W. Michael Whaley's journey into the fantastical realm of writing is as diverse as the martial arts styles he once instructed, ranging from Taekwondo and Aikido to Kali stick fighting and more. Holding a degree in Accounting and Economics from Oklahoma Christian University, he spent 14 years as an accountant and an additional 4 as an insurance agent.
His literary passion was kindled in childhood with Stephen King's "Eyes of the Dragon" and later fueled by J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Hobbit" and C.S. Lewis’ "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." In college, Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series sparked the desire to create his own worlds. Writing began in earnest during his recovery from a 2014 car accident that required multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy.
W. Michael Whaley's unique path led him to write six games for the Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) community IFGS, gaining recognition and awards for best game writing. Sword fighting lessons from Jim Butcher, later famous for the Dresden Files series, added a dynamic layer to his skill set.
The accident became a turning point. As he relearned to walk, he started writing. Attending a writer’s convention introduced him to Brandon Sanderson, who finished the Wheel of Time series. Working with writing coach Devri Walls, "The Forgotten One," the inaugural installment of The Chronicles of the Oracle War, took shape.
Writing, for Whaley, started with game scenarios for IFGS between 1999 and 2010. The transition to novel writing happened in 2015. Motivated by the aftermath of his accident, he found solace in storytelling. His preferred genre is fantasy, both urban and traditional, and he describes himself as a "pantser," allowing stories to evolve organically before refining them for continuity and depth.
Influenced by literary giants like Jim Butcher, Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, Whaley draws inspiration from his martial arts experiences and travels to Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean to craft his characters and narratives.
Beyond his novels, Whaley has a notable portfolio in game writing, with six games for IFGS stored in the Dallas library, earning him awards for best game and best production. However, his journey is not without challenges. Prior to 2014, time constraints hindered his writing pursuits. Post-accident, he found time and transformed his initial story with the help of a writers' group.
Crafting "The Forgotten One" presented its own challenges. The initial draft, a sprawling 193,000 words, required significant trimming and refining. The decision-making process involved determining the story's starting point and what elements could be omitted to enhance the narrative.
Whaley actively engages with readers on Facebook, offering a glimpse into his writing process and progress. While present on other platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, his posts are reserved for the book's publication.
In closing, W. Michael Whaley anticipates a series between 5 and 7 books in The Chronicles of the Oracle War. The second book, "The Mimic of Pryoche," is already in the rewriting phase. As the series unfolds, Whaley looks forward to sharing the magic, wonder, and intricacies of his imagined worlds with readers who seek extraordinary adventures in the realms of fantasy.
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