An Interview with E.S. David
E.S. David is a YA fantasy author from Lanarkshire, Scotland. He has a passion for creative writing – particularly stories that explore magical realms, sweeping landscapes, and complex characters navigating moral ambiguity. Drawing on these inspirations, he began writing, and The Trials of Aqouril is his debut novel.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
I’ve always loved stories with magical elements woven into them, like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Eventually, I reached a point where I thought, why not give it a go myself? I wanted to write the kind of story that I – and hopefully others – would truly enjoy reading. Piece by piece, the idea for a series began to take shape, and it has continued to grow ever since.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The book is called The Trials of Aqouril. The hardest element to decide was the name for the magical world, and when ‘Aqouril’ came to my mind, the title followed on from there.
Describe your dream book cover.
I would say the book cover my publisher designed is pretty close! I wanted something that instantly shouted magical wonderment and elemental powers, and I think the cover design has captured that amazingly. I was also a fan of the illustrated style of the Harry Potter books, so perhaps that could be an option in the future!
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
If the book was ever made into a movie or series, I’d love some John Williams, Hans Zimmer, or Bear McCreary-style scores! I am always blown away by the emotion and heart they put into crafting their scores, and I feel that someone like Bear (who has scored Outlander and Rings of Power) has really captured the magical fantasy elements of the world those shows are building. Ramin Djawadi would also have to be up there with his amazing work on Game of Thrones.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
I have actually steered away from fantasy when it comes to reading and have been reading more thrillers and horror recently. I read my first Stephen King novel – Pet Semetary – recently and thoroughly enjoyed how King explores themes of loss and desperation to right wrongs in his novel. I am hoping to read a few more if I get them for Christmas!
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I currently work in a high school in Scotland, which gives me valuable insight into the lives and perspectives of young people. As many of the main characters in my book are teenagers, I’ve tried to capture the authentic psychology of how young adults might think, behave, and react when faced with extraordinary circumstances. I hope my story resonates with readers who enjoy fantasy that balances adventure, depth, and emotional truth.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’ve dreamed of writing a novel since I was in school, and I’m thrilled that this dream has finally become a reality. Growing up, the Harry Potter series had a huge influence on me, inspiring my love for immersive worlds and richly developed characters. A Song of Ice and Fire also left a deep impression, especially in how it explores moral ambiguity and complex, multi-layered personalities. In my own writing, I strive to create stories filled with memorable, relatable characters and the kind of depth and emotional resonance that first made me fall in love with reading.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Put yourself out there quicker and share your work! It can be daunting and feel awkward to share that you are a writer, and you might be hesitant to have people read your work and form an opinion. In the long-term, though, it is far better for your writing and you will learn so much from just being brave enough to share your work.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
I hope they enjoy the world that I have tried to build and find Erica Brooks (and others) likeable and engaging characters that they want to follow in the sequels to come!
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