Introduction
Mark O’Bannon is the Cosmic Architect of Mythic Worlds, a body of work that fuses epic fantasy, speculative science fiction, mythology, and metaphysical inquiry into interconnected narrative universes. His novels—including The Dream War saga and Aia the Barbarian—explore the collision of destiny, desire, and transcendence, drawing on classical mythic structures while engaging modern questions of consciousness, identity, and power.
This interview was conducted during a period when O’Bannon was articulating a cohesive philosophy of storytelling that treats narrative as both craft and cosmology. The conversation examines theme-first design, disciplined story architecture, and the role of myth in shaping human meaning, reflecting a creator equally concerned with how stories work and why they endure.
O’Bannon’s responses reveal a worldview in which storytelling is not accidental inspiration but deliberate construction. His approach positions the writer as a myth-maker—one who builds narrative systems capable of sustaining wonder, coherence, and symbolic resonance across multiple works and worlds.
The Interview
Life as a Writer
How did you get into writing?
I began in a different field entirely, working as a computer technician. One day, I realized I didn’t have the passion required to continue. While searching for direction, I noticed that I had read more than a hundred books on storytelling and writing craft.
Earlier, while studying animation, I discovered that I couldn’t create without story. That realization led me to study narrative seriously. I applied advanced storytelling techniques in tabletop role-playing games, where players responded strongly to structured narrative. Over time, I recognized that I had written millions of words across games and fiction, and that sustained output was the clearest proof that I was, in fact, a writer.
When did you first realize that you have what it takes to be a writer?
After years of writing daily and publishing my first novel, The Dream Crystal, I began receiving strong reader responses. By that point, I could clearly see why stories worked or failed, and how narrative design affected audience engagement.
Premise
Where do you get your ideas from?
Ideas emerge from myth, philosophy, psychology, and long study. They are less discovered than shaped.
How do you develop your ideas into a story?
By designing the story’s structure before writing. Once the foundation is sound, the execution follows naturally.
Genre
What kind of genres do you enjoy working with?
Fantasy and science fiction rooted in mythic and metaphysical questions.
What genres would you like to explore in the future?
Stories that further integrate mythology, cosmology, and human psychology.
Structure
Do you work from an outline?
Yes. Structure is established before writing begins.
Plot
How do you build your story?
Plot emerges from the protagonist’s desire, the obstacles opposing it, and the moral argument of the story.
Character
For you, what makes a great hero?
A character whose values are tested and clarified through meaningful choice.
If one of your characters were to describe you, what would they say?
That I demand clarity and consequence.
Setting
How much time do you spend researching the setting for your stories?
A great deal. Setting is inseparable from theme and meaning.
What settings would you like to explore in the future?
Expanded mythic and cosmic environments.
Theme
Do you like to know the purpose of your story before you sit down to write it?
Yes. Theme is the foundation of storytelling. It expresses a worldview — an argument about how life should be lived — rather than a message imposed on the audience.
Dialogue
Do you have any favorite lines from your stories?
Several lines from The Dream Crystal that reflect beauty, mystery, and the unseen world.
Writing Process
Do you have a routine?
I write primarily at home, sometimes in cafés, often with music depending on concentration needs.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
By feeding the imagination through reading and watching strong storytelling. Exposure to great work reignites creative momentum.
Story Development
How do you go about fixing a story?
By addressing structural problems first. Once structure is sound, revision is minimal.
How do you know when to stop?
When the protagonist’s desire has been resolved and a self-revelation has occurred.
Words of Advice
What words of advice would you give to new writers?
Dream boldly. Write consistently. Study relentlessly. Learn structure. Accept criticism from informed voices. Understand marketing. Never quit.
Final Thoughts
What’s the best thing you’ve ever written?
The Dark Mirrors of Heaven, a novel exploring the catastrophic consequences of desire stripped from humanity.
What are you working on now?
The continuation of The Dream War saga and related mythic novellas.
Closing
This interview presents Mark O’Bannon’s view of storytelling as an intentional craft rooted in theme, structure, and sustained study. His reflections emphasize preparation, philosophical clarity, and long-term commitment as the foundations of meaningful narrative work.
Presented here as part of the Better Storytelling Archive, this conversation preserves a perspective shaped by both creation and teaching — one that treats storytelling not as accident or inspiration, but as a discipline worthy of mastery.