I've been a member of DeviantArt for over thirteen years. In that time, I more or less grew up and learned to write at the same time. I completed a First Class BA Degree in Creative Writing, with Honours; but it was DeviantArt that fostered my first writing. It was DeviantArt that gave me my first taste of feedback, encouragement; and criticism.
Since University I've independently published three books, two of which were born here, on DeviantArt. You can find Osric Fingerbone and Gravedigger chapters in my gallery, unedited and unimproved.
In 2014 I signed with the publisher Booktrope, which promised an entirely new model of publishing.
Sadly, despite the advantages of working with a professional team to republish Gravedigger, a year later Booktrope went out of business after over-expanding too quickly. I came away with good professional contacts and new skills as a proof-editor, so the period was not a complete loss.
My books are available here: www.amazon.co.uk/Michael-Israe… (UK link) and here: www.amazon.com/Michael-Israel-… (US Link)
I am currently working on a sequel to GRAVEDIGGER.