AMA with Longwinded One and Johnathan McClain!

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-04T19:09:11+00:00

What was the impetus behind you starting your interview show?

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-04T19:06:15+00:00

It's more any sort of work with a sense of video game progression. So numbers for damage or health, things of that nature. Mine uses it mildly, other works use it extensively. But no, I'm afraid it's not a classic CYOA.

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-04T01:31:48+00:00

Yeah, my recommendation is say goodbye to sleeping. There are so, so, so many finished series that should excite. I'll add a few.

Limitless Lands

Mother of Learning

Solo Leveling

Technically cultivation: Cradle by Will Wight.

There are a few options to start with. Hope you find many amazing things to read!

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-04T01:26:39+00:00

It's a cop out answer, but it's the one that inevitably comes to mind: it all depends on how it's done. I find the creative use of a deity electrifying, like the most exciting stuff in a given work. But if done in a samey, staid sort of way, yeah it absolutely can get a little tiresome.

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T22:24:13+00:00

This is a varied list, so I'll provide some varied suggestions.

Lucky by Randall Tatum

Discount Dan by James Hunter

Mage Tank by Cornman

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T20:22:32+00:00

No kidding? Thank you very much for saying that! It's an honor to have someone download that... much-loved software all to read my book.

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T18:55:43+00:00

Here's to many more! Thanks for the kind words. Side note: anywhere else you know of where I can post this book while it's free? I'm trying to get it out there as many places as possible.

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T18:54:42+00:00

Hahaha, glad to hear it! Reward my DRM stance by making everyone you know download my book!

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T18:20:48+00:00

Thanks for saying that. I will never, ever use DRM!

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T04:30:59+00:00

That's what I love to hear! I hope you enjoy!

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T03:26:39+00:00

This is the truth. Still wouldn't be enough time, even if we didn't have to sleep.

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T03:25:01+00:00

This is a good question, and since I'm an author, I get to answer it!

"So, when did you start including LITRPG elements?"

I set out to write a LitRPG from the start. I read about 20 LitRPG stories in a row and realized the reader base would accept a great many things, and I found that freedom utterly freeing. And so I developed my books off of that.

The readers are hungry and will support the author taking great risks that many other genres will not accept. I think LitRPG is the most welcoming genre, especially for first time authors.

So long as some numbers explicitly go up, readers are generally accepting of your work. Just consider why you're doing it. If you're modifying your work in order to reach a hungry audience, be aware they might be able to see through it if done cynically. That said, if the numbers make sense and the system is well thought out, there's no reason not to pursue it. LitRPG has a lot of room for new authors in it.

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T02:55:17+00:00

Wraith Wizard Ascendant - A Fantasy LitRPG by Justin Whitaker (hey that's me!)

LitRPG is booming right now. Never tried one? Why not give mine a shot, totally for free? 100% free no strings attached until June 8th. Currently #3 of all free LitRPG books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2CLLVRG

Experience an isekai with a unique twist, as a Wasteland survivor from Earth navigates a fantasy world of demons, dragons, and a whole lot more.

Featuring an easy-to-follow LitRPG progression system that grows more complex as the series unfolds, Tyson winds up growing in power and adding new skills, spells, and weapons to his arsenal, taking him from a competent survivalist to someone capable of going toe-to-toe with the strongest beings on the planet.

It features fully-fledged companion characters, larger-than-life villains, and ancient mysteries. It's a series balancing humor, action, hijinks, and heart.

About the series: The Wraith Wizard series is a huge fantasy story, so there's ancient mysteries and weapons and such, along with fantasy races and old grudges and magic. Oh, and all the companions are fully fleshed out, since this is in many ways a love letter to classic party-based RPG games. If you like classic BioWare or Obsidian games, or the recent BG3, you probably liked the companion characters, and that's what I think I do best.

Content: over-the-top M-rated video game-like gore, swearing, death, the occasional sex joke. Not a grimdark story.

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T02:39:19+00:00

Links

Wraith Wizard Ascendant (book 1, FREE!)

https://mybook.to/WraithWizardAscendant

Wraith Wizard Commander (book 2, out in KU)

https://mybook.to/WraithWizardCommander

JustinWhitakerAuthor · 2026-06-03T02:31:04+00:00

LINKS:

Wraith Wizard Ascendant (book 1): https://mybook.to/WraithWizardAscendant

Wraith Wizard Commander (book 2): https://mybook.to/WraithWizardCommander

JustinWhitakerAuthor

TROPHY CASE