From Daydreams to Dark Realms: The Creative Journey of Michael DeCamp

Mar 4

Michael DeCamp’s journey to becoming an author was not a straightforward one, but more a gradual unfolding that began early in his life. He recently came across an old 4th-grade report card, where his teacher had written that he was slow to finish his work due to a tendency to daydream. "I think that says a lot about me,” he said. “It wasn’t until my late thirties that I really began my creative writing journey, but I’d always been an avid reader. Writers like Dean Koontz and Stephen King captured my imagination and inspired me to try my hand at writing short stories."

What started as an experiment soon blossomed into a full-fledged career. Now, Michael had four novels to his name, two in YA fantasy thrillers and one in spiritual enrichment. Despite writing in genres that seemed worlds apart, he spoke of the balance between them with ease. "Fantasy and thrillers have always been the genres that intrigued me," Michael said. "I’ve always enjoyed action-packed, suspenseful stories. But writing spiritual enrichment books? That came from a much deeper place within me, connected to my own faith. It was a book I felt compelled to write, almost like I had no choice but to get it out."

The shift from one genre to the other had never been difficult for him. "Up until recently, I had a pretty demanding day job, so I didn’t have much time to work on more than one project at a time. Now that I have more time to focus, I’m able to switch between genres more easily, but it was always about what the story demanded."

When it came to writing, Michael found that the lines between fantasy and thriller weren’t as distinct as some might think. "For me, fantasy and thrillers are almost one and the same," he said, his voice laced with excitement. "If fantasy doesn’t have a bit of thrill, it just doesn’t pull me in. And thrillers with fantasy elements? That’s something I love. I'm actually working on something right now that combines the two. It’s always fun when you can mix suspense with a touch of magic or the supernatural."

It wasn’t just the action or thrills that Michael enjoyed weaving into his stories, it was the depth of the characters and the worlds they inhabited. In his Cutters Notch Trilogy, the world was grounded in reality, but it was also home to alternate dimensions, such as the Arboreal Realm, a plant-dominated world that coexists with our own. "I love the challenge of imagining how these realms might overlap," Michael explained. "When you start with a real-world foundation, it’s fun to build from there. What might happen in one realm that affects the other? How can they interact or fail to do so? It really lets the imagination roam free."

His love for the fantastical extended beyond his own creations, drawing inspiration from mythologies, folklore, and real-world cultures. "I’ve always admired authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They taught me how to build unique characters and worlds," he said. "My stories might not follow the same paths as theirs, but they’ve definitely inspired me."

For Michael, a great fantasy story wasn’t about sticking to one specific formula. "It’s all about letting your imagination go wild. Anything is possible in fantasy. Dragons, elves, fairies, strange landscapes, they can all exist. That’s what makes it exciting." He spoke of how this sense of wonder flowed into his characters as well, particularly when it came to their emotional growth. "You have to really think about where they start emotionally, how they change as they experience the world, and what lessons they learn along the way. It’s about more than just adventure; it’s about their personal journeys."

The world of YA fantasy was not one that Michael had consciously set out to enter, it was simply where his stories naturally gravitated. But as his audience grew, he found himself increasingly drawn to crafting stories that resonated with both younger and older readers. "When I first wrote The Cutters Notch Trilogy, I just wanted to tell a fun, exciting story that was safe for a wide range of readers," he admitted. "Now, I’m starting to venture into grittier territory, writing for an adult audience. It’s a challenge, but one I’m ready for."

Michael’s ability to craft suspense was perhaps most evident in his YA horror novel, The Purveyor of Death. The book was filled with twists and turns, and Michael’s secret to keeping readers on edge was surprisingly simple. "I like to build the story by writing shorter sections, ending each one with a mini cliffhanger," he explained. "It’s all about keeping the reader hooked and excited to see what happens next."

He acknowledged that much of the psychological or crime-driven elements in his thrillers came from a variety of sources. "I watch a lot of crime TV, shows like NCIS and Law & Order, and the real world can be just as wild as anything you could make up," he said.

Despite the thrilling and sometimes dark nature of his work, Michael's journey as an author was far from just about writing, it was about the connections he made along the way. "The most rewarding part of this journey has been seeing my stories come to life and hearing from readers who really enjoy them. But what’s been just as special is the relationships I’ve built with other authors," he said.. "The local author community is incredibly supportive, and I’ve been so fortunate to have people to inspire and encourage me."

Michael was excited to tell us about his projects ahead. "I’m working on the second book in my Doc Moon series right now. The first one, The Purveyor of Death, was just the beginning. There’s also a new crime/family thriller I’m working on that’s a departure from fantasy. I can’t say much about it yet, but stay tuned."

Michael’s stories, whether in the realm of fantasy, horror, or spiritual enrichment, were a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of staying true to one’s creative vision. As his stories continued to unfold, so too did his legacy, one of thrilling adventures, complex characters, and a heart that had learned to trust in the magic of storytelling.