Ever wondered what happens when you blend dungeon cores, tennis matches, wild west gunslingers, and competitive Magic: The Gathering into one creative mind? Journey with us as we sit down with Ryn, writing as Jonathan Smidt, the versatile author behind multiple LitRPG series including Elemental Dungeon, Dungeon Corps Online, Aced, Resonance, and Flamespitter.
Smidt's creative journey began unexpectedly when Portal Books approached her after reading her young adult fantasy on Wattpad. Despite having never heard of Dungeon Core fiction, she dove headfirst into the genre, consuming dozens of books before crafting what would become her first successful series. What followed was a remarkably diverse catalog spanning multiple topics and unique premises that reflect her real-world passions.
The conversation reveals how Smith's numerous hobbies directly influence her writing—from bladesmithing (which she learned partly to create weapons from her books) to competitive Magic: The Gathering, and her newfound love of tennis that sparked an entire sports LitRPG series. We explore the fascinating research behind her historical fantasy western Flamespitter, including how different cultures throughout the American West approach magic according to their values and worldviews.
Whether you're a fellow author seeking inspiration or a reader curious about the mind behind these imaginative worlds, this conversation offers a captivating glimpse into the creative alchemy that transforms diverse experiences into compelling fiction.

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