New novel after 5 years!

It’s been a whole 5 years since I released the last book in my Light and Shadow Chronicles series – Origin of Shadow.

Things have been crazy since then – a divorce, 2 house moves, two mental breakdowns, a new job, an engagement, five cats (!) and all on top of a global pandemic and increasing economic doom…

But, though I haven’t published a new book, I have been working away on The Sins of Silas for all this time. Silas is the first POV character we will see from The Brotherhood of Shadow.

Writing a book from the ‘enemy’ POV has been a completely new experience for me and I have probably enjoyed writing this one the most of all the books in the series. It features a completely new set of characters and all from the point of view of the Brotherhood of Shadow, who have traditionally been the ‘bad guys’ to date.

Not only is the perspective different in this novel, but it takes place in Meraxor and its capital city, Belkeep. Belkeep has significantly different culture, terrain, customs and societal norms to the cities of the Children of Light. I have had immense fun with the world-building and have written this blog post on
Meraxor and its citizens.

The main characters of the previous books in the series (Chaos and Soren) have been prestigious, wealthy and incredibly talented soldiers blessed with immortality and with an important role in the ongoing war.

Silas Wilder, however, is nothing like Chaos or Soren. Though he is the son of Brotherhood of Shadow leader Vincent Wilder, he is belittled, ostracized and refused an elixir of eternal youth. Though he remains bitter about this, he focuses his time and attention upon other things, mainly, the pursuit of
pleasure. He is wild, reckless, fun-loving and bordering on insanity (he has been extremely fun to write!).

My publishers, Next Chapter Publishing, have just given everything the go-ahead. The editing is complete. The layout designed. And stunning new cover art drawn up. Now, it’s just a matter of time before it can go ahead. So, here is the first glance at the new cover:

A glowing shield, featuring armies' emblems, nestled amongst twisting leaves and vines in a green design

I am utterly delighted with the way the original shield (designed by Irina French) is still incorporated into the covers – and will be for every book in the series. For more on the meaning of the shield, read this blog post. Here is the new cover alongside the others in the series:

All of the books in the Light and Shadow Chronicles together. Shield designs feature fire for A Chronicle of Chaos, feathers for The Shield of Soren, leaves and vines for The Sins of Silas, a golden necklace or genesis of Light and purple smoke for Origin of Shadow

So stay tuned for more information on the release!

In the meantime, check out the related links below:

Epic fantasy as a genre

As a writer of epic fantasy myself, I am endlessly fascinated by the genre. There is something magical about being able to disappear into a world so removed from real life.

So, here is a little background on this amazing genre.

Fantasy storytelling in general follows a basic formula that has been successful for thousands of years. The epic fantasy tradition began with vocal storytelling, where the orators of the past would enthrall and entertain their listeners with tales of magic and gods. These stories would not only entertain, but would educate the next generation, enabling them in turn to pass the stories to their own children.

These epic fantasy vocal tales, though seemingly far-fetched, explored a real human issue. They tied into the quest to solve a world-affecting problem (in many stories this is a dark lord, an evil wizard, a magical device that’s going to destroy everything, a world-ending/shaking event that must be somehow avoided). And in turn, there would always be a hero who could solve the problem, kill the enemy, and bring peace to the world once more.

Myths and legends may have been the origin of this type of storytelling, but the genre has since branched into many subgenres and categories. A quick Google search brings up the following:

If you want to delve further into the fantasy subgenres, I highly recommend this post with descriptions and recommendations for a huge range of subgenres: https://reedsy.com/discovery/blog/fantasy-subgenres

I have often pondered whether my series, The Light and Shadow Chronicles, falls under the ‘Epic Fantasy’ or ‘High Fantasy’ genre, but what exactly is the difference between the two?

