Journey into Fantasy with Author Benjamin Coward
Welcome back to our blog series on remarkable authors shaping the literary world today. In this installment, we take a closer look at Benjamin Coward, the fantasy author behind the gripping debut novel, “The Dragon’s Tooth”. Recently, we caught up with Benjamin to discuss his writing process, inspirations, and his unique approach to fantasy storytelling.
Discovering the Magic of “The Dragon’s Tooth”
Benjamin Coward’s novel, “The Dragon’s Tooth”, is making waves in the fantasy genre with its fresh take on dragon lore. The book explores not just the bond between humans and dragons but delves into how such bonds came to be, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts. Benjamin’s book blends dark adventure with rich world-building and unforgettable characters, demonstrating his passion for storytelling. He attributes his imaginative writing to his background in environmental science and his love for nature, viewing magic in his world as a non-renewable resource that mirrors nature itself.
Building Worlds and Characters
Benjamin shared how he created a Bible-like document to keep track of his world-building elements. While he has yet to develop a map, he ensures continuity by remembering key locations and plot developments. For Benjamin, effective world-building involves having a main plot while allowing characters to naturally evolve—demonstrating their own stories and impacts within his fictional universe.
Influences and Inspirations
Growing up, Benjamin was drawn to epic fantasy works, especially Christopher Paolini’s “Eragon” series. He spoke enthusiastically about the influence of these works on his own writing. In addition to enjoying Dungeons & Dragons, Benjamin appreciates the escape fantasy literature provides, allowing readers to step into new and exciting worlds. His approach to storytelling involves a fluid writing process—letting characters drive the narrative rather than rigidly adhering to an outline.
The Role of AI in Writing and Art
Benjamin shared his thoughts on AI in literature, expressing confidence that human authors bring an irreplaceable personal investment to their stories. While AI might contribute in some areas, Benjamin believes it cannot replicate the depth and connection between a human author and the reader. However, he maintains an open mind about AI-generated art, recognizing its potential but emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human creativity.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
Benjamin offers invaluable advice to writers just starting out: make writing a joyful endeavor rather than a chore—write out of love for storytelling. Once the initial draft is completed, revisiting the work to ensure it aligns with the author’s original vision is crucial. This reflective process helps refine the narrative and maintain authenticity.
A Glimpse Into Benjamin’s Personal Reflections
In a heartwarming reflection, Benjamin shared the three guests he wishes he could invite to dinner: J.R.R. Tolkien, Vlad the Impaler, and his great-grandmother. These choices highlight his deep respect for fantasy pioneers, historical intrigue, and a personal connection to family legacies.
Join Us Again Soon
If you enjoyed this dive into Benjamin Coward’s world and want more content like this, be sure to like, subscribe, comment, and share with friends and family. Stay tuned for more insights into the authors bringing us the stories we love. For aspiring authors or those in the book industry interested in joining our podcast, visit our website at Southern Dragon Publishing for more information.
Check out the Book Festivals in North Florida
Sunshine State Book Festival – End of January to First of February every year in Gainesville, Florida sponsored by the Writer’s Alliance of Gainesville
Literary Indulgence Festival – this is the second year of the event and it will be on January 28, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida.
View the Entire Interview on YouTube
A Note from our Editor
We would encourage any North Florida Writers who would like to submit a Guest Post on our online magazine or be a featured author on the North Florida Writers Tour website then please get in touch using their CONTACT US form. Our other Online Magazine called “Webs and Blogs for Writers” does featured articles on authors not in our area CLICK HERE TO READ. For those who wish to be a guest on Jolene’s Book and Writer’s Talk podcast visit the Southern Dragon Publishing Information page.
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