Q & A Ryan Null "The Flare Chronicles"

Ryan Null, an American author, is a great father to his children and a loving husband to his wife. He loves to grill, spend family time, and build maps. He began his writing journey in 8th grade, inspired by his love for reading and a teacher’s role modeling. This fueled the prequels and this series to be written through high school. He has a passion and love for all things written, including fantasy, and is a giver to the community. He also has two novellas coming out next year in Australia.

Answers to Questions

Your book has such a strong quote: “A spark can ignite a legend.” What does that phrase mean to you personally, and how does it set the tone for Daniel’s journey?

Personally, it means that one idea, dream, hope, inspiration, curiosity, and life can change the world and show the world that there is a better way to do things. It also means to me that people can chase their dreams and follow the unconventional path to become a leader in all aspects of life, physically and spiritually. It sets the tone for Daniel’s journey in a few ways. It shows us that his spark sets him apart from others and what he becomes is something more than what he started. It also shows that those basic ideas can lead people to their destiny and who they were meant to be in an older version of themselves.

Daniel is such a relatable yet heroic character. What inspired his personality, struggles, and ultimate drive to uncover his bloodline and step into destiny?

He was inspired by my youngest brother, Daniel. As I watched him grow into the man he is today, I saw the struggles he faced, the questions and uncertainty he had, and giving people the benefit of the doubt. Daniel, in this series, was thrown into a course with his destiny. He was curious, had a passion for defending the weak, and was easy to get along with, which drove him to each event. Eventually, he discovers there is a bigger thing taking place that isn’t what the common eye will see. He faces a choice just like we all face choices in our everyday lives. I wanted readers to say they could be in his shoes and know what he is going through. This is the perfect character because it shows his flaws, struggles, and hopes while showing he is human, just like all of us.

We loved how this book balances action, prophecy, and heartfelt choices. How did you approach weaving together epic battles with deeply personal moments of growth?

I put myself in the character's shoes and wanted something relatable in both real life and the choices that we face daily. I also love how foreshadowing can occur and to see the result leading up to various consequences.

The supporting characters—the legendary warrior and the mysterious rogue—really stand out. Were they inspired by anyone in particular, or did they grow naturally during the writing process?

The legendary warrior was a thought I had in my head that grew into who he becomes at the end of book three. The rogue was based on a person I knew growing up and the power inside her.

Your worldbuilding feels both immersive and grounded. What strategies did you use to create a kingdom full of shadows, secrets, and rebellion that readers could really believe in?

When I built my map I used my influence of Dragonlance, D&D, and Lord of the Rings and built myths and legends into it. I wanted something I could not only tell in a book, but people could visually see in their minds, with every danger and battle present. I also wanted to create something that could grow and expand beyond its current age.

At its core, Into the Blaze isn’t just about fantasy adventure—it’s about courage, choice, and rebellion against impossible odds. Why was that theme important for you to explore?

They are essential for me to explore because it is hard being unique, following your dreams, and standing out in the crowd. It is vulnerable to give your soul for the world to see and sometimes the world doesn’t play nice. I wanted to show people that you can follow your dreams and to hold onto the courage that ignited your heart and spark even when the road is rocky or unknown.

Readers compared your storytelling to classics like Tolkien and Sanderson. Which authors or stories shaped your love for fantasy and influenced your writing style?

Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis were heavy influences on my writing style. They wrote many Dragonlance books together. I always loved the old English writing and the unique aspects that storytelling brings. I loved how they crafted a world that you could dive into no matter what age or what level of reading. I do love a good Tolkien book and his immersive world.

The Order, as the shadowy antagonist, feels both dangerous and ever-present. How did you craft them as villains that readers will fear but also want to know more about?

We all have demons inside of us. We all have good intentions, but sometimes those intentions don’t work out as planned. At the heart, The Order has good intentions and a goal for a greater good, but their method isn’t conventional or right. Each of us has that darkness inside, even with good intentions.

This is just the beginning of The Flare Chronicles. Without giving away spoilers, what can readers look forward to in the next installment of the series?

The balance of the War is tipping. Shadows are ever-present and working hard to tip the scales in their favor. Gods of old are plotting and Azrin is about to see a storm that he has never seen before.

If readers take away one message from Daniel’s journey in Into the Blaze, what do you hope it is?

Hope and Perseverance are something nobody can take away. Make a difference in the lives of others. Keep going even if the journey is hard and believe in yourself even when the world is cracking and falling apart beside you. There is a purpose for your life and journey.

Every book teaches its author something in the process of writing. What did The Flare Chronicles teach you—about yourself, your craft, or even the story you set out to tell?

This journey for me has been about how much you can take and how far you are willing to go. I have done things I never thought I could have done, seen places I never thought I would see, and found courage even when my world was dark.

Since publishing, has any reader response—encouraging, surprising, or deeply personal—touched you in a lasting way?

Every smile, laugh, and reaction has changed my life for the better. It gives me purpose and knowing I made a difference. Several readers' lives have been changed, including a 6^th grader who is doing my covers for the prequels. The readers, family, friends, and the community have been supportive in this journey, which makes me want to give back more and help more people.

What’s next for you as an author—are there new projects or future books already in the works?

Currently, I have two novellas that will be published in Australia next year. I also have book three to finish the series, along with Daniel’s journal being released next year. My spicy romantasy series will be out in 2027, and hopefully, we can dive back into Azin.

Is there anything beyond what we’ve discussed that you’d like readers to know?

I have a free monthly newsletter you can join by sending me an email to ryannull921@gmail.com. I give local shoutouts frequently, and I am very community-minded. I am always here to help and to serve people and I want any author/reader to know that. I appreciate the support, kindness, your stories, and taking me along your journey. You are a blessing and never give up on your dreams.