From Fanfiction to Fantasy Realms: Jay Olden Thrift's Epic Journey into The Whispering Pass

What do you get when you mix a love of Lord of the Rings Online, an 18-year-old character named Mune, and a lifelong passion for storytelling? You get The Whispering Pass, the first book in a sweeping epic fantasy trilogy from indie author Jay Olsen.

I had the joy of sitting down with Jay to talk about her journey from MMO fanfiction writer to published fantasy author, and let me tell you, her story is just as magical as the world she's created. If you're a lover of intricate worlds, compelling characters, and deep lore, buckle up because Daria awaits.

The Spark: How a MMO and an Elf Birthed a World

It all began with a character named Munne.

Jay's first foray into storytelling started while playing Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO), where she created Munne, an elf whose adventures quickly took on a life of their own.

"I started writing fanfiction on our guild forums," Jay explained. "My dad ran the guild and even gave me a special forum space just for my stories."

But as time passed, Middle-earth couldn't contain Jay's creativity. Mune's story slowly evolved, grew richer, and eventually left Tolkien's world behind. Thus was born Daria, a new fantasy realm with its own magic, races, history, and legends.

Building Daria: A World Both Familiar and Fresh

Jay draws her inspiration from the giants: Tolkien, Dungeons & Dragons, Neverwinter Nights, and other sprawling fantasy landscapes. But she's not just replicating those worlds, she's remixing them.

Take the Brodda, for example: a race she lovingly refers to as "swamp orcs." Rather than the brutish, war spawned orcs we've seen a hundred times, the Brodda are born from lakes, fully formed as children, and revere water as their mother and father.

"I didn't want to just copy orcs," Jay said. "I wanted to create something new, something that felt mythic and strange."

It's this blend of tradition and innovation that sets her world apart. With every race, culture, and artifact, Jay asks, "What haven't we seen yet?"

Magic Returns - But on a Leash

In Daria, magic is returning to the world after thousands of years. But unlike in many fantasy settings, magic here is rare and intentionally so.

"I wanted it to feel special," Jay said. "When magic happens, it should have weight."

This philosophy led her to develop a system that's powerful, but not world-breaking. No one's going full anime ultimate form and solving every problem with sparkles. Instead, magic is strategic, emotional, and mysterious.

Her restraint echoes a Tolkien-esque reverence for magic, where power is often as much a burden as a gift.

Rey, Munne, and the Art of Three Protagonists

While Munne might be the original character, Jay confessed she actually relates more to another point of view character: Rey Finnegan.

"She's an 18-year-old street urchin trying to survive in the city of Aurra," Jay shared. "She doesn't have skills; she's not a sword wielder or mage. She's just... clever. She listens. She learns."

Rey's arc is about self-discovery and claiming one's space in a chaotic world. For Jay, Rey embodies that quiet, inner strength so many of us carry. And as the story unfolds, both Rey and Mune will face challenges that test who they are and who they're willing to become.

A History Etched in Stories

Jay didn't just build a world. She built eras. The trilogy, titled Chronicles of the Second Sun, is set during a pivotal time in Daria's history, a period shaped by the ancient Eldest Days. To understand her world, Jay wrote short stories set in that past, detailing the rise and fall of civilizations, the birth of races, and the echoes that still affect the present.

"I have notebooks full of lore," she laughed. "If I included it all in the books, they'd be encyclopedias."

But don't worry, lore-lovers. Jay's planning to create a world guide, complete with maps, art, and wiki-style breakdowns. Think Dragonology meets The Silmarillion, but without the mandatory Elvish.

From Page to Tabletop: D&D Campaigns in Daria?

One of Jay's long-term dreams is to bring her world into tabletop RPGs. She's already begun developing one-shots and campaign settings for Dungeons & Dragons, hoping to host them on Free RPG Day at her mother's bookstore (shout out to The Crazy Book Lady! in Ackworth, GA).

"I want to create more ways to explore the world beyond just reading the books," she said. "Whether it's art, games, or roleplay, I want readers to experience Daria."

So, yes. If you've ever wanted to kidnap a princess in the city of Aurra, confront ancient lake-born orcs, or uncover the Lost Runes of Karas... you just might get your chance with a dice in hand.

Coolest Magic Item? Flame Coin.

When asked what magical artifact she wished existed IRL, Jay didn't go for a god-tier relic. Instead, she lit up (pun intended) when talking about a small dark blue coin.

"When you rub your finger on it, it creates tendrils of flame that follow you," she said. "It's not world-shattering, but it's cool. It's fire in your pocket!"

And if that's not the perfect metaphor for her writing, subtle, imaginative, and burning with possibility, I don't know what is.

What's Next? Books, Bracelets, and Beyond

Book one The Whispering Pass is out now. Book two is dropping in August. Book three is in the works. The covers and titles? Already done. The woman is organized.

She's even discovered that a bracelet she owns, a bone-carved piece she wears often, resembles an object from book two.

"I didn't even realize it until I looked at it again," she said. "I literally wrote a bone bracelet into the story. Art imitating life!"

Jay's building something big, layered, and deeply personal. And the best part? She's just getting started.

Want to Dive In?

You can explore more of Jay's work and her world of Daria at jayolsenthrift.com. You'll find wiki pages, updates, and (let's be honest) probably some cats.

If you love indie fantasy, MMOs, or underdog characters who rise to greatness, this is a series to watch. The Whispering Pass is more than a debut. It's a portal. All you have to do is step through.