My friends, the time has finally come. Ten long years ago, I started work on a story; a simple dark science fiction story about a woman named Mary, an AI named SCARAB, and a world of ancient alien mysteries called Tantalus 13. It was the first book I ever wrote that truly seemed worthy of publication, and in 2016 I managed, with a ton of hard work and support from many amazing friends, to secure a publication deal.
The next six years saw me locked in a seemingly endless cycle of edits. These edits were challenging to get through, but in the best possible ways, as each saw huge improvements in my book and my skills as a writer. Though the delay often seemed interminable, hard work, patience, and perseverance saw us through to where we are now.
Today, Tantalus Depths is published. Bookstores worldwide now carry a book I wrote. My story, my words, can now be read by anyone anywhere. I have an audiobook, narrated by Andi Arndt: one of the most talented narrators I’ve ever heard. She has miraculously captured every minute detail of every scene and character in her voice with such beautiful precision that it feels as if she read the story directly out of my mind instead of a script.
Yesterday, I stood on a stage at my alma mater, the university where I wrote the very first draft of Tantalus Depths. I was introduced by Dr. Bowles, the professor who taught me so much about the craft of writing and guided me throughout Tantalus Depths’ creation, to a crowd of dedicated friends and supporters and intrigued newcomers. I read my own words to an auditorium of people who had come specifically to see me. I took photo ops and signed books, just like a real, published author.
Because I am one.
Today, a dream I’ve held in my heart since I was a child has been well and truly fulfilled. I am Evan Graham: published author. And this is only the beginning.
