David James (DJ) is the award-winning creator of the fantasy world Valla™ and the founder of Trash Panda Publishing. His debut novel, Escala’s Wish, has been recognized with the prestigious Kirkus “GET IT” Award, the Mom’s Choice GOLD Award, and the PenCraft Best Fantasy Book Award for Winter 2026 and PenCraft Best Adventure Book Award for Spring 2026.
A performer and world-builder at heart, DJ is the voice behind the Trash Panda podcast and the man behind the “crazy raccoon” mascot, Crimson Jack Acorn III. His penchant for character voices and expansive backstories isn’t just for the page—his wife, Tonya, has spent 30 years listening to a parade of ridiculous voices echo through their Northborough, Massachusetts, home while they raised three children (who are now off conquering the world of law and academia).
When he isn’t crafting TTRPG campaigns or navigating his career as a Chief Legal and Risk Officer, David records Christian hip-hop under the stage name DJ the Not So Ordinary.
He is currently caffeinating his way through the sequel to his award-winning debut, Mad as a Hornet, because—as his readers quickly learn—sleep is strictly optional when your imagination (and a resident raccoon) won’t shut up.
AWARDS
Blog
Escala’s Wish Wins the Book Excellence Award
I am incredibly excited to announce that I have been recognized as a Book Excellence Award Winner for my book, Ecsala’s…
Revealing the New Cover for Escala’s Wish
A brand-new cover for Escala’s Wish is finally here! This has been a long time coming, and I couldn’t be…
Escala’s Wish Wins First Place at the London Book Festival
Some good news to share: Escala’s Wish won First Place at the London Book Festival. This is a meaningful honor, and…
🏆 BIG NEWS: Escala’s Wish Wins the PenCraft Seasonal Award!
Spring is in the air, and so is some incredible news! I am beyond thrilled to announce that “Escala’s Wish”…
Escala’s Wish – ‘Runner-up’ at L.A. Book Festival
My debut novel, Escala’s Wish, was recently recognized as a Runner-Up at the 2026 Los Angeles Book Festival. The festival…
BookFest & Literary Titan Honors
This past week has been a whirlwind of excitement, and I am still processing the wonderful recognition my work has…
NEW COVER
Escala’s Wish is an action-adventure romantasy with banter, light humor, high stakes, and intrigue. No werewolves, badboy boyfriends, or enemies-to-lover storylines- this is unique.
The story is in the world of VallaTM and follows Escala Winter, a mischievous pixie from the Court of Dreams who wishes to understand love. Her impulsive act awakens an ancient grudge and sets in motion a chain of events that threatens both mortal and fey realms.
Banished from her enchanted home, Escala must navigate a dangerous world filled with betrayal, vengeance, and unexpected affection.
As she struggles to undo the damage she has caused, she becomes entangled in a conflict that forces her to confront the meaning of love, loss, and sacrifice.
Escala’s Wish is a sweeping coming-of-age tale about magic, passion, and the perilous consequences of curiosity.
It is the first book in the Tales from Valla series.