A Journey Through Character, Creativity And Inspiration
Russell Pike discusses his writing process, character development, and world-building in this insightful interview about his epic fantasy novel Journey of Seven Circles.
Russell Pike’s work is a testament to the enduring allure of epic fantasy and the power of storytelling to challenge, inspire, and transport. A writer whose own journey has been grounded in both passion and perseverance, Russell brings a unique voice to the genre, combining a love for rich, immersive worlds with an intellectual honesty that invites readers to grapple with the same moral complexities as his characters. His debut, Journey of Seven Circles, is every bit as profound as it is imaginative—a tale that begs to be savoured, questioned, and revisited.
With influences spanning titans of speculative fiction such as Robert Jordan, Anne McCaffrey, and David Farland, Russell doesn’t merely follow in their footsteps; he charts his own course, crafting a blend of magic and World War I-era technology that feels refreshingly original yet profoundly authentic. His protagonist Kryn Darien is more than a hero—he’s a mirror held up to the human experience, navigating a world that is as morally intricate as ours. And while Russell’s meticulous world-building may avoid the encyclopaedic pitfalls of the genre, it is no less vivid, focusing keenly on the aspects that bring depth and resonance to the narrative.
Beyond his creativity, what shines through is Russell’s absolute commitment to the craft. His structured approach, disciplined writing routine, and reverence for feedback—particularly the mentorship of the late David Farland—speak to a writer who has worked tirelessly to hone his skills. Yet his journey isn’t simply one of deadlines and drafts. His love of nature, his sled-dog adventures, and his invincible optimism all find echoes in his stories, lending them a grounded humanity even amidst the fantastical.
It is an honour to present this conversation with Russell Pike, a rising luminary in the world of modern fantasy. In the interview that follows, we delve into the mind behind Journey of Seven Circles, exploring his inspirations, his process, and the wisdom he offers to aspiring writers. For regular readers of Reader’s House and those discovering Russell for the first time, this promises to be a journey worth taking.
A captivating interview offering a glimpse into the mind of a skilled fantasy writer with a unique approach to storytelling.
How did your love of epic fantasy shape the world-building in your novels?
A good fantasy book can feel as much like exploration as reading. It’s one of my favorite strengths of the genre. However, it can go too far. One of the most common complaints about fantasy is that some chapters feel like encyclopedia entries. I must admit it’s a fair critique.
For that reason I kept the world-building in Journey of Seven Circles selective. Kryn goes to war, but we don’t discuss the war’s geopolitical causes. Kryn isn’t a politician, so that isn’t important to the story. All we need to know is why Kryn goes to war. The Church of the Seraphs receives more attention, but Kryn’s principles represent such a large part of his character, the story demands the detail.
Lastly, I love to mix up concepts and ideas to freshen up the genre. In Journey of Seven Circles, we combine magic and World War I era technology to put a twist on Kryn’s world.
“A good fantasy book can feel as much like exploration as reading.” – Russell Pike
Could you share more about your writing process – do you have a particular routine or approach?
I used to be night owl, but then I started working a job that began at three fifteen in the morning. It took a couple of years to beat my circadian rhythms into submission, but now my creative juices flow best in the morning.
As to my approach, I’m a hardcore outliner. I don’t feel comfortable beginning page one unless I know exactly how each chapter is to be handled. I’ve found this has greatly improved my writing speed since I spend far less time backtracking to fix mistakes or add in new ideas.
How did your experience working with David Farland influence your writing career?
I’ve often described David as the world’s gentlest drill sergeant. The first time he edited one of my manuscripts, he kindly told me what a fine job I’d done right before bleeding red ink all over the page. With the second manuscript, he told me how much I’d improved, then once again ripped my work to shreds.
It was a blow to my ego, but as I followed his advice, I couldn’t deny my work was improving. The last manuscript I sent him was in 2021. I expected another red-inked evisceration, but this time he had nothing but good to say, telling me I was ready. I felt like a young knight who’d been handed a magic sword by a wizard and sent to slay a dragon. Dave died a few months after that last conversation, but his final vote of confidence helps keep my spirits up to this day.
Which authors have had the most profound impact on your own writing style?
The first epic fantasy book I ever read was Eye of the World by Robert Jordan, and I was instantly sucked into the fantastic world and vast cast of characters. While this spurred my love of the genre, I’ve learned more techniques from David Farland than any other author.
Outside of writing, how do your hobbies, like camping and sled dog handling, influence your storytelling.
One of the lead dogs I worked with was named Tracer. He wasn’t the fastest dog, but he was stalwart even by the high standards of Alaskan huskies. In fact, he’d often outperform faster dogs on bad trails, simply because he refused to be fazed by temperature, bad trail conditions, or heavy snow. His attitude holds a lesson for us all.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting out in the fantasy genre?
Don’t write your magnum opus first. I tried, and it didn’t work. Instead, pick an idea you like but aren’t in love with, then work it into a novel. Aim for about fifty thousand words. The end result will likely be terrible, but that’s fine. Don’t expect to paint a masterpiece the first time you pick up a paintbrush.
Once you have a manuscript, invite some critique from your peers, edit it a few times, then put it away. (My first practice novels are buried in the metaphorical desert. The location shall never be revealed.) Start over from the beginning with a new idea and repeat the process. You may be surprised how much more quickly your skills grow when you use this method.
