Writing Update – 12/8/2023
December 1, 2023Privacy
December 3, 2023
Summoning Dark
I
n this gripping dark fantasy young adult novel, Wick, a tormented teenager surviving an abusive household, unravels the startling truth about his estranged father. Abandoned and desperate for answers, Wick discovers his father is no ordinary man—he's a Necromancer, a wielder of dark magic entwined with the power to control death itself.
Driven by the desire to heal his fractured family, Wick embarks on a perilous quest to find his father, plunging headfirst into a world where shadows come alive, hell hounds roam, and the secrets of death magic unfold. However, as Wick gets closer to the elusive truth, he finds himself entangled in a web of dangerous alliances, with nefarious forces seeking to exploit his newfound abilities for their own sinister purposes.
As Wick learns to manipulate darkness and communicate with the deceased, he grapples with the unsettling realization that his father's past is shrouded in darkness, tainted by rumors of mass murder and corruption. The deeper Wick delves into the violent and intricate realm of magic, the more he questions whether the quest for power is a treacherous path that could destroy not only his father but also himself.
Summoning Dark weaves a tale of suspense, magic, and self-discovery, where the boundary between the living and the dead blurs, and the price of power may be more than Wick is willing to pay. Will he uncover the truth about his father's past, or will the shadows of darkness consume him on his journey into the unknown? Brace yourself for a riveting adventure that explores the complexities of family, the allure of forbidden magic, and the haunting consequences of summoning the dark.
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B
onus Q&A with David Haws: Unveiling the Shadows of "Summoning Dark"
Q1: "Summoning Dark" delves into the world of dark fantasy and magic. What inspired you to explore the themes of Necromancy and the blurring line between the living and the dead in this young adult novel?
David Haws: I wanted to explore the consequences of wielding dark magic and the impact it could have on family dynamics. I also like the idea of exploring someone trying to understand their past, but torn with how much of their history they were finding out. A bit of “careful what you wish for…”The idea of a protagonist discovering his estranged father is a Necromancer added layers of complexity.
Q2: Wick, the protagonist, embarks on a perilous quest to find his father. Can you share some insights into the challenges you wanted Wick to face as he navigates a world where shadows come alive and hell hounds roam?
David Haws: Wick's journey needed to be both physically and emotionally challenging. He encounters the dangers of the magical realm, but equally important are the inner struggles he faces—trying to reconcile his father's dark past with his own desire for a healed family. The external and internal challenges mirror each other.
Q3: The novel explores the complexities of family, the allure of forbidden magic, and the haunting consequences of summoning the dark. How did you balance these themes to create a riveting adventure with deeper emotional resonance?
David Haws: Balancing these themes required careful consideration of the characters' emotional arcs. Wick's quest for his father intertwines with his own journey of self-discovery. By connecting the supernatural elements with the emotional struggles of family dynamics, I aimed to create a story that resonates on multiple levels.
Q4: Wick learns to manipulate darkness and communicate with the deceased. How did you approach crafting the magical elements in the story to make them both captivating and integral to the plot?
David Haws: The magic in "Summoning Dark" needed to be both alluring and dangerous. I approached it as a mysterious force with its own rules and consequences. Integrating Wick's magical abilities into the plot allowed me to explore the impact of such powers on his character development and the overall narrative.
Q5: The novel was years in the making, with the ending evolving over time. Can you share any challenges or revelations you experienced during the writing process that shaped the final chapters of the book?
David Haws: The biggest challenge was finding the right ending. I had to step away from the story for a while and let it percolate in my mind. When I revisited it, I realized that the resolution I wanted required more space than I initially thought. It became clear that Wick's journey needed room to breathe, leading to the conclusion that felt satisfying yet left room for future exploration.
Q6: As an author who grew up on a diverse literary diet, how do your early reading influences manifest in the young adult supernatural thrillers you write today?
David Haws: My early reading influences shape the sense of wonder and excitement I aim to capture in my stories. The diverse genres I enjoyed as a reader contribute to the blend of elements in my writing—supernatural thrills with a touch of mystery and a dash of family drama.
Q7: The novel addresses the allure of forbidden magic. If you could possess a magical ability, what power would you find most alluring and why?
David Haws: I'd find the ability to manipulate time alluring. The idea of exploring different moments in history or pausing time for reflection has always intrigued me. Of course, such power comes with its own set of complications and consequences.
Q8: "Summoning Dark" is a journey into the unknown, both for the characters and readers. If you were to step into the world of your own novel, what kind of magical creature or power do you think you'd encounter?
David Haws: Considering the themes of the novel, I might encounter an undead guide—or a creature bridging the realms of the living and the dead. It would offer cryptic advice and lead me through the shadowy landscapes of dark magic, revealing secrets and challenges along the way. Either that or I’d find myself trying to outrun a wolf that can travel through shadows.
There you have it, a glimpse into the enchanted world of "Summoning Dark" with David Haws. Happy exploring, fellow readers of the dark and fantastical!
