Oldham author publishes debut novel ‘Rise of the Fire Mage'

An author from Oldham has released his debut young adult fantasy ‘Rise of the Fire Mage’.

Muhammad Khan, who is 38, is a freelance journalist who was inspired to write his book when the first lockdown happened more than two years ago.

He said: “I had so much free time on my hands so I thought why not use the time and do something positive?

“In the space of two months I wrote the first draft.

"I would write regularly for five hours every day and would be exhausted at the end of each day.

"I left the first draft and didn’t work on it for a long time.

“It was a creative outburst and I just wrote and wrote non-stop.

"I didn’t even experience writer’s block.

“I have the utmost respect for authors because writing a book is a very difficult task.

“I believe everyone has a story to tell, it’s just a question of working very hard to tell it.

"My story is 60,000 words.

"I have learned many literary techniques including story arcs, structure and plot.

“I was inspired by the likes of JK Rowling, Tolkien, Patrick Rothfuss and among others, Terry Brooks.

"As a teenager I read fantasy books avidly so I am passionate about the genre.

“The main character is called Kaleem, a bullied child who grows to become a great warrior magician.

"I believe he is the Asian version of Harry Potter and readers will grow to love him.

“Writing the first draft is relatively easy, but to make it publishable you will have to shed blood, sweat and tears."

Muhammad has always loved to read and has a degree in English and Politics, so writing comes natural to him.

The themes in the book include the psychological effect of severe bullying, redemption and the power of kindness.

It is a coming-of-age story which discusses greed for power and good versus evil.

Muhammad added: “There are many parts to the story which you will have to read to find out, including devastating magic, a sinister secret society, demons and plenty of battles along the way.

“The story is based on the East as opposed to the West and the main characters are Asian.

“I am also part of the Asian Fantasy Alliance which is made up of fantasy writers.

"The group wants to help young people to break into the writing profession and to help them with advice and guidance.

Muhammad has decided to donate ten per cent of his royalties to the mental health charity, MIND.

“I feel it is a great achievement to have fulfilled my ambition of becoming a published author," he added.

"I wish to thank my family and everyone involved with editing and cover design.”

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