Orb Of Zorn #1
Fantasy
Date Published: 05-24-2023
When Elcon is heard reciting a cantrip in the magic-averse village of Walsz, he is put through a trial by ordeal. Plunged into the Nom River, he barely survives the swim. Leaving behind the angry mob on the shore, he then runs away from home. Out on his own for the first time in his young life, he meets a stranger who gifts him with a stone that has mystical powers. Accompanied by the mage, Dras, the young apprentice goes on a quest to save the world from the return of the Shadowlord.
A classic epic fantasy adventure with swords, sorcery, orcs, elves, and outcasts. The first book of the Orb of Zorn Trilogy. Grab a cloak and join the quest.
Interview with John Gorman
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I have written 7 books, and my favorite is my newest release, The Heir Apparent (Orb Of Zorn #1).
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
I’m working on a sequel right now. Elcon and his party are inching closer to the ancient city of Cor Reti (where he will learn more about his heritage). Rowena Ravenwill goes to Darjania, Land of the Willow Elves; she will learn about her mother, the Prodigal Elf. She will also discover what the Orb means to her people. In this second installment, I will also delve deeper into the Lef Sagori, especially Scya’s relationship with her tyro. A great transformation will come about.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
Each novel in this trilogy will build upon the previous installment. While the stories are connected, I hope to bring some resolution at the end of Book 2 so that it will be satisfying to a reader who has not picked up a copy of The Heir Apparent.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I knew my series name from the get-go, although I was trying to figure out a good name for the first book. I wanted to offer a little mystery to the presumed champion of the Orb. Elcon Is not the only heir apparent. The Lef Sagori’s tyro, Talia might also be considered an heir apparent and the gray elf, Rowena Ravenwill might also be viewed in this light. This will be explored in much greater detail in Book 2.
How long did it take you to write this book?
9 months (roughly)
Who will be the next to bear the burden and own their destiny.
I learned a lot about organization and structure while writing this book. I think more so than for any other novel I have ever written, I kept detailed notes and considered alternate scenes and chapters. I did this because while I wanted to have the story flow, I also wanted to provide some cliffhangers.
What did you learn when writing the book?
That Rowena Ravenwill has such a good heart. Don’t get me wrong, she is as tough as nails, but beneath that guarded exterior, she has great compassion. I only wanted her to show a hint of mercy when she saved the kobald. I did not intend for them to become friends, especially not with the orc. And yet, no matter how I tried to ditch the orc, Rowena intervened. I think that’s when the idea really clicked that this was going to be an Outcast Quest.
Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?
Yes
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
Sometimes I write a little Bio. I also write sketches where I force my characters into many different situations. I have to know what makes them tick. When I feel like I’m getting the hang of them, I toss a few curveballs to see how they handle different people and different scenarios in the Final Draft. I don’t use all of the scenes or sketches. In fact, a good amount will get snipped away or will morph as the book evolves.
About the Author
Still a rogue at heart, John has spent most of his life making stuff up, mainly to fill in the gaps of an otherwise untidy CV. He’s taught tennis, sold wine, hustled a few chess games, and babysat for numerous scaly and furry creatures. His stories, essays, and articles have appeared in over 50 journals worldwide. He’s the author of the humorous fantasy books The Acolyte And The Amulet and Beyond The Vicious Vortex (Nebilon Series). He lives with his wife and daughter.
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3 comments:
Enjoyed the interview. The blurb sounds good.
Thanks for sharing! Great questions! I really enjoyed doing this interview.
The book sounds very interesting. Great cover.
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