Ask the Author: Joshua Khan
Answered Questions (28)
Joshua Khan
Hi, Kimberly!
Okay, most writing goes a bit like this:
1. Beginning. New project, new idea, all very exciting!
2. Middle. The loooong slog. Doubts creep in. wonder if this is interesting enough. Maybe abandon it and start with new, exciting, better idea! Go back to 1.
Get to 2. Repeat. Back to 1. Get to 2. Repeat.
This is the point a lot of people never pass. Keep moving forward. The most important words in a story are THE END. See yourself a goal. 1000 words a week, something like that. AIM TO FINISH.
Good luck!
J
Okay, most writing goes a bit like this:
1. Beginning. New project, new idea, all very exciting!
2. Middle. The loooong slog. Doubts creep in. wonder if this is interesting enough. Maybe abandon it and start with new, exciting, better idea! Go back to 1.
Get to 2. Repeat. Back to 1. Get to 2. Repeat.
This is the point a lot of people never pass. Keep moving forward. The most important words in a story are THE END. See yourself a goal. 1000 words a week, something like that. AIM TO FINISH.
Good luck!
J
Joshua Khan
I would love to but sales were not that great for the first three unfortunately. If by some miracle they picked up, the yes, a 4th book would be likely. I had the plot well developed. Still, a trilogy is nice!
J
J
Joshua Khan
Hiya! IF (and that's a very big IF) there was a book 4 I'm not sure about K'leef. By Book 3 it's pretty clear how Thorn and Lily feel about each other. Plus I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, they've been done too often! That said I'd be tempted to keep K'leef's sister somewhere in the background...
Joshua Khan
Dear Tessas,
Hi! Okay, I would LOVE to do more, but it's all down to sales and TBH the SM series was a fairly small seller. Still, I was more than happy to get a whole trilogy done (the original deal was for just two books) and finally reveal the whole background for the Six Princes. So, for now, we have our three. If sales should suddenly pick up, then who knows? it's down to you guys to spread the word!
J
Hi! Okay, I would LOVE to do more, but it's all down to sales and TBH the SM series was a fairly small seller. Still, I was more than happy to get a whole trilogy done (the original deal was for just two books) and finally reveal the whole background for the Six Princes. So, for now, we have our three. If sales should suddenly pick up, then who knows? it's down to you guys to spread the word!
J
Joshua Khan
Hey, Spirits!
Big question but I'll try and break it down.
1. Bad guys as good guys. I wanted to do the opposite of the usual fantasy clichés with dark wizards and shiny knights. I wanted to build a world where the usual bad guys were the heroes AND they stayed the way they were. they didn't accept their magic was wrong or evil, they embraced it.
2. Metaphor for female education. Millions of girls in the real world do not access to power through lack of education. Lily was an example of that. I wanted a powerful heroine who didn't pick up a sword and 'prove' she was tough and badass because she fought. Boring and been done a million times already.
3. DM was about widening the scope of what the Shadows could do. Plus IO wanted to show how Thorn was now a part of Castle Gloom, in many ways more at ease with it than Lily. And there was the zombies! It was fun to show them sympathetically for a change. Again, turning the usual clichés upside down.
4. Book 3 was all about exploring other kingdoms, and of course discovering the secret behind the Six Princes and their law against female wizards. I'd done 2 books in Gehenna so it was great breaking out and building a new society of magic! Plus I wanted to torment Gabriel some more.
Hope that helps!
J
Big question but I'll try and break it down.
1. Bad guys as good guys. I wanted to do the opposite of the usual fantasy clichés with dark wizards and shiny knights. I wanted to build a world where the usual bad guys were the heroes AND they stayed the way they were. they didn't accept their magic was wrong or evil, they embraced it.
2. Metaphor for female education. Millions of girls in the real world do not access to power through lack of education. Lily was an example of that. I wanted a powerful heroine who didn't pick up a sword and 'prove' she was tough and badass because she fought. Boring and been done a million times already.
3. DM was about widening the scope of what the Shadows could do. Plus IO wanted to show how Thorn was now a part of Castle Gloom, in many ways more at ease with it than Lily. And there was the zombies! It was fun to show them sympathetically for a change. Again, turning the usual clichés upside down.
