Like a hero slowly rotting in the bowels of a moldy dungeon, I have been trapped—for several years—in the netherworld that ensnares many novelists. Rather than actively writing and publishing fiction, I have been residing almost exclusively in the real world while forsaking the one that dwells in my imagination.
Another way to put it—I’ve gotten lazy.
But now it’s time to emerge from the darkness. The problem is, the moment I stepped into the bright light of day, there was a monster standing there. And I had to run like heck!
Pant. Pant. Pant.
Okay, I think I’ve lost him. Now that we’re within the safe confines of the castle walls, we can continue our conversation.
Where do I start? Hmmm. Well, I already mentioned that I’ve been in a bit of a lull. But it’s over and I’m back! In just a few weeks, I am going to publish the first book of a new epic fantasy trilogy titled “Dark Circles.”
Book 1, which is titled “Do You Believe in Magic?,” is about 95 percent complete. An ace designer is working on the cover. And a website wizard is preparing to juice up and modernize my author website: jim-melvin.com. Once this is finished, “Dark Circles” will be ready to go.
What is ‘Dark Circles’ about?
Abandoned by his derelict father, a grieving boy named Charlie moves from Florida to his grandparents' farm on 100 wooded acres in Upstate South Carolina. There, the boy rediscovers his passion for life in a most unexpected place—a fantasy world hidden deep in the forest that is brimming with wondrous magic and wicked monsters.
In the real world, Charlie is a nerdy boy picked on by bullies at his new school. But in the fantasy world, he becomes a wizard who wields high magic.
Eventually, all blend into one.
“Dark Circles” is an adventure of epic scope. In language, tone and content, it is appropriate for ages 13 and older. But only those with a hero's heart will dare to stand by Charlie as he battles a fantastical array of magical creatures.
When you enter Charlie's fantasy world, it is dangerous to sleep. If you do, evil will lurk in your dreams and attempt to harm you. You'll end up with dark circles beneath your eyes, just like Charlie's.
What’s next
This FREE blog will provide frequent updates and info on “Dark Circles.” Subsequent posts will include a more detailed discussion of book 1, as well as look-aheads to books 2-3.
And finally, the launch date!
But there’s more! This is an author’s blog, after all, so I won’t be snubbing my other books. I’ll also be writing about my adult series titled “The Death Wizard Chronicles,” a six-book epic fantasy, which is appropriate for mature audiences. All six books have already been published by Bell Bridge Books. If you’re into epic fantasy that is a cross between “Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones,” then you might want to GIVE THEM A LOOK.
Just for fun
I also plan to serialize a memoir of my life chronicling my adventures as a boy growing up on an island in the Tampa Bay-area of Florida. I hope my subscribers will find this both fun and touching. And I’ll be inviting you to join me on the journey, asking for comments, feedback, and personal memories. With your permission, I’ll even publish some of them. I reserve the right to charge for the memoir. We’ll see. But again, everything else will be free.
Author’s note
To concerned parents, let me be clear that all content on this blog will be PG-rated and appropriate for younger readers. “Dark Circles” will also be appropriate for younger readers—and to be honest, they will adore the trilogy even more than you. “The Death Wizard Chronicles” is for adults. Other than being written by the same author, the two series bear no relation.