About the Author

Derek Murphy, PHD

Welcome to Urban Epics! I’m Derek Murphy. I started Urban Epics for my own writing, and have now started working with some talented new authors to get more enthralling stories out faster.

I’ve lived abroad for over two decades, in dozens of countries. After spending years as a starving artist, and being rejected twice for a Fulbright to study vampire mythology in Romania, I got a stipend to finish my MA in Harry Potter and my PhD in Paradise Lost.

Since then, I’ve used my passion for foreign culture, literature, history and mythology to create innovative fiction. I also have a deep fascination with the supernatural, stemming from a childhood sleeping disorder (sleep paralysis) which involved terrifying episodes with demons, aliens, and the Easter Bunny. 

Why Urban Epics?
I love telling stories, but as an author + cover designer + editor who is also helping other writers publish their books, I couldn’t keep up with the demand.

So recently I partnered with a small team and I’ve been working closely with a handful of talented writers to develop new story ideas.

All of our stories will aim towards the same features that readers love about my fiction: fast-paced, tightly-plotted, sweeping worlds and epic conflict… plus some heart wrenching romance, intrigue and betrayal. They’ll also (mostly) be urban and epic fantasy (hence our name).

About the Author

Drake Mason

Drake Mason is my much cooler alter ego and the pen-name I use for the cowritten books we publish here at Urban Epics. He dresses well, probably moonlights as a bartender and practices black magic in secret – when he’s not betting his motorcycle in an illegal card game.

What does he actually do?
That depends on the book – but generally Drake is a story magician and creativity alchemist; he’ll help in all stages of story production, from plotting and development to editing and revision. He also (usually) makes the book covers, promo graphics, web design and launch planning, and even writes the blurbs to make sure our books hit all the keywords readers are searching for.

He’s an extra layer of quality control, and his years of marketing and publishing acumen mean the books we launch through Urban Epics will reach more readers AND actually satisfy them. But he’s more of a brand than an actual author, so we keep his name small on the covers.

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