CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Jan. 12, 2018 - s4story -- It has been eleven years since author Shaun M Jooste released his epic fantasy novel, Windfarer for the first time. Now, he takes a nostalgic look back at what started his writing career and who his major influences were.

"In 1998 I was in the final year of high school, writing my final exams. I had had many fantasy influences back then, including Stephen Donaldson's "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant" (which is where the idea for the title of Celenic Earth Chronicles came from), Raymond E Feist's "Riftwar Saga" (which is where the idea for war from other worlds came from), Terry Pratchett and Robert Rankin novels (which is where the sense of extraordinary humour during Le'Mar's imprisonment in the Heart of Tigers originated from), and of course, JRR Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" series, which was the greatest influence in terms of the entire epic fantasy genre and nature of the hero's long quest to conquer evil. There was also the "Death Gate Cycle" by by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, which featured some character personalities that flowed into some of my minor characters."

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Jooste fleshes out further details on influences, specifically how many had thought Harry Potter was a major influence. He delves into the elements of magic that featured in the story, as well as the characters and how they were developed.

Windfarer was first published by American publisher Raider Publishing International in 2007, and then again by African Publishers in 2015. In 2016, Shaun started his own publishing label, and republished all three Celenic Earth Chronicles under a new name, Celenic Earth Publications.

"Each of these story arcs are so close to my heart, as with any creator and his work. I was sitting looking back at my novels, and really felt like reminiscing on them. And instead of just keeping these happy thoughts to myself, I decided to share them with you. For this was where it all started with me. This was where my novels were born, and these are the hard labours of my mind and fingers (typing away at keyboards). I tried not to give too much of the story away for those who have not read it yet, while giving you a taste of what it contains. The Windfarer was my first baby, and it's so hard to believe that it's been 10 years, 11 in April, since it was first published."

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You can read the full story on his blog (https://celenicearth.wordpress.com) and stand a chance to win 1 of the 10 free Windfarer ebooks he is giving away. Be sure to read his post for more details and experience and epic fantasy journey like never before.