Questions for Jon Iceborn (on the Overworld)

How did you come up with the idea of ‘The Overworld’?

In my opinion, it’s a God-thing. A ton of events led up to me writing the first words of the Overworld. Many shows I’d watched, many things I’ve experienced in life, even some video games. I used to read books as a kid in middle school, but I drifted away. However, I used to draw comics as a form expressing my art and creativity. Later, in my High School years, is when I began to write the Overworld. Stories like Beowulf inspired me to think of various action scenes in my mind.

Here’s some other inspirations that I can think of: Bleach, Star Wars, Jujutsu Kaisen, Lord of the Rings, The Bible, the SCP Foundaton, Parahumans (by Wildbow), and the Elder Scrolls.

Who’s your favorite character to write?

Excluding Adriel, I’d say without a doubt Arielle. My favoritism shows in the conclusion of her character arc in Book I.

What was your hardest obstacle for writing?

Honestly – time and money. Writing a novel (especially a series of them) takes a lot of time and effort if you want to perfect your craft. Perfecting your craft also takes a ton of time, and when you have other issues in life to focus on, it can feel like you’re trying to cram in everything at once. Now self-publishing, on the other hand, costs a ton when you’re constantly buying beta-readers and proofreaders (I’m a perfectionist, so I do extra).

The best thing I’ve done is to ‘go with the flow’. Whenever I have some alone time, I use it to focus on the most important matter. That’s how I got a lot of the Overworld written. Life is all about balancing, you see.

What’s next?

After Book I? Book II, of course. My current goal’s to publish Book I early next year (2026), probably around fall. I have other projects on my mind, but I’m working on them one by one. Stay tuned.


Leave a comment