Inspired by the concept that our civilization could be brought to its knees by war, disease and climate change, I began to create a world where the aftermath held the plot of the Angels of Resistance.
David V. Mamina – 28 September 2020
The Back Flap
One thousand years after the assumed apocalypse, a demonic army known as the Demon Plague has invaded the new world. With various races and cultures split by their differences, one man inspires them to unite in order to defeat the unfathomable evil force. Experience the epic story that follows these heroes into the darkness. Join the resistance and find out what it takes to defeat demons.
In this Mad Max meets Game of Thrones dark sci-fi/fantasy epic, you’ll experience an engaging story about a hero who lost everything to an evil force never encountered before. In his attempt to warn powers of the new world to prepare themselves to resist this supernatural army, Michael Miuriell joins forces with various warriors who work to unite rival kingdoms and bury century-old hatchets if only to defeat the Demon Plague. With fast moving action, dangerous villains and original characters, this story will define what every great sci-fi/fantasy novel should contain. Welcome to the resistance.
About the book
What is the book about?
In this dark fantasy epic set in the future, various races and cultures are split by their differences, inhabiting a feudal world. When a demonic army known as the Demon Plague appears from obscurity, spreading darkness and torment, one man must assemble some of the greatest champions to resist the evil force. A war of wills and desperate strategy ensue as the world is held in the balance. Experience the engrossing story that follows these heroes into the darkness. Join the resistance and find out what it takes to defeat demons.
When did you start writing the book?
My first child, I started writing it once I graduated from high school.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me about five years to write the first part and another to write the second.
Where did you get the idea from?
Inspired by the concept that our civilization could be brought to its knees by war, disease and climate change, I began to create a world where the aftermath held the plot of the Angels of Resistance. It became clear that humans don’t fully change and would need to be persuaded to work together in order to survive in the new world.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The novel is over six hundred pages and editing became a real struggle. I even changed major points and character arcs in the story a few times until it was a powerful tale of various conflicts and character development.
What came easily?
Once you’ve written yourself halfway through the story, characters begin to pull the tale by themselves.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
While my characters are original fiction, some were inspired by heroes, villains and anti-heroes of my childhood such as video games, comic books and fantasy novels.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Though not many have ever heard of him, Tad Williams wrote a young adult dark fantasy called Child of An Ancient City. It was the first book I read from cover to cover in a matter of days. From that day on, when I was in high school, it became my mission to write the story living in my head.
Do you have a target reader?
Of course, I write for everyone, the dark fantasy epic between the pages call to those who enjoy big adventurous books who aren’t afraid of bloody fantasy violence.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so, can you please describe it?
My process begins with outlining the basic concepts of the book, highlighting major characters and plot designs. When I begin writing, the outline become more of a guide. I’ve learned not to limit myself when writing. If an idea comes to me as I’m writing, or a plot or character pulls me in a direction against the outline – I go that way and write from the seat of my pants.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I do some story edits as I go along with the story, but then go through the book with a fine-tooth comb about three times. I also have learned to use grammatical programs to catch little grammatical errors such as Grammarly. I’ve made the mistake of publishing this book earlier in my writing career without properly editing and paid the price. A reader got their hands on an earlier version and his scathing review is still on the book account on Amazon, haunting me to this day.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Because professional editors can be expensive, I find myself handing out the story to known avid readers for free so that they can read it and scan for errors during their journey.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
As a matter of fact, I have used music to help me write fast-paced scenes in various books. The right instrumental track can do wonders.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Admittedly, I haven’t – and I should. My current plan is to submit a new short story compilation book to practice this. Perhaps this will give me confidence and insight.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
When it became clear that the publishing process would be convoluted and take a long time with hours of energy, I focused on publishing on my own with hopes of seeking professional agents and publishing companies in the future.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
With the help of modern creative programs, I was able to create the striking cover myself.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Marketing has been my white whale, regrettably. I’ve only learned through trial and error. Getting the book into readers’ hands was my main priority, royalties be damned.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Write your story and believe in it. Don’t get discouraged – just create. When it’s time to publish, check all the boxes first and be patient. Rushing the process will diminish the impact of your creation. The writing part was the best part…the marketing and editing is not.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the town of Lindenhurst, New York on the south shore of Long Island.
Where do you live now?
I live in where the wind takes me, it seems. Currently, I reside in Huntington – a great city.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Well, I am a self-published dark fantasy author who teaches Social Studies to students with autism and learning disabilities on Long Island. I’ve written four fiction novels and am the recipient of the Presidential Service Award and Distinguished Service Award for my work in the community. I enjoy connecting with avid readers and support fellow independent authors, as well as creating deck-building card games inspired by my books.
What are you working on now?
I’m presently working on a short story compilation book titled Of Freedom, Fear, and Fantasy – a collection of stories that take place during the American appearance with dark fantasy and science fiction themes.
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of The Angels of Resistance from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
