Steve Pantazis in the Writers of the Future Epic eBundle
This interview is part of a series on the authors contributing to the Writers of the Future Epic eBundle, available starting July 11.
I’m proud to have a book in this year’s bundle. I’m proud to release beside so many great judges and winners. But then there’s a higher level: Steve Pantazis, my friend and writing brother of more than ten years now. I first met Steve when we were both winners in Volume 31 (the best volume, as we’ll be sure to tell you). We had an immediate connection because we’re both software developers who are also writers, and that influence comes through in many of our stories. But Steve is more than a developer. He also runs his own software business, and he brings that sense of business and professionalism to his writing career. I have a lot of respect for the way he merges the two.
STEVE PANTAZIS is an award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. A winner of the prestigious Writers of the Future award, his short fiction has appeared in leading anthologies and magazines, including Nature, Galaxy’s Edge, and IGMS. He is the author of The Light of Darkness, a nine-book epic fantasy series, as well as the sci-fi thrillers Godnet and Blackout.
When not writing (a rare occasion!), Steve enjoys crafting extraordinary cuisine, exercising with vigor, and sharing marvelous adventures with the love of his life.
Originally from New York City, he now calls Southern California home.
You can learn more about him at www.StevePantazis.com.
I had the chance to ask Steve a few questions for the bundle promotion.
How are you associated with Writers of the Future, and what does it mean to you?
I’m a past contest winner. Writers of the Future is the gold standard for aspiring speculative fiction authors. Winning the contest—and being published in Volume 31—remains the most important milestone in my writing career.
Tell us about your book in the bundle. Why did you choose this book from all your works?
The Dark That Ignites is a standalone fantasy novel, but also the prequel to my nine-book epic fantasy series, The Light of Darkness. It’s special in that it tells the origin story of a young mage student who becomes the villain in Book 1 of my series.
In a world where magic grants power and status, Miko will do anything to rise above. Determined to become a mage and earn respect, he finds himself in a fierce rivalry with Deven—his classmate, his competitor, and the boy vying for the same girl. As their conflict escalates, Miko taps into forbidden magic with devastating consequences. Now, caught between guilt and ambition, he must face the cost of his choices—and the possibility that darkness has claimed him for good.
What was your favorite part of writing/editing this book?
I had already completed the entire nine-book series when I sat down to write The Dark That Ignites. I asked myself which character I wanted to spotlight as the protagonist in the prequel, and Miko—the villain from Book 1—came to mind. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be fun to write the villain as the hero of his own story?”
Shaping a young, ambitious, and impressionable student into the future antagonist was the most rewarding part of writing this book.
What one other of your books should readers check out?
The Dark That Begins, Book 1 of The Light of Darkness series. It’s the natural next step for readers who enjoy The Dark That Ignites, its prequel. You can find out more about the book at http://books.stevepantazis.com/LOD1.
Is there a story or author would you recommend to your readers as an exemplar of the 41 years of Writers of the Future?
“Mara’s Shadow” by Darcy Stone (Golden Pen Award winner). A gripping hard sci-fi tale set in Asia, it centers on a deadly parasite, a race against time, and the emotional toll on a family caught in the middle.
Do you prefer fantasy or science fiction?
Both—I love them equally and passionately.
Where can readers learn more about you and your work?
- Website: https://www.stevepantazis.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SFFAuthor
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crm_stevo
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sffauthor