INTERVIEW: International Bestselling Fantasy Author James Quinlan Meservy

 James Quinlan Meservy

Southeast Idaho

USA

 

Good morning, James, and welcome back to Vision and Verse, the site for contemporary authors and those who love them. We are always happy to see you. What have you written?

Oh my goodness, I have several stories in several genres. The main series I am working on is a YA Fantasy, The Realm of the Light, Rai Saga. At the moment there are 4 novels, 2 novellas, and an anthology of short stories. Book 5 of the series is a WIP, and I have no current timetable for its release.

The titles in the Realm of the Light are:

The United, The Realm of the Light Book 1

Denizens Among Us, The Realm of the Light Book 2

Perfectly Evil, The Realm of the Light Book 3

Shades of Mortality, The Realm of the Light Book 4

Viscount on Sternboard, A Realm of the Light Novella

Cross of Roses, A Fantasy Thriller from the Realm of the Light

Within the Shadows, Rai Saga Anthology Vol. 

For a full list of my other titles, please see my blog. https://jqmserv.wordpress.com/books-by-james-quinlan-meservy/

 

What is your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to write if Fantasy. Right now I am working on an Epic Fantasy adventure, but I also had a lot of fun writing Cross of Roses, A Fantasy Thriller, and I hope to return to a fantasy/thriller blend in the future.

 

Favorite food.

Well, my favorite food I tell my wife and kids is any hamburger I don’t have to cook myself.

 

Oh, James, I am beginning to feel the same way.  

Tea or coffee?

I do not drink coffee, so I guess tea by default. I actually do rather enjoy hibiscus tea, but also like some other herbal teas.

 

Pizza or ice cream?

Pizza.

 

Wine or beer or soda or what?

Right now I am really into drinking Caffeinated Sparkling Water.

 

Where would you like to visit?

Ever since I was in Russia, I have really been interested in taking a trip on the Russian Transcontinental Railway from Vladivostok to Moscow, take the subway from the train station to Red Square, get back on the subway to the train station, and go to St. Petersburg and spend like a month just vacationing.

I would also like to spend a month vacationing at the Louvre in France. I don’t really have much interest in visiting anywhere else in France, but I would love to see everything on display at the Louvre.

 

Fav Favorite musical artist.

For  For as long as I can recall, my favorite musical artists have been  Garth Brooks and the Moody Blues.  

 

Do you listen to music when you write?  What?

I wr  When I write, I put in both ear plugs, and work in complete silence.

 

What makes you laugh?

I don’t know if I have ever thought about it. I rarely laugh. 

 

How old were you when you started writing?

Well, I started writing seriously when I was in my mid-twenties when I decided to turn my old short story into a novel.

 

Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?

I used to just write and let the story take me wherever it wanted to go, but the more I write Epic Fantasy, the more I start to take notes and lightly outline what I write and keep a chart of characters.

 

Describe your perfect evening.

Any evening I am not a work. I work Monday-Friday 3:00 PM – Midnight in a dehydrated potato warehouse in Southeast Idaho. For it to be perfect, as long as I am home with my family, it does not matter what we are doing.

 

Where do you get your inspiration?

Mostly from my dreams, but sometimes from conversations with people. For example, as I was preparing Denizens Among Us for publication, I had this dream about Vulktyramous getting his revenge, and I worked on the idea until Perfeclty Evil was born. But, my contemporary fiction short story, Definition of Evil was born out of a conversation I had with a cousin.

 

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

Dream, plot, do character interviews, or shelf the project until I know how the story is meant to go.

 

Who is your favorite author?

Charles Dickens.                             

Best book you ever read.

You know, I don’t honestly know. My favorite book I ever read was A Christmas Carol. The first time I read that book, I learned that books were more than just homework assignments. But, by way of storytelling, world building, and shifting points of view, I may say that Bleak House by Charles Dickens may be the best. Though, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Dracula by Brom Stoker, and several others may also qualify as the best.

 

Last book you read.

I just finished listening to the Hell Hole series by Daniel Firestone. It was an interesting read.

 

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?

