An Interview with JL Daughtrey
JL Daughtrey is a former police officer and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Fantasy novels, comic books, police experiences, mythology, and video games provide much of the inspiration for his writing. Emergence is his debut novel and the first book in The Orbit Stone Saga. Mr. Daughtrey enjoys travelling with his family, playing soccer, and spending time at the beach or on the water. He currently resides in South Georgia with his wife and daughter, where he works on nuclear submarines.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
My title came to me relatively quickly, as the many definitions of emergence encompass the story pretty well. Emergence is defined as the act of emerging or becoming apparent. This relates to the paladin order emerging and the growing threat of the Azeri becoming apparent. Emergence can also refer to a complex entity having properties or behaviors that its parts do not have on their own, and emerge only when they interact in a wider whole. This refers to the heroes of Orbis having to work together to achieve their goals.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I used to be a police officer in the Atlanta area. The work was rewarding but also took a lot out of me. I had many good experiences and life-shaping events, which gave me plenty of ideas for writing. Currently, I work on nuclear submarines. Without getting into classified detail, I repair the electronics systems relating to fire control and sonar systems. This has been a great job as I feel like I’m helping my country project peace through strength. It’s also a relaxing change of pace from policing, as I don’t have to bring this job home. However, writing is my true passion, and I hope one day that can be my one and only job!
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The most meaningful part of completing my book is that it is something that will endure. It took me a long time to create and will be here for readers to enjoy long after me.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Music plays a large role in the saga, especially later on. A character is introduced who is inspired by Lindsey Stirling. There’s even a music festival that includes heavy bass music and melodic instrumentals. Overall, I would say Emergence could have a similar tune to The Witcher games.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on getting the second manuscript, Convergence, ready for submission. I am also a few chapters into the third book, Transcendence. I also have a pirate fantasy outlined, and a romantasy involving dinosaurs in the works.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Atmosphere Press has been great. I especially appreciated the hours spent editing with Megan, Alex’s patience with my relentless questions and changes, Ronaldo’s creative team offering several stunning options, and Claire’s always-helpful distribution team. The biggest hesitation I had before signing with Atmosphere was the cost. But if you won’t invest in a book that you wrote, what will you invest in? Take the dive and invest in yourself.
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