Blog Archives
Tragedy and Triumph
Final Eclipse follows a teenage boy and his emotionally distant father who must confront a global crisis sparked by a solar anomaly, blending space science, grief, and geopolitical tension into one unpredictable story. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I first thought of the premise for Final Eclipse when I was teaching upper-level physics courses at my university. I realized that combining some of the newest ideas in long-range space travel and radiation pressure with what we know about the mechanics of so-called “Lagrange orbits,” you end up with a potentially simple way to devastate Earth by casting the entire planet into permanent darkness. When I found that no other author had used this premise the way I envisioned it, I knew I had to write a story that would explore humanity’s struggle to survive such an apocalypse. And I knew that I could keep real-life science at the core of the story without resorting to highly speculative theories or pseudoscience.
Kevin’s voice feels incredibly authentic. Did you draw from any real-life experiences or teens you know to shape his character?
Some of Kevin’s character comes from memories of my own childhood, though there are distinct differences. Much of his character is an attempted departure from the cliché of the “reluctant hero” used in so many stories, or the “chosen one” with special gifts or powers who just wants to be normal, but is the only one who can save the day for some reason.
Kevin, on the other hand, is a smart kid, but otherwise, pretty normal. His story is of one who is determined do something anyway, trying to push in to the center of the action, wanting to be more special and heroic than he realistically can be, and struggling to believe that despite his limitations and the devastating odds against him, that he can still make a difference and that there is still hope for humanity.
The book shifts from intimate drama to global stakes seamlessly. How did you balance pacing and tone without losing the reader?
Any character-driven story needs to connect with the reader on an intimate, personal level. One of the best ways to do this is through family and friends. I start there in my story and then work outward to bigger and more global events, always circling back to the main characters. I have them travel to several countries and intersect with people of various backgrounds and cultures to give depth to the story. For me, it is more important to follow a handful of central characters, even if they are not always at the center of every important event around the globe. Any story like this has to bring a balance of complexity and simple life, despair and hope, mystery and discovery, tragedy and triumph.
Do you see Final Eclipse as a standalone story, or is there more to come?
Final Eclipse is the first book in the Shadow of Winter trilogy. The second book in the series, Leviathan Rises, will be released in the spring of 2026.
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NASA research satellites suddenly go silent as a mysterious dark “spot” appears in front of the sun. A young Kevin Mycroft discovers that the spot is steadily growing in size, threatening to throw the entire earth into permanent darkness. When senior NASA scientists, including Kevin’s father, begin intentionally hiding the truth, Kevin convinces his friends to take action on their own. But is there anything they can do to fight the grim fate that awaits the planet?
The origin of the eclipse soon reveals that cold and darkness are not the only enemies lurking in the shadows. And as each fight for survival seems to backfire, Kevin’s hopes fade while he questions whether he, or anyone else, can be the hero that the world so desperately needs.
Power and Purpose
Restart: Dawn of Shadows – Book 2 thrusts readers into a battle for humanity’s future as a group of survivors fight against a ruthless queen from space to the streets of a post-apocalyptic Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As the story developed, I realized the fantasy side of it naturally flowed from the science fiction developments in book 1. As far as inspiration for the setup of the story, I’ve always been drawn to post-apocalyptic stories. For a lot of us, it’s a well that never runs dry. Yet I wanted to portray characters that resemble, not the future, but those who look to the past for their power and purpose.
Queen Eve is a compelling antagonist. What inspired her character, and did she evolve differently than you first envisioned?
Queen Eve has evolved, or regressed, into something much darker and sinister than had originally been seen when we first met her. This surprises even her own family. The rest of her part in the story developed naturally from that point on as she is virtually elemental.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Restart explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked technological power. The story delves into the blurred lines between humanity and technology, as the characters grapple with the moral complexities of a world redefined by a catastrophic event.
Survival and Humanity: The characters navigate a world where survival tests their humanity, pushing them to make difficult choices.
Betrayal and Trust: The group grapples with internal and external threats, questioning who can be trusted in a world where alliances are fragile.
Power and Consequences: The misuse of technological power leads to catastrophic consequences, exploring the potential dangers of unchecked advancements, such as AI and the military-industrial complex.
Family Ties: The dynamics of family relationships, both blood-related and chosen, play a significant role in shaping the characters’ motivations and actions.
The world-building is so immersive. What research or influences helped shape these settings?
First and foremost, I love books! I also love movies. As I write, I see it all come to life on the big screen. For me, science fiction is best when it comes a little closer to science than it does fiction. For that reason, my historical and theoretical research is quite thorough to ensure plausibility throughout the story. Perhaps it hasn’t happened yet, but it could happen at a later time. As for fiction, it’s certainly necessary as it entertains and intrigues the reader while serving to enrich the plot. In the end, science fiction must be timely.
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In a world teetering on the brink of total subjugation, our heroes—Uly and his friends Xavier, Max, and Arden Ray—find themselves once again thrust into a high-stakes battle for humanity’s future. As Queen Eve’s nefarious new world order threatens to engulf what remains of human civilization, our young protagonists must navigate a treacherous landscape of advanced technology, evolved enemies, and moral quandaries.
