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Author sets fantasy novel in Williams

John Northern wrote the fantasy novel, “The Magic of Bleary Lake,” which takes place in Williams. Submitted photo

John Northern wrote the fantasy novel, “The Magic of Bleary Lake,” which takes place in Williams. Submitted photo

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - After visiting Williams several times, author John Northern liked the city so much that he decided to use it as the setting for one of his books.

Northern, who lives in Nevada, has written 16 fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories that he's published online. The fantasy novel "The Magic of Bleary Lake," named after the main character, takes place in Williams.

On his website, Northern gives the following description of the plot: "Bleary Lake must use magic to overcome serial killers, drug dealers, and a madman intent on destroying the human race. In this fantasy novel, John Northern describes a form of magic that has been on the Earth since the beginning of mankind. It is magic which is found in the halls of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Bell, and fortunately for Bleary, this magic comes to her aid when she most needs it."

Readers will recognize the novel's Williams setting. Bleary lives on a piece of property Northern owns with his wife across from Elephant Rocks Golf Course, attends middle school and high school in town, and frequents the Red Raven restaurant.

Although Northern currently lives in Henderson, Nevada, he plans to move to Williams once his wife retires.

"We love the community," he said. "We've been there quite a number of times. We come there because we like the town."

Northern started writing about 15 years ago.

"I just did it in my spare time," he said. "I've always been in love with science fiction and fantasy my whole life."

When he retired from his job as a chiropractor about five years ago, Northern started writing full time. When writing, Northern tries to emulate some of his favorite fantasy and science fiction authors.

"You have to study the way other authors have written, how they make their paragraphs and their sentences, and you have to discover their little tricks," he said. "And you start putting it on paper yourself and you hope for the best."

Northern said he isn't sure where the idea for the "Magic of Bleary Lake" came from.

"I just sit down and start writing and try to outline a novel and come up with ideas," he said. "And the funny thing about writing a novel too is you never know which direction it's going to take when you sit down and start writing it. It kind of takes its own direction. It's almost like you don't have control over it. Almost."

In the next few years, Northern plans to write a second book involving Bleary Lake. He plans for the beginning of the book to take place in Williams, with Bleary returning to her world after that and possibly ending the book in Williams as well. However, Northern added "The Magic of Bleary Lake" is a novel that can stand on its own.

More information about Northern's work is available at www.johnnorthern.com.


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