Fantasy Book Critic: Interview with Kane Williams (interviewed by Matthew Higgins)

Q) Welcome to Fantasy Book Critic Kane! We always love to welcome new authors and hear about your journey. To start us off, could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and how your life has brought you to the wonderful world of self pub?

KW: Thanks for having me. I’m an Australian epic/high fantasy author on debut. Perils of the Past has occupied a place in my mind since I was a teenager. Four years ago (and twice the age I was back then), I sat down to write it in earnest—and now here we are.

Q) Your wonderful title Perils of the Past evokes a very Indiana Jones-esque feel. What were your main inspirations for this project and how have you put your own creative flair into it?

KW: Love that reference, especially as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was one source of inspiration. The scene underground where Harrison Ford is searching for the Holy Grail to save Sean Connery’s life is an all-time favourite.

Even limiting myself to my main inspirations, it would be a long list. Continuing with movie references, I’d have to start by naming Lara Croft (with Angelina Jolie) and The Mummy (with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz).

Do you recall how reincarnation was used in The Mummy? Rachel Weisz’s character in present day aligned with who she was in a past life. But what if your past life stood against everything you believe in? That’s woven into Perils of the Past.

I doubt I’d be writing fantasy without J. R. R. Tolkien.

Q) Many authors we know and love here are stuffed full of ideas and creative energy! What was it about this particular story that compelled you to write it as your debut?

KW: My characters didn’t give me a choice, haha. Or, put it another way, it has persistently been the story that I see when I close my eyes.

Q) OK, let's talk more about the world you've built! People say there's a lot to a name, and I'm always fascinated by the unique ones authors give us in fantasy. What was the process like in developing names for the characters and places within your world? Could you share your favourite?

KW: The process differed from name to name. Some just came to me; others took hours to workshop. I remember how hard it was to name my female lead character. I must have gone through about 50 before I found one that fit. Her name is Antarna and she’s been training in a temple on a snow-topped mountain. Her name was inspired by Antarctica.

Q) As new readers, could you tell us what we can expect from your world and the story within?

KW: I’ve written the type of book I love to read. It’s a high-stakes, epic adventure set on a unique and dangerous world. There are battles with both man and beast, plus flawed, determined characters you can root for (or against). And, of course, plenty of secrets and twists to keep you guessing.

Q) Growing up in Australia, a country well known for its weird and wonderful creatures (and that's just the people :D), has any of that gone into your works?

KW: While most species of spiders are solitary in nature, did you know that the Australian huntsman are social (e.g., often living and eating together)? The only thing more terrifying than a spider is a group of them working together. That made it into a small scene in Perils of the Past.

Australia has many incredible creatures, including some cool scorpions. There’s a creature in my novel that is partway between a giant scorpion and a crab. I also drew inspiration from dinosaurs, mythology and other sources.

Q) In modern fantasy it's very common to have 4-6+ POVs, but your debut has a tight 3. Could you tell us more about those 3 characters, and if it was a conscious decision to keep to those 3 POVs?

KW: The novel almost had 4 POV characters, but I craved more time with Antarna (featured on the front cover), Cal (a seer-in-training, who has a great sense of humour), and Zanth (a mage bent on revenge). I needed to explore what shapes them and how their choices collide. They each have a powerful journey to go on—internally and externally.

Q) You're also known for your 'flash fiction' writing, has this translated into your decision to write 'fast-paced fantasy' and how did you find the writing process differed with a full novel?

KW: In primary school, one of my favourite novels was Ice Station by Matthew Reilly (a fellow Australian). It’s a breakneck thriller. In high school, I read all the books he published and a steady stream of fantasy (e.g., from Raymond E. Feist).

I also grew up on movies like Die Hard (with Bruce Willis), Gladiator (with Russell Crowe) and Blade (with Wesley Snipes). These helped to shape the type of fantasy novel I wished to write.