As new beginnings take flight aboard a space station orbiting Earth—a temporary haven from the chaos below—an unexpected attack shatters their fragile sense of security. Now, Uly and his friends are forced to return to a transformed New York City, amidst the ruins of a once-great metropolis, to confront Queen Eve’s forces and thwart her terrifying plans for a nightmare world. Together, the group must outsmart and outmaneuver Queen Eve’s roving bands of “the changed”—evolved and sinister versions of their former foes.
As the fight to protect the remnants of humanity from a fate worse than death wanes on, Uly, driven by hope and determination, searches for his missing mother and his loyal Irish Wolfhound, Finn McCool. And with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Uly and his friends face impossible odds. If they fail, the surviving humans will be reduced to serving Queen Eve’s twisted vision, with advanced technology wielded by a dangerous few against a helpless populace.
As they fight this ruthless enemy, our heroes must also wrestle with fundamental questions: Can they defeat evil without losing their humanity? Is a normal life ever possible again after facing such extraordinary challenges?
In this gripping sequel about loyalty, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit, Uly must find the strength to resist tyranny, protect his loved ones, and perhaps—against all odds—forge a path to a brighter future for all humanity.
Confronting New Challenges
Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street follows a young man who finds out how exciting his boring small town can be when he steps beyond a mysterious door on Main Street. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One evening, I found myself in a small main street area during a fireworks display. While everyone was watching the fireworks, I was admiring the turn-of-the-century architecture. The old brownstone buildings and facades were being cast in unusual colors and shadows and it struck me as a great setting for a sci-fi type storing. Since Main Street settings seemed to always have a ‘sleepy’ connotation, the question I posed to myself was, ‘”Why does nothing happen there?” Once I answered that question, the story took on a life of its own.
What scene did you have the most fun writing?
I found myself enjoying any scene where the main character, Parker, was on his own, such as his mission on the lake or exploring the decrepit house. It was at these moments when Parker could think and feel for himself without other characters intruding, and allowed me to invest more personally in everything that was transpiring.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
I did a fair amount of plotting, but before I could do that, I needed to understand what the story meant to each of the characters, whether that was Parker confronting new challenges, Doyle wrestling with his own role in society, or Cassandra coming to terms with her grief. Once I had a grip on each of them, then it was a matter of finding where their arcs landed in the story, combining them with all of the needed scenes, and making sure their stories were told.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? What are you currently working on?
My current project falls into the category of adventure involving light-hearted pirates, puzzles, mysterious treasure, and a few genre-bending surprises, with plans that it will be ready by next summer. I have been asked if Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street is the start of a series. Honestly, I had intended it to be a stand-alone story, however, after completing it, I realized that there is another story there. When I explored the idea a bit further, what I found surprised me, so I am definitely wanting to return to the setting of Main Street in Harding Springs soon!
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Nothing ever happens in Harding Springs. No tragic fires on Regent Avenue. No boating disaster on the lake. No runaway carriage ever flattened the Harding Springs Auxiliary Marching Band. It’s a quiet town filled with only peaceful and pleasant days.
That’s because no one knows about the incredible secret that lies behind the door at 55 Main Street or that the fates of the town residents rest in the vest pocket of a single, solitary stranger.
But when young Parker Riley and Harding Springs newcomers Cora and Cassandra Swanson stumble upon the amazing truth, their peaceful world is turned upside down as they attempt to protect the town—and themselves—from sinister interlopers and grave danger!
Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street
Daren Hatfield’s Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street begins in the quiet town of Harding Springs, where life hums along in predictable rhythms. Parker Riley, restless and yearning for more, assumes his days will remain uneventful. That changes the instant he steps into 55 Main Street, where a startling discovery shatters the stillness of his world. With his town inexplicably tied to a stranger’s mysterious purpose, Parker finds himself on a journey that will test his courage and reshape his understanding of the life he once dismissed as ordinary.
This novel transports readers into a setting both nostalgic and enchanting. The streets of Harding Springs, with their tranquil charm and sense of timelessness, feel like home—yet beneath the surface lies an undercurrent of magic waiting to be uncovered. Hatfield skillfully balances the serenity of small-town life with the suspense of Parker’s unfolding adventure, creating a story that is at once thrilling and deeply reflective. Parker Riley’s character stands at the heart of this tale, embodying the universal struggle between longing for something greater and finding meaning in the everyday. His transformation is relatable and compelling, drawing readers into his emotional journey.
Supporting characters like Cora, with her quiet strength, Cassandra, with her playful energy, and Edison, with his enigmatic wisdom, add richness and dimension to the story. Even the antagonists—multi-layered and unpredictable—command attention, challenging the notion of black-and-white morality.
Hatfield’s prose is both accessible and profound, capturing the essence of life’s subtleties with disarming simplicity. By framing the narrative as Parker’s memoir, the story resonates with a poignant nostalgia, a reminder of how fleeting yet impactful youth can be. Moments of exhilarating action are interspersed with quiet introspection, creating a rhythm that keeps readers captivated while leaving space for deeper themes to unfold.
Daren Hatfield’s Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street is a masterful exploration of connection, choice, and the courage to embrace life’s uncertainties. Its ability to transport readers, evoke emotion, and spark introspection is a testament to Hatfield’s storytelling prowess. This is more than just a book—it’s an experience that lingers long after the final page is turned. For anyone seeking a tale that weaves magic into the mundane and celebrates the quiet heroism of the every day, this novel is an absolute must-read.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0DJM7WGRV
LITERARY TITAN 