Fantasy writer Joan Campbell continues her Poison Tree Path Chronicles with Heirs of Tirragyl (Enclave). As Nyla fights for her life, she realizes she’s the sole hope for the kingdom’s survival. In this interview, Joan shares how she built this world, why this book follows new characters, and the challenges writing fantastical stories from a Christian worldview…
Tell us about the world of Heirs of Tirragyl…
Tirragyl is a divided and dangerous world, particularly for the lowborn Parashi, who keep the ominous Rif’twine forest from encroaching on the land. The world is dominated by the Brethren of Taus, a religious sect which uses magical abilities against anyone opposing them. There are also rare power rocks with different—often harmful—capabilities. Yet one of the greatest dangers that emerges in this book is the actions flowing from false beliefs, in this case the belief that Queen Nyla and her twin brother Alexor share a soul.
How did you go about building this world?
I live in South Africa, which is still a pretty divided society and that found its way into the creation of Tirragyl. Many of my ideas for making the Rif’twine dangerous came from brainstorming with my two teenage daughters. Together we thought of very creative ways a plant might kill you! The power rocks were a lot of fun to write because I just asked myself the question, ‘what would be a remarkable power to have?’ and then crafted rocks such as the Verity Gem (knowing when someone is lying) and the Mind Rock (the ability to read another’s thoughts).
The belief of Nyla and Alexor sharing a soul was inspired by a conversation I had with a Zulu girl, whose twin brother had recently died. Her family members with traditional beliefs wanted her to lie on top of her brother’s coffin and ‘fool’ the ancestors into thinking she was dead, so they wouldn’t claim her in death too. She was a Christian and refused.
Does this book follow different characters than the first one? What led you to make that choice for a series?
It still follows the storyline of the main characters from Chains of Gwyndorr, but adds in the storyline of Nyla and Alexor. Following the events of Book 1, the antagonist seeks to gain control of Tirragyl’s ruler and so the story naturally follows him into the palace. There, Nyla took me by surprise and just emerged, weaving her way into the centre of the story. Some of my best characters have been ones that have forced themselves onto the page like that.
What are the challenges of writing fantastical stories with a Christian worldview?
One of my greatest challenges was simply learning to trust that my Christian worldview would emerge without my having to force it. In fantasy one is creating completely different worlds with different rules and when I first began to write I struggled to see how I could infuse my beliefs into such a different context. Then I realised that my relationship with God is so integral to who I am that it will naturally find its way into the story. This is exactly what happened.
What are the best things that readers can do to support their favorite authors?
Engage with them–easy on social media–and spread the word about their books. This can be done by word of mouth, writing a review or sharing their social media posts. I value the smallest engagements with my readers.
Heirs of Tirragyl
The Poison Tree Path Chronicles #2
Joan Campbell
Enclave