Every Friday, we meet a member of the BFS and peer deep into their soul (or, at least, a form they filled out). Want to be featured? Email us: online@britishfantasysociety.org
Name:
John Nassari (he/him)
Which region are you based in?
UK
If you write, which genre:
Sci-fi & fantasy
Your influences
Tell us about the book/film/thing that got you into SFFH: What was it? How old were you? What impact did it have on you?
My first taste of fantasy was The Hobbit in the early 1980s, but not long after that I was hooked on David Eddings, that saw me follow onto Terry Brooks, Terry Pratchett, Tad William, then later Iain M Banks. By the early 1990s I started writing my own stories.
How does that early influence show up for you (in life/writing/agenting/publishing/editing/reading) now?
I think it’s present in that reluctant hero, coming of age trope that I love.
Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
Now I write fantasy I try and consume other genres like thrillers, crime, supernatural, as I want to draw off other disciplines. Though there is a lot of new fantasy out there that is fresh and novel.
Who do you look to as a genre hero? Why?
A complex character – I love a surprise in a hero arc. I do like The Punisher, from Marvel. And Iain M Banks (pictured) leads are always unexpected and flawed.
Your Work
You’re stuck in an elevator for 60 seconds with that hero, and they want you to describe your work. Give us the pitch.
Imagine discovering you could step into people’s dreams. That’s exactly what happens to Girvyn, a young scholar who suddenly finds himself thrust into an epic battle. There’s this rogue Dream Traveller named Crane, who’s trying to merge nightmares with reality – unleashing demons across the world.
While Queen Amelia and her protector, Elaya Faith, scramble to gather allies for a final attack against Crane, Girvyn faces a massive challenge: he’s humanity’s best hope, but he’s barely got control of his new powers.
Think Inception meets The Witcher, with a dash of The Matrix. That’s “The Dream Traveller: Dark Rising,” an epic, dark fantasy that’s won multiple awards. If you love gripping adventures where dreams blur into reality, you’ll definitely want to dive into this.
What are you working on right now?
Book 2 – The Dream Traveller: Rising Storm
Thinking about all the stories/work you’ve done, what sticks out most in your mind? Why?
Definitely the release of The Dream Traveller: Dark Rising, Book One of the Dream Traveller Series. Not long after its release, I hosted a signing and discussion in Our Bookshop in Tring. It was a major milestone moment, and something I will never forget.
Where and when do you create/are you at your most creative?
It’s always random moments. Sometimes it’s in the scene, other times it’s doing something else.
What’s your writing soundtrack?
Silence!
The Quick-Fire Round
Sci-fi, fantasy or horror?
Fantasy
Quiet or loud?
Quiet
Dark or light?
Light
Strict lines or genre blend?
Always a blend!
Fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction.
Poetry or prose?
PROSE
Plotter or pantser?
Painfully detailed plotter!
Reading or listening?
Listening!
Notebook or computer?
BOTH
Favourite SFFH book of all time?
The Belgariad by David Eddings
Last book you read?
The Fairytale by Stephen King
Favourite podcast?
Uncanny
The Home Stretch
What’s the best thing about being part of the SFFH community?
The best part of being in a fantasy and sci-fi community is connecting with others who thrive on imagination and creativity. It’s a space filled with people who love exploring strange worlds, unforgettable characters, and limitless possibilities. There’s a genuine sense of welcome – where excitement over new stories, wild theories, and deep world-building draws everyone together and builds real camaraderie.
Time to plug your stuff! Where can we find you and your work? What have you got coming up? Consider this your advertising space.
Find me at:
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