Q&A with Sharique Zea

  

 

 

 

Sharique Zea is the author of the new middle grade novel Lionborn. He is also an accountant, and he's based in London.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Lionborn?

 

A: A few years ago, I was going through some difficult times, and like the protagonist, Fionn, I needed to show courage in the face of adversity. So, I wanted to create a character who was a bit like me, faced with challenges, but I needed him to grow out of his fears, be resilient, and transform into someone filled with courage and determination.

 

Lionborn gave me the opportunity to show that we are all resilient and capable of more than we know.

 

Q: Can you say more about how you created Fionn?

 

A: Fionn’s character came to me fully formed—timid, uncertain, and confused about things happening in his life. He emerged from my own experiences. He’s bullied and misunderstood, but I wanted him to realize that we are all so much more than bullies can make us feel.

 

Inspired by adversities, I designed three trials for Fionn to test his courage. Witnessing his growth and seeing how much friendship and self-belief can change everything was truly a rewarding experience.

 

Q: How did you create the world in which the novel is set?

 

A: Fantasy has always been my literary home. As a child, I was enchanted by the magical worlds of Peter Pan, His Dark Materials, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Hobbit. In particular, Philip Pullman’s intricate world-building and J.R.R. Tolkien’s vivid, earthy settings gave wings to my imagination.

 

When it came to world-building in Lionborn, I didn’t want the realms to feel like simple backdrops. I wanted each one to echo its inhabitants. The Realm of Beasts is fiery and barren, while Arborea is lush green, bursting with life, glowing with possibilities beyond imagining.

 

Extensive research and thorough planning went into defining their magic systems, cultures, and diverse inhabitants.

 

Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?

 

A: My writing process starts with a brief outline listing the key events. It structures my thoughts and allows a clear sense of direction. So yes, I knew the ending, but everything leading up to it changed a lot as I kept developing my key characters. In fact, I rewrote the manuscript four times, accommodating every detail that I felt necessary to refine the story.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Lionborn is the first book in a planned trilogy, and I’m currently deep into writing the second book. I’m introducing new characters, which is exciting.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Yes, through this story, I wanted to remind readers that even when surrounded by danger, threat, and uncertainty, we have it in ourselves to be heroic.

 

I created Uks, the lion, as a metaphor to represent Fionn’s strength and courage. Invisible to others, Uks is an inseparable part of Fionn; he’s Fionn’s second soul.

 

People can be quick to judge based on looks, but true strength and courage sit quietly within each of us. It might be invisible to others, but it’s there.

 

The idea was to show readers that through self-belief and perseverance, you can find your Uks to fight against the wind no matter what. And so did Fionn, when he realized that he was stronger than he thought.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Sharique Zea. Enter this giveaway for a chance to win one of 10 signed paperback copies of Lionborn by Sharique Zea. A grand prize winner will also receive a signed copy plus a $50 USD Amazon gift card to explore even more magical reads.