Q&A
Who's Dan?
Daniel Smyth was born and raised in Northern Ireland where he spent the majority of his life training to work in the arts industry.
Having graduated from the University of Ulster in 2018 with a degree in drama, where he specialised in playwrighting, he has worked in various drama positions over the years, including as an assistant stage manager in the Derry/Londonderry theatre company Stage Beyond, as well as teaching drama workshops to primary school students.
Additionally, Daniel specialises in coaching and mentoring young people on the Autism spectrum, having done so as a school prefect, and later as a martial arts coach.
Who's Tim?
Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Timothy 'Tim' Sproule is a theologian turned novelist, carving out his unique niche in the realm of space operas.
A University of Chester graduate, Tim holds degrees in Theology and Applied Theology, grounding his narratives in profound philosophical questions.
With experience as a trainer, mentor, and martial arts instructor for individuals with ASD, Tim infuses his narratives with themes of resilience and courage.
A fervent cinephile and media enthusiast, he has contributed to the production of short films across the UK and Ireland, reflecting his knack for storytelling on multiple platforms.
Tim also shares his passion for pop culture and critical analysis through his YouTube channel, 'Well Actually.'
In 'Sojourn,' he offers readers a thrilling journey into humanity's future, filled with conflict, heroism, and the eternal quest for peace.
Where did it all begin?
It began in 2011 when Dan was working on a series called "Sojourn" for fun.
Tim and Daniel met as teenagers while attending a martial arts club. It was there that they discovered their shared passion of the cinematic and literature genres of science fiction, fantasy, action, and storytelling in general.
Over the next decade as they both went in their separate directions careerwise, they stayed friends, often trying to entertain each other with silly ideas for stories.
Eventually, Daniel found his niche as a writer while studying drama and began to seek work as a playwright, while Tim began to hone his own writing craft through his enjoyment of novels.
As they both pursued creative writing for fun, they realised that they could unite their skills and create a science fiction space opera story of their own.
A homage to the series they had grown up with, while at the same time, having the opportunity to share their stories and ideas with others.
Is that it?
Never! Dan &Tim are working on the prequel trilogy in 2024.
It is expected to be compleated and out on the market before mid-2025.
A Fun Fact
The authors' profile photo at the back of the first book, Vanguard War - Sojourn came from a movie series Dan (left) and Tim (right) made, featuring Dan as a James Bond type hero 'Danny Death'.
As more books come out, there will be more behind-the-scene shots of the movie revealed at the back of each book.