We caught up with John Flanagan, author of the Ranger’s Apprentice series to learn about his new book, what he’s working on now, and his most memorable experience with a fan.
What are you writing now?
I’m currently planning the next Brotherband book and tossing around ideas for a new series.
Where did you get the idea for the dire wolves in your new book, Ranger’s Apprentice The Royal Ranger 6: Arazan’s Wolves?
I got the idea from the wolves in Game of Thrones. I assumed they were mythical and was looking for another name for them when I discovered they did in fact exist.
The new book features more supernatural elements than most of your previous books. What inspired this?
I thought it was time to reintroduce some of the supernatural features that had been in the first books.
How do you think up so many exciting adventures for Will and Maddie?
I really don’t know. Sometimes, I’ll start with a location or an event and build around that.
What would your craft be in the world of Ranger’s Apprentice? Would you be a ranger? A diplomat? A blacksmith?
I think a storyteller or jongleur.
If you could have a meal with any character from the Ranger’s Apprentice books, who would it be and why?
Jenny. She’s a great cook.
What is the most interesting or memorable experience you’ve had with a fan?
I’ve had a lot of readers tell me how my books improved their reading, and so their schoolwork. But the most memorable one was a young woman in Holland who was left alone when her parents and friends moved to another city. She felt abandoned and told me that without my books, she wouldn’t be here.
That sort of thing makes you realise how much effect books can have on a person.
If you lived in the Ranger’s Apprentice /Brotherband world, which villain would you be the most afraid of?
Morgarath, definitely.
Why do you think it’s important for readers, especially young readers, to follow along with the characters as they face difficult and sometimes dangerous situations?
My characters don’t use magic to solve the problems they face. They use their wits and their intelligence. I think it’s important for young readers to see that.
Want to read his new book? Learn more, here.
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