Interview with Stavros Saristavros, Author of The Tome of Syyx

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Tome of Syyx?

Fantasy has played a big role in my life. My first taste of the genre was a Dungeons & Dragons novel in the Forgotten Realms setting, Pools of Darkness (which is the second book in the series; however, I did not know this at the time). As a result, I became a lifelong fan of D&D, and I now have years of Dungeon Master (DM) experience.

My DM style has always revolved around world-building rather than improv. Writing and world-building have always been rewarding outlets for me, and after years of writing for my D&D group, I decided to gather all my notes and write a novel that was loosely based on the adventures of our campaigns.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

There are many subgenres of fantasy I enjoy, and I even branch out to some sci-fi, but my first love (epic fantasy in a D&D style) is my preferred genre to write. I most certainly do have a few favorite authors, having read many Forgotten Realms books, particularly older ones from when TSR owned the IP, before Wizards of the Coast took over. Oddly enough, I love Warhammer 40k books as opposed to Warhammer Fantasy.

My favorite authors include: R. A. Salvatore Raymond E. Feist Sandy Mitchell Dan Abnett Timothy Zahn I have also enjoyed the works of George R. R. Martin, J.K. Rowling, Robert Jordan, and Frank Herbert. But as these are some of the most popular authors of all time, it’s not surprising for general fantasy (and sci-fi) fans to have read and enjoyed their works.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Works by Brandon Sanderson. Yes, shocking! I have not read any of his (non-Wheel of Time) books yet. *Hangs head in shame*

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That’s a really good one! I don’t want to give spoilers away. But Zom’s struggle with his past and the Blue Skulls’ final confrontation was my favorite.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No, I can’t say I do.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Nothing to really inspire anyone, unfortunately. I tend to try and go with the flow in life.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

For me, it’s always about the overall storytelling, and I want readers to remember that happy feeling of being part of an epic D&D adventure, but one where they didn’t have to roll the dice themselves. I want them to feel like they were playing in my homebrew world, and to possibly come away from it with inspiration from some of my story elements to adapt into their games.

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