Well, I am not a fulltime writer, I work as a forklift operator in a potato warehouse in Southeast Idaho, but if I were not doing that, I would be a fulltime writer and author coach. It is my dream to be paid to be creative and help others be creative. 

 

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

My maternal grandfather. I do not have a good relationship with my own father, and Grandpa was like a second father to me.

 

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

Arctyrus Hunter from my Realm of the Light Series. He always avoids our interviews, and I really could use his first hand insights, instead of having to guess what he was thinking based on interviews with his equals.

 

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

To read. Read everything. And learn from the author while you read.

I am not a fan of The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. There are several things I did not enjoy about that series. But when I stopped caring about what I enjoyed and started reading to learn how Jordan crafted a New York Times bestselling series, I became a huge admirer of Jordan’s work.

 

 

Do you have some links for us to follow you?

Wordpress:
https://jqmserv.wordpress.com

FB Author Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/James.Quinlan.Meservy/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/JQM_Serv

Pintrest:
https://www.pinterest.com/jqmserv

Instagram link:
https://www.instagram.com/jqmserv

Amazon Author Link:
https://www.amazon.com/author/jamesmeservy

Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15205860.James_Quinlan_Meservy

YouTube:
Https://youtube.com/channel/UCA3vFyWQV4CdVp4XWJT3Rkw

Newsletter:
http://eepurl.com/druDar

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BOOK REVIEW: Vanished in Bitterroot Mountains by James Kipling

 

Many mysteries claim to be unputdownable these days. I have personally put down a number of them. This unpretentious murder mystery by James Kipling makes no such claim, but it is!

I have stayed up later than I wanted to, picked the book after a middle of the night bathroom trip, and postponed cooking dinner to read more of this FBI procedural about missing agents in the Montana wilderness. 

Asa,  an FBI agent is sent to Montana to investigate the disappearance of two agents who were close to solving a drug case. She finds much more than what is expected. 

Extremely well written with great characters! This was one of the best books I’ve read this year. 

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ART: Contemporary German Artist Thiemo Tausendfarben

If you like Gustav Klimt, you will love the work of Contemporary German Artist Thiene Tausendfarben. Her work has the same vibrant color tones and stunning representation, but also has a softer, dreamy quality. Her work is stunning lo beautiful.

 

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SCHEDULE: July 13-17, 2026

 

Monday, July 13 - ART:

Contemporary German Artist

Thiemo Tausendfarben

Tuesday, July 14 - BOOK REVIEW:

Vanished in Bitterroot Mountain

by James Kipling

Wednesday, July 15 - INTERVIEW:

International Bestselling Author

James Quinlan Meservy

Thursday, July 16 - TV TIME:

Thrash

(Netflix)

Friday, July 17 - BOOK:

July Fireworks Sky

by Carol Ann Kauffman

                                                                     VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER

Note:

Vision and Verse does not store any personal information, such as email addresses or home addresses. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.

BOOK: Harper Ross by Carol Ann Kauffman

Harper Ross is a quiet, shy man born to wealth and privilege; not large, not strong, not what you'd call hero material.

Katy Westwind finds herself in danger from the cruel sheriff of Bellwood.

If that's not bad enough, there's a giant monster that flies down into the town once every ten years and devours everyone and everything it finds.

Town council has organized a lottery to choose a man to kill the monster before it awakens.

The lottery is, of course, fixed.

If you’re looking for something different to read, Harper Ross

is a sci-fi western fantasy romance that will fill the bill. It has 

bad guys and romance. It has steampunky inventions and a crooked 

sheriff. It has a historic library and a flying dragon. And it has heart. ♥️ 

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Harper-Ross-Carol-Ann-Kauffman-ebook/dp/B0CG2HZH2Y

EXCERPT:

Prologue

This story unfolds on Belterra, an Earth-like planet set in a time reminiscent of the old American Wild West, around 1880. Long ago, the ancients brought humans to this planet. There were only four tribes: the warriors of magic, the spiritual soul keepers, the brilliant but unscrupulous scientists, and the strong, brutal, but efficient soldiers. However, with decades of intermingling, numbers have dwindled, and only the strongest, most forceful of each tribe have survived. Is it natural selection? Or is it fixed? This story follows the first two books, Belterra and Dark Return. You can blame my father for this sci-fi/romance/fantasy/western mash-up. We used to watch cowboys on TV together. 