Epic Fantasy

*The focus is on the scale of the conflict (huge, apocalyptic battles, threats to the very existence of all life etc)

*A large cast of characters – often of a variety of races and/or species

*Magic, or other-worldly powers, are a key part of plot/story/character abilities

*Often takes place in medieval times, with swords, armour and medieval-style castles and towns

*Features a good vs evil story (but this is tending more towards shades of grey in modern epic fantasy)

*Relies on many sub-plots to help advance the story. These often merge in cataclysmic, or epic, ways towards the finale of the story.

*May involve power politics, gods among men, wars, the birth and death of nations, and/or the threat of the end of the world

*Epic fantasy deals with cultures and people that are entirely imagined and not drawn on any myth or legends. The author of epic fantasy creates entirely different kinds of myths and legends and prophecies for their world.

High Fantasy

*High fantasy is more about the choices the characters make than the events of the world

*The focus is on the setting itself and the integral worldbuilding NOT the scale of events

*Magic may or may not be involved

*May be focused on the character-building of an event, rather than the event itself – for example, long travelling scenes may help to develop the character rather than advance the storyline

*High fantasy is often inspired by classical mythology, folklore, and fairytales.

What is Sword and Sorcery?

Another sub-genre of fantasy, which my books tend towards, is Sword and Sorcery. This type of fantasy uses a mash-up of all the epic elements of fantasy—magic, supernatural, action, romance, excitement, and escapism.

The atmosphere tends to be darker in this genre. Good and evil still exist, but there is more moral ambiguity and fewer absolutes.

Good examples of Sword and Sorcery Epic Fantasy:

Mistborn – Brandon Sanderson

Stormlight Archive – Brandon Sanderson

Crown of Stones – C.L. Schneider

The Word and The Void – Terry Brooks

The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien

I have been told good things about the following authors, but have yet to read any of their work: Peter V Brett, Robin Hobb, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, Joe Abercrombie, Andrzej Sapkowski, Patrick Rothfuss, Trudi Canavan, Susan Faw, Mark Lawrence, Sarah J Maas

In conclusion, my books contain mystical creatures, heroes of incredible power, large-scale battles and power politics of entirely made-up cultures. Therefore, I market my work as Sword and Sorcery Epic Fantasy.

May 9, 2022Jul 2, 2023 by dmcain84

NaNoWriMo 2020 – I must be crazy…

An update on my Works-In-Progress

For the past year, I have been slogging away at The Sins of Silas, taking feedback from my completely amazing beta readers and occasionally just wanting to burn the damn thing. I think it has potential, but it is causing me so many issues! Since I began writing it, I have completed courses, and read plenty of books on writing craft. So my style has matured and I learned many things that I just wasn’t doing before. So this book needs a HUGE amount of editing and rewriting. After hacking away at the thing for a year, I am still only on Chapter 13… of 34…

Though I love the story and the characters (especially Silas – he’s a lot of fun to write) I am suffering some major burnout on the book now. It’s time I put it aside and focused on something else, just for a short time, to clear my head, and my nerves.

Which brings me nicely to…

For the month of November, I shall be casting aside The Sins of Silas, and continuing with another work-in-progress, The Ballad of Benedict. This novel has two point of view characters and one of them is halfway completed. The other, I haven’t even begun yet. That storyline shall be my NaNoWriMo project.

For those of you who don’t know what NaNoWriMo is, it stands for National Novel Writing Month. Writers pledge to write a 50,000 book in just one month.

Terrifying. Insurmountable, some might say.

They’re probably right.

But I managed a 25,000 word camp NaNo project a few years ago (which became my novella Genesis of Light) and I have a lot more free time now between teaching my online students. So I’m just going for it.

A Little About My NaNoWriMo Project

I shall be writing the secondary plot arc of a character named Favian – a demon hunter with a peculiar weapon, and an even more peculiar mentor…

Book: The Ballad of Benedict – a novel in the Light and Shadow Chronicles.
Temporary Blurb: In the forests of Thos, Benedict Thialdor – an ambassador with the Children of Light – must uncover myths of old to reclaim a legendary weapon believed to hold the key to defeating Hell’s most dangerous demons.

