Working Title
Dead Ringer
Synopsis:
Martin Richards doesn’t tell many people about his life. Ever since early childhood, he’s been plagued with sharp pains in his arms and sometimes his legs, every few days. There have even been times where wounds have opened on his body, sometimes small incisions, sometimes large cuts that went deep; but there was never an explanation. Institutionalized as a teen, no one ever witnessed Marty harming himself, yet occasionally, new wounds would open up, and no one ever knew why. By his mid twenties, Marty had learned to live with the pains that came and went, and he truly started a life of his own, telling no one about his childhood, or the regular, unexplained pain he endured. When he visits a psychic on the ‘off chance’ that he is being haunted in some way, he finds the truth to be far more disturbing than something as mundane as a ghost.
About Derek
Derek Dykes was born on his Grandmothers' birthday in January 1973. The son of a local businessman and an artist, Derek and his brother Charles both grew up in an environment where creativity was encouraged. While earning healthy grades and participating in activities was important to Derek, they always took second place to what really mattered to him - his friends and family.
Derek found himself thrust into adulthood when his father died. Taking care of his responsibilities meant that his college education was put on hold. While he was unable to afford classes, he privately continued his studies in art, literature, archeology, Celtic history, and a cornucopia of other subjects that interested him.
Derek moved home to Mobile, Alabama in early 2008 after living away for almost a decade. His journey home was a catalyst for the foundation of his first novel, MADNESS. In addition to writing, Derek enjoys photography, parenting and using any medium available to bring the creations of his mind to life. More of Derek's work can be found by visiting www.derekdykes.com