I grew up in San Diego, California, and am still here to this day. Went to college, lost several semesters as I couldn't decide on what to do, and finally gave up trying to be something I'm not by picking a "traditional" career such as teaching or business, and set my sights on my love for writing.
Most recent publications:
Demons of the Past, the first book in the Damewood Trilogy published by Leucrota Press
Duegrar, in the anthology Abaculus II
Upcoming:
Stones of Time, the second book in the Damewood Trilogy with Leucrota Press
Music
Imperative Reaction, Combichrist, Stromkern, Metallica, Andre Bocceli, Josh Groban (yeah, I know)
Movies
No Country for Old Men, Confidence, The Last Unicorn
Television
House, Law and Order: CSI, Burn Notice
Books
When I'm not writing I like to read. Yes, sounds like the typical author's response, but it's true. I pretty much read anything as long as it has a solid plot, but I tend to lean toward the Classics and will never pass up the chance to read Hemingway, Sinclair, Vonnegut, or O'Hara. Favorite genre writers include (but not limited to) Terry Brooks, C.S. Friedman, and C.J. Cherryh,
About me: I'm a published short story and novel science fiction and fantasy writer, and my first novel, Demons of the past is the first of a science fiction trilogy set in a post-apocalyptic world was released on December 12, 2008.
The second book in the series, Stones of Time, is set for a release date of Winter 2009.
PRAISE FOR DAMEWOOD:
“…I honestly cannot say enough good things about this book, or its author. Durante gives us an action-packed thrill ride; believable, lovable characters; and a future that is not only entrancing, but uniquely envisioned and beautifully integrated. I wish all debuts were this good.” Read the full review here
—Front Street Reviews
“...Nothing like I have ever read…the story slips down into a unique whirlwind ride of action and suspense... In a genre that is often void of developed dynamic characters, “Demons of the Past” more than carries its own weight…a pleasure to read and I will be looking for more…”
—Shane Moore, author of the Abyss Walker series and A Prisoner’s Welcome
"The characters are unique and refreshing... and the fast-paced plot will keep you guessing ‘til the very end. And, speaking of the end—wow. I can honestly say I never saw it coming! What a very intriguing start to the series—I can't wait to see how the story progresses over the course of the next two books."
—P.G. Forte, author of the L.A. Love Lessons and Oberon Series.
"Demons of the Past is an action-packed novel that creates a believable fantasy world out of a compelling science fictional future. Though the story starts out as a simple quest, it quickly becomes apparent that much more is going on than meets the eye and I was pulled through to a conclusion that I found both satisfying and left me wanting to see what happens next."
—David Lee Summers, author of Vampires of the Scarlet Order and Editor of the anthology, Space Pirates
The book was released December 12, 2008 with Leucrota Press.
Modern civilization has disintegrated. The technological advances of mankind have flourished beyond expectations and have escaped the controlling hands of the human race. Cloned humans and genetically engineered creatures prowl the lands, pushing the earth over the edge to a third World War.
Four centuries later, the world has regressed to a feudalistic state, unaware of its advanced past. Now, kingdoms live in fear of mutated “demons,” of shadowy forests, and of frosts destroying their spring crops. It is a land where only the secret of society’s past is known by a select few—and those few seem to have their own agenda on the upcoming successions of thrones.
Nadia, the eldest princess of Damewood, flees for her life after her castle is attacked by an underground cult bent on bringing society back to its “roots.” Disguising herself as a knight, she joins a hunting party along with her best friend—a demon horse with his own dark past—to put an end to the massacres and retrieve a stolen key that will unlock the cult’s mysteries and the history of her people.
Visit my website at www.enterdamewood.com
Visit my publisher's site athttp://www.leucrotapress.com/damewood.html
Who I'd like to meet: Leucrota Press is currently looking for graphic novel artists to work on the graphic novelization of the Damewood trilogy, and is opening submissions now through August, or sooner if the right artist comes along.
What they have: character sheets and profiles, maps, landscape sketches, color profiles, and a work in progress storyboard.
What they are looking for: fast turnaround, good rates, experience with creating/modifying storyboards, ability to communicate with editor and author, experience with fantasy and horror artwork, unique style. At this point they are still unsure whether the illustrations will be full color or black and white, so experience in both is a plus.
What they are not looking for: anime style, cartoonish characters.
To apply: Submit copies of comic sheets or strips, along with your rates (per page, flat rate, color, b/w), as well as your location. While they do not require the artist to be local, the ability to be on-site at times for brainstorming sessions with the editors would be helpful.
Submit material to art@leucrotapress.com with “Damewood” as the subject, or submit hard copies (no originals please) to PO Box 647, Poway, CA 92074 and attention to “Comic Editor.”
Congrats on the new book! Also congrats on the award for the award for Demons of the Past -- well deserved! By the way, my novel, The Solar Sea just received a Flamingnet.com Top Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction.
I'd like to invite you and all your friends to check out (and hopefully subscribe to) my blog concerning the launch of my new novel, Child Finder. My book has already received some great reviews before its official release on June 9th. It is a mystery/suspense thriller -- and is only the first in a trilogy I am contracted to write.
Click here to access my blog where I will post information about the book's availability as well as signing events. Also, be sure to check out my novel's website (www.childfinder.us) for more detailed information about the story, my background, and publication schedules.
Death Metal is a dark fantasy/horror novella published in trade paperback format.
No one had ever connected Daniel as the brains behind seven brutal concept albums about Satanism and the dark figure Natas, but when a teenager quotes lyrics from his literary work, Daniel fears his 10-year old daughter, Missy, is in trouble. His fears are founded when she is kidnapped. The kidnappers want Daniel to complete the last three albums for his former band--and return him to the demons he had tried to escape. Daniel can save her, but can he save himself?
"Rosamilia jams the E-major of dark crime in Death Metal. That scream you hear is the electric-soaked feedback of scorching prose." ~ Scott Nicholson, author of Scattered Ashes and multiple Stoker winner
Death Metal is a sharply written tale that starts quick and works its way to an edge-of-the seat ending you won't forget. It's one of those stories you just can't stop reading. Bravo! Or should I say Rock and Roll! ~ Laura J. Underwood, Author of The King's Wind and The Green Women
With Death Metal, Rosamilia keeps you anxious to turn each page, and leaves you wanting more. A spectacular read that will not disappoint. ~ C. S. Johnson, author of The Watching
Hey,hope you're keeping warm! Wanted to let you know Tigress by the Tail is up for an award at Preditor's & Editor's annual reader's awards and today's the last day to vote! check it out! Vote for it, or your favorite Romance Novel. LIke Mysteries instead? Or Horror? P&E has categories for all your favorite genre's plus many reviewer and author assistance sites. Rate your favorite! One vote per "Customer". :) http://www. critters. org/predpoll/novelr. shtml Honor your favorite authors today!
And here's a little something to keep you all warm and toasty on this cold January day!
Thanks for the MySpace friendship. Please visit my website for information about my books currently available, upcoming releases and even works-in-progress.
Subscribe to my MySpace blog to be notified of each new edition of the Weekly Write - a free read and contest every Monday!
Hi! You're very welcome. As I said, I enjoyed the book a lot and I'm really looking forward to finding out what you have in store for the rest of the series! Hope you're having a great week!
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