Rangers, dragons, swords, magic: epic, heroic fantasy at its finest.

As a big fan of fantasy, it was a treat for me to interview the talented Tom Fallwell, author of the exciting Rangers of Laerean series.

Rangers of Laerean is an original series set in a rich, lore-filled world, started with an epic fantasy trilogy. Book #2 in the trilogy, Where Shadows Fall, not only continues to tell the story of the Rangers, but it also is a continuing introduction to the world of Hir and its history and lore.

What made you decide to become a writer?

It all goes back to my days of playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends, and my love of fantasy and science-fiction. I loved creating adventures for the players, and helping them reveal the story through their actions of playing the game. At one time, I actually wrote the story for a comic book, back during the big B&W Comic Boom, but it did not take off. So, when I retired, I found I had plenty of time on my hands, and through encouragement of friend, I started to write.

What do you love most about writing?

I love how the story almost tells itself. I have a general idea of what is going to happen, but when I start writing, it takes on a life of its own, and I get to experience it, almost like I am reading it for the first time. That is what is the most fun to me. I also love when someone tells me they enjoyed what I wrote. It is a pleasure to see people pleased with my stories.

What inspires you to write?

There is only one source of my inspiration and creativity. I can give credit to no other. My Lord, Jesus, is my life and inspiration. I give Him all the credit.

How would you describe the Rangers of Laerean series?

The Rangers of Laerean are iconic, legendary heroes in the world in which they live. At the time of the first book, A Whisper In The Shadows, they have been around for over 500 years. Their tales are told as inspirational tales to children and in taverns. They are true heroes.

This series is beginning with a trilogy that revolves around one of the greatest Rangers, Baric. The series will not end with the trilogy, and I have plans to write many books based on these concepts, some dealing with other characters as well, and some in the past or future from where the current books are set.

Why should people read the Rangers of Laerean series?

If a reader enjoys heroic fantasy, where good defeats evil, where hope is everlasting, where a hero is someone who is willing to give their life to save others, then that reader will enjoy these stories. That is what I always loved about heroic fantasy, and that is what I write. I know I am not alone in this love of heroes. So, I write for those who love that kind of epic story.

Where did the idea for the Rangers of Laerean series come from?

I mentioned before that I wrote a story for a comic book a long time ago. The comic was called Dark Regions, and there were three main characters that my brother and I created for that comic. Baric was one of those characters, and though the comic did not take off (only three issues were ever published), I always kept Baric in my mind.

Over the years, I always created a Baric character in the games I played, and always considered Baric to be a Ranger, someone who was proficient with bow and two-handed sword, as well as a lover of nature and animals. A “gentle giant” of a character. So, that led me to create the world of Hir as a setting for Baric, and other Rangers like him.

What do you expect to accomplish with the Rangers of Laerean series?

I have no idea what to expect, honestly. I hope it becomes popular. I hope it is enjoyed by millions. But to be honest, I am not writing to that goal. I am writing because it is fun, for me, and for those who enjoy what I write. I have already achieved what I desired from doing this. I am having a great time and will continue to do so.

What can you tell us about Where Shadows Fall, without giving away any spoilers?

Book #2 of the series will be revealing more lore and history, introducing some new characters to the series, and providing an adventure into worlds undreamed of. Beyond that, I don’t want to spoil anything.

It only costs $3.97 (USD) to find out what is in the book. Less that a trip to the movies, less than the cost of a breakfast at a fast-food restaurant. I mean, what do you have to lose?

Which were the easiest and the hardest parts for you to write?

The hardest part is trying to plan out the story, because no matter what I plan, it changes as the story is written. The easiest part is actually writing it. Once it takes off, it goes where it wills, and I just follow along and write it all down.

Do you have a favorite character, scene or situation in Where Shadows Fall, and can you tell us why he, she or it is your favorite?

Without giving anything away, my favorite scene is one in which Baric has lost a close friend and is pondering about how he lives on while those around him must die. I believe this truly shows the humanity of Baric. Though he is a hero, he realizes he must pay a price, at times, to be that hero and hope for others.

What can we expect to see in the next books in the Rangers of Laerean series?

Book #3, The Shadow of Narwyrm, will wrap up the current story, but I plan for more in the series as well. There are many characters I can write stories about, and a lot of world and history I can cover. I plan to write stories that took place before this one, and stories that will take place later. I also have more plans for the main character, Baric. I plan to tell more about his adventures as well.

Some stories are what some have taken to calling "Message Fiction", due to the fact that there are (conscious or unconscious) messages to be found in those stories. Did you insert any conscious messages in your story, and if so, what do they try to convey?

I don’t specifically attempt to send messages, though I am sure there are some. Reading what I have written so far, I can see my optimistic hope of the future in there, and my values of life. Mainly, I simply try to entertain.

And finally, is there anything else that you would like to add?

Just a thank you for this opportunity and for the interview. I am very pleased to have been a part of this conversation.

Thank you very much for your time and for your great answers, Tom. You can rest assured that the feeling is mutual!

About Tom Fallwell:

Tom Fallwell is a retired software developer who decided to take up writing, because he loves creating and telling stories. Tom was a DM (Dungeon Master) playing Dungeons & Dragons from way back. He immensely enjoyed creating adventures for the player to experience. In a sense, Tom believes this to be a form of writing, though it is more interactive. Either way, Tom loves creating and telling stories with heroic characters.

Tom Fallwell’s next novel, Where Shadows Fall (book #2 of The Rangers of Laerean series) is currently on sale for preorder, and will be officially released February 1, 2016.

To learn more about the Rangers of Laerean series and to purchase Tom Fallwell's books, please visit: http://tomfallwell.com/