Jayel Gibson-Fantasy Author Interview

Jayel Gibson is the author of the “Ancient Mirrors” fantasy series. His first book “The Wrekening” has been published and is available in most bookstores and now at Far West Books and Gifts at [http://www.booksatfarwest.com]. For a new reading experience it is essential to read.
The interview did not go as expected. Only one question was asked and this led to a two-hour interview. Jayel’s personality is like her writing, exciting and imaginative of hers.

Question: Who was your inspirational author, when you were younger, that made you read?
Jayel: I started out reading Nancy Drew books. They were written by various authors. The first Nancy Drew book I got hooked me. I loved the female lead, so I’m probably writing with a female lead. The characters captivated me so much that I read all the books. All he wanted for holidays and birthdays was books. I was in sixth grade. I still remember to this day that before that I liked books, but I paid more attention to pictures than stories. When I started reading fantasy, I started with Anne McCaffrey, with Dragonriders of Pern. I passed Piers Anthony and advanced to CJ Cherryh. CJ is one of my favorite authors. It’s amazing how many people think CJ is a man. I just reread “Paladin” not long ago. I read them over and over and see them go back into print after being off the market for a while. That’s when you realize they will be there forever. Anne McCaffrey has held my attention for 30 years. I just finished reading “Dragons Fire” a while ago when she came out. Another author is Ursula K Le Guin, although she is more of a science fiction writer, I love her stories. Those are the writers who influenced me. And of course Tolkien, but not until he was older. Tolkien actually pays homage to Beowulf, which was one of my favorite epic poems. Beowulf was probably what got me interested in Old English. Tolkien links so closely to Celtic mythology with great intent. I don’t think any fantasy reader could look at Tolkien and not respect him for what he did. He created a whole universe and languages. Although he didn’t invent elves, orcs, and halflings, he did come up with a very believable and engaging story. I think all fantasy writers were influenced by Tolkien. He asserted himself, as an author, he kept his work as he wanted, and that’s very inspiring.

I love (fantasy). I’m even reluctant to share the character portraits I have on my website because of that. So far I have been very lucky. People read my books and say “This is how I saw that person!” I owe it to my artist Michele-lee Phelan. The character portraits are actually drawn and painted during my creative process, when I write the story. They come to me and I hang them on the wall. I use them while I write. Imagination is a wonderful thing. Each reader perceives a story differently. That’s probably the most rewarding thing about reviews. I can read two or three different reviews and it’s like they’re all reading different books. My publicist sent me a review to read and it was like you read the same book I wrote. Then another one came in and it was like they were inside my head when I was writing it. So it’s interesting to see how readers perceive the work. What an author perceives is not always what the reader perceives. Which is right? The bond between author and reader is probably the best thing about writing. Sharing with readers and listening to what they have to say.

Jayel Gibson’s next book, Dragon Queen, will be out in the spring of 2007.
His books are available at most bookstores, including Far West Books and Gifts, and on his website, ancientmirrors.com. Jayel Gibson will be the first author to have a new book in lieu of a used paperback listed on Far West Books and Gifts.