A Few Questions with C. J. R. Isely
Story in the Anthology:
Curse of the Beast
A Few Questions
What are some authors/books/events that have been influential to your work?My work has largely been inspired by JK Rowling, KM Grant, and my own family. Rowling's character-based writing has always been some of my favorite and has a way of bringing you into the world of wizardry. KM Grant is a historical fiction author. History has been huge in my life - my dad has a degree in medieval history - and Grant's book Blood Red Horse was a true love of mine growing. I love the way Grant uses her knowledge of medieval history and her ability to make it engaging and informational all at once. And my family: my family writes. It's simple as that. My dad wrote his first book well before I was born (and published it the same year I published my first book.) His father also was a writer, as was his grandmother. I still remember the first "story" I wrote. I was being quizzed on spelling the word bluejay. I wrote ten pages and I haven't quit writing since.
How do you see your writing fitting in (or not) within the current world of books?
My work for this anthology fits into my writing as it is fantasy but also throws in a new element. My current published works fall into Medieval Low Fantasy - all about world building, no magic. This wasn't intentional but rather accidental because I can't control my characters. Additionally, my YA William of Alamore series doesn't include romance but rather focuses on plot and the academy side of the story. Curse of the Beast, my work for this collection, includes magic and a hint of romance.
What are you currently working on?
I have two current works under way. One is the fourth book in my William of Alamore series and the other is a new series starter for a Fantasy Academy Series that I am really excited to start releasing. This new series crosses into grimm dark fantasy.
What has/have been your proudest moment/s as a writer?
My raving readers. Oh my gosh, I have two readers who come to mind. Though I have never met them in person, they have both made my day time and time again. One was my Beta reader for The Cutthroat Prince and Alpha reader for The Fallen Heir. He reached out with theories and thoughts about the series, what he was hopeful to see, and even helped me brainstorm my cover. The other was a reader who reached out over Goodreads to let me know that she loved my characters and my books had replaced Harry Potter as her favorite series. It makes me so proud to know that these readers love my characters and enjoy the stories.
What books/authors are you currently reading or really into?
Oh man, I am terrible but of late, I'm on a re-read streak. My phone is constantly replaying the Harry Potter series when I am working and, when I am not working, I have just started reading Andrzej Sapkowski's The Witcher.
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