
I like faded denim and old typewriters.

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).


If I had to choose one picture for Drake, it would be this one of Nate Green.

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.
More About Me
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News & Updates
Thirst for Vampire (Blood and Ash Book Two sneak preview)
I’m in final edits for this book, which I’ve been working on for nearly two...
Read MorePrison Fae (Supernatural Penitentiary 1)
UPDATE! Book one is out and book two just launched! Here’s the first chapter. Chapter One...
Read MoreInfernal Betrayal: an Aztec Urban Fantasy
New release! I’m doing final edits on book three of the immortal assassin series – the...
Read MoreFree YA fantasy books!
It’s Chinese New Year in Taiwan, after getting stuffed on steamed fish, broiled pork and...
Read MoreChinese New Year Magic
When I was much younger, I always thought I’d move to Japan – instead, stuck in Oregon...
Read More
Events & Signings
Nanowrimo castle retreat
This month I'm in a 12th century Austrian fortress, working on my Nanowrimo book project with a few writing friends. Right now it's snowing outside. We have a couple goats, alpaca and rabbits in the barn, tons of space, and almost too much peace and quiet - apart from...
London YA Literature Con
Last weekend we left Taiwan and headed to London for #yalc (London's Young Adult Literature Conference, which was part of ComicCon). I got to see some young adult authors, some pro-wrestlers and about half the cast from Game of Thrones, which was awesome. I also gave...
I’ll be at the London Film and Comic Con!
Just finishing my PhD and finally, finally moving on with my life... this year I managed to put out some fiction, which was a huge goal of mine, but now I'll have the time to finish what I've started and start writing full-time. I have dozens and dozens of novels...
Why I hate Bali
We've been in Bali for two months - I begged my wife to come back so I could speak at a conference even though we were here last year and she didn't have a good time. I loved it, the first time: it's basically paradise. It's an exotic adventure. Bali is very spiritual...
JK Rowling’s favorite bookstore
You may not know this about me, but my MA thesis was about esoteric symbolism in Harry Potter. So I'm thrilled to be travelling through Portugal this month, seeking out JK Rowling's favorite writing spots for inspiration. Rowling started planning Harry Potter in...
I’m renting a castle to write my next book
Last year I rented a castle for Nanowrimo. It was actually a chateau in France, but still... pretty amazing. We drank port and explored medieval cities and basked in the inspiration that emits from story-rich historical buildings. We wrote a lot, and even had some...
FREE BOOKS
Our FREE starter library contains 10 thrilling samples from our most popular series starters, and the first installment of a brand new epic fantasy series (with dragons). Should I send it to you?
NO THANKS, I DON'T NEED MORE BOOKS.

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