"Those who dream by night, in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that all was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, and make it possible."
- T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)
T.H. Alexander's journey into the world of writing is a captivating narrative that highlights the profound impact of storytelling and the importance of perseverance.
His passion for writing was ignited at a remarkably young age, thanks to the enchanting pages of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
This magical tale, featuring a young girl whisked away to a fantastical world filled with flying witches, talking animals, and remarkable footwear, left an indelible mark on the mind of six-year-old Alexander. The notion that someone could conjure such a vivid and imaginative realm simply through the power of words sparked a creative flame within him that has continued to burn brightly ever since.
Over the following eight years, he channeled this inspiration into crafting a myriad of short stories, many of which remained unfinished.​ As he transitioned into high school, Alexander embarked on a writing project that would ultimately change the course of his life: The Lord of Salamander.
Initially, this endeavor seemed unremarkable, as he wrote sporadically during his high school years—making small strides here and there. However, it wasn't until his senior year, with the encouragement and guidance of his creative writing teacher, that the true potential of The Lord of Salamander began to reveal itself. As he approached the completion of the manuscript, it became increasingly clear that this was not just another fantasy tale; it was destined to be something extraordinary.
After graduating from Tom C. Clark High School in 2007, Alexander dedicated the next several years to tirelessly querying numerous literary agents, all while juggling his education and working various dead-end jobs.
Unbeknownst to him, during this time, the publishing industry was undergoing a monumental transformation. The release of the first iPhone in 2007 marked the dawn of a new digital era that revolutionized nearly every aspect of daily life, including communication, commerce, and entertainment. This seismic shift would inevitably touch the publishing world as well.
By the mid-2010s, platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble made it increasingly feasible for aspiring authors to self-publish their works with minimal cost and effort. Despite being aware of the stigma surrounding self-publishing—often viewed as inferior to traditional publishing—Alexander initially dismissed the idea. However, after nearly seven years of unsuccessful agent queries, his options dwindled, leading him to contemplate abandoning his dreams altogether.
In a moment of uncertainty, fate intervened when he stumbled upon an inspiring magazine article about Hugh Howey, an emerging science fiction author who achieved remarkable success by independently publishing his series Silo (originally titled Wool). Howey's story of triumph resonated deeply with Alexander, illuminating a potential path forward.
With great reluctance, Alexander decided to embark on this new journey of self-publishing, realizing it was his last chance to fulfill the commitment he had made to himself nearly a decade prior.
After several more years of hard work, The Lord of Salamander was finally released in the winter of 2018. Following this, Alexander published his subsequent horror novel, Till Dawn, in 2022.
The re-launch of The Lord of Salamander in 2023 garnered significant acclaim, with Jo Niederhoff of the Manhattan Book Review awarding the epic fantasy a prestigious five-star rating, declaring it “the best YA novel I’ve read all year!”
Today, Alexander continues to reside in San Antonio, Texas, where he diligently works on the next chapter of the Mythic Realms saga, with Return to Salamander slated for release in 2027.
His story not only showcases his evolution as a writer but also reflects the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry, emphasizing the vital importance of adaptability and resilience in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
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