4. Book 3 was all about exploring other kingdoms, and of course discovering the secret behind the Six Princes and their law against female wizards. I'd done 2 books in Gehenna so it was great breaking out and building a new society of magic! Plus I wanted to torment Gabriel some more.
Hope that helps!
J
Joshua Khan
Hi, Keira!
Hmm, I'm based in the UK and right now there are no plans for me to come out to the US. I do hope that changes and if it does, I will announce it!
J
Hmm, I'm based in the UK and right now there are no plans for me to come out to the US. I do hope that changes and if it does, I will announce it!
J
Joshua Khan
That's very kind of you! It was VERY hard leaving that world behind but, hey, a fantasy trilogy is a fine thing to have! OK, it is funny you should ask about the next thing...
ANNOUNCEMENT SOON!!!!!!
ANNOUNCEMENT SOON!!!!!!
Joshua Khan
Call me JOSH!
Aargh, I know exactly what you mean. but remember the ORIGINAL deal was just 2 books, so I was very lucky to get the chance to write the third. I have many, MANY mixed feelings about the series. If the publisher turned around and asked fort book 4 I'd start it immediately but (simply put) sales dictate everything and the series has a small (but dedicated) fan base. If word of mouth builds, then who knows? HOWEVER, it was the ending I wanted AND it is a whole trilogy! I'd rather leave the audience wanting more than them say 'Meh, it went on too long'.
Think of Lily, Thorn and Hades flying off into the sunset. The job's done, the kingdom's been saved and they are off on new, unknown adventures. Endings should be bitter sweet for that is the taste than linger.
J
Aargh, I know exactly what you mean. but remember the ORIGINAL deal was just 2 books, so I was very lucky to get the chance to write the third. I have many, MANY mixed feelings about the series. If the publisher turned around and asked fort book 4 I'd start it immediately but (simply put) sales dictate everything and the series has a small (but dedicated) fan base. If word of mouth builds, then who knows? HOWEVER, it was the ending I wanted AND it is a whole trilogy! I'd rather leave the audience wanting more than them say 'Meh, it went on too long'.
Think of Lily, Thorn and Hades flying off into the sunset. The job's done, the kingdom's been saved and they are off on new, unknown adventures. Endings should be bitter sweet for that is the taste than linger.
J
Joshua Khan
Dear Melissa,
The biggest thing was the boundary between dreams and the lands of death. My mother passed away a few years ago, but I still see her (occasionally) in my dreams. The vividness is so powerful, much more so than more 'normal' dreams and the dream lingers so much longer, that part of me wants to believe there's some greater connection than merely my memories playing up. Beyond that I wanted to explore other areas of the magic the Shadows possess, and of course there is Weaver. I wanted to give him a magic that wasn't the same is Lily's, but similar. ALSO Gehenna was worth exploring a bit more, don't you think? Regards,
J
The biggest thing was the boundary between dreams and the lands of death. My mother passed away a few years ago, but I still see her (occasionally) in my dreams. The vividness is so powerful, much more so than more 'normal' dreams and the dream lingers so much longer, that part of me wants to believe there's some greater connection than merely my memories playing up. Beyond that I wanted to explore other areas of the magic the Shadows possess, and of course there is Weaver. I wanted to give him a magic that wasn't the same is Lily's, but similar. ALSO Gehenna was worth exploring a bit more, don't you think? Regards,
J
Joshua Khan
Hi Harrison! Hmm, it wasn't a cliffhanger, more an open ending. All the big questions have been answered, the heroes have won and the bad guys have been defeated!
I have mixed feelings about going back. I love the world of Thorn and Lily, but right now the story seems complete. It was all about the mystery about why women can't use magic, and now you know why. the world has changed because of Lily and Thorn, and that's pretty great. There is a sadness to ending something one loves, but better to end it with sadness than a feeling of relief it's over. Best to go out wanting more.
Regards, J
I have mixed feelings about going back. I love the world of Thorn and Lily, but right now the story seems complete. It was all about the mystery about why women can't use magic, and now you know why. the world has changed because of Lily and Thorn, and that's pretty great. There is a sadness to ending something one loves, but better to end it with sadness than a feeling of relief it's over. Best to go out wanting more.
Regards, J
Joshua Khan
Dear Ronan,
SOOOOOO sorry about the delay in replying! For some reason I don't get alerts than questions have been asked. Anyway...
