Parker Tolar is no stranger to the world of fantasy and adventure. His debut book, Conduits, and Cathedrals: Book One of the Sentries and Shadows Series, takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with magical creatures, daring battles, and epic quests. We had the opportunity to sit down with Parker to discuss his writing process, the inspirations behind the story, and what readers can expect from the series.
Writers And Author: Can you give us a brief overview of your book, “Conduits and Cathedrals: Book One of the Sentries and Shadows Series”?
Parker Tolar: Conduits and Cathedrals is the beginning of the stories of Jackson, Salheel, Nenesha, and Kira. These Conduits are blessed with great powers, that come with a cost. Book one is their stories of them coming to terms with the costs of these gifts, and attempts to find who has been peering back at them in their dreams.
Writers And Author:What inspired you to write this fantasy series?
Parker Tolar: Were there any specific books, authors, or events that influenced your work? I wanted to tell human stories in a fantasy world. I would say the authors that most inspired me to find my own voice are Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams.
Writers And Author:The title of your book, “Conduits and Cathedrals,” suggests a blend of mystical elements and grand structures. Can you tell us more about these concepts and their significance in the story?
Parker Tolar: Conduits are valued intelligence assets to this world’s militaries. They can relive the last moments of the dead by sleeping next to them. This makes them a priceless commodity. When you have something so valuable, you defend it. The grand structures are meant to defend them, but can something ever be truly safe? We’ll see.
Be sure to pick up Conduits and Cathedrals: Book One of the Sentries and Shadows Series today for an exciting adventure through Parker Tolar’s magical world on Amazon https://amzn.to/3NrClaQ
Writers And Author: What can readers expect in terms of the world-building in your book?
Parker Tolar: How have you crafted the setting to immerse readers in your fantastical world? Readers can expect a folklore style retelling of the myths that surround Conduits, the formation of the planet, and heroes of the past. These are told through the lens of normal citizens and heroes for a (hopefully) authentic feeling world.
Writers And Author: Could you introduce us to some of the main characters in the story? What drives them, and how do they fit into the broader narrative?
Parker Tolar: Jackson is a teenager on his way to a sanitarium for treatment for his terminal case of tuberculosis. Set in the midst of WW2, Jackson is fighting for his life as things seem to go from bad to worse for him.
Kira is an aspiring politician. The teenage girl is making a bid to become the youngest High Priestess in the history of the Order of Dara. The hopes of many in Feyora rest with her. She struggles to come to terms with her gifts and her place in the political landscape of her home.
Salheel is a Conduit for Ana Saayfa’s most powerful military, the nation of Gataal. He is responding to the lack of correspondence from Kaldara Cathedral in the remote mountains of the desolate continent of Elmaria. He is escorted by his battalion and they are charged with investigating some troubling rumors of heart eating mutants.
Nenesha is the daughter of Gataal’s most accomplished and famed general, Heleshi. She serves as the Imperial scribe. Nenesha must navigate treachery, deception, and power transitions as she grows her influence in her home country.
Writers And Author: Magic often plays a significant role in fantasy novels. What kind of magic system have you developed in your book? How does it function, and what unique aspects does it bring to the story?
Parker Tolar: The magic system in Conduits and Cathedrals is based on the mutations that the Conduits have. Their abilities are associated with residual mana in their bodies that are a result of their normal metabolic functions. The magnitude of the gift is also affected by the resonant frequency of their home star (or stars). Conduits can see many things that have happened or have yet to have happened, but they’re not the only ones.
Writers And Author: As a fantasy author, how do you approach creating believable and relatable characters within a fantastical world?
Parker Tolar: What challenges did you face in this regard? I tried to tie emotions that were familiar to the characters. Although the world the story is in, the emotions and struggles of the characters will feel familiar.
Writers And Author: The cover art for your book is visually stunning. How important is cover design in attracting readers and capturing the essence of the story? What was your vision for the cover, and how did you work with the artist to bring it to life?
Parker Tolar: The cover’s importance is wildly important. My approach was to not stifle the artist. At first I started typing a list of things I wanted or didn’t want. As that list grew, I realized that the artist’s own vision risked being lost. I told them to surprise me…and they did. I immediately knew that was what I wanted.
