Hi all. I'm an avid reader of fantasy and count Tolkien, Irvine, Goodkind and Rowling amongst my favourites. I am also keen on Saxon/Viking re-enactment where I learned the brutal reality of fighting in a shield wall. I can tell you it hurts and have cracked fingers and ribs on several occasions. That might just be me being a clumsy fighter! Not sure - and I certainly hope that's not the case. :)
Writing has become my main hobby. I am a self published author. This is not an easy route and I have come across many pitfalls along the way. I've written a fantasy trilogy The Prophecy of the Kings, which comprises Legacy of the Eldric, Dragon Rider and Shadow of the Demon - sample chapters and reviews can be found on my website. That is the beauty of self publishing - I can show you my work to let you decide if it's for you. I have just written Drachar's Demons which I thoroughly enjoyed writing. I had help from Earmie, a close friend - but living an ocean away. She has a terrific grasp of English and helps me to fill in the gaps.
I am not the best writer in the world, but the story line is good and my work is getting some really excellent reviews. I think my books will definitely appeal to core fantasy readers. In some reviews, Prophecy of the Kings is being described as traditional fantasy. I guess that's in a similar vein to the Lord of the Rings. I'm not claiming it's anywhere near as good! I am a Tolkien fan through and through and he is definitely my inspiration. Reviews are saying my work is different to his and the characters and world I have created are unique to me.
The plot is complicated, but the books generally are described as easy to read. Some reviewers want more in the way of character development, although some reviewers really like my characters and are content as is. I do enjoy hearing other people's interpretations about my characters, so not giving too much away is good sometimes.
Being self published, I rely on word of mouth, so if you enjoyed my books please, please spread the word - on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter or all of these! I need fans so join me and please spread the word.
My interest in fantasy started with Princess of Mars, The Lord of the Rings. And probably Dune next! Motivated by LOTR I put pen to paper, determined to create a story with bold characters and an intriguing plot. The book's initial scene was a betrayal set deep in the heart of a mountain. Encouraged by my friends, I started writing The Prophecy of the Kings in the months during my wife's pregnancy with the first of my two terrific sons.
As with most aspiring authors, writing is part time, with the plots progressing in the evenings and holidays. At times the PotK tale seemed to naturally take the characters into extreme peril, and for months I was left wondering as to their fate. Refusing to rewrite the tale to rescue them I patiently waited before inspiration struck and the story continued at a fast pace to the next cliff-hanger. Suffice to say my sons have now grown up and, as the quill dries, are of an age to read and appreciate this work. As to the characters in my tale, they too have grown older and wiser; as to whether they survived the tale, only reading the novel will tell.