For the other writers out there, are you doing NaNoWriMo this year? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Support from other authors is the way we all get through this!

Here are some helpful resources for NaNoWriMo and getting that novel finished!

https://www.tinyrayofsunshine.com/blog/nanowrimo-resources

https://www.bustle.com/articles/122600-8-resources-to-help-you-finish-nanowrimo-because-we-all-need-a-little-support

Preparing for NaNoWriMo or Camp NaNoWriMo?

Free extracts from The Shield of Soren

My publisher’s website – https://www.nextchapter.pub/ – has featured some free extracts from my epic fantasy novel The Shield of Soren.

This book is part of The Light and Shadow Chronicles, a series of epic fantasy stories which can be read in any order. Find out more about the series by clicking on the image below:

If you are new to this fantasy world, or have only read one of the books, these extracts will help to give you a flavour of what my writing is about. I hope you enjoy them!

D.M. Cain

Excerpt 1: White Feathers

Excerpt 2: Inferior Genes

Apr 26, 2020 by dmcain84

Wondering What The Shield On All My Book Covers Means? Find Out!

Many people have asked me about the meaning of the shield and symbols on the front of the books in the Light and Shadow Chronicles, so I thought I’d take some time out to explain the significance of the artwork.

Each of the symbols on the shield represents a different faction in the war which rages across the land in the Light and Shadow Chronicles series. Some of the symbols are linked to the Children of Light, some the Brotherhood of Shadow and some entirely different groups of people (or creatures!) altogether.

Each book features the shield (or a representative symbol from the shield) and a themed background which is related to the book’s setting or tone.

A Chronicle of Chaos features demons and as such the background is fiery.

The Shield of Soren features angels and so the background is feathered.

Genesis of Light features an important piece of jewellery in the shape of the Children of Light symbol.

Origin of Shadow is about the menacing shadowy creature behind the Brotherhood of Shadow.

How Brandon Sanderson changed my outlook on writing

I recently read a great piece of advice from one of my favourite authors, Brandon Sanderson, and it has completely revolutionized the way I look at my work. He said that you shouldn’t aim to be an author who wrote a great book, you should aim to be a great author.

I took this to mean that you should nurture yourself as a writer, put time and effort into your craft and your personal development, as you would undergo training and professional development in any career. Because of this, I am now putting a lot of time and effort into improving my craft. I am taking courses on worldbuilding, character development and writing dialogue, as well as closely studying some of the greatest authors I know (Sanderson’s courses and advice being the main source of knowledge!). And I’m loving it! I’m already changing the way I write and altering my perspective on building a series.

So, I want to know, which authors have inspired or motivated you? Who has given good advice or tips to help you develop your craft?

Mar 13, 2020Mar 13, 2020 by dmcain84

The power structure of notorious crime syndicate ‘The Wilders’

Origin of Shadow is the latest installment of the Light and Shadow Chronicles – an epic fantasy series by D.M. Cain. This novella details the beginnings of Vincent Wilder and the nefarious Brotherhood of Shadow.

Vincent and his cronies start off in a Mafia-esque crime syndicate. Take a look at this visual map of the Wilders’ power structure:

Origin of Shadow by D.M. Cain

The voice broke into his thoughts, everywhere and nowhere at once, deafening, yet somehow a whisper. “Are you ready to learn the truth?”

Heir to a notorious crime syndicate, sixteen-year-old Vincent Wilder is determined to live up to his father’s intimidating legacy, and expand his violent empire. The Wilders have terrorised the city of Pabell for decades and Vincent knows the business inside and out – and has dirtied his own hands more times than he dares to count.

But no matter how ready he thinks he is, nothing could have prepared him for life at the helm. His father was a man of many things, but secrets wasn’t one of them. Or so Vincent had thought. The deeper Vincent gets into his leadership role, the more terrifying and inexplicable skeletons he uncovers.

With the threat of a revolution, a mysterious and intrusive voice in his head, and a long-lost history he knew nothing about, is he really up to the challenge?

