An Interview with Author C.J. Switzer

a chat about his recently released fantasy novel, Morvelving

I had the pleasure of beta reading Morvelving, a beautiful wolf-and-cub story (think Ciri & Geralt in The Witcher or Ellie & Joel in The Last of Us) sure to captivate lovers of classic fantasy, and I’m so excited that this book is out in the world! Behold this amazing cover (note the wolves in the clouds):

A little more about the book:

'They see you, hold your immortal thread, but hers. Her short mortal ribbon warms their timeless hands. The Fates cackle with glee at the sorrow and doom that awaits upon her path'

Morvelving, an exile trapped by the same vices that led to his son's death, is ready to end it all. Until he meets the orphan, Nippiktua, a mute and deaf child, marked by the Fates and with a knack for mischief. Though guilt-ridden, Morvelving will not allow himself to abandon her to her treacherous destiny, and so vows to find her a safe and hidden home.

A wayward and perilous journey begins. Along their path, the two encounter a mystical Stag, escape warmongering centaurs, dispute with an obstinate prince, and flee from a dragon's zealots.

But when the zealots capture Nippiktua as a sacrifice to the dragon's whim, Morvelving must allay his fears and race to save the child from the strings of the Fates in the shadow of the tyrannical dragon.

Sounds cool, right? Now let’s jump into the interview.

A: As a fantasy nerd myself, I always want to know how other authors start with world-building because there are so many different answers. Where do you begin?

C: World-building is an intimidating subject. There’s no correct or definite answer. I’ve been developing the world of Erviad for more than a decade. It’s a process that’s always expanding. I begin with subjects that fascinate me, from historical events to people. If I’m going to write a story in a distinct part of my world, I first decide what physically defines that place. Geography defined nations in our own history. Is there a large river that provides life like the Nile? Or is there a range of mountains that isolate the people? These can help develop how the characters interact with their world.

I then research the culture and place that inspired the setting. If it’s an arid steppe, for example, I would research the Central Asian societies like the Scythians or Massagetae—whose queen, Tomyris, defeated Cyrus the Great in battle. Now there’s a fun foundation for a story. Develop your own names of people, places, and things around it. Answer the questions who, what, when, and where. Add magic or a dragon.

Also, for me, this process usually involves mapmaking. I love drawing maps. I’m a visual learner, so it helps me to have a physical and visual representation of what I am creating. If maps aren’t your thing, timelines of events or a glossary of key details are just as helpful.

A: I envy your map-making skills! And the way you’ve delved into history to build Erviad is very apparent; it makes your world feel gritty and real. Do you have other favorite pieces of world-building advice?

C: Go crazy. I mean it. Humans are crazy. We hunted mammoths. Fantasy races would be just as insane, if not more. Read up on ancient mythologies and religions for more proof.

More seriously, I advise world-building around your interests. It also takes time to create. A fantasy story doesn’t need to have its own language, world, or history all figured out before writing. Erviad is not as large and intricate as our own world, and there are many details I need to add or create. But I can write a story in any setting I’d like. I have a beginning and an ending. How and when I get there is up to me.

A: Aside from history and geography, where else do you look when you need inspiration?

C: I find inspiration from other fantasy books and current events. There are incredible worlds out there. Let them expand your imagination with the possibilities. Fantasy is a cycle of recycling the human condition in a world that echoes others.

A: Between the Fates, warring centaurs, dragons, and Morvevling himself, there is no shortage of interesting fantasy elements in your first novel. What are you most excited to explore in the sequel?

C: I’m most eager to explore a land in Erviad I haven’t written about before: the island of Elg Narsh. It’s infamous for its raider ships and pirates. The sequel leans more into grimdark fantasy, which is one of my favorite genres to read. I write what I enjoy reading. The story will test all the characters to their limits.

A: Considering the harrowing journey Morvelving and Nippiktua endured in the first novel, I’m both eager and terrified to see how you will push them further! Thank you so much for chatting with me.

Morvelving is available now on Kindle and in print. If you’re a Portland local, check out Broadway Books and Parallel Worlds for a copy!