Dark School: Path of the Neophyte
Matti Silver
eVw Press (2020)
ISBN: 979-8802012819
Matti Silver has been storytelling for most of his life. He loves working, reading, writing books and creating worlds for himself and others to immerse themselves within.
Hi Matti, welcome to Reader Views! Tell us about your writing journey.
Writing for me started on and off as a youth, but truthfully telling stories with my friends as an audience was something that happened for years. There was no ambition in me to become an author. So eventually one of my friends sat me down and schooled me a little and after that, everything fell into place.
What is Dark School: Path of the Neophyte about?
Strictly speaking, this book is about whoever reads it. You study the occult sciences. You gain magical powers and abilities. You choose how you will use them. Ultimately, it is the reader who decides. If you are reading this book, you are the main character. It was made for you.
What piqued your interest in writing a choose-your-own-adventure?
Honestly, I loved them as a boy. Wanting not only to read a story but direct it made me happy not always knowing how it would turn out. So, the story is customized around the reader.
What was your inspiration behind this storyline?
The Netflix show Dark and many of the medieval and renaissance grimoires.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing Dark School: Path of the Neophyte?
Trying to get as much story and as many choices as possible. To make sure that everyone who reads finds a place where they belong.
What kind of reaction to your writing do you most seek from your reading audience?
That they are not bored with the work. It’s always painful to reread a book knowing the outcomes. Even if it’s beautifully written and or a favorite, every time you pick it up it loses a little bit of the original gratification you started with. It is my sincere hope that they remain immersed in this series, trying out numerous pathways and solving the hidden puzzles. Finding their own endings and experiencing foreign ones.
What kind of feedback have you received on your story?
People really seem to like it a lot.
How many more books are in your series? Can you give us brief descriptions of their storylines?
Path of the Neophyte: You start as a student and work your way up through many trials to advance in occult knowledge and magical power.
Mark of the Adept: You start off with power already. An adept familiar with magical prowess and occult aptitude. Here, you work out the best way to utilize your abilities.
Work of the Magus: This is not a standalone book. You must have read either one or all of the series. In this volume, you become a master.
Dark School: the prequel. You play the role of a grandchild to the original founder of an occult cohort. He bound numerous spirits both Hourly and Sub-lunar to his vast property. At his passing, you discover you are the primary beneficiary, along with unique tools and a diary containing instructions on how to take control of your inheritance.
What are some of the challenges in writing a series?
Well, there are always tough parts, but really it was an enjoyable experience to create this world and even more gratifying to watch others enjoy it themselves.
The illustrations in your novels are amazing! How did you find your illustrator and what was it like working together to bring your stories to life?
She was introduced to me by a good friend. I am blessed, lucky and fortunate to have her as my artists. To work with her is seamless. If my story has a soul, she formed its body.
What do you like to read and which authors have inspired your own writing?
Honestly, most of the authors I truly loved lived a long time before us. Plotinus, Ruysbroeck, Evelyn Underhill and others like this, but if we are talking fantasy from my youth, then Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Richard A. Knaak, Tolkian, and John Scalzi. Also, Thomas Jast is an indie author from my territory.
What do you like to do outside of writing?
Reading :o)
Cooking, working, love to watch movies, shows and animes, spend time with family and friends.
What are your plans for future writing projects? What are you working on now?
Just finished Work of the Magus. Probably going to settle down for a while.
Based on your experience, what advice can you give aspiring authors?
Get it done. Don’t think. Just keep working. If something is messed up clean it with your editor. Set goals for yourself and reach them. Don’t delay.
Is there anything else you’d like to add today?
Yes! Thank you Reader Views for this opportunity. I truly appreciate and love what you are doing for myself and other authors like me.
CONNECT WITH MATTI SILVER
WEBSITE: https://www.evwpress.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mattisilverbooks/
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://amzn.to/3vSeGGU
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