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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Geoff Webster discusses his new book, Findlater’s Corner, about the magical realm of Gorstan, where Earthlings Dale and Cora must forge alliances and harness their unique connection to stop the malevolent sorcerer Erebos.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Geoff Webster about his life and career, the inspiration behind his fantasy novel, Findlater’s Corner, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
Born in Birmingham, UK, I’ve had the privilege of living in various places across the world, including Kuwait, Singapore, and now Oxfordshire. My exposure to different cultures has played a big role in shaping my storytelling, adding depth to my characters and worlds.
I began writing while living in the Middle East, inspired by a gap on my bookshelf and a growing fascination with the interplay of magic, morality, and multiverse theory. That journey led to my debut novel, Findlater’s Corner, which introduced readers to the world of Gorstan. With Quantum Lattice and now The Last Veil, the adventure has continued, and I’m excited to see where the characters take me next.
My writing draws inspiration from greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, and Douglas Adams, blending rich world-building with compelling characters and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy contributing to my local community as a Parish Council member, reading authors like C.S. Forester and Lee Child, and, of course, thinking about the next big twist in my stories.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
When I was a kid on holiday I would tell bedtime stories to my sisters, when we had our daughter I’d often mix reading her books with stories I made up so story telling has always been there but it was last year when I had the opportunity to actually start writing properly and if I could do this as a day job well that would just be a sweet dream.
When did you take a step to start writing?
When I was a kid on holiday, I used to tell bedtime stories to my sisters. Later, when we had our daughter, I’d mix reading her books with stories I made up. Storytelling has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until last year that I had the opportunity to truly start writing. If I could do this as a full-time job, well—that would be a dream come true.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
From idea to release, Findlater’s Corner took about seven months. But by the time I started Quantum Lattice, I had already developed the characters and the world, which made the process much faster—it came to life in just four months.
What made you want to write Findlater’s Corner?
I wanted to keep telling the story. Findlater’s Corner introduced the protagonists and antagonists, but it didn’t conclude their journey. There was still so much left to explore. In Quantum Lattice, the adventure continued, and now, in The Last Veil, the story is reaching its climax. I intend for The Last Veil to wrap up the series, but that doesn’t mean the characters or locations won’t return in some way. There’s still more to uncover—Morthos, in particular, has depths worth exploring, and Jenny’s backstory is another thread that deserves its own light. And then there’s Aidrian, the 18-year-old who emerges in The Last Veil—a small character for now, but one who just might have an interesting future ahead of him.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Findlater’s Corner?
One of the biggest challenges in writing has been balancing a day job with writing—while still trying to have a life. It’s not always easy to carve out time, but I’ve been fortunate to have a very understanding and patient wife. Karen has been incredibly supportive while I’ve been deep in these books, and I’m grateful for that.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Dale, Ayla, Jenny, and Morthos appeared as I needed them, each taking shape organically as the story unfolded. Cora, however, was more intentional—her character was inspired by a friend’s daughter, whose determination to join the Coast Guard always stood out to me. That drive, that resilience, became the foundation for who Cora is.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
Over the years, I’ve encountered plenty of people who felt like they belonged in the pages of a novel—as villains, specifically. I’ve never run out of inspiration, and I doubt I ever will. There’s something fascinating about translating real-world personalities, their flaws and ambitions, into complex antagonists who challenge the heroes in unexpected ways.
What is the inciting incident of Findlater’s Corner?
The inciting incident in Findlater’s Corner occurs when Dale, after leaving the hospital, sees the clock at Findlater’s Corner spinning wildly and is suddenly hit by a truck. In that fleeting moment before impact, he hears a chilling, inhuman voice whisper, “That one.” Everything goes dark, and he awakens in Gorstan, a world completely foreign to him
What is the main conflict of Findlater’s Corner?
The central struggle in Findlater’s Corner is Dale’s fight for survival and truth, intertwined with the looming war against Erebos and the force behind him. The political instability in Gorstan and the mystery of Dale’s true connection to this world make the conflict multi-layered, blending personal stakes, supernatural threats, and political intrigue.
Did you plot Findlater’s Corner in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
A bit of both—when I first started, I spent days carefully plotting out the book, mapping out every twist and turn. But as the characters took shape, they began steering the story in unexpected directions, pulling me into paths I hadn’t foreseen. It was like watching them come to life, making choices of their own, reshaping the journey I thought I had set in stone.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Findlater’s Corner need?
I used both alpha and beta readers to help identify issues throughout the manuscript, ensuring the story flowed well and any inconsistencies were caught. I also used Grammarly to refine the writing and catch grammar or style issues. It was a thorough process, but incredibly valuable in strengthening the book.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Just do it. Writing is more than just reading—it’s an adventure. Seeing how a story develops, how characters take on a life of their own, is an incredibly rewarding experience. The only way to truly discover where your story can go is to start writing and let it unfold.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I’m currently halfway through the third book in the Gorstan Chronicles, tentatively titled The Last Veil. This instalment is where the battle for Gorstan reaches its breaking point, old alliances fracture, and hidden truths come to light. Dale and Cora, thrust into the heart of the conflict, must navigate a world unravelling at the seams. The Lattice has awakened—its sentience growing, its purpose uncertain—and forces beyond their understanding are watching.
Morthos’ past is catching up with him, bringing revelations that could tip the scales of power. Jenny’s own history, long buried, threatens to change everything she thought she knew. And in the shadows, an 18-year-old named Aidrian finds himself at a crossroads, his future entwined with the fate of worlds he barely understands.
The final battle is looming. The veil between realities is thinning. The choices they make now will determine not just the survival of Gorstan, but the very nature of existence itself.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
As the comments and reviews come in, I can confidently say yes—I’m proud of these books. I truly believe the story is solid and entertaining, and that feeling is reinforced by the feedback from my readers. Seeing readers connect with the world and characters makes all the effort worthwhile.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4h4uU5Q
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Ee0Ju7
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/53879205.Geoff_Webster
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