Where awesome book readers meet awesome writers
Meet Darryl Martel
Darryl Martel is an author whose storytelling is shaped by a lifetime of diverse experiences. After a multifaceted career that spanned law enforcement, fostering, and the financial world, he now devotes his time to writing full-time, transforming his creative energy into stories that explore the full range of human emotion.
He writes across fiction, historical, and romantic genres, blending imagination with real-world insight. Each of his books invites readers into vividly crafted worlds filled with love, conflict, courage, and discovery. Darryl believes deeply in the power of words to reveal hidden truths and connect people through shared emotion.
With an observant mind and a storyteller’s heart, he continues to craft tales that move between the past and present, always grounded in what makes us human. Readers can find and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X), WordPress, and LinkedIn.
The Inspiration Behind Under the Tenko Sun
Darryl’s latest release, Under the Tenko Sun, is a sweeping historical novel of survival and resilience set during World War II in Southeast Asia.
In February 1942, as Singapore falls to Japanese forces, a group of British, Australian, and Dutch women are separated from their families and forced into captivity. Among them are:
- Eleanor Whitmore, the colonel’s wife whose strength is tested beyond endurance.
- Margaret Evans, a young nurse caught between compassion and cruelty.
- Sally Harding, a grieving widow whose friendship with nurse Nell Dawson blossoms into forbidden love.
- Dorothy Clarke, resourceful and defiant, who risks everything to survive.
Across multiple prison camps, the women endure starvation, disease, betrayal, and loss but also moments of courage and connection that refuse to die. When the war finally ends, their struggles are far from over. Liberation brings not only freedom but also the emotional reckoning that follows unimaginable hardship.
Under the Tenko Sun is a haunting portrait of ordinary women facing extraordinary circumstances. Inspired by the television series Tenko, which Darryl watched as a child, the book pays tribute to those who lived, suffered, and persevered during one of history’s darkest times.
📖 Read it here: https://books2read.com/u/bogjW9
Writing Habits That Keep the Stories Flowing
Darryl describes himself as a disciplined writer who doesn’t wait for inspiration he creates it. Most mornings begin quietly, with a strong cup of coffee and a clear goal. Even writing a single page matters, because progress builds consistency.
He carries a notebook everywhere, capturing ideas whenever they appear during a walk, over a meal, or in conversation. These snippets often become the seed for new stories.
His process balances planning and discovery. He sketches a loose structure, maps out historical details, and then lets his characters surprise him. He also follows one golden rule: always stop writing at a point where you know what comes next. This makes returning to the story effortless and keeps the creative rhythm alive.
Authors Who Inspire His Craft
Darryl’s literary influences span both classic and contemporary storytelling.
- Hilary Mantel and Ken Follett taught him how to breathe life into history with emotion and realism.
- Rosamunde Pilcher and Nicholas Sparks inspired his exploration of love and human connection.
- Daphne du Maurier showed him how atmosphere and mystery enrich a narrative.
- Sebastian Faulks influenced his ability to balance love, loss, and the weight of memory.
- Jane Austen and Charles Dickens remain touchstones for character depth, wit, and timeless social insight.
For Darryl, these authors demonstrate how storytelling can bridge imagination and truth while revealing what it means to be human.
Current Projects
When asked about his next project, Darryl smiles: “That would be telling but yes, it’s a book!”
Though he keeps the details private, fans can expect more emotionally charged stories that combine historical depth, romance, and the quiet strength of everyday people.
Promoting His Books
Still new to the publishing world, Darryl is learning the ropes of book promotion. He currently uses social media, Books2Read, Lulu, and The Book Network to connect with readers.
He believes that authentic storytelling and genuine engagement build stronger readerships than aggressive marketing ever could.
Advice for New Authors
Darryl’s advice to aspiring writers is both honest and encouraging:
“Never give up. Writing has good and bad moments just like life. If a story doesn’t feel right, rewrite it. Keep believing in yourself, and you’ll finish that book.”
He reminds new authors that persistence and faith in one’s own voice are what turn ideas into finished stories.
The Best Advice He Has Ever Received
Darryl laughs when recalling the feedback that changed his path:
“Someone once told me my work was awful. Later, another person said it was fantastic but handed me a fake publishing invoice for £5,000.”
Instead of quitting, he learned from both experiences. Criticism and rejection, he explains, can be powerful motivators when used as fuel for growth. “Writing is a minefield,” he says, “but every mistake teaches you to get better.”
What He’s Reading Now
Darryl is currently reading The Cut by Richard Armitage. The novel’s tension and emotional depth, he says, make it an excellent read.
He admires stories that combine dark secrets with deep character studies, which perfectly align with his own writing style.
Looking Ahead as a Writer
After years of structured, demanding work, Darryl is embracing a slower, more creative rhythm. Writing now fills his days with purpose and imagination.
He plans to continue building stories that blend history, humanity, and heart stories that stay with readers long after they’ve finished the last page.
Books He Would Take to a Desert Island
If stranded on a desert island, Darryl would pack a mix of mystery, adventure, and timeless charm:
- The Cut by Richard Armitage
- The Murder at World’s End by Ross Montgomery
- The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie
“Because,” he says, “you can’t beat the classics.”
Learn More About Darryl Martel
Kết nối với Darryl và khám phá tác phẩm mới nhất của anh ấy:
Darryl Martel continues to captivate readers with stories that honor history, explore emotion, and celebrate resilience. Under the Tenko Sun is not only a gripping wartime tale it’s a reminder of courage, friendship, and the enduring light of hope in humanity’s darkest hours.
