novel series Andreigo and the Weaver of Dreams is available on Amazon right now!!!
What inspired you to write “Andreigo and the Weaver of Dreams”?
As a young boy I dealt with a lot of my own enigmatic dreams and nightmares. I was raised by a God-fearing mother who encouraged me to seek the spirituality and deeper meaning of my dreams. This novel, in some ways, reflects the spiritual journey I experienced as a child.
How did you come up with the idea of blending dreams and reality in your story?
I believe we all desire something greater than our monotonous routine. Dreams are like windows into those things. I couldn’t pass up the chance to make those dreams a reality with this book.
Can you describe Andreigo’s character and what makes him unique?
Andreigo is a teen with an old soul in some ways. Being an only child, he possesses wisdom far beyond his years. However, he also has an innocence that captivates the reader. We witness his growth through the challenges he faces, which he shouldn’t have to deal with. Nevertheless, he demonstrates a remarkable resilience through it all. Whether the experiences are good or bad, he embraces them as opportunities to grow and learn. We don’t see this in many kids his age.
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How did you develop the balance between the fantastical elements of Andreigo’s dreams and the more grounded aspects of his waking life?
To be completely honest, I hadn’t intended to consciously strike a balance between dreams and reality. I simply started writing, and as I delved into the story, the elements naturally harmonized themselves. While I did have certain notions for extraordinary dream sequences that I felt were essential, the overall narrative effortlessly fell into place.
What was the most challenging part of writing “Andreigo and the Weaver of Dreams,” and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was figuring out a way to go beyond telling a good story, I wanted to introduce that whimsical feeling we all get from reading or watching our favorite books and movies. Certain cult classics in the fantasy genre do an excellent job tapping into those deep nostalgic feelings. This is why I believe so many people of all kinds fall in love with their stories.
Are there any specific authors or books that influenced your writing of this novel?
When I was a kid, I loved reading R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books. They reminded me of the old show ‘Tales from the Crypt’ but tailored for kids. Stine’s books provided me with a way to explore the scary, creepy things without feeling overwhelmed, like when watching a scary movie for adults. On the other hand, J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series gave me the same whimsical feeling I mentioned earlier in the interview. Rowling did an incredible job of allowing countless people to join Harry on his journey into the wizarding world. Growing up, I always yearned for the chance to attend some distant academy, far away from home. Finally, I got to experience that when I delved into Rowling’s masterpiece.
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Can you describe your typical writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you write?
I wish I could share an elaborate writing routine that I have mastered over the years, but the truth is, I really don’t have one. My background is in songwriting, so I did have some experience to rely on, but tackling a book of this size was a whole new challenge for me. I must admit, the thought of this story initially seemed too fantastical. However, I was encouraged to write out my ideas, and after some developmental editing, I am truly glad that I did.
When can readers expect the next installment in Andreigo’s journey?
Ideally, I’d like to release the next book in the series at the same time next year. July 2nd, 2025, would be amazing. I have a feeling that I’ll be done before that because now I have more experience with self-publishing.
J. Ellington finds his muse in dreams, weaving tales that shimmer with magic and imagination. Inspired deeply by his late mother’s encouragement, Ellington’s narratives are more than fiction; they’re a testament to a mother’s unwavering belief in her son’s potential. While Andreigo and the Weaver of Dreams reflects the grandeur of his creativity, it also embodies the values instilled in him by his loving family, mentors, and friends. Through the pages of this magical tale, J. Ellington invites readers to dream boundlessly and cherish those who fan the flames of our aspirations.
Link to Interview: https://hjbookblog.wordpress.com/
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