I’ve always loved fantasy worlds! My favourite books, films, and TV shows have always leaned in that direction. I’m fascinated by magic and the world-building of those realms. I felt that Damien Ike was a chance to do something different and really tell a story that was a little more nuanced while still drawing from the great worlds we’ve come to love in that genre.
Many of Damien's issues lie because he doesn’t have any magic and what his future could entail if he doesn’t acquire any. He has lived the past 15 years without magic, so why would it be any different now? However, society has a way of telling us what we should be, and if we don’t become those things, we feel like we’ve failed. Dee and I thought it would be an interesting world to explore.
How do you approach writing action scenes, especially in a fantasy setting where magic and combat are so intertwined?
I think that’s always a challenging discussion, and I know Dee and I went back and forth on this so many times. We always discussed the importance of there being a reason for those scenes and not being performative with our magic. Any time you read those scenes, they move the story along; the characters aren’t just flexing for the sake of showing their powers.
There’s a reason behind it. In those big combat scenes, we wanted to ensure that we had earned them in our storytelling, so the readers feel like they are going on a journey with Damien and rooting for him. When he arrives at those big combat scenes, it feels like this is Damien’s only option—there’s nothing more he can do at this stage but fight. I think those scenes are very fun to write, as so much of that is based on the world-building we’ve already done.
Damien Ike, as the protagonist, undergoes significant development throughout the book. Can you discuss his journey and how you approached writing his character arc?
I think when you meet Damien at the start of the book; he is very much a boy with typical teenage problems. By the end of the book, his whole world has been turned upside down. He faces issues that most adults would crumble under, and I think he handles it with grace. Yes, he makes mistakes, but he is learning. By the time the book reaches its conclusion, he has really stepped up, and you get glimpses of who he might become in the future and what he could potentially be capable of.
What advice would you give to aspiring fantasy authors trying to create their own intricate worlds like you have with this book?
Plan! Take time to build the world, as so much of the story is pulled from the world you create. Watch and read other things you are a fan of. I believe there is nothing truly new under the sun, but there are definitely new ways of telling a particular story.
Were there any particular books, films, or personal experiences that heavily influenced the way you wrote this book?
I grew up reading the Harry Potter series, so I think that always played a role in my interests. I love The Hunger Games and the Twilight series as well. I’m fascinated by all things witches, so shows like Charmed and Sabrina the Teenage Witch also influenced me. Game of Thrones is great for world-building too.
Quick Fire Round
What is your most-used emoji?
My friends would say a blue 💙 or red heart ♥️ emoji. According to my phone,
it’s the side-eye 👀.
What is the first career you dreamed of having as a child?
Growing up, I always wanted to be the first Black Prime Minister! I mean, it’s never too late. Watch this space!
What was something you have done that made you feel extreme happiness?
I love to work; I’m a bit of a workaholic, and I feel blessed and extremely fortunate that I get to work across a lot of different mediums—music, TV, film, and now books. So anytime I get to put something out, like "Damien Ike," that I’ve worked really hard on, I’m always extremely proud and happy.
About the author
David Arlo is a multi-hyphenate and the co-founder of No Ordinary. The recording artist, songwriter, actor, writer, director, and executive producer, who is signed to Arista/Sony Music US, has worked with high-profile producers and creatives. He is a versatile, vital, and visionary creator who tells stories through various media. Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven is his debut work of fiction.
Dee Benson has loved books since childhood. Exploring Narnia, adventuring with the Famous Five and indulging in all things girly with the Sweet Valley Twins sparked her love for reading. She finds it surreal that she now gets to create her own worlds and characters in books of her own. At university, she studied Molecular Biology with Genetics and only survived it by writing fiction during lectures. When she isn't writing, Dee enjoys long walks, good food and music that makes her wish she could sing. She lives in Liverpool with her husband and two daughters.