Interview with A.J Walker, Author of The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar?

A conversation I had with a friend sparked the first ideas for this story. We were talking about the complexities and political motivations in a fantasy world built around a ‘hero-for-hire’ economy. I imagined a kingdom where dragonriders, magi, and elves were treated with an exaggerated awe and envy that we reserve for professional athletes and celebrities today. That idea, of turning magical heroes into a capitalist industry, became the seed for this world. It was that conversation that lit the spark, and from there, the story bloomed into something I had so much fun writing.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love epic fantasy, specifically anything with dragons and dragonriders. Yes, this is the same genre that I write, but it’s what I enjoy most about fictional stories.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’ve just finished reading The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, by Shannon Chakraborty and will be starting The Will of the Many, by James Islington next. I have Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman in my TBR after that.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The big reveal at the climax of the book was my favorite to write. After laying the groundwork for it throughout the whole story, typing that scene was the most satisfying for me.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

My most quirky writing habit is, I guess, what I listen to while I write. I have created a playlist that is mostly movie scores from sci-fi and fantasy movies. I find the music sets the stage and allow me to get completly lost in what I’m imagining.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I have two! The first is: Modivate to Dominate. That was a phrase my freind Sam and I created in college to encourage ourselves to get outside and go on an adventure. The second is: Do what makes you comfortable. A freind told me that once and it stuck.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That I’m just getting started! I’m relatively young for an author and have many, many years left of creative writing and no plan of slowing down anything soon.

A J Walker is the author of the new book The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar

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