Saddle up for something different, Cowboy!

 

Chapter 1

The Invitation

 

 

“Miss Katherine must understand,” bellowed George Powers, Bellwood's large, imposing sheriff. He was a descendant of the old Soldier Guard of Eastwood, the once respected peacekeepers of the territory. Once an elected position, the sheriff’s position is now inherited, passed from father to eldest son. 

“The economy is extremely tight at this time,” the sheriff continued. “Most households simply cannot afford to take in another person. And everybody knows Miss Katy Westwind has quite a reputation. Very outspoken. Overly educated for a woman of her station in life. And extremely headstrong.”

Powers held his head with both hands for dramatic effect. “Who in his right mind would purposely want to assume that kind of headache, responsibility, and aggravation without at least a decent dowry?”

“But because of the failing health of our esteemed citizen and noted healer Barton Westwind, who is loved by all, and in acknowledgement of his decades of service to our community in the healing arts, and the fact there are no other living Westwind relatives left in the area, or maybe anywhere in the world, I am willing to take Miss Katherine into my household as requested by her father. 

“Of course, I do have a few stipulations. I would insist that Miss Katherine resign from all endeavors outside her assigned household duties at Powers House. I would expect her to refrain from her numerous public speaking engagements that do nothing more than rile up our womenfolk and make them irritable, dissatisfied, and hard to handle. And I would also have to insist upon the deed to the Westwind family home. Maybe renting it out would help me offset the cost of having another person to clothe, feed, and house in these lean and bitter times.”

“And where is my very ill, highly esteemed father supposed to live out his days while you are renting out our family home, Sheriff Powers? Under the bridge, perhaps, with the rats and the trolls?” answered the small-framed, fiery blonde Katy Westwind.

“Miss Katherine, is your father not here to speak for you?” blinked George Powers

“Mr. Powers, I think my father may have already spoken too much for me, sir, if he asked you to take me into your household without first discussing it with me.”

“Do you see what I mean?” Sheriff Powers chuckled as he looked around the Council chamber at the other members. “May I remind you, Miss Katherine, you are not getting any younger. Female beauty fades very quickly after fifteen or sixteen. And I do not see any other Council representative here willing to take you in.” 

There was laughter and a low murmur throughout the Council chamber as George Powers puffed out his chest and grinned.

“I’ll take her,” came a voice from the last row. Everyone turned around to see where the voice came from. A tall, slim, impeccably dressed gentleman stood.

“Harper Ross of Ross House, of the Northford Family House of Science. I have known Miss Katherine since primary school. We are the same age, so I don’t feel she’s too old for anything. We were classmates. Katy is indeed very bright and well-educated for any station in life. I do not fear wise women. In fact, I like them.

“Ross House is large with plenty of room. If you, Miss Katherine, would like to come live with me, you are most welcome. You can invite your father to come and live out his remaining days with you, with us, if you wish. Renting out the Westwind House does seem to be a prudent and profitable idea in these challenging economic times. But I would assume no controlling interest over Westwind House. I would leave it in your very capable hands and act only as your advisor when requested.

“I would not ask you to change your habits, schedule, or prominent position in this community as a voice of reason and equality. 

“Miss Katherine, would you consider moving into Ross House, not as a servant, but as my…companion?” Harper asked.

“Thank you, Mr. Ross, for your kind and timely offer. It is very much appreciated. I would like to know what exactly you require of me as ‘your companion’ before I can make a rational decision.”

“May we discuss this in private, Miss Katherine?” A blushing Harper asked as he looked down at the floor before him.

“Of course, Mr. Ross. You may call upon me at Westwind House at your convenience.”

