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 is a writer with a passion for blending epic fantasy with unique twists on history and technology. In this interview, he delves into his journey as a writer, sharing insights into his creative process, the development of his characters, and the influences that have shaped his storytelling. From the moral dilemmas faced by his protagonist, Kryn Darien, in Journey of Seven Circles, to his love of adventure and fast cars, Russell offers a glimpse into the mind of a writer who is ever-evolving, influenced by both the worlds he creates and the life he leads. Join us as we explore his approach to world-building, writing routines, and the invaluable lessons learned from his mentor, David Farland.
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.
