More about me

I wanted to talk about who I am as a writer and the reason I write. 

I decided to start writing allegorical fantasy stories because it is the best way I can express myself, and it feels natural to me.  I have always written in my own personal little books in Word documents, but I find allegory to be the best way for me to process truth, faith struggles and hope. I am not writing to imitate anyone; I write because I have my own deep struggles, and this is how I express myself. After all, we are in this world, but we are not of it, so the saying goes. I choose to write this way because I believe stories have an excellent way of showing truth seen, felt, and lived out practically.

Writing in an allegorical way gives me space for reflection and time to myself, and fantasy/fiction allows me to express myself creatively. I have written some darker, sinister fantasy books; in fact, I have four books like this, but I choose to write allegorical fantasy/fiction that are Bible-centred because I want to speak truth and encourage. 

I am doing what I believe is right for me, I am not being anyone else, I am being me.

I am not trying to recreate a book genre or step in the shadow of great writers. I have a genuine, deep respect for the work of those who have written allegory before me, but admiration is not imitation. Every writer speaks from their own place and into the time they live in, and their own gifting, this is mine.

I love worldbuilding. I love symbols. I love stories that are cinematic, tense, fast-paced, and meaningful, layered stories where brokenness can be restored, where living for truth is costly, and where love is about action and sacrifice. 

Above this, I love Jesus Christ and want him to be the centre. 

I do not write because I want to be clever; I am not. 

I just wanted to say that I am not writing to impress.

I don't write to win arguments.

I write because my faith shapes how I see the world around me. Also, experiences in life have a profound impact on us, and how do we deal with this? Allegory helps me to explore my own heart with honesty. Allegory helps me delve into spiritual realities with honesty, not as mere theory, but as something lived out in experience. Fear, pride, division, grace, mercy, love, these are all real, and they have impacts on our lives. So, a story can help us see them clearly. 

As I have mentioned already, some of my earlier writing has been darker, more violent, and more overly fantasy-driven. I don't deny that. But as I have come to realise that allegory is where my voice is most true to my convictions as a writer and a man who loves God. It is quite frankly where my storytelling really comes to life and where I come into my own. I am simply expressing my love for Christ through my love for storytelling. 

I am not pretending to be something I am not. 

I am not trying to sound like someone else.

I am quite simply writing the stories I believe I should write

If people enjoy them, I am grateful if they do not, then that's ok too. My responsibility is not comparison or outcome, it is simply faithfulness. 

I believe God can use my stories; he uses different voices and people who are not great, like fishermen. This is my way of expressing myself may God use it for his glory. 

I intend to keep writing and creating meaningful allegories soaked in biblical truth, I will humbly do this, with Christ at the centre, wherever he leads. 

 Daniel J.York