Introducing Fantasy Author Don Woodby
Don Woodby writes fantasy novels that explore moral complexities within imaginative worlds. His work includes the standalone novella Tainted Ransom and his ongoing Brondyr series, which began with Flames From the South, and the free Shadow Bounty (if you sign up for his newsletter).
Woodby’s storytelling focuses on character development against the backdrop of detailed fantasy settings. His protagonists typically face both external conflicts and internal struggles, giving readers characters whose journeys feel meaningful beyond just the adventure aspects.
In Tainted Ransom, Woodby examines themes of consequence and redemption, while the Brondyr series builds a larger world with its own historical context and ongoing conflicts.
For those who enjoy character-driven fantasy that balances world-building with personal stories, Woodby’s novels offer narratives that aim to engage readers beyond simple escapism—they invite reflection while still delivering the adventure expected from the genre.
Author Questions & Answers
I approached Don to ask him about his work:
IMG: Your writing journey began with a short story written as a gift for your wife. Could you share more about that story and how it influenced your decision to pursue writing professionally?
DW: It was a month or so before Christmas, and I didn’t know what to give her. We were watching The Big Bang Theory, an episode in which Amy wrote fiction about herself and Sheldon. My wife commented that she likes those things, so that’s when I had the idea to write something for her. Quality-wise, it was a disaster, but she liked it nonetheless.
I simply enjoyed writing it, so after that, I wrote a novella and then Brondyr, my first novel.
IMG: Tainted Ransom features Madda, a young girl whose healing abilities come at a personal cost. What inspired this character and her unique gift?
DW: I usually try to put characters in difficult places and create villains with goals other than just destroying the protagonist. In this case, I think it works because Madda has healing powers that could be very useful, but she can’t use them too much, which creates the conflict between personal freedom and the safety of the Kingdom.
IMG: In Brondyr: Flames From the South, the Dark Flames pose a significant threat. Can you delve into the symbolism of the Dark Flames and their role in the narrative?
DW: I guess the Dark Flames symbolize violence. Characters from both sides can conjure them, which shows how violence can be used either for good or for evil.
IMG: Your short story collection, Shadow Bounty, follows Hildebuhr, a bounty hunter recovering dark relics for the king while protecting his girlfriend, Elara Grimlore, a survivor of the Dark Magicians’ purge. How do you balance action and emotional depth in your storytelling?
DW: It’s always important to have some balance. If it leans too much toward action, it may feel too flat, and if it delves too much into the emotional aspect, it may get boring. I always try to make the action mean something. It would be a bigger challenge for me to write low-stakes stories, so I tend to always go for life-and-death situations.
IMG: As a fantasy author, world-building is crucial. How do you approach creating the intricate worlds in your stories, and what challenges have you faced in this process?
DW: I basically never plot anything, so the biggest challenge is to keep up with the story as it grows. But most problems are easily solvable when you are editing. I just try to keep the main arc consistent, and the rest can be changed later.
IMG: Your Goodreads profile mentions that you enjoy reading fantasy fiction. How do your reading preferences influence your writing style and themes?
DW: I write what I would like to read, so naturally, I gravitate toward action-heavy stories. I like stories where the main characters face difficult decisions but they are not saved from the moral consequences by the plot.
IMG: Many of your protagonists face moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices. What draws you to these themes, and how do you explore them in your work?
DW: I think it’s easier to keep things interesting when there are moral dilemmas involved. And I believe those difficult decisions are the best way to know the character.
IMG: Can you share any specific authors or books that have significantly influenced your writing career?
DW: I would say Tolkien for the very extensive world building (though I certainly wouldn’t have the dedication to build something that big) and Brandon Sanderson for the fast pace and uncomplicated writing style.
IMG: Balancing writing with personal life can be challenging. How do you manage your time, and what strategies have you found effective in maintaining this balance?
DW: I try to write 1000 words a day, which normally takes an hour. I try to use the in-between times, like while taking the train to work or the time right before going to sleep. The most difficult part is to stay consistent.
IMG: What advice would you offer to aspiring fantasy authors looking to create compelling characters and immersive worlds?
DW: Don’t get too attached to the first thing you write, because odds are it’s not gonna be good. Just keep reading and writing, and eventually, you will find your style. And don’t get too caught up in building the world. It’s easier to focus on the characters and build the world as you write the story.