Bronte Bennett speaks with author DG Anthony about the origins of his fantasy series, the long-running story idea that eventually became The New Bearer, and the practical reality of turning a 400-page manuscript into a published book.
They also dig into world-building, writer’s block, beta readers, ARC readers, and what success looks like when you are publishing primarily to share a story that has lived in your head for years.
Key topics
- In this interview, Bronte Bennett introduces DG Anthony, author of The New Bearer, book one in the Parting War series, and sets up a conversation about fantasy writing, publishing, and creative process.
- Dan shares that his earliest reading memories were shaped by Harry Potter, then later The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and A Song of Ice and Fire, which helped steer him toward fantasy.
- He explains that he first tried creative writing around GCSE age, and that a teacher’s encouragement gave him confidence that he could actually write something worth sharing.
- Dan describes reading as a major influence on his writing style, especially the pacing, immersion, and flow of the fantasy books he enjoys most.
- He says the story began forming around age 17 and started as an escape during a difficult period, including his mum being unwell, which gave the writing emotional depth.
- The book was originally conceived years earlier, but last year he returned to it, rewrote it from an older skeleton, and completed the first book through evenings, weekends, and late nights.
- Dan gives a detailed pitch for The New Bearer, centered on Luke, a 17-year-old from Viricadia whose sheltered life is shattered by the arrival of a stranger and the revelation of a far darker world beyond his home.
- The story includes found family, loss, hidden history, manipulated religion and law, and the idea that not every history tells the truth.
- He says the book is intended for roughly 16-plus readers, though early feedback suggests it also resonates strongly with readers in their 40s and beyond.
- On the publishing side, Dan discusses using carefully chosen beta readers, adding ARC readers closer to launch, building his own website, and learning the technical side of self-publishing as he went.
- He explains that seeing his children proud of the book, and asking him to sign their copies, was one of the most meaningful moments of the whole process.
- Dan says he chose self-publishing because he wanted to preserve his own voice and protect the world and characters as they existed in his imagination.
- He shares that success now means hearing from readers who are enjoying the book and seeing their reactions as they move through the story.
- For aspiring writers, his advice is simple: start putting the idea down in any form you can, then learn the publishing process early so there are fewer surprises later.
Connect with D G Anthony here: https://dganthonybooks.com