Praise:

★★★★★ – “I have not seen this type of book writing before, and it looks very promising. I found it very interesting and cannot wait for more.”

★★★★★ – “A gripping and intriguing short story, and a great introduction to this series.”

Origin of Shadow - The Light and Shadow Chronicles series by D.M. Cain

Grab your copy in ebook or paperback here

Now available in audiobook too! Get your copy here

Exclusive chapters, inside news, and loads of freebies!

My latest book to be released, Origin of Shadow, is a dark exploration into madness, destiny, honour and brutality. Follow Vincent Wilder’s descent into the murky recesses of ultimate power in this new novella from The Light and Shadow Chronicles.

Origin of Shadow by D.M. Cain book cover poster and review quotes

Not sure if it’s your thing? Get Chapters 1 & 2 of Origin of Shadow for FREE here and take a look. If you love it, great! If you don’t, no harm done.

As part of the research and planning for Origin of Shadow, I had to get into the head of main character and anti-hero Vincent Wilder. It was fun to give him quirks, neuroses and talents. As an inside peek, here is the first ever mind map I doodled when I was getting to know the man himself:

As part of the lead up to the release of Origin of Shadow, I will be putting together a video interview, in which I will answer fan questions about the book, the series, myself as an author, or even what my favourite flavour of ice cream is. The beauty is, the questions come from YOU. So, please comment on this page, or send me an email to dmcain84@gmail.com with your questions. Thank you!

Origin of Shadow Cover Reveal

I’m so excited to share with you the cover for my upcoming release, Origin of Shadow! This novella is part of my epic, immersive fantasy series The Light and Shadow Chronicles. The series is centered upon a centuries-long war between two armies and each book focuses upon a character within the timeline. This novella gives the origin story of one of the armies – The Brotherhood of Shadow. The complementary novella entitled Genesis of Light is already available in ebook, paperback and audiobook.

The official release date for the book is 23^rd Novmber. In the meantime, if you haven’t read the others in the series yet you can get them here (though reading these first isn’t required to understand Origin of Shadow):

A Chronicle of Chaos – http://mybook.to/ChronicleofChaos

The Shield of Soren – http://mybook.to/ShieldofSoren

Genesis of Light – http://mybook.to/genesisoflight

Origin of Shadow BLURB

“Vincent Wilder.” The voice broke into his thoughts, everywhere and nowhere at once, deafening, yet somehow a whisper. “Are you ready to learn the truth?”

As heir to a notorious crime syndicate, sixteen-year-old Vincent Wilder is determined to live up to his father’s intimidating legacy, and expand his violent empire. The Wilders have terrorised the city of Pabell for decades and Vincent knows the business inside and out (and has dirtied his own hands more times than he dares to count.)

But no matter how ready he thinks he is, nothing could have prepared him for life at the helm. His father was a man of many things, but secrets wasn’t one of them, or so Vincent had thought. The deeper Vincent gets into his leadership role, the more terrifying and inexplicable skeletons he uncovers.

With the threat of a revolution, a mysterious and intrusive voice in his head, and a long-lost history he had known nothing about, is he really up to the challenge?

You’ve read the Children of Light’s origin story, now experience the same events from a different perspective with this prequel novella from The Light and Shadow Chronicles.

Origin of Shadow EXCERPT

The ticking of the timepiece was far louder than it should have been. Every innocuous click of the hands reverberated around the room. Sixteen-year-old Vincent Wilder stood perfectly still, making sure his chin was raised and his expression stony. He tried to hide the fact that his fingers twitched nervously behind his back. This meeting needs to go off without a hitch. There’s so much resting on it. He made an effort to narrow his eyes and puff out his chest, hoping his young frame was imposing.

A single drop of sweat trickled down his forehead, running a sticky trail across his skin. He wanted to reach up and wipe it away, but didn’t dare draw attention to the fact he was perspiring. If they saw it, would they take it as a sign of weakness? So he did nothing and let the salty drop work its way down his forehead, running into his dark eyes. He blinked to clear the drop, but his vision blurred and his eyes itched. He could hold off no longer and was forced to swipe at his eyes with a hurried hand.

