Ask the Author: Samuel DenHartog
Answered Questions (12)
Samuel DenHartog
I don’t offer ARCs or beta reading opportunities—writing a new book every few days doesn’t leave much room for that! But I make all my Kindle ebooks available for free (in a five-day event) at least once after release. I post those announcements on my Facebook feed every Sunday and sometimes on Mondays.
https://www.facebook.com/samueldenhar...
https://www.facebook.com/samueldenhar...
Samuel DenHartog
Most of my book covers are created using AI-generated artwork as a starting point, which I then edit and refine using Photoshop. In some cases, I’ll also bring in an artist to make additional modifications or enhancements, depending on the cover’s needs. Sometimes, it happens after 2–3 prompts; sometimes, it takes many more.
Doing the covers this way allows me to focus on writing the books. This approach lets me stay creative and make sure the final look fits the story's vibe.
Doing the covers this way allows me to focus on writing the books. This approach lets me stay creative and make sure the final look fits the story's vibe.
Samuel DenHartog
All of my books are entirely written by me. I occasionally use a cover artist for visual work. Still, when it comes to the writing, the characters, and the story, they are entirely my creation. I sometimes use AI tools, but the creative decisions, the voice, and the finished product are all mine.
I enjoy writing books because I'm constantly learning something new—whether it's about history, human nature, or how to express an idea better. Every story I write teaches me something; that ongoing discovery is a huge part of why I keep writing.
I also love that writing is something I can do entirely on my own. I don’t need a team, a studio, or a production crew. It’s just me, the page, and whatever world I’m building. That independence and creative control are deeply satisfying.
I enjoy writing books because I'm constantly learning something new—whether it's about history, human nature, or how to express an idea better. Every story I write teaches me something; that ongoing discovery is a huge part of why I keep writing.
I also love that writing is something I can do entirely on my own. I don’t need a team, a studio, or a production crew. It’s just me, the page, and whatever world I’m building. That independence and creative control are deeply satisfying.
Samuel DenHartog
Before becoming an author, I spent years in the gaming industry and have been with EnsenaSoft since 2009. I continue to serve as CEO, and while we are not currently developing new games, we continue to maintain our existing ones.
As a programmer, I have written millions of lines of code over the years—efficient, optimized, and built to last. While much of it remains behind the scenes in proprietary systems, it was crafted with precision, solving complex challenges and driving seamless experiences. That said, even the best code doesn’t make for good reading—unless you enjoy perfectly structured algorithms and well-commented logic.
http://www.ensenasoft.com/
As a programmer, I have written millions of lines of code over the years—efficient, optimized, and built to last. While much of it remains behind the scenes in proprietary systems, it was crafted with precision, solving complex challenges and driving seamless experiences. That said, even the best code doesn’t make for good reading—unless you enjoy perfectly structured algorithms and well-commented logic.
http://www.ensenasoft.com/
Samuel DenHartog
Before becoming an author, I worked as a programmer, and in that world, using AI as a tool has become the norm. It does not make someone less of a programmer. In many cases, it makes them better by letting them focus on logic, structure, and innovation instead of repetitive tasks. The same idea applies to writing. AI can help generate drafts or rough paragraphs, but the heart of the story, the voice, the pacing, and the emotional depth still come from me. Just like an artist using digital brushes or a filmmaker using CGI, I use AI as a tool. It supports the process, but it does not replace creativity. That is why I list myself as the author. Every book I publish is a result of my choices, my vision, and my effort.
If writing a book were as simple as pushing a button, everyone would be doing it. But storytelling is more than placing words on a page. It is about shaping emotion, building character, and guiding readers through an experience that feels real and meaningful. Anyone curious about what goes into writing should try building a full-length book from start to finish. AI can offer suggestions, but it is the author who gives the story a soul.
AI rarely gets anything right on