Interview with J.W. Webb, Author of Archer’s Moon

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Archer’s Moon: Dawn of Legends?

I wrote my first book, The Shattered Crown, way back in 2003. Since that distant time, I’ve added a vast amount of world-building and different protagonists, and most relevant to the question, different eras spanning several millennia. 18 books on readers are always asking which novel to start with in the series, as there are four separate trilogies with different timelines. That prompted me to write a new prequel for the series, or rather, build on the myth around the original prequel–Gol. Archer’s Moon is now the gateway to the Legends of Ansu series. A huge tale at 600+ pages, it weaves a thread between the myth and magic of the world and introduces spicy new characters for those who’ve read the other books.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Archer’s Moon: Dawn of Legends, what would they be?

I love music, but that’s a tough ask. How about ‘Do you realize that you have the most beautiful face,’ by the Flaming Lips–great vibe in that song.

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

It used to be fantasy, yes. I grew up in the 60s and half-lived in Tolkien’s world. I’m ancient now 🙂 I read pretty much all the fantasy novels around in the 70s and 80s, but I’m lagging with some of the newer reads. The genre is so big these days! I do still enjoy reading fantasy when I get the chance. I also like historical fiction and, go figure, spy novels and special forces books–I was once in the Queen’s Household Cavalry, and met some of the old SAS guys that freed the hostages by Hyde Park, London. Strange days! But mostly I read nonfiction. Yoga, Kung-fu stuff, and gardening books. 🙂

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

It’s a long list! I’m currently reading Malice by John Gwynne and loving the story. He seems an excellent chap who lives close to my old home in East Sussex. He also reenacts as a Viking. Cool guy, and an inspiration. I love Joe Abercrombie’s books and need to catch up with the latest, same with Brandon Sanderson, Scott Lynch, and Guy Gavriel Kay–Tigana’s one of my favorite reads. I still haven’t read Patrick Rothfuss ‘ The Name of the Wind, so that will probably be next. There are so many books and so little time!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Hmm, tricky. As I’ve said, it’s a bloody enormous book. I think the chapter called Hwen Graiseal–that’s a planet, btw, when Aggy goes back to her home in the clouds and impresses her mother, the High Goddess, that she can trust her to look after Ansu–also a planet–while she’s away. It’s fun creating the realms of the gods, and Aggy’s impish character is still humorous and childlike at this point. As the story darkens, so does she. And some!

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

No lucky mugs, but we have 5 cats and a lazy cream retriever called Oliver. They, not Oliver, sit on my lap a lot, but not while I’m writing. Das ist Verboten! I have a bunch of swords and axes, which I swing about while editing my fight scenes. There are always a few good scraps in my novels.

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

Not especially. But if I did, it would be something like ‘All You Need Is Love,’ by John Lennon, or ‘Do As You Would Be Done By’ from The Water Babies. I’m into yoga and enjoy the good vibes it gives out, both physically and astrally. Peace and love, man! Life’s too short to bitch.

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

The warm glow of satisfaction after enjoying something truly special that they, as a reader, are part of.

J.W. Webb is the author of the new book Archer’s Moon: Dawn of Legends

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