An interview with IBOR entrant JCM Berne
Author name: JCM Berne
Book entered: Partial Function
Sale link to book: https://amzn.to/4b5kOl4
If you were telling a fellow fantasy reader about your book over a drink, how would you describe it?
I usually describe this book as “what if Taken had starred Michelle Yeoh instead of Liam Neeson, took place on Cradle, and involved undead dinosaurs and high magic wu shu?”
I think it’s distinguished in a few ways. The action sequences are heavily based on themed, high magic martial arts, more like a campy Hong Kong fantasy flick than Lord of the Rings or most of Europe-based modern fantasy. Similar to a progression story, but without the progression, if that makes sense!
My protagonist is 40+ year old mother of two, which is not the typical fantasy hero, and apparently her pet, Dog, is quite lovable (based on reader feedback).
What made you decide to enter IBOR, and what are you hoping this competition gives your book?
I wrote this book specifically to enter into SPFBO – when my science fantasy Wistful Ascending lost in the first round I was determined to see how far a strict fantasy novel might get, so I wrote this book! I’ve been unable to get it past the SPFBO lottery two contests running, and I’d just be very happy to see more eyeballs on this story after a couple of years. It resonates strongly with some readers and I want more people to spend time with this cast of characters.
Who do you think your book is really for?
I think all fantasy readers will enjoy this book, but people who are familiar with classic, cheesy, CGI-heavy kung fu movies will get a little extra out of it, as there are a lot of nods to the style of that type of cinema.
Also, anyone who knows some math and martial arts and can figure out why all the techniques have the names they do (there’s a reason for all of it) will get a little extra out of it!
Above all, this book is fun-forward. There are themes to explore and there is character development but the humor and action take center stage. Not all readers are looking for that!
What do you think your book does best?
All of it!
But seriously, I think the action is top notch, as is the humor (but I always think that! Your results may vary). If I was forced to choose, I’d probably put the action first!
What kind of experience are you trying to give the reader?
Joy.
I hope they enjoy the time they spent with these characters, and I hope they want to spend time with them again! (Not that I have definitive plans for a sequel).
Are there any fantasy books that feel like a good ‘neighbour’ for yours on a shelf?
This isn’t about claiming equals, just helping us understand the tone and reading experience.
Probably the closest I can think of would be something like Never Die by Rob J Hayes.
Has the book changed since it was first released?
I had professional editing (both dev and line edit) before the initial release, so nothing that significant. I might have fixed a handful of typos, but to be honest I’m not sure I even did that.
Is this a standalone or part of something bigger?
It’s a standalone, really. I have ideas for two more books to make it a trilogy, but I only came up with them after finishing this book. It’s really meant to be read by itself.
What’s a piece of feedback you’ve had that made you stop and think, “Yeah, that’s fair”?
Quite a few people found the main character a bit too morally gray for their tastes. Her daughters have been kidnapped, and she’s willing to wreak a great deal of havoc to get them back.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I’m inspired by all kinds of fantastical stories. Books of course, from Moorcock to Dinniman. Anime like Naruto. Manga like Berserk. American comics like Dreadstar. Movies like Baahubali and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. TV shows like Umbrella Academy.
Are you working on anything currently?
Yes! I have an ongoing series, the Hybrid Helix, a space opera. I’ve released 7 books; the manuscript for the eighth is ready and I’m waiting for cover art (that book might be released by the time you’re getting to these interviews). I’m writing book 9, Mortality Gauntlet, which concludes the arc begun in book 4, Shadow of Hyperion.
Why do you think IBOR is the right place for this book?
I mean, it’s a perfect fit, because like the rest of these books, mine was eliminated from SPFBO by lottery! Twice!
I don’t hold any hatred toward Mark Lawrence or SPFBO, but I have to admit losing by lottery leaves a bitter aftertaste. I don’t know any better way to handle the contest, but to have a place like this where the remnants have a chance at a second life is a wonderful thing.
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