BM is the last, for now! As will all things in publishing it comes down to sales. If the series picks up, I would hope to write some more, I have plans.
BUT some BIG, BIG questions are answered in Book 3 so if it is the last, I think it will feel complete. Love to hear your thoughts on it when you read it. Not long now. J
SOOOOOO sorry about the delay in replying! For some reason I don't get alerts than questions have been asked. Anyway...
BM is the last, for now! As will all things in publishing it comes down to sales. If the series picks up, I would hope to write some more, I have plans.
BUT some BIG, BIG questions are answered in Book 3 so if it is the last, I think it will feel complete. Love to hear your thoughts on it when you read it. Not long now. J
Joshua Khan
Hey Ronan, so sorry about the delay but Burning Magic is out April and is the final book. It will end EPIC, I promise you!
Joshua Khan
Hi Justice,
Big question. Things between them get far more complicated in Book 3. K'leef's back and he's got a lot in common with Lily, and a similar world perspective. There is a big gap between happiness and duty. Do remember they are still very young though. Just wait until you finish Burning Magic (April 2018). Things may become a bit clearer. J
Big question. Things between them get far more complicated in Book 3. K'leef's back and he's got a lot in common with Lily, and a similar world perspective. There is a big gap between happiness and duty. Do remember they are still very young though. Just wait until you finish Burning Magic (April 2018). Things may become a bit clearer. J
Joshua Khan
Oh Angela, I'm so sorry I've only seen this question now. Err, DM is out so I suspect this is kind of moot?
And congrats on your wedding anniversary! Hope it is an awesome celebration.
J
And congrats on your wedding anniversary! Hope it is an awesome celebration.
J
Joshua Khan
Thanks so much, Kirito! Glad you enjoyed SM and DM (I hope) will be just as good! I'm sure that's doable. Where are you based? I live in the UK so if you're local then it would be easy. If not, then postage will probably be more than the book's worth! I've a local bookseller that does international though.
Joshua Khan
Morning, chum! DM me your address and I'll see what I can do. Regards,
Josh
Josh
Joshua Khan
What?!?! And give away all the secrets???
There is soo, soo much hidden from the likes of Lily and co, and bit by bit you'll find out more. The Six Princes are utterly ancient, and no-one knows the whole truth. All the different houses have their own (biased) version of the tales regarding these long ago sorcerers. But I will be revealing some critical things in DREAM MAGIC and then in BURNING MAGIC which will turn everything upside down.BUT, if you do want hints, ahve you signed up to the newsletter on my website? All the best,
Josh
There is soo, soo much hidden from the likes of Lily and co, and bit by bit you'll find out more. The Six Princes are utterly ancient, and no-one knows the whole truth. All the different houses have their own (biased) version of the tales regarding these long ago sorcerers. But I will be revealing some critical things in DREAM MAGIC and then in BURNING MAGIC which will turn everything upside down.BUT, if you do want hints, ahve you signed up to the newsletter on my website? All the best,
Josh
Joshua Khan
Oh yes, BURNING MAGIC is on its way! I'm working on it right now and all I can tell you is it'll be set in the Sultanate of Fire. But you have to survive DREAM MAGIC first, and that's going to be INTENSE.
So, your sister's not a fan, eh? Maybe the next book will make her change her mind...
Thank you SO MUCH for your support. Messages like this mean a LOT. Do spread the word, the more people find out about Lily and Thorn (and Hades!) the more books will come. Regards,
Josh
So, your sister's not a fan, eh? Maybe the next book will make her change her mind...
Thank you SO MUCH for your support. Messages like this mean a LOT. Do spread the word, the more people find out about Lily and Thorn (and Hades!) the more books will come. Regards,
Josh
Joshua Khan
Dear Jusrtice,
The arcs were just for pre-publication previews and are long gone, and the book is now out! You should find it at your local friendly bookstore.
So pleased your librarian enjoyed it!
Josh
The arcs were just for pre-publication previews and are long gone, and the book is now out! You should find it at your local friendly bookstore.
So pleased your librarian enjoyed it!
Josh
Joshua Khan
Ah, thanks! Dream Magic will be out this time next year, but I reckon galleys will be out at the end of the year if you can't wait!
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