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Bio:
Dimitrius Jones was born and raised in West Texas, much to his eternal annoyance. Despite this, he first picked up the pen at the tender age of six. His first masterpiece was a page-turner was about dolphins that used eye lasers to kill a hurricane. From there, his life took a few twists and turns, but he always found his way back to his trusty notepad.
His next few projects include a self-help book for those who suffer from low self-esteem as well as a full-length fantasy/romance novel to be released sometime in the future. Dimitrius has always, perhaps unsurprisingly, been inspired by the mystery, tragedy, and wonder of fairy tales.
His goal in life is to constantly inspire, amuse, and shed light into the corners of life we didn't know were right in front of us.
Welcome, Dimitrius. Please tell us a little bit about this book.
I have always been fascinated with the world of JRPGs. As a kid, I wanted to know more about the myths and history beats in the game. I wasn’t as concerned with the actual gameplay, which was a little strange. You typically buy video games to play them.
I noticed a lack of African-American characters in this particular genre and wanted to create a story that featured characters similar to myself. Thus, one night after beating Grandia once again, the idea for Doorway to Scorn took root.
Do you have a favorite scene? If so, what was it?
There’s a particular scene where one of the main characters gains magical powers, but they’re not the ones they wanted. This scene is important to me because it showcases that sometimes we don’t get the opportunities we think we should get. Instead, we get the opportunities that will allow us to grow as individuals and stretch our limited worldview.
Any challenges in writing this book?
The biggest challenge for me was not giving too much away with this first installment. There are still so many things yet to be uncovered regarding the characters, overall plot, and the world of Austyria. I want so badly for my readers to be as excited as I am about what’s to come, but I have to be patient. We’ll get there!
I will definitely say that if people enjoy this book they can expect several more sequels. We have a lot of ground to cover.
Excerpt from Doorway to Scorn:
“Lex. You need to run.”
Bibi’s voice is low, just above a whisper. She flips her daggers in her hands until they’re pointing away from her body, something I’ve never seen done before. They’re normally used for stabbing – usually in the most treacherous manner possible – and held with the blade facing up, not down.
“I’m not leaving you here to fight that alone.”
“Then you’re a fool. You can’t help me here, and that cursed weapon you have won’t save you. I don’t even know why you’re still holding onto it.”
“I have potions. If you get hurt, I can at least heal you.”
Bibi doesn’t respond, but I can see the muscles in her shoulders and arms tensing as the shadow man regains his composure and goes completely still. She doesn’t sound like herself. It’s as if she’s a completely different person.
The shadow man points his blade high into the sky, and a strange, smoke-like energy begins to wisp around him. Soon, he is joined by two identical shadow men, each taking a battle stance with swords of their own.
“This is not a fight I plan to win,” Bibi says, and that’s when it dawns on me. She’s trying to buy everyone else time to escape from these things.
“Lex. You need to run.”
Bibi’s voice is low, just above a whisper. She flips her daggers in her hands until they’re pointing away from her body, something I’ve never seen done before. They’re normally used for stabbing – usually in the most treacherous manner possible – and held with the blade facing up, not down.
“I’m not leaving you here to fight that alone.”
“Then you’re a fool. You can’t help me here, and that cursed weapon you have won’t save you. I don’t even know why you’re still holding onto it.”
“I have potions. If you get hurt, I can at least heal you.”
Bibi doesn’t respond, but I can see the muscles in her shoulders and arms tensing as the shadow man regains his composure and goes completely still. She doesn’t sound like herself. It’s as if she’s a completely different person.
The shadow man points his blade high into the sky, and a strange, smoke-like energy begins to wisp around him. Soon, he is joined by two identical shadow men, each taking a battle stance with swords of their own.
“This is not a fight I plan to win,” Bibi says, and that’s when it dawns on me. She’s trying to buy everyone else time to escape from these things.
Do you have a favorite writing environment?
Before COVID, I had a specific coffee shop I’d haunt nearly every day. Yes, I’m that cliché author who writes their novels in coffee shops, and it works for me! I get distracted when I work from home. I’m too tempted to start cooking, folding laundry, or take a nap instead of writing. I really, really love naps. They’re my weakness.
Do you have a favorite genre you like to read (other than the ones you write in)?
I love to read horror. Reading scary stories is way more effective than watching horror films. Your imagination can create something much worse than a movie can.
I’m also addicted to finding new creepypastas to devour. I read scary stories in the dark, and I love freaking myself out at midnight alone in my room. I’m weird like that, but it’s so much fun! Some get their thrills from rollercoasters. I get mine from reading horror in the dark. Everyone has their vice.
How long have you been a writer?
I’ve been a writer since I knew how to spell, if we’re being honest. I was always attracted to finding an old notepad lying around and either drawing pictures or attempting to write my next masterpiece. I can’t say why it always seemed to fascinate me, but it certainly hasn’t gotten boring yet!
What is your favorite time of day, and why?
My favorite time of day is just before the sun comes up, especially in the summertime. There’s something about how quiet it is, even in the big city, that calms me. It’s as though you get a chance to take a deep breath before everyone else gets up and starts making noise.
I also adore being active just before midnight on weekdays. It’s when my creative juices are at their most potent, and I’m able to utilize them to their full potential.
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Thank you for being here today!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting!
The book sounds great.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting me!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post :)
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