Author Timothy Patterson is working on a new novel, Forged in Ancient Fire. Check it out and download the first chapter for free!
By timothy patterson
Forged in Ancient Fire
A serialized novel launching June 10 on Substack
👉 ForgedInAncientFire.Substack.com
What if everything you believed about your past was only half the story?
Sixteen-year-old Jia Peach is grieving, broke, and utterly alone after the sudden death of her mother. Just when it seems like life can’t get any worse, a mysterious Korean woman appears with a stunning revelation: Jia’s father—long presumed gone—is alive. And not just alive, but tied to a powerful, secretive family on the other side of the world.
With little left to lose, Jia boards a plane to Seoul, stepping into a city rich in history, hidden magic, and long-buried family secrets. There, amid neon lights and ancient temples, she discovers she’s the heir to an enchanted legacy—and the keeper of a mystical amulet that could shift the balance between realms.
But magic always comes at a price. As her powers awaken, so do her enemies.
Forged in Ancient Fire is a bold coming-of-age fantasy full of heart, heritage, and hard choices. Jia’s journey is one of resilience and transformation, where friendships are tested, family bonds fray, and spells can be cast with a whisper—or a scream.
If you love emotionally rich stories with strong female leads, slow-building magic, and cross-cultural adventure, this one’s for you.
📅 First chapter drops June 10
💌 Subscribe now: ForgedInAncientFire.Substack.com
Author
Timothy Patterson
I always find it tricky to start these bios! Writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I immersed myself in books, and I still vividly recall a moment from my teenage years. I was engrossed in “Catcher in the Rye,” and my mom caught me reading. She jokingly asked if I was only reading the “good parts.” I proudly replied, “No, Mom, I started from the beginning!” She was okay with that.
Growing up, science fiction became my playground: Philip K. Dick, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Harlan Ellison, Poul Anderson, and Robert Heinlein filled my imagination. I dabbled in writing short stories and essays, and some even found their way into publications. However, as life went on, I had to focus on earning a living. While I continued to write for work—blogging, web articles, and more—my heart yearned to dive back into fiction and try my hand at crafting novels. I must mention that in my late 20s, I made a feeble attempt at writing a novel. Clueless about the process, I stopped after 250 pages, never to revisit it again—except for those occasional moments every few years when I stumbled upon it, read a couple of pages, and thought, “Hey, that’s not half bad.”
Fast forward to the present, where the internet has made learning and connecting so much easier. Four years ago, I ran out of excuses and started writing again. Armed with a captivating character and an intriguing scenario, I took the plunge, all while keeping an eye out for tips on crafting a cohesive and captivating novel. I’m not quite there yet, but I’ve made significant progress.
Now, with six-plus novels under my belt, totaling over three-quarters of a million words, I can confidently say that I’ve come a long way. Sure, I haven’t sold anything just yet, but the feedback accompanying the rejections I’ve received has become more encouraging. Who knows? I might just get there!
The journey hasn’t been without its fair share of dead ends and discarded scenes, but with each setback, I’ve grown more determined to succeed. I’m more confident than ever, and I believe that my breakthrough is on the horizon. So, here’s to embracing the challenges, learning from them, and continuing to pursue my passion for storytelling.
Non-Fiction Books
Tradeshow Success
Tim’s first book detailed the 14 Steps to Take Your Tradeshow Marketing to the Next Level
Tradeshow Superheroes and Exhibiting Zombies
66 Lists on how to Make the Most of Your Tradeshow Marketing
You have a remarkable ability to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery through your writing. The way you described Jia’s memories of her mother and the significance of bananas in their lives was both touching and poignant. It truly captured the essence of their relationship and the impact her mother had on her.