The Art of East Freeland: A Becoming Wanted Original

We sat down with author David Sterling Geary to discuss his thrilling series "East Freeland," diving deep into his creative process, the complex character of Jung, and what readers can expect in the next installment.

Q: East Freeland has captured readers’ imaginations with its unique blend of martial arts action and noir storytelling. What inspired this world?

David: My recent visit to Korea played a huge role in shaping East Freeland. I wanted to create a world that honored the rich cultural heritage I experienced while adding my own creative twist. The vibrant streets, the sense of tradition mixing with modernity, and especially the martial arts culture – it all found its way into the story’s DNA.

Q: Let’s talk about Jung, who’s become such a compelling antagonist. What drove you to create such a complex character?

David: Jung represents the duality we all struggle with. He’s not just a villain; he’s a product of discrimination and rejection. His journey from an outcast to the leader of the 7 Streeters shows how pain can transform someone. The drugs he uses aren’t just about addiction – they’re his way of coping with a world that never accepted him. I wanted readers to understand him, even if they don’t agree with his choices.

Q: The world-building in East Freeland is incredibly detailed. How did you develop locations like Ocean Bounty Bazaar and Hate Club?

David: Each location in East Freeland needs to tell its own story. Ocean Bounty Bazaar, for instance, reflects Jung’s complexity – a legitimate business masking darker operations. Hate Club represents the pulsing heart of East Freeland’s nightlife, where the line between law and crime blurs. I wanted these places to feel real, lived-in, with their own histories and secrets.

Q: Your portrayal of East Freeland’s criminal underworld is quite nuanced. How do you balance realism with entertainment?

David: I try to show the complexity of human nature. Even characters like Jung, Kage, or Kang, who do terrible things, have understandable motivations. The criminal elements in East Freeland aren’t just cartoon villains – they’re people shaped by their experiences and circumstances. That said, I never want to glorify crime. It’s about understanding without justifying.

Q: Can you give us a hint about what readers can expect in the next installment?

David: Without revealing too much, the next text will delve deeper into Ricky’s life beyond Unity East, offering readers a glimpse into the personal struggles he faces as a mixed citizen within the community of East Freeland. The tension between him and his brother, Jung, will escalate when they’re forced to face a new threat. Meanwhile, quarrels within the 7 Streeters will also emerge, exposing their disloyalty to Jung and their treacherous ties to the ongoing mystery surrounding the Chinese Tokarev, raising the stakes for everyone involved.

Q: The martial arts sequences in your books are incredibly vivid. How do you approach writing these scenes?

David: I really focus on making each fight scene tell a story. It’s not just about the action – it’s about character development. When Ricky uses his fists against Jung’s kicks, it’s also about brothers fighting against their shared past. I draw inspiration from action cinema, particularly in how they blend emotional storytelling with dynamic combat.

Q: What message do you hope readers take away from East Freeland?

David: At its core, East Freeland is about identity, belonging, and justice. Through characters like Ricky, Jung, and Jenni, we explore how people navigate a world that sometimes rejects them and how they find their own path while staying true to their principles. I want readers to question what justice really means and understand that sometimes the line between right and wrong isn’t as clear as we’d like it to be.

Q: Finally, what has been the most rewarding part of creating East Freeland?

David: Seeing how readers connect with these characters and this world has been incredible. When someone tells me they understand Jung’s pain or admire Jenni’s resilience, it reminds me why storytelling is so powerful. Being able to bring this story to Korea, where so much of its inspiration came from, feels like coming full circle.

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