Writers And Author: Fantasy is a genre that often delves into complex themes and societal commentary. Does your book touch on any deeper issues, and if so, what are they?
Parker Tolar: It does. No spoilers here though. Hopefully readers can come to their own conclusions about what these themes are.
Writers And Author: What do you hope readers will take away from “Conduits and Cathedrals”? Are there any specific emotions or experiences you want them to have while reading your book?
Parker Tolar: I want readers to think about how gifts can turn into curses and visa versa. We too often get bogged down in what we can’t do well instead of focusing on what we can do well.
Writers And Author: Can you share any interesting or memorable moments from your writing journey while working on this book? Were there any unexpected challenges or surprises along the way?
Parker Tolar: The biggest challenge for me was waiting for it to be complete. I finished writing the first draft over a year ago and PATIENCE was the biggest obstacle. Editing and editing some more was the biggest challenge.
Writers And Author: As an author, how do you strike a balance between satisfying readers’ expectations for a fantasy story while also bringing fresh and innovative elements to the genre?
Parker Tolar: Experimentation and feedback. Here’s why Beta readers and Editors are worth their weight in GOLD! Writers…listen to your editors, but don’t bend to their every whim!
Writers And Author: “Conduits and Cathedrals” is just the beginning of your series. What can readers look forward to in future books of the Sentries and Shadows Series?
Parker Tolar: More Conduits, more mystery, more world building…just more.
Writers And Author: Finally, can you tell us about your writing process? Do you have any particular rituals or habits that help you stay focused and productive?
Parker Tolar: I really don’t have a process. I’m just a writer, so I write. I use stuff like Mindfulness, exercise, and schedules to write. Once I have the time it just comes out!
Be sure to pick up Conduits and Cathedrals: Book One of the Sentries and Shadows Series today on Amazon https://amzn.to/3NrClaQ
About Fantasy Author Parker Tolar
Author and entrepreneur, Parker Tolar, has a love for telling stories. Parker began a complicated career after graduating with his BA in English from Angelo State University in 2018. Before deciding that education and writing were his true vocations in 2020, he investigated a number of industries, including sales in industrial footwear, wine and spirits, and logistics before landing in this sweet spot.
Parker reached a huge milestone in 2021 when he finished writing his first fantasy book, illustrating his imagination and originality. He established Page 394 Ltd in November 2022 as a platform for disseminating his eclectic work, spurred on by his wide range of interests.
Parker’s exceptional range and ingenuity make him a unique novelist, copywriter, and dude. While everyone was stressing “outside the box thinking”, Parker didn’t realize there even was a box…
He has produced compelling works in a variety of genres, including sports, true crime, history, fantasy, science fiction, gambling, gaming, copywriting, and SEO, to name a few. He can enthrall readers from a variety of backgrounds and interests thanks to his ability to switch across genres with ease. While his inventiveness enables him to develop fresh approaches to instruct, create narratives, and sell products.
In addition to his creative activities, Parker leads an active lifestyle. He worked as a personal trainer while in college, and he still places a high value on fitness and overall health. He enjoys his two furry friends, Socks and Mia, which he pampers incessantly as a dedicated dog lover.
Parker wishes to make the world a better place through his writings. He aims to entertain, inspire, and evoke emotions in his readers through his imaginative narratives. The core of his work is his website, www.page-394.com, where readers may go through his writing samples, flip through his blog, and learn more about the fascinating worlds he creates.
Parker welcomes you to schedule a strategy appointment on his website if you’re interested in working with him or need advice on writing and storytelling. Join his group, get involved with his work, and start a journey through the power of story.
Thank you for the Interview Parker
For readers looking for an exciting adventure, Parker promised plenty of action-packed scenes, as well as an emotional rollercoaster of a story. “Readers can expect some really intense moments that will have them on the edge of their seats,” he said. “But there are also a lot of quieter moments where readers will be able to connect with the characters and follow along on their journey. I hope they enjoy it!”
Be sure to pick up Conduits and Cathedrals: Book One of the Sentries and Shadows Series today for an exciting adventure through Parker Tolar’s magical world on Amazon https://amzn.to/3NrClaQ
