Jared Files, an Eastlake High School graduate, has written and published his first science fiction book and will be signing copies at Samantha Smith Elementary on May 27.
Files’ book, “Elementals: The Seven Spheres,” takes place in the future where all 17-year-olds are drafted to war against the virtaiyu, a high-tech alien race and humanity’s greatest threat. Kaiba Cassidy prepares for the battlefront and discovers an Elemental Sphere, a mysterious orb that fuses to his body, giving him the capability to control an element of nature. The story follows Cassidy and two others as they attempt to control their powers and defeat the enemy.
Files, who will be a senior at Washington State University in August, said the idea behind “Elementals” transpired when he was 14-years-old and on the basketball court. Files and his teammates talked about how cool it would be to have control over one of the natural elements, giving him the basis of his series.
“Basically, I was just like, this would be something cool to do,” Files said. “I’m gonna write this story and I’m gonna try to get this published. That’s kind of how it started.”
Files said the process was pretty slow going until he met his editor at the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Conference. He got the ball rolling and Files met with a publisher and a design team through Amazon.
Since he is a first-time author, Files said it’s difficult to get the book recognized. But his friends, family and community have been extremely supporting, with 60 of his WSU fraternity members purchasing the book.
“It will be in certain stores,” Files said. “But it will depend on who orders it, how many they order, if the bookstore wants it, things like that.”
Files is studying pre-dentistry and business and plans on going to dental school upon his graduation from WSU. However Files also plans to continue writing.
“I would love to make a career out of writing, but I know there’s so few that make the big time thing, so I’m going into it realistically,” Files said. “If I went big and could completely focus on writing, I’d love to do that. I know that this won’t just be the first one. I’m not going to stop.”
Files is still working with his publicist on local book signings. In addition to Samantha Smith Elementary on May 27, Files will be attending the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Conference on July 19 at the Seattle Airport Hilton. He said the book will be available in the Bookie at WSU, and is working with the Bellevue College Bookstore and the Issaquah Costco to schedule signings.
To learn more about Files and “Elementals: The Seven Spheres” visit www.jaredfiles.com/elementalsthesevenspheres/. To buy a copy of his book, visit www.amazon.com/Elementals-Seven-Spheres-Jared-Files-ebook/dp/B00JVEIWX8.
Kelly Montgomery: 425-391-0363; kmontgomery@issaquahreporter.com
