Meet Christian Chiakulas: Fantasy Author, Teacher, Game Designer, and More.
By: Sarah Azman
We are thrilled to announce the 9/1/26 release of Seed of the Black Oak, an adult fantasy novel by Christian Chiakulas. In honor of this exciting milestone, this post will feature an exclusive author Q&A. Ever wondered where an author gets their inspiration, or how they find time to write with a day job? Chiakulas answers all those questions and more!
What can you tell us about your upcoming adult fantasy novel, Seed of the Black Oak?
Barbarian warrior Epi flees her homeland, believing the woman she loves has been sacrificed by an evil sorcerer who conquered her tribe. After Epi discovers that Princess Aly is still alive, she joins a resistance movement, vowing to overthrow the sorcerer's tyrannical rule and reunite with the love of her life.
What types of readers will enjoy Seed of the Black Oak?
I wrote it to appeal to both fans of classic sword-and-sorcery and fans of modern, character-driven fantasy. Romance is a big part of the story (and a big part of almost everything I write), so I hope it will appeal to people who like having a bit of romance in their fantasy.
What inspired you to write Seed of the Black Oak?
Seed of the Black Oak was inspired first and foremost by my love of history. I created the storyworld in order to explore things like historical materialism and cultural anthropology. Seed of the Black Oak is a conscious fantasy mirror of our own world, but with the influence of magic and monsters. Several years ago, I got really into the work of historian Ronald Hutton, who has written extensively about the pre-Christian religions of the British Isles, and I wanted to create a story and characters set in that kind of world.
How did you choose the title?
Seed of the Black Oak was probably the tenth or so idea I came up with and the first that I even sort-of liked. It seemed to impart a sense of identity appropriate for a series, and it also felt evocative enough for this kind of fantasy.
How are you similar to or different from your main character?
I really relate to Epi's anger at the injustices of the world, but for her, they're much more personal.
You wear many hats in addition to author, including public school teacher, role-playing game designer, and parent of two children. How do you find time to write?
I like to write at night when the whole world around me is asleep. Unfortunately, this means that most of my writing has to be done on the weekends. I was lucky that I started this book over summer break and had a nice chunk of time that I could devote to it before the school year started back up. Otherwise, I try to squeeze in a few pages here and there–I even wrote a bit during my lunch break at work when we didn't have meetings.
What are some of your favorite fantasy stories created by other authors?
Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser (Fritz Leiber) and Jirel of Joiry (C. L. Moore) are among my favorite sword-and-sorcery fantasy series.
The release date of Seed of the Black Oak is 9/1/26. What are you working on next?
I'm working on the second draft of a contemporary/paranormal fantasy about a woman possessed by an ancient demon who's hiding from the forces of Hell. They'll have to learn to work together if they want to survive against the devil's assassins.
I'm also working on the second draft of another contemporary fantasy about a pop star who gains the power to communicate with the dead after a near-death experience, and becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the megachurch she grew up in.
Thanks to Christian Chiakulas for opening up to our readers!
Find out more about Christian Chiakulas here.
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