Behind the Book: Secrets of the Goblins

Writing the third book in a series is a daunting task, especially when it is the half-way point of that series. It has to be its own strong, cohesive story while also acting as the impactful midpoint for the series. There is a lot of responsibility to the readers who, if they’ve made it to the third book, are invested in the series now. And as the author I made possibly one of the worst mistakes for a continuous story; I had my character take a detour. 

As with all things in writing, there are several factors and choices that layer on top of each other to eventually make a story. Let’s peel apart some of those decisions now — some of which never made it onto the page. 

Why the Detour?

Firstly, because I wanted variety in the settings and obstacles. My characters had fought demons in the heart of a city and survived an epic quest through a temperate rainforest. It was time to really utilize the setting as a threat, and I decided a snowy mountain environment would be the deadliest option.

Secondly, I wanted to expand the world-building and showcase this magical layer to reality as we know it. While some magical creatures are integrated and hidden well within human settlements, as seen in Book 1 and 2, others remain independent and isolated in their own communities. The goblins were the perfect example of this.

Because I already knew that the next book was going to take place in Spain (more on that in a future blog), I had to get my character to Europe. All these things combined and voila the mountain goblin village was born. Though I cannot recall whether it was the setting that came first, or the goblins. My magic system has always been influenced by the laws of science, and creating my version of this  well-known magical species was no different. 

Where Magic Meets Science

Goblins in the Wicked Conjuring are one of the most rapidly evolving magical species in this world. I called on my background in zoology to consider how different environments would influence their morphology and cultures. Over the course of their history, with lifespaces that can reach up to half a century, the goblins are diversified into what are considered four distinct species: forest, cave, lowland, and mountain goblins.

All goblins are distinguishable by pointed, bat-like ears, blue blood, shorter heights (except mountain goblins), and are best known for their extreme work hard-play hard approach to life. There is no problem that cannot be solved by raising weapons. Despite their fierce sense of pride and identity, each species of goblins displays unique attributes and traits specific to their kind. 

Forest Goblins

If you hear ‘goblin’ and think of  short green-skinned creatures with huge bat-like ears and sharp teeth, then you’re thinking of the forest goblins. They dwell deep in dense forests in the temperate and tropical climates of the world.  They are exceptional foragers and fighters against the many threats that dwell in their homes, and are well-known for their highly competitive, highly aggressive natures. Scrappy, resourceful and wild, forest goblins will always respect a strong opponent but only after testing that strength for themselves first. 

Cave Goblins

Cave goblins look the most distinct from the other species, with  exaggerated round eyes that are adapted for their low-light environment. Their obsidian skin is as strong as the rocks in which they live. They are the most materialistic of the goblins and are known to be exceptional forgers of both crafts and weapons. Despite their caves being quite remote, they have developed a strong economic system with a reputation that has magical creatures from all over the world willing to descend into their caves to do business with them. 

Lowland Goblins

Lowland goblins most closely resemble humans, with the same range of skin tones and variety of body shapes. They are the most independent of the goblins, many choosing to live on their own instead of goblin-only villages. It is believed the shared cultural tradition of wandering — when young goblins go off on a solo trip as a coming-of-age tradition — was started by lowland goblins who were the closest to the rapid development of the humans over the years. Lowland goblins are often found working in the travel or adventure industries. 

Mountain Goblins

Finally there are Isla’s people, the mountain goblins. With their long legs, smaller pointed ears compared to their brethren, and pale skin of all shades of gray, these goblins are as stubborn as their mountains. Reasoning with a mountain goblin who has a fixed idea in their head is like trying to move the mountain itself, and they will protect their traditions with intense ferocity. They are best known for their militaristic discipline, both in fighting and way of life, at least until the ale begins to pour. 

This lore helped to shape Isla as a character. I knew I wanted a serious-nature to add to the group, and found she fit in perfectly with the mountain goblins because she was the opposite of them in so many ways. While they are tall and powerful, she is tiny but mighty. Her stoic and serious personality, forged by the circumstances she was dealt, is often at odds with the loud lives her brethren prefer to live. It creates natural conflict, which is perfect for the main character of a novel.

As with most travel stories, going off the planned path can reap the greatest adventures. And in Isla’s case, the detour of these four strangers to her remote village completely turns her world upside down. While it leads to her greatest heartbreak, it hopefully leads her to a better future. But you’ll have to read book 4 and 5 to find out what happens to our new goblin friend.