In 2009, I was made redundant from my job of ten years. Far from being the end, it was the beginning of something - something big, interesting, and would become the most important thing to me at this time in my life.

I started my writing journey.

It began in the real world. My first title would be a non-fiction book, as I had to write about what I felt I was an authority on.



 Two years later, this book materialised as The Essence of Martial Arts.

It's been a great aid to my students, and I learned a lot about the writing process as I went through it.

It was more work, more headache inducing than I thought. But it was also very rewarding.

When it was completed, students wanted the follow up. But I wanted a break from it.

Almost immediately, at the end of 2011, I began to write Stormling. This book went through so many re-drafts, it did not emerge until 2014, nearly three whole years! This should put paid to some voices of opinion, that feel self-published authors just want to get any old rubbish out there as fast as they can!

I am not the best writer out there, far from it. But as my first editor said, 'writing is a craft'. Trite words? Possibly. But at the time, I needed to hear them. And I still do!

Although 'Stormling' was the story I completed, it was just a draft, and needed a lot of work.

Needing a break from 'fantasy', I had an idea for a story about a girl who was given an item of some major significance. The backdrop was to be a scary forest, and denizens of the undead were to come and claim it from her - and possibly her life, if she resisted.

Easy story in concept, but was hard to write in actuality.

That said, given the valuable practice gained on Stormling, the writing process itself became easier.

It was probably safe to say I had become addicted to writing at this point!

I felt I had 'something', and so I sought the self-publishing route, as Amanda Hocking had done so well via the method.

I didn't expect to replicate her success, but just write the very best story I could. I did, however, seek a good cover for my books, and I chose Amanda's artist for the Dark Winter and Stormling covers.

I've completed six books to date, five fiction titles amongst them, but I retain my fascination as a reader, and I will read pretty much anything.

I cannot thank readers, bloggers, reviewers enough for their kind support thus far. I take something from each review, and the best kind are those that offer critique that is hard, but fair.

In the end, the writer does the best they can. I hope if you give one of my books a try, you'll enjoy them.

I think my main interest as a writer is horror. For this, I would recommend my Tale of Vampires series, the third novella of which will be out in May 2015.

The Dark Winter trilogy, which completes in Autumn 2015, could fall under paranormal fantasy for YA. It has some strong horror elements perhaps not suitable for the youngest of readers.

Last but not least, Stormling is a fantasy in the mold of Lord of the Rings - but it is a lot different from that Middle-earth world!

I would like to thank the blog host Aditi Saha for inviting me to talk about my book journey.

I hope to see you along for the ride.
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John's Bio:

John Hennessy is a young adult / new adult novelist whose preferred writing genre is horror, and has authored the Dark Winter series as well as the fantasy epic Stormling.
He dreams of being a successful author, but this dream sometimes gets pushed aside for the dream of wanting to be Batman.
Gotham fixations aside, he is a huge fan of the paranormal, he will actively visit reported ghost haunts and it could be said that they served as inspiration for his debut fiction novel; Dark Winter: The Wicca Circle. 
Inbetween writing Book Two of the series, Dark Winter: Crescent Moon, he released the fantasy epic Stormling, which is the first book of the Mordana Chronicles.

2015:-

The Blood and the Raven (A Tale of Vampires: II)
Innocent While She Sleeps (A Tale of Vampires: III)
Clara's Song
Dark Winter #3
Gorswood Tales: I (A Dark Winter spin-off)

2014:-

Stormling (fantasy)
Dark Winter: Crescent Moon (paranormal horror - YA to Adult)
Murderous Little Darlings (A Tale of Vampires: I)

2013

Dark Winter: The Wicca Circle

2011

The Essence of Martial ArtsThe first short story he ever wrote brought together Fagan, Lizzie Bennett, Sherlock Holmes and Dracula, which despite impressing his long suffering English teacher, thankfully remains unpublished.
For recreation he will visit paranormal hotspots, but prefers to write about ghosts rather than meet them. He also believes almost any problem can be overcome so long as there is an inexhaustible supply of tea and biscuits. He also has an obsession with Batman and anything Gotham.
In 2015, the short novella horror The Blood and the Raven: A Tale of Vampires, Book Two, the final Dark Winter story will be released, as will a new suspense / horror thriller entitled Clara's Song.
In his own words: "I write because I love to write, create something from nothing. If people love that too, be the few or many, I am delighted to know this, each and every time. I love to connect and hear from fellow authors, readers, anyone who loves books. A writer can never feel lonely if he has this most unique of support groups!"

Connect With John On: Facebook | Twitter| Blog | Email
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Cover Reveal: 

Finally the wait is over. The cover of John's upcoming book- the last book from the Dark Winter Series is unveiled.

Dark Winter: Last Rites by John Hennessy

 

**drum rolls**

 

 

Synopsis:

What would you risk losing, in order to win?
As the Crescent Moon set on that last day of winter, the residents of Gorswood realized that the horrors that had been contained in the woods for so long, had finally risen, and were coming for them.
With the fate of Romilly, Beth, and Gorswood’s greatest ever witch uncertain, an age-old evil senses its time has come, threatening to cover the inhabitants of Gorswood in a new and never ending terror.

Even if the newest owner of the Mirror of Souls is to prevail, at what cost will her victory be?

Meanwhile, the last rites on a long dead demon need to be performed. But her spirit resides in the most terrifying place of all, meaning that a choice will have to be made.

A choice that will affect the entire world…..

Add Dark Winter: Last Rites on your Goodreads TBR shelf