Author Erik Jensen Explains, Defends Violence in His Fantasy Novel "Orphan Mage"

In prison for life without parole, author Erik Jensen talks about the violent aspects of his fantasy novel "Orphan Mage." "I expect people to be able to keep fantasy and reality separate," Jensen says.

Lone Tree, CO (PRWEB) February 4, 2006 -- When you're serving life in prison without parole for your part in a murder, writing a novel filled with graphic violence may seem to be against your self-interest. But Erik Jensen, author of the fantasy adventure novel "Orphan Mage," (Chicago Spectrum Press, ISBN 1-58374-124-0, $19.95) says readers and reviewers who are offended by the violence are confusing reality and fantasy.

"There is a lot of violence (in the book)," the 25-year-old Jensen admits, "but I think part of that is the genre, and part of it is the ease with which my generation deals with violence, whether it be video games, movies, or books. And I expect people to be able to keep fantasy and reality separate. That's why it's called a fantasy, because it has no chance of being real."

Jensen's book may be violent, but in real life he is working with his parents to help young people avoid violence through their Next Day Foundation and its website www.teensintrouble.org.

"I hope the foundation helps just one kid avoid what. . . I went through. The more the better, but one is my goal. Prison is no place to be, especially for a kid."

Jensen's conviction and sentence remain under appeal. For more information about Erik Jensen and "Orphan Mage," visit www.OrphanMage.com.

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