Leeds author turns grief into fantasy series after tragic loss
A Leeds author who lost his wife suddenly when their daughter was just seven months old has transformed his grief into an imaginative fantasy book series that is now finding readers around the world.
Bruce Martin released the second book in his Dream Walker series, Realm Walker, this month.
The gothic fantasy is a dark retelling inspired by Alice in Wonderland, blending magical realms with unique creatures and reimagined versions of the Mad Hatter, the Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts.
But the story behind the books is as powerful as the fantasy itself.
In August 2022 Bruce’s life changed forever when his wife died suddenly due to epilepsy. At the time, the couple were raising their baby daughter, who was just seven months old.
“Losing her was devastating,” Bruce said. “She was my person, my soulmate, my everything. I was the one who found her, and things like that change you forever.”
During the day Bruce focused on caring for his daughter, but nights became the hardest part of the grieving process.
“Grief can be very different for everyone, but mine felt quite evil at times. It tried to twist the memories in my mind,” he said.
“I needed somewhere to go at night when things were at their worst.”
The answer came from a story that had lived in his imagination for nearly two decades. Determined to give his mind somewhere else to travel, Bruce finally began writing.
“I’d had the idea for about 20 years,” he explained. “Bringing it to life meant I could step into another world each evening and spend time with the characters I’d created. It gave me something to look forward to.”
Writing soon became a vital part of his healing. With the help of counselling and the creative escape of storytelling, Bruce found a way to process his grief while building a new future for himself and his daughter, who is now four.
Before becoming an author, Bruce had spent years working as a multi award winning publican and brewer. Now he hopes his writing journey will eventually allow him to make a living from storytelling while being present for his child as she grows up.
“One day I want my daughter to read these books and know that no matter what life throws at you, there is always a way through,” he said.