Not long ago on Twitter, I received an awesome question from a reader who really enjoyed both Nightblade and World’s Edge. They were asking where the inspiration for the stories came from. I did my best to answer in 140 characters or less, but felt like it was worth saying a little more.
The first fact to realize is that I’m very much a fan of science fiction and fantasy. Historically, I’ve actually read much, much more science fiction. It’s only in the past few years that I’ve really started to dive deeper into fantasy. Not only do I read a lot, but I’m also interested in movies and television series. It’s probably safe to say that everything I’ve read and watched has had some effect on my writing. The strongest influences directly related to Nightblade are probably Lian Hearn and Takashi Matsuoka. Both are authors that have written stunning books taking place in Japan or a Japan-like culture. I was probably watching too much Rurouni Kenshin at the time too (I wrote the story several years ago, so it’s hard to remember).
When I first started writing the story, Ryuu was the only Point-of-View character. I was interested in writing a story about what happens to a person when they discover they have a great power. I’ve always been fascinated by how people react to being powerful, and I wanted to see how a character would react if they discovered this power at a relatively young age.
From those beginnings a story about the sense was born. As I was writing Ryuu’s encounters with Moriko the monk and Takako the prostitute, I realized I wanted to know them more, and went back and found their stories as well.
I hope that more thoroughly answers the question. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, just let me know in the comments below!
With Gratitude,
Ryan
Howie says
December 16, 2015 at 10:04 pmI thoroughly enjoyed both books I read them back to back because the story was so entertaining and exciting to follow… I hope you write many more
mongoose says
December 28, 2015 at 6:04 pmHi Howie!
Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. I also hope to write many more! Thanks for the support.
Ryan
My son's Mom says
December 24, 2015 at 2:20 pmThank you, Ryan for writing these books. I am looking forward to the third! I enjoyed them immensely, the second even more than the first. I first started reading this genre to proofread what my son was reading, and now I also read them for my pleasure! I also appreciate the code of morality in the heros. I think your scenes containing romantic interest are very well done. I appreciate the understatement used, although you still know what is happening. I don’t believe any graphic descriptions of sexual nature even belong in this type of story. I don’t want kids reading that type of stuff either, actually, and those get deleted from my shared Kindle library, and are not recommended in my PTA and other mom groups (smile). The Nightblade Trilogy is definitely a series I will recommend to others, from young teens all the way to adults.
mongoose says
December 28, 2015 at 6:13 pmThank you for your kind words!
It’s been surprising to me how many emails and comments I’ve received from teenagers and parents who have enjoyed the story. To be honest, when I first wrote Nightblade I had an adult audience in mind, and it never occurred to me that so many young adults would pick it up. The first draft of the story was actually much more graphic, but I removed them because 1) when I edited the story they seemed out of place and 2) it turns out I’m horrible at writing them. The writing style will remain consistent through the trilogy, and I hope the third lives up to you and your son’s expectations! Some of the stories I’m working on for 2016 will definitely be solely for adults, but if you follow this space I’ll be sure to let people know ahead of time so there aren’t surprises.
Thank you again. I’m grateful for your support!
Ryan
Ben Hayes says
December 29, 2015 at 1:49 amHey,
I just finished listening to the audiobook narration of Nightblade, and I was wondering if the second book would be narrated and released on audible soon? If you could offer any insight that would be great. My reading time is limited with being a full time student and employee, so audiobooks are the best for listening on the go in the car and walking around campus; however, because I enjoyed the book so much I will read the 2nd on kindle ASAP if there is no plans for an audiobook release of book 2.
mongoose says
January 4, 2016 at 5:23 pmHi Ben,
Thank you! I’m not 100% sure on the release date. The audiobook is currently in production, and I would expect it to be done by mid-to-late January. I’ll definitely keep people updated as I know more though.
With gratitude,
Ryan
Ranee Hutchins says
January 4, 2016 at 2:55 amIt was great to see both male and female strong characters written so well.
I loved both of the Nightblade books and am impatient for the third. Any idea when it will be out?
Thank you for great stories!
mongoose says
January 4, 2016 at 5:26 pmGood Morning Ranee,
Thank you!
I’m currently slogging through the editing of the third book. It’s been quite a departure from the original first draft, and I’ve been forced to rewrite quite a bit. All that being said, I’m trying to get it out as fast as possible while still being the best it can be. The short answer is probably sometime in March. I would love to get it out earlier, but I don’t want to make a promise I can’t keep. Keep watching this blog and I’ll keep people updated as I know more and get closer to the end.
Thanks again,
Ryan