 

Note from the author:

This story began its life on Vella, Amazon’s short-lived but innovative and exciting episodic reading platform, where episodes were released gradually, instead of the whole book at once. Authors could add little notes to their audience as they went along. I kept the author’s notes in this particular story because I realize most of you have not read Belterra and Dark Return. I am hoping these little nuggets of insight will help you enjoy Harper Ross. 

Personally, I enjoyed the Vella platform. It works well in other countries. But sadly, it didn’t work out well here. So, I turned my eight Vella stories into eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks.

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TV TIME: Bugonia (Netflix)

 

I generally love science fiction movies.  But this one, Bugonia, was dark and twisted, and hard to watch. Emma Stone played the main character. She did a great job playing a totally unlikable character, but the movie was just creepy.

Two strange cousins kidnap the CEO of  pharmaceutical company because they believe she is an alien. (She is odd, yes. But, is she an alien? They have no proof.) Not only do they think she’s an alien, but they think a giant alien spaceship is coming on the lunar full moon to take over the planet and kill all the human being because they are basically violent, awful people.

So, they chain her up in the basement and share her head, and smear antihistamine cream all over her body so she cannot telepathicly contact her spaceship. It was here I wanted to change the channel. But my husband said he wanted to see it. 

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INTERVIEW: Texas Collage Artist Parker Kaufman

      Parker Kaufman

Houston, TX

Good morning, Parker, and welcome back to Vision and Verse. 

At what age did you know you wanted to be an artist?

    From a very early age, say seven or eight.  There was something magical that happened when I put a pencil to paper and started creating a world as only I could see it.

What medium do you prefer to work in?

    I love the media I'm currently working in, card stock.  I like the fact that it's a less exacting material than say acrylics or pastels.

Favorite food.

    You promised me there would be no difficult questions here! LOL  I like a variety of foods; simple, flavorful, healthy.  If I had to pick one, I'd say edamame...I can eat it like candy.

Favorite color.

    Artists LOVE all colors.  I'd have to say blue is my favorite.

Where would you like to visit?

    Paris, France

Favorite musical artist.

    Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Linkin Park, Neil Young, Big Head Todd & the Monsters.

At what age did you started making art?

    I've made art since I was a child and throughout most of my life.  In the traditional sense, I began seriously in my early forties.

Where do you get your inspiration?

    Everything inspires me.  The world is full of things that give me ideas...music...poetry, books I've read, everyday scenery.  Most of it comes from an overactive mind.  There is no off-switch to my brain.  It's a constant traffic jam in there.

What do you do when you get artist's block?

    I simply walk away from whatever project I'm involved in and enjoy some of my favorite activities...window shopping, walking the dog, cooking, or harassing friends (wink, wink).

 Who is your favorite artist?

    So many...Dali, Matisse, Seurat, Picasso...I could go on forever.

What is your favorite piece of sculpture?

    All of Erte's stunning works.

What is your favorite painting?

    Renoir's "Place de La Trinite."

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

    Without a doubt, my maternal grandmother.  She taught me compassion, grace, and appreciation for what I was given.  She never held me to her expectations, but rather encouraged me to have high expectations for myself and use my talents to surpass them.  She always said that kindness was one of the keys to a successful life.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

    My first thought was so say Oprah, but in all honesty I'd have to say my great-uncle, Harold Staley.  Uncle "Bub" as we called him, was the greatest influence with regard to me and art.  He was a physically challenged artist who created the most amazing works, some of which hung in the Buttler Museum of American Art in Youngstown, OH and in the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.  He gave me a John Gnagy art kit for Christmas when I was nine years old.  He opened up the world of art for me, passing on his love for the craft.  I cherished the times he would talk with me about his art, and to sit with him now, after all I've learned, would be awesome.

What advice would you yo give someone who aspired to be an artist?

    Chase your aspirations and don't give up until you've tackled them.  Pay no attention to the nay sayers and those who put requirements on what is and is not art.  Follow your instincts, jump in with both feet, and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE...create what YOU like, make art for YOURSELF, not for the masses.  The moment you try to create to please others is the moment the joy and passion all start to fade

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us this morning, Parker. Come back anytime. You are always welcome.

Hugs,

Carol