Young Adult - Contemporary Fantasy
Date Published: 05-16-2022
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Bax always fantasized something remarkable would happen in his life. So when a decrepit man with glowing purple eyes offers him a ring intended for his estranged father, Bax accepts.
The ring speaks to Bax in a dream, tempting him with a vision of a powerful djinn. Desperate to make his fantasies a reality, Bax unleashes a creature called Ifrit, but soon learns this djinn isn't what the ring led him to believe. Feeding off the depths of his subconscious, the sinister demon fulfills what he thinks Bax wants by manipulating, threatening, and murdering. With everyone he loves in danger and a trail of crimes pointing back at him, Bax must scramble to solve the puzzle that will banish Ifrit forever.
Interview with J. L. Sullivan
How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?
I always wanted to write a fairy tale retelling. As I researched original fairy tales and folklore, I stumbled upon the original Aladdin’s Lamp from One Thousand One Nights. I loved the story, so decided to tackle a retelling. As my version unfolded, it got further and further from the source material, but I decided to just go with it.
What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I wanted to tell a plot-driven story with heart. One that could keep the attention of teens, but teach a larger lesson without being preachy. I think I was able to accomplish that, but you tell me if I was successful!
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Finding
the time. Like many authors (especially debut authors), I have a
full-time job in addition to writing. And then a family on top of
that. It can be a challenge to balance everything and still make
time to write. But when it’s your passion, you somehow find the
time. For me, that’s before 6:00 am when the house is quiet and
everyone’s still asleep.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Getting utterly lost in the pages. Years ago, an author at a conference told me successful writers must enjoy the process of writing, not just the outcome of being published. That successful writers find excitement and happiness in learning the craft. Such a true statement. I find that writing grounds and centers me. I’m not a golfer, but I liken it to that. It’s what I do in my off time for enjoyment and am always striving to “improve my game.”
Were there alternate endings you considered?
Not necessarily alternate, but I did take a few things out to open up the opportunity for a sequel. I wanted to create a satisfying ending, while still leaving some space to dive deeper into the djinn-verse.
What genre of books do you enjoy reading?
I enjoy young adult urban fantasy/horror books the most. Occasionally, I like a contemporary young adult, but mostly, I love stories with magical things lurking just underneath an otherwise “normal” world.
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