Photo: Author J.F. Richards, creator of The Legend of the Sacred Knights, shares insights into his imaginative world-building and heartfelt storytelling.
Exploring Myth, Magic, And Meaning In Metazona
J.F. Richards shares his journey crafting the immersive realm of Metazona, blending personal experiences, mythology, and fantasy to inspire identity, perseverance, and transformation in The Legend of the Sacred Knights.
Jeremy Fink writes as J.F. Richards is a storyteller who crafts worlds where magic and meaning intertwine. His Legend of the Sacred Knights series invites readers into the mesmerising realm of Metazona—a land brimming with elemental wonders, ancient guardians, and heroes whose struggles mirror our own. Richards’ work is more than fantasy; it’s a testament to resilience, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Growing up in upstate New York, Richards found solace in books and fantastical realms, shaping his unique voice as an author. His personal journey—navigating life with Asperger Syndrome, enduring loss, and embracing creativity—infuses his writing with profound empathy. His characters, particularly Lycanwolf, resonate deeply, reflecting the triumphs and trials of those who feel misunderstood yet dare to rise.
Richards’ world-building is nothing short of immersive. From the elemental gems to the richly designed tribes of Metazona, every detail serves a purpose, blending mythology with raw, emotional truth. Beyond the written word, he extends his universe through vibrant artwork and merchandise, ensuring fans can step into his world in multiple dimensions.
In this interview, Richards opens up about his inspirations, creative process, and the messages woven into his tales. Whether discussing the challenges of crafting flawed characters or the joy of engaging with his growing fanbase, his passion for storytelling shines through. For aspiring authors, his advice is as practical as it is inspiring: start with an idea, nurture it patiently, and let it evolve into something extraordinary.
Prepare to be captivated by the mind behind The Legend of the Sacred Knights—a writer whose imagination knows no bounds and whose stories leave an indelible mark on the heart.
J.F. Richards masterfully weaves emotion, creativity, and depth into his storytelling, crafting unforgettable worlds that resonate with audiences worldwide.
What inspired you to create the realm of Metazona and the Sacred Knights universe?
During the Pandemic, I felt that I would like to see a world that had might have creative parallels with mythology. I loved how many creative worlds have a balance between good and evil, along with how things are in real life. Many Fantasy worlds like Narnia or Hyrule gave me ideas on how I think Metazona. Its name comes from Metazoan, the scientific term for Animal. Each of the Knights are based on real people I know, Lycanwolf my Protagonist, has traits like Me. The People of Metazona, each tribe represents what the animal means in real life, like an Eagle is the symbol of Knowledge.
How did your experiences with Asperger Syndrome shape the themes and characters in your stories?
I have had a strong habit of remembering details that most people don’t know. Things like what each character can do I try to see what Each Character can do and try to have things more grounded in fact. Such Examples as Traits, markings and or even actions.
Can you tell us about the creative process behind designing the elemental gems and ancient guardians?
I conceived the idea that the gems grant the holder power and I want to have them used with their natural elements. I wanted the gems to be extra hidden so I thought that if the gems changed their appearance, it wouldn’t be that simple to acquire. The Guardians, I based them on Creatures that are more likely to appear in that environment.
What message or takeaway do you hope readers gain from The Legend of the Sacred Knights?
My message is telling people that there is more to see than what’s in a book. Many of the problems that characters go through have a better understanding of Reality.
How do you approach world-building in fantasy to make it feel immersive and transformative?
I focus on what kind of scenarios my characters would go through. The Locations try to fit on my narrative of something that my characters can use their abilities. Sometimes a location must be adjusted to work in the story.
Is there a particular character in the series that holds a special emotional significance for you?
Luke or Lycanwolf as he is called in my book, relates to me emotionally because he had experiences that happened to me, like being raised by his grandfather and losing his mother at a young age. I view him as the kind of person I can only dream of being.
What challenges did you face when reflecting themes of identity and perseverance in your writing?
I struggle with settling down on how my characters should act and what I want to go through because not every character should be flawless. Sometimes changing things around helps when I want to have that kind of development.
How important is vibrant character art and merchandise in expanding your storytelling?
I wanted to give people something they could see visually and give them an idea on what the story is about. For Budgeting reasons, I used AI generators to assist me since the programs I would need are expensive. I have drawn reference pictures that start as a base, and I use AI to enhance them. AI was useful on assisting but it mostly trial and error, I brainstormed ideas for merchandise to help give fans something they Like to have. Practical merchandise such as Bookmarks or mugs was easier to make, but I hope to get more unique merchandise like plush, and figures could be available someday.
What role do games and entertainment play in sparking ideas for your narratives?
They help come up with scenarios for how I want the creatures to act, how my characters fight and expand on what I started. I even try to see what works and what dosen’t.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes details from writing the novel or creating the characters?
I had my manuscript overseen by an editor who also is a Screenwriter and a director by a good friend of my uncle of whom I dedicated this book too. Some of their names were different and even some were different animals like Fiona, who is a Leopard but was originally a Cheetah girl named Leona, but I wanted to have a special connection that she and her kind have with another character that will be expanded on in the sequels.
How do you engage with your growing fanbase and make the Sacred Knights universe interactive?
I post artwork and provide subtle hints on what’s coming and compare it other books that other people like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson or Lord of the Rings.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write epic fantasy stories?
Start with an idea and give it some time to expand so you can show what you can come up with. Think of your story as a slab of clay, where you shape the story into something incredible along with Patience.