His eyesight cleared and he took the opportunity to glance down at the table and the people sat around it. A couple in their early forties sat on one side, close together, huddling for comfort. Their eyes were strong and defiant, the woman’s in particular. Her hands were flat on the tabletop, and she leaned forwards, speaking with determination.

The ashen-faced man beside her was silent. Despite the stony expression on his face, Vincent could see the man’s hands trembling.

Across from them sat Franco Wilder, Vincent’s father. Once, he had a thick shock of dark hair, long and wild, draped across his shoulders. That was how Vincent always pictured his father, but the figure that sat before him had changed drastically in the past few years. As soon as Franco’s hair had started thinning, he had shaved the lot, and the bald head made the most terrifying man Vincent had ever met even more intimidating.

Franco’s posture was rigid and unmoving, a coiled snake waiting to lunge. The dark eyes that had chastised Vincent since childhood were now zeroed in on the couple before him. His father’s fingers were locked together tightly, but Vincent knew that it would only take a split second for Franco to wrench the knife from his concealed thigh pouch. Vincent’s muscles too were primed, ready to propel him into a fight. Never relax around Franco Wilder. He’d learned that very young.

D.M. CAIN BIO

D.M. Cain is a dystopian and fantasy author working for Creativia Publishing. The Light and Shadow Chronicles series features a range of books which can be read in any order. The series instalments to date include A Chronicle of Chaos, The Shield of Soren andGenesis of Light.

Cain has released one stand-alone novel: The Phoenix Project, a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future. The Phoenix Project was the winner of the 2016 Kindle Book Review Sci-Fi novel Award.

Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK with her partner and two young children, and spends her time reading, writing, reviewing and indulging in geek culture (Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Final Fantasy).

LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMCainauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DMCain84

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/dmcain

Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/XevZH

Website: www.dmcain84.com

Nov 9, 2019Nov 3, 2019 by dmcain84

Fantasy audiobook out now!

Not much time for sitting down with a book? Why not let somebody else read to you while you drive, cook dinner, or walk the dog? I am delighted to announce that my epic fantasy novella, Genesis of Light, is now available as an audiobook. It can be purchased via Audible, Amazon and iTunes.

More about Genesis of Light:

Warring countries, fantastical creatures, beings of terrible power and journeys of epic scale. The legendary Book of Alcherys tells wild and unimaginable stories. But they are not mere fairy tales. They are true, every word.

Callista Nienna is strong and independent, but nothing could have prepared her for civilisation being brought to a violent end. Now, she is forced to stay alive in a desolate wilderness with only her closest friend for support.

She has two choices: give up and die with the wilting world around her or seize her destiny and make it to the only sanctuary left unscathed. At the end of her journey, something awaits Callista, something both terrifying and unbelievable.

The beginning of a fantasy epic. Learn where it all began in this prequel novella from The Light and Shadow Chronicles.

Immersive fantasy fiction

Category: amwriting

New novel after 5 years!

RELATED LINKS

Epic fantasy as a genre

Epic Fantasy

High Fantasy

What is Sword and Sorcery?

NaNoWriMo 2020 – I must be crazy…

An update on my Works-In-Progress

A Little About My NaNoWriMo Project

RELATED LINKS:

Free extracts from The Shield of Soren

Wondering What The Shield On All My Book Covers Means? Find Out!

RELATED LINKS:

How Brandon Sanderson changed my outlook on writing

The power structure of notorious crime syndicate ‘The Wilders’

Origin of Shadow by D.M. Cain

Praise:

RELATED LINKS:

Exclusive chapters, inside news, and loads of freebies!

RELATED LINKS:

Origin of Shadow Cover Reveal

Origin of Shadow BLURB

Origin of Shadow EXCERPT

D.M. CAIN BIO

LINKS

Fantasy audiobook out now!

More about Genesis of Light:

RELATED LINKS: