With over a decade spent traveling alongside "Letitia", a remarkably roomy suitcase bursting with books, D. J. Swales, a bestselling author and poet, can often be discovered plotting his novels in the same medieval Worcestershire taverns that once welcomed J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Alternatively, he might be peering from a window in Hertfordshire's verdant Sarratt village, where spy thriller maestro John Le Carré chose to set his secretive spy-training centre. The grandson of an Irish folklorist, D. J. shares his family name with Dracula's first Whitby victim. Like Bram Stoker, his fellow Irish author, D. J. 's pen was fated to find words whispered in the dark, often inspired by the Celtic fairy tales of his youth. D. J. 's passion for folklore extends beyond the 12 countries and 3 U.S. states he has called home. As an “international tumbleweed” his stories weave experiences, histories, and myths from 120 countries and 45 U.S. states. Many tales were spun in haunted hotels, bustling railway stations, and cosy cafés. How to begin your literary voyage with D. J.'s bookshelf? For aficionados of sagas like Game of Thrones, The Witcher, and Penny Dreadful, the unmissable BARATANAC TRILOGY (Book One of the Fitzmarbury Witches) beckons. This trilogy promises spine-tingling occult horror and captivating dark historical fantasy. "A vanished London author's hard drive surfaces in Barbados, unveiling a disconcerting draft trilogy that delves into the origins of London's foremost witch and her infernal legion. As pages turn, Carthaginian religious sects of antiquity weave their influence, corrupting the witch's youthful innocence and casting malevolent shadows across the shores of ancient Spain and distant Britain." Devotees of Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Alma Katsu should not miss this literary journey. For enthusiasts of heartwarming and enchanting magical realism, discover D. J. 's latest fabulism novel—PEOPLE OF BLOOMSBURY. Influenced by the whimsical allure often found in Japanese popular literature, this book invites you to meet your eccentric new London neighbours. D. J.'s pen blends cozy fiction, magical realism, suspense, and uplifting quirkiness to craft a tale that will make you smile, chuckle, and perhaps even shed a tear. Within this debut novel from the Curled Up and Cozy Collection, D. J. has spun an experience that echoes the likes of Richard Osman, Hiromi Kawakami, Beth O'Leary, Sayaka Murata, Armistead Maupin, Sophie Kinsella, and Marian Keyes. HIT PODCASTS: Embark on audio fiction adventures with FITZMARBURY WITCHES and PEOPLE OF BLOOMSBURY, available on all major podcast platforms (anchor.fm/djswales). POEMS: Dive into D. J. 's nomadic verses within LOVE IN AN ISIS TOWN (a Kindle No. 1 bestselling poetry book), an exploration of transient life on the open road. Drawing inspiration from poets like Charles Bukowski, Bashō, and Seamus Heaney, these verses resonate. MIDNIGHT'S TWIN offers a delve into the Gothic and macabre (also featuring selected excerpts from LOVE IN AN ISIS TOWN). OTHER BOOKS: Don't overlook the compelling LIONS OF UTICA (A Fitzmarbury Witches Ghost Story), an enthralling paranormal thriller set in ancient North Africa. Additionally, brace yourself for the spine-chilling short story PARIS: A CURSE IN THE CITY OF THE CATACOMBS (soon to be adapted into a screenplay). UPCOMING CREATIONS: The next addition to the charming and whimsical CURLED UP AND COZY COLLECTION is in the final stages of editing, accompanied by D. J.'s enthralling psychological thriller, NIGHT TRAIN IN MOROCCO (also adapted for the screen). Anticipate the spine-tingling supernatural suspense of GOLEM OF NAGASAKI, masterfully set amidst the locales of London and Japan, soon to be followed by its prequel, RADISH (both poised for the screenplay treatment). Kindled by obscure and haunting fairy tales, prepare for the immersive experience of LOVE AND LOSS IN THE FAIRY: GOBLIN WARS. STAY CONNECTED THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA: Catch the latest from D. J. Swales on TikTok & IG: @djswaleswritesbooks