Louis Sauvain Shares His Journey As A Master Storyteller Of Epic Fantasy

Exploring Creativity, Escapism, And The Magic Of The Written Word

Louis Sauvain delves into his writing inspirations, character development, epic world-building, and advice for aspiring authors, showcasing his mastery in crafting immersive tales that resonate with readers deeply.

Louis Sauvain’s name stands as a beacon in the realm of epic fantasy, a genre he has not only mastered but enriched with his profound insights into human resilience and escapism. With a career rooted in healthcare and an enduring fascination with the ways people use imagination to navigate life’s challenges, Louis brings a unique blend of empathy and creativity to his storytelling. His works don’t just transport readers to richly woven worlds of sorcery and fate; they serve as sanctuaries—safe havens carved from the power of words—for those seeking respite from the pressures of reality.

Through his meticulously crafted “College of Sorcerers” series, including the gripping adventures of Thaddeus and his companions, Louis Sauvain invites us on journeys that transcend mere entertainment. His stories illuminate themes of choice, destiny, and the intricate dance between human freedom and circumstance. With nine volumes in the saga, each brimming with immersive detail and compelling characters, Louis demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to his craft—leaving no thread unexplored, no heart untouched.

A writer whose creativity is nurtured by both thoughtful introspection and the unpredictable inspirations of everyday life—be it a revelatory moment in the shower or an epiphany during a long drive—Louis lets his characters come alive through their own voices, shaping their fates organically on a blank canvas. His dedication to the art of storytelling is rivalled only by his generosity in guiding aspiring writers, sharing the wisdom he has gleaned across his career with a characteristic warmth and humility.

In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House magazine, Louis Sauvain reflects on the inspirations, challenges, and philosophies that underpin his literary worlds. Through his words, readers will not only glimpse the workings of a master storyteller but perhaps find their own sparks of courage and creativity. Prepare to be inspired, delighted, and transported—Louis Sauvain’s stories and perspectives offer nothing less than magic.

Louis Sauvain is a visionary storyteller whose epic fantasy novels captivate readers with their heartfelt themes, depth, and imagination.

What inspired you to blend themes of escapism and pain relief into your fantasy writing?

In choosing to write in the genre of Epic Fantasy, escapism was a given from the get-go.  There are, typically, a few things that mitigate the pain found in Life.  One of these is escapism, in the way in which it functions as a distraction.  If one is satisfied in the moment, then that is not necessarily a moment from which escape or distraction is generally sought.  But if things are different, Epic Fantasy (or any genre, actually) is there to help.

How do you develop the personalities and journeys of your characters—do they evolve as you write, or do you plan their arcs in advance?

For me, the process began with knowing the ending.  The challenge was then to construct journeys that would end up consistent with that outcome.  To start with, I based the personalities of the major characters on people I have known in the past.  It then became a matter of equal mixtures of a little disguise, natural character development and the dictums of the time-culture in which they found themselves.

Reading is the key to building immersive worlds and finding your voice as a writer.” – Louis Sauvain

Your books explore themes of destiny and choice—do you believe fate plays a role in real life, as it does in your stories?

I’m not a significant proponent of Fate in the lives of us persons – more of a Free-Will-er, I think.  Most influences bearing down on us surviving souls probably, in my view, arise from the 3 G’s – Good Nature, Good Nurture and Good Luck.

Can you describe your writing process, particularly how your shower-time inspirations shape your storytelling?

Yes, Shower-Time and Highway Time are the sources from which many story ideas tend to pop-up.  It is certainly not a process over which I have any conscious control but for which I am, nevertheless, quite grateful.  I’ve heard/read that authors say that they will sit down at the keyboard and ask their device, “All right, where will you be taking me today?”  This happens with me, too.  But then there are other days when you could hold a gun to my head and command, “Write!” and all you would hear after that is a loud “Bang!” 

The world of Sorcery in your books is richly detailed—what influences helped you build such an immersive setting?

Reading.  Reading, reading, reading!  I don’t know of any substitute for it.  When you read about how many others have addressed this or that genre, this or that concept, this or that approach or in this or that manner, then these models help you to form your own voice, discipline and style.

What has been the most challenging aspect of writing the Thaddeus series, and how have you overcome it?

The sheer bulk of words necessary to tell the story how it should be – at least in my mind.  There are nine volumes in the College of Sorcerers saga, each book of the series averaging ~ 400 pages, @ 250 words/page = around 100,000 words to come up with.  One reason I’m glad we’ve all gotten away from quill and parchment, though I’d prefer those in a different time.

What advice would you give to aspiring fantasy authors who struggle with bringing their ideas to life?

Read, read, read.  If that doesn’t work, go to friends or colleagues for ideas.  If no good, join clubs for aspiring writers to share ideas, your thoughts, receive criticisms and learn techniques.  If still a problem, go online for instruction and inspiration.  And if that doesn’t work, go to a college (from a local CTC up to the U of Iowa, for example.  I’ve also heard Oxford and Cambridge are pretty good) and take (a) writing class(es).  The above can all be done singly or in combination and in no particular order.