I’ve found the writing process for flash fiction (e.g., a story in 50 words) worlds apart from penning my debut novel. I would add, though, that practicing flash fiction has made me a better writer.

Q) Let's talk about the process of self-publishing. How was that decision making process and how have you found the experience coming through that?

KW: As I spent more time with my novel, I developed a clear picture of exactly what I wanted. Parts of this vision were big and exciting—several full-page internal illustrations, illustrated chapter headers and scene breaks, and a second design hidden under the dust jacket of the hardcover. Other aspects were more subtle, from formatting choices to several chapters intentionally lacking a chapter number to tie into a character’s backstory. Self-publishing allowed me to maintain creative control.

It has been a rewarding experience with a lot to learn.

Q) Authors talk a lot about the different stages of the project; drafting, editing etc. Which was your favourite or most satisfying part of this whole process?

KW: Tough choice... but that would have to be writing the first draft: exploring the world with my characters and seeing that word count climb.

Q) Turning to the eye-catching cover, what was the artistic process like for designing this? Was it something you always had in your mind?

KW: As I was writing my novel, I kept a reference folder with my favourite covers and artists. I had a strong sense of the style I wanted but remained open to where the design process might lead.

I had the pleasure of working with Anderson Magalhães from Design Unlikely. He began by taking the time to understand the story and my expectations for the cover. Then he prepared four or five initial concept sketches, each depicting a different scene from the novel. We collaborated closely, going back and forth until we had everything just right. It was a wonderful experience.

P.S., I love all the little details—from the design of the hilt of her sword to the custom typography. (Take another look at the design of the “T”, and how the tail of one letter tucks behind the cliff.)

Q) Is this a scene we can read in the book? Maybe you could give us some insight into the spoiler free context here! I love how the cave reminds me of the sand worms from the Dune movies with the big gaping mouth!

KW: Antarna enters that very cave in chapter 1. She’ll find more questions than answers…
P.S., Dune is epic!

Q) What was it like working with your cover artist to really capture what was in your mind? Did you develop your own creative language together to collaborate in the artistic process?

KW: From the very first sketches, Anderson took my breath away. He was always receptive to feedback, dedicated to bringing my vision for the novel to life. Likewise, I welcomed his artistic insights and expertise. We exchanged so many great emails and communication felt easy.

Q) How did it feel to see your world come to life for the first time with the cover and then to see the physical book in person for the first time?

KW: Surreal; a dream taken material form.

Q) Is Perils of the Past part of an ongoing series? What other projects can readers expect from you in the future?

KW: It is intended to be read as a stand-alone—although there’s a chance I may return to certain characters or world in the future. I have an ambitious fantasy novel (packed with action, adventure and intrigue, of course) I’m itching to write that takes place on another world (or two!).

Q) What do you hope readers take from reading Perils of the Past?

KW: I hope it sweeps readers away. Fantasy has an amazing ability to offer an escape, and this story leans into that—with sword fights, magic duels, near-death experiences and mysteries to unravel. All of this unfolds on a unique world where humans are not at the top of the food chain. But amid the action and adventure, each POV character faces personal struggles and painful truths. The novel explores some important themes, including the extent that the past shapes us and the power of friendship.

Q) Just time for a fun one! If Antarna had to fight 100 duck-sized crocodiles or 100 crocodile-sized ducks which battle would she win?

KW: Best. Interview. Question. Ever.

If 100 ducks the size of crocodiles attacked as an angry flock, that’d be a serious threat. But I feel they would still be easier to dispatch than 100 small crocs, especially if the fight took place in crocodiles’ natural habitat. I’d hate to underestimate crocodiles in a swamp, especially with their scales, fearsome teeth, jaw strength, camouflage and instincts of a true predator. So, she’ll fight the ducks! (Quack, quack.)

Q) Thank you so much for joining us today Kane. We're all so excited to see your debut come to fruition! Could you tell readers how they can find and interact with you and your works online?