Today marks the launch of a brand-new series here at Page Chewing: Beyond the Page.

While Page Chewing has always been about celebrating great books, comics, and stories, Beyond the Page shifts the focus to the people behind them. Each episode features one-on-one conversations with authors, creators, and storytellers as we explore the ideas, inspirations, challenges, and passions that shape their work.

I’m thrilled to kick off the series with fantasy author T.J. Cooper, whose debut novel, A Shadows Vendetta: A Bond of Silver – Book One, blends classic epic fantasy with a modern approach to storytelling.

In This Episode

During our conversation, T.J. shares the journey that led him to write A Shadows Vendetta and discusses why he wanted to create the kind of epic fantasy he would want to read.

We also dive into:

• Writing classic epic fantasy for modern readers
• Tolkien, Joe Abercrombie, Ray Bradbury, and other literary influences
• Building immersive worlds without overwhelming readers
• The realities of self-publishing and producing a professional book
• Audiobooks, cover design, and creating a complete reading experience
• Comics, graphic novels, and the current Absolute Universe from DC
• Advice for aspiring fantasy authors

Along the way, we also enjoy a few lighter moments discussing favorite comics, video games, strange food combinations, and the fun rapid-fire questions that will become a regular part of every Beyond the Page interview.

About A Shadows Vendetta

A Shadows Vendetta is the first installment in T.J. Cooper’s A Bond of Silver series.

Inspired by classic epic fantasy while remaining approachable for modern readers, the novel follows a mysterious journey through an expansive fantasy world filled with ancient conflicts, hidden histories, and dangerous discoveries. For readers looking for a new independent fantasy series to explore, it’s well worth adding to your reading list.

Listen Now

🎧 Listen to the full conversation wherever you enjoy podcasts or watch the video on YouTube.

If you enjoy conversations about writing, publishing, fantasy, comics, and storytelling, I hope you’ll subscribe to Beyond the Page. This is just the beginning, and I have many more authors and creators joining me in the coming weeks.

Thanks for listening, and as always…

Let’s go Beyond the Page.

About Beyond the Page
Beyond the Page is Page Chewing’s weekly interview series featuring conversations with authors, creators, artists, and storytellers about the craft of writing, publishing, creativity, and the stories behind the stories.