When you’re a writer, you may find yourself incorporating the things that inspire you, into your writing. For instance, Our Lady of Righteous Rage is filled with the things I love: punk rock, good song lyrics,…cats. The books in the Fortune’s Wing series are no different. 

I wrote the original books years ago, shortly after I graduated from high school. I was already into anime and had been for years, but I really got into it during my junior and senior years.  Anime began to influence my writing and drawing styles. My character designs were closer to the designs of characters from the anime series I watched, such as Sailor Moon and Neon Genesis Evangelion.  My original plan for Fortune’s Wing, was a comic book series, or better yet, a graphic novel (I prefer the term, manga). But, knowing that I could write a book faster than I could draw a comic, I opted to write a book instead. At least that way, I knew the story would be down on paper.  Later, I did start working on a comic, but never finished it. It’s currently on my list of “Stuff I Really Should Finish”.  

Aside from the character designs in FW, there are the names. The lead character is Fortune Oyama, who, like many anime characters, has a Japanese name and a Western appearance. One of his best friends is Narumi Hime, a half-Japanese girl with a psychic ability.  Fortune and his sister Haverdy are of Japanese descent, even though this is barely referenced in the series.  I’m working on an idea for a second (and possibly third) series,which will focus more on their heritage. 

The other Japanese influence in FW, which is also anime related, is the overall theme of the series. A common thread in anime is a lesson about the Earth, or humanity, or both. FW is no different. There’s more to the story than a boy who sprouts a wing and must decide if he will save the world or destroy it. This is also a coming-of-age story. Fortune begins his journey, feeling a bit naive.  He’s certain he will make the right decision; what seems to be the only decision, which is saving the world. As his journey continues, he begins to have a change of heart, as he begins to look at the world with a more mature view. Perhaps saving the world, isn’t the best decision. Or, perhaps he can save it, and change it at the same time. Or, perhaps, he should make a different decision altogether. 

This month marks the 10-year anniversary of the publication of Fortune’s Wing. To celebrate, I’m offering the paperback editions of the books for half price, on my website’s online store. If you’ve never read the series, this is a great time to get acquainted with it! So please, visit Woolaston Entertainment’s Store for details.