Meet Jessica Barberi

The Heart Behind the World

My journey into writing actually began with my son's struggle with reading. He wasn't convinced that the hard work of learning to read was worth the effort, and I wanted to show him not just the amazing worlds that books could open up, but also that doing difficult things - whether it's learning to read or writing a book - can lead to incredible rewards. I had a story in mind that I thought would inspire him, and so I decided to write it!

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Fantasy has always been my escape and inspiration. I grew up losing myself in imaginary lands and epic adventures, and now I get to craft those experiences for others. When I started writing the 'Fires of an Empire' saga, I wanted to create something that would resonate with readers through characters who face their own difficult challenges and grow stronger through perseverance - much like my son learning to read, or me writing a book.

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The world I've built isn't just about magic and dragons (though I love both!). It's about finding strength in impossible situations, about growing beyond what you thought possible, and about the light that can emerge even in the darkest times. These themes naturally evolved as I wrote, partly influenced by watching my son tackle his own challenges and partly by the world I see him growing up in.

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Living near the Great Lakes has deeply influenced the world of Perinthia, with its unique geography reflecting the dramatic landscapes and natural wonders I see around me. When I'm not writing or immersed in my day job in IT, you'll likely find me exploring these inspiring locations with my family, finding new details to weave into my world-building.

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I've now completed all four novels in the series, and I'm thrilled to say this is just the beginning. In addition to this epic's tale, I have several stand-alone stories in development that will expand different corners of this world, exploring new characters and adventures while deepening the rich tapestry of Perinthia. What started as a way to inspire my son has grown into an ever-expanding universe, and I'm excited to share this journey with readers as the world continues to grow in unexpected and exciting ways.