Jasmine Young

I primarily write epic/high fantasy, and in the coming years, I’ll be leaning more into romantasy. My books have clean language and minimal spice, though they lean toward the grittier/darker side. In terms of my prose, you'll find a more classical and lyrical feel, as inspired by Ursula K LeGuin's Wizard of Earthsea, with the more modern fantasy vernacular when it comes to dialogue and humor!

I moved around a lot from childhood through to my early adult life. I was born in the Bay Area CA, but moved to Taiwan where I lived as a teen for seven years before returning to the states for college. My books absolutely have an Asian-inspired feel to them (Four Kingdoms: Origins series), although my current Realm Breaker series is inspired by Norse/Viking culture. It's not something I grew up around, but something I became fascinated with over time!

I was a binge reader and kept my nose in a book at the library during lunches instead of socializing with the popular crowd.

Oh, that's a tough one. I don't know if there's just one I want to write like. I'd love to write with George RR Martin's genius and mastery of prose, with the gentler scope of Christopher Paolini, and the incredible romantic/character-driven talent of Rebecca Yarros. Yarros really understands human psychology and is a master of portraying characters (though personally I'd use that power to write clean romantic fantasy, which is my favorite!).

Christopher Paolini, JRR Tolkein, George RR Martin, Frank Hebert, Ursula K LeGuin

Believe it or not, it would be nonfiction books! I read a lot of nonfiction and recommend or occasionally gift quite a bit because I think it's important to keep your mindset sharp. As Abe Lincoln said, if he only had so many hours in the day to cut down a tree, he'd spend the majority sharpening the axe, and the last fraction actually chopping the tree.

A small (or large) part of me lives in most of my main characters, but I would have to say Jaime in Stormfire. That is my debut novel and a true coming-of-age story of an underdog teenager who rises above his circumstances, the opinions of other people, and above all, the low opinions of himself, to grow and live into his purpose.

In terms of a series, definitely Realm Breaker! It's a close call between which book in the series, but I'd probably have to say A Banishing of Kings. That one came to me with minimal effort and is one of those stories that just pour out of the muses and flow. Among the easiest and most fun scenes within that book was the action-packed drama of worms eating someone alive in the field (readers and fans will know what I mean - no spoilers here!)

I'm a big homebody and do my best work on my comfy couch all sprawled out on pillows. I prefer quiet and peace, though I am very much inspired by soundtracks I might play as I write to help me get into the scene's mood.

Oh, similar to my writing space. With my reading space, I LOVE reading in bed on a frigid morning buried under blankets and while it's still early enough that no one can bother me.