Author Interview Time!! Please welcome the author, Justin Dennis, of
Through the Portal. Book #1 in the Through the Portal Trilogy.
-----------------
Book synopsis:
What's the worst part of falling through a portal to another world and not being able to get back? When the first person you meet almost gets you killed by a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon. Luckily, Jem and Oliver, two boys who were about to start their first year in high school, are saved by Sierra, a farm girl who is itching to get out of her small town. Together, the three of them set off on a quest to defeat the evil Veroci Regime that is stealing all the magic from the world, but can they do it before the Dragon catches up with them?
What inspired you to write this book?
Well I've always loved the idea of going to other worlds that have their own story, plus I love Young Adult/Fantasy books. I felt as if the genre was missing something; like their were more worlds to go to and even greater themes to delve into! And of course there always will be more to dig into, but I felt like by writing this book I was fulfilling my part as an author to supply readers with new and interesting ideas. I love to write, and I've always had these ideas floating around in my head--this book was just a great way to lay it all out!
What would you do if you fell through a portal to another world and were unable to get back?
Really, I'd have fun. I don't know what could be more fun! That would be such a once in a lifetime opportunity that I would have to revel in it. Go explore, meet people, solve some mysteries... save the world!
What's the best thing a reader said about your book or something you wish a reader said/felt when reading your book?
The best thing I've heard is that the dialogue between Jem and Oliver is funny. That may not be a huge thing to readers, but to me it was great to hear that my book, which isn't anywhere near a comedy, at least has some witty comedic value. As for what I hope people will feel when reading my book.. I hope they can learn something or relate to something. There are important themes in there and difficult choices that characters have to make. If I can make you feel something strong, I've done my job.
--------------------
About the author:
"Hi! I'm Justin. I'm a college student. The college is Whittier College (in California, just outside of LA, but I grew up just outside of Seattle in a little suburb called Sammamish. Yeah, say that three times fast. The city just south of Sammamish? Issaquah. I'm laughing at you right now trying to pronounce that.
Anyway, I love soccer. Played it all my life--until now--because I need to pay for school, and soccer doesn't pay for school: working at Starbucks does. Oh, and writing for the Quaker Campus at my college. Google 'Justin Dennis Quaker Campus', you'll find some of my articles.
Um... I love Harry Potter and His Dark Materials (the Golden Compass one, ring a bell?). Best books ever.
That's about it for me. Well I wrote a book, Through the Portal. And I'm writing two more ('cause it's a trilogy!) I love to write, and I love this story. You just wait, when the trilogy is done it shall be epic.
So yeah, that's me. Justin Dennis. Dennis is my last name. Please don't tell me that it's a first name. Because it's my last name."
-from Goodreads author page
Are there any T.V shows or songs that remind you of your book?
Avatar: The Last Bender actually reminds me somewhat of my book. None of the characters specifically really, but just the world that it takes place in. It has some similarities to the world I've created, but in many ways it's very different. I love that show though, quality writing.
What's something silly about you (your eyes twitch right before you sneeze or maybe you collect bunny slippers)?
Hmm, I don't have any bunny slippers, but I've got neon orange slippers that I've gotten some weird looks for wearing in public!
What's one (or some) of your all-time favorite book (s) and why?
I love, love, love the Harry Potter Series. I'm sure lots of people say this but it's only risen to that level of popular because it is such high quality literary work. It's so much more than a children's novel. It delves into very complex plots, has incredible symbolism, and thought-provoking themes. I would also have to say the His Dark Materials Trilogy for similar reasons. Intricate plot, great characters, plus I love Pullman's creation of "daemons."
Are you working on anything else right now (a book, setting up a bookshelf, etc.)?
Yes, I'm writing the second book in my trilogy right now. I haven't decided on a title, and I don't know when it will be finished (sorry!) but I'm definitely working on it at every opportunity I get! Not a whole lot of free time for anything else.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
Just remember to eat your veggies, push in your chairs, be nice to your Barista (if you go to Starbucks every morning you know what I'm talking about), and read a lot. If you like to write, write a lot. About anything and every. Get all your ideas down. You never know when you may want to develop one or multiple of them into a story. Oh, and flush public toilets. Really, that's just common courtesy. Please.
Links:
Justin Dennis:
Goodreads /
Twitter /
Website
Through the Portal (ebook):
Goodreads /
Amazon /
Smashwords
What's the word:
"Fantastic read for all ages. I enjoyed this fun, adventurous quest so much. A suspenseful fantasy book...a magical treat." - Chrissy Peebles, author of Agartha's Castaway
"This is a great fantasy book that I enjoyed very much. It has a great plot that produce danger through out with many twist and turns. The characters are quite easy to become involved with and as you read it feels as if you are in the midst of this amazing country or world that the boys have fallen into. There are times one will catch their selves laughing at some of the things that go on between Oliver and Jem.. The author has written a great book and I look forward to the second part of this trilogy. " - Lynn
~~T.V and Book Addict~~
The fun I had:
Posted by
