Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.

Sabitha: Ready for a gritty fantasy? That’s why Bardlyre is here, to tell us about Darkhelm and a Knight which serves the realm … 

Bardlyre: “You are a brief candle in a long night. You pass through, and we are grateful, but the blackness will take you.”

Yet another village full of complaints. Daine listened, delivered all the justice she had power to give, and prepared to move on. 

All in a day’s work for a Knight of the Road.

Of course, some disliked her intrusion into their schemes, but they were of little concern. They had tried to stop her before and would doubtless try again.

Things change when Daine is charged with the protection of a simple stable boy. Shadows gather around those like Daine who seek to bring light, and their eyes are fixed on the boy.

Can Lady Darkhelm stand in their way? The realm needs heroes, and Daine Darkhelm may not be enough.

Sabitha: What inspired you to write this book?

Bardlyre: I recently became very engaged with literary role-playing-game-based fiction, but I found so many of the stories were about borderline psychotic young men. I felt, for balance, an older woman with her own mental baggage was appropriate. It’s been great to see people agree!

Sabitha: Do you have a playlist for your book? 

Bardlyre: I like to have Oasis on in the background when I write. ‘Live Forever’ is very apt for my main character. Likewise, The Verve’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ captured the vibe nicely!

Sabitha: If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

Bardlyre: I think someone needs to tell my villains that, no matter how foolproof they think their plan, Daine will find them. And she will kill them…

Sabitha: Do you have any suggestions to help people in our community become better writers?

Bardlyre: I think the best advice, really, is to not let perfect become the enemy of good. For so many people, they never get past writing those opening few chapters because they get stuck endlessly in an edit and rewrite cycle. I was the same with the first bit of Darkhelm – and even then, there were pages upon pages of edits from my publisher. I wasted so many weeks tweaking. Blank pages are the most intimidating thing. Makes people want to keep working on their early chapters.

Sabitha: What’s your next writing project?

Bardlyre: I’m currently polishing Book Two – Stonehand! It’salso published by Nef House Publishing and on audio from Tantor Media.

Sabitha: Thanks for sharing your story and your process. We’re looking forward to reading! Where can the Night Beats community find you and your book?

Bardlyre: You can order Darkheam here. I’m on Royal Road as Bardlyre, and also on TikTok and Facebook.