Science Fiction
Date Published: June 17, 2014
In a world where a gifted few can manipulate reality with their minds, two great nations—Calchis and Orion—employ these psionic powers in a covert war for global superiority.
In the heart of Calchis, a powerful young psion named Aaron Waverly is kidnapped, and forcibly conscripted. To the north, in the capital, a plan is hatched to decimate Orion, to be carried out by the ruthless operative known only as “Agent.”
In Orion, fresh recruit Stockton Finn comes to terms with his incredible new powers, and learns firsthand how dangerous they can be. Meanwhile, officers Nyne Allen and Kay Barrett navigate the aftermath of their shattered love affair, oblivious to the fact that Calchis draws ever closer to destroying the tenuous peace.
Finally, in the arctic land of Zenith, Calchan archaeologist Faith Santia unearths a millennia-old ruin. This lost temple might just hold the hidden history of psionic powers, as well as hints of a deeper mystery . . . that could shake the foundations of all mankind.
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Read on for the interview!
Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
- What is your name? Dan.
- What is your quest? To engage readers with fiction prolific.
- What is your favorite color? Blue. No— *is hurled from the bridge*
Just kidding, there are more than 3 questions.
And here I thought this would be the shortest interview ever!
Which orifice did you pull this story from (from whence did the inspiration come)?
I first conceived this story when I was about thirteen. At the time I was quite enamored with both the epic fantasy works of Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind, and with anime, specifically Dragonball Z. It’s amusing for me to think how this story was in part inspired by a cartoon of brawny aliens hurling energy blasts at each other, but there it is.
What was the most difficult thing about writing Fires of Man?
Achieving the level of proficiency required to execute my vision. Having first imagined this world when I was quite young, it has gone through a number of iterations over the years. I’ll always be learning and growing as a writer, but it wasn’t until the past few years that I was able to write a version of this story I felt lived up to its promise.
What was something you learned while writing Fires of Man?
How to sink deep into the characters, and, when necessary, let them take the reins and lead the story in unexpected directions. I always have the big, impactful moments I’m writing toward, but oftentimes I let the characters fill in what happens in between.
What do you love the most about Fires of Man?
The characters, undoubtedly. I feel I’ve managed to create characters that truly feel like real flesh and blood human beings, and I’m quite proud of that.
What do you hate the most about Fires of Man?
Hate is a strong word, and there’s nothing I “hate” about the book. However, I’ve grown as a writer since completing it. I’m truly thrilled with the way the book turned out, but like many writers, I’m a perfectionist, and would love the chance to improve it even further.
Give us your favorite blurb (paragraph/scene) from the story.
I’m certain this would change, day by day, but here is one of my favorite moments:
The cherry blossoms were falling.
The buds drifted downward, swirling as the breeze carried them, spirals of delicate flowers so pale they were almost white. Life was so short, so transitive, Nyne thought. Nowhere was that principle better
embodied than in the short and glorious existence of these flowers, so bright, bursting with vivacity—an image of beauty all too fleeting.
Parents and children began to gather around the tree, chattering excitedly. Moments of peace and wonder like this were so rare, so ephemeral.
Nyne stood watching until the ground was carpeted with fine petals.
What are your future plans as an author?
I have quite a number of works-in-progress, so many that it’s a wonder I haven’t gone mad.
I have quite a number of works-in-progress, so many that it’s a wonder I haven’t gone mad.
I’m in the early planning stages of a dark fantasy series, though I won’t start writing it for some time yet. I have a literary paranormal mystery/thriller, Shambles, which is on hold while I finish book three of the Psionic Earth series, Prophet Rising. I have multiple short stories and a horror novella in various states of completion, a YA fantasy novel entitled The Ace of Kings that I am rewriting, and I have a number of screenplays from my screenwriting days that I would like to revisit at some point.
I also expect to receive edits from my publisher for the second entry in the Psionic Earth series, Shadows Collide, within a month or two, and will be busy doing rewrites for that.
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Dan Levinson
Born and raised on Long Island, NY, Dan grew up immersing himself in fantastical worlds. While other kids dreamed of being astronauts and cowboys, all he ever wanted was to be a novelist. Now, he’s living his dream.
Website: http://www.danlevinsonwriting.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ReadDanLevinson
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