An Interview with C. W. McClain

C. W. McClain is an aspiring writer based out of North Carolina. He is also a husband, a father, and a pet parent to WAY too many cats. At the time of this writing, he is working towards his BA in Creative Writing (Fiction) with plans to further his academic and professional careers in the near future.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I wanted to create something new. So often, we get works of fantasy that are set well-within a pre-establish fictional world. We hardly see where it all began. I did a lot of worldbuilding before writing the first story set within this world, The First Wizard. This story would act as my Silmarillion, laying the historical foundations on which the rest of the stories will build from.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title was fairly simple. I think it’s a good blend of simplicity and curiosity. It was originally intended as a placeholder until I could find something more satisfying, but overtime, it stuck.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

“Brother and Sister” by Joel P. West (from the Shang-Chi soundtrack)

“Peragus II” by Mark Griskey (from KOTOR 2)

“My Strife, My Fight, My Feat” by Tenth Dimension

“To Glory” by Two Steps from Hell

“Sands of Time” by Audiomachine

“Universe Has No End” by Imagine Music

“Undefeated” by Audiomachine

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

Currently, I’m re-reading Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind. I’m also slowly working my way through The Lord of the Rings via The Prancing Pony Podcast.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Unfortunately, my work history, until recently, has been customer-facing jobs (fast-food, grocery, valet, etc). I was fortunate enough to land an internship with a local publishing company. From there, I landed my first copywriting job almost a year ago.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

J.R.R. Tolkien is my literary influence. His style and his intentionality with words have set a very high standard for other fantasy works, one which very few meet. I also like the wit in Patrick Rothfuss’ works and the compelling characters in Timothy Zahn’s works, notably Grand Admiral Thrawn and Jorus C’Baoth.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope readers can come away feeling inspired and moved, in whatever way speaks to them. I hope that I can create an adventurous and exciting realm for my kids and others to immerse themselves in.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.