Ask the Author: Riaan Schlebusch
Answered Questions (4)
Riaan Schlebusch
I woke up to my dog barking at the foot of my bed, growling at the dark shape standing just behind me. Then I remembered... I don’t own a dog.
Riaan Schlebusch
Oof, that’s tougher than it looks, because half the coolest fictional worlds would kill you in the first five minutes.
If I had to pick? Middle-earth, after the War of the Ring. Not the big hero stuff — I’d skip all the sword-swinging nonsense. I’d head straight for the Shire, find a quiet hill, breathe that ridiculously green air, and let my nervous system exhale for the first time in years. Then I’d wander down to a hobbit pub, order something I can’t pronounce, and listen to locals argue about crops like it’s the most important thing in the universe.
But I’d also want one afternoon in Rivendell. I imagine it feeling ancient and gentle in a way humans never quite manage, that hush that’s not silence, just… peace.
If I had to pick? Middle-earth, after the War of the Ring. Not the big hero stuff — I’d skip all the sword-swinging nonsense. I’d head straight for the Shire, find a quiet hill, breathe that ridiculously green air, and let my nervous system exhale for the first time in years. Then I’d wander down to a hobbit pub, order something I can’t pronounce, and listen to locals argue about crops like it’s the most important thing in the universe.
But I’d also want one afternoon in Rivendell. I imagine it feeling ancient and gentle in a way humans never quite manage, that hush that’s not silence, just… peace.
Riaan Schlebusch
Honestly? I’m still debating mine, because every year I over-stack the pile and then pretend I’m shocked when I don’t finish it.
But here’s what’s currently staring me down:
1. The Measure — Nikki Erlick
Speculative, a little philosophical. Everyone gets a mysterious string that tells them how long they’ll live. I’m curious how well she handles the “what would you do?” morality without coming across as preachy.
2. All the Sinners Bleed — S.A. Cosby
I like the way he writes violence without glorifying it. Gritty, but with heart. His character work is stupidly good.
3. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — John Mark Comer
I need the slap in the face. We all do, especially in creative work.
4. Sanctuary — Paola Mendoza
YA dystopian with immigration themes. I’m watching how she builds tension across emotional stakes, not just physical danger.
And then I’ll probably toss in one wildcard halfway through the season because I like surprising myself. Something indie, something no algorithm recommended.
But here’s what’s currently staring me down:
1. The Measure — Nikki Erlick
Speculative, a little philosophical. Everyone gets a mysterious string that tells them how long they’ll live. I’m curious how well she handles the “what would you do?” morality without coming across as preachy.
2. All the Sinners Bleed — S.A. Cosby
I like the way he writes violence without glorifying it. Gritty, but with heart. His character work is stupidly good.
3. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — John Mark Comer
I need the slap in the face. We all do, especially in creative work.
4. Sanctuary — Paola Mendoza
YA dystopian with immigration themes. I’m watching how she builds tension across emotional stakes, not just physical danger.
And then I’ll probably toss in one wildcard halfway through the season because I like surprising myself. Something indie, something no algorithm recommended.
Riaan Schlebusch
Ha, loaded question. Everyone’s got at least one weird thread in their life that doesn’t tie off cleanly.
For me? There’s this recurring “almost-encounter” theme. People who show up at odd pivot points, say something that feels strangely precise, and then disappear out of your life like they were never meant to stick. No big dramatic reveal, no payoff… just this lingering why that moment, why that person, why that timing?
For me? There’s this recurring “almost-encounter” theme. People who show up at odd pivot points, say something that feels strangely precise, and then disappear out of your life like they were never meant to stick. No big dramatic reveal, no payoff… just this lingering why that moment, why that person, why that timing?
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