With the DNA of a world traveler, D.J. Williams was born and raised in Hong Kong, igniting an adventurous spirit as he ventured into the jungles of the Amazon, the bush of Africa and the ancient cities of the Far East. His global travels submerged him in a myriad of cultures, providing a unique perspective that fuels his creativity.

After writing three adult thrillers, D.J. recently published Hunt for Eden’s Star  (from Wander, the YA imprint of Tyndale House Publishers, 2023)—the first in the Beacon Hill series set both in Hong Kong and in fantasy realms. It’s a globally inspired, high-stakes supernatural thriller. With the launch of Hunt for Eden’s Star, the trailers and web series going behind the scenes have reached over 1 million views. Hunt for Eden’s Star is also currently under consideration for film and television optioning by the producers, production companies and studios that created the most successful YA franchises of all time.

Today, as a Los Angeles-based executive producer and director, D.J. has produced and directed over 500 episodes of broadcast television syndicated worldwide, and he continues to develop new projects for television, film and print.

D.J. names his biggest young adult inspirations as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling.

He can be found at https://www.djwilliamsbooks.com/ or https://www.thebeaconhillseries.com/.

Q: What prompted the switch from adult to young adult thrillers?

A: The spark of an idea for Beacon Hill struck over a decade ago, but looking back I can see clearly it wasn’t the right time. So, I’ve always dreamed of writing this YA series and when the opportunity was there, I accepted the challenge. The adult thrillers that I’d written in previous years prepared me to write an epic fantasy series beginning with Hunt for Eden’s Star. I’m currently writing book number three, and I’m also developing a new adult thriller series. So, I don’t see myself as switching from one to the other because it all comes down to the story and characters for me—whether it be adult or young adult. My hope is to continue writing to both audiences.

Q: Why is including a wide cast of cultures in your work important to you—and how is that received by today’s teen readers?

A: I was born and raised in Hong Kong as an expat, immersed in a myriad of cultures through my friends who were from all different walks of life. I think those years really formed my perspective on the world around me, and they have definitely influenced my writing style, how I develop my characters, and the stories that inspire me as a storyteller. For teen readers, I believe it also provides a unique lens to the world and an escape to places they might never be able to visit for themselves. Many of the locations in my novels are places that I’ve been, which adds a level of authenticity that hopefully draws readers deeper into the Beacon Hill universe.

Q: You’ve said you like to portray teen challenges—including addiction, revenge and death—authentically and in an entertaining manner, without preaching to readers. What are some techniques for accomplishing that?

A: When I’m writing the first draft of any novel, the major themes reveal themselves along the journey as the characters develop more fully. So, I’d say the main technique for me to weave these kinds of themes into a story is to reveal them through the characters and not through me as the author or narrator. I never want to be a storyteller on a pedestal preaching to readers, but rather use what my characters go through and the choices they make to engage readers in a deeper way. For themes as deep as addiction, revenge and death, I believe it’s more powerful for those to be explored through the point of view of the characters since each one will react in a unique way.

Q: Hunt for Eden’s Star focuses on friendships that get tested. What prompted that theme?

A: Relationships are everything in life, both positive and negative. When those friendships are tested, there is bound to be drama, humor, heartbreak, betrayal, sacrifice, loyalty and decisions that will either strengthen or weaken those relationships. When we go deeper into these relational dynamics through the lens of teenagers—and all they are facing in today’s culture—we amplify each one. And as a storyteller, I believe being able to test friendships through dynamics like these makes the story better, brings the characters even more alive, and leaves the reader resonating with the series overall.

Q: Tell us about the joys and challenges of fantasy world-building—and who you imagine when you picture your reader.

A: World building has been one of the greatest challenges in writing the series, but it has also been super fun! As the series continues to evolve, the world has grown larger than what I first imagined by taking Jack and his friends beyond this world into other realms. Since I’m more of a binge writer who chases the story as it unfolds, discovering these realms has also been an exciting aspect as a storyteller. It’s like a living, breathing universe that is constantly changing. If I were to imagine someone opening the pages of Hunt for Eden’s Star, I’d picture teenagers or young adult fans from around the world coming together to enjoy an epic adventure woven together with themes that resonate and are rooted in family, friends and faith.

Q: How many books can we expect in the Beacon Hill series, and are there likely to be TV or film versions?

A: Right now, the Beacon Hill series is a trilogy—but you never know what might happen. I’d love to write more books in this universe if the opportunity arises. As far as TV and film, we are making the rounds with the studios in Hollywood and are presently moving those conversations forward. I’ve been in the entertainment business for a long time, so my approach is to hold any opportunity loosely and see what happens. It would be a dream to see Beacon Hill on the big screen one day, or even as a streaming series!

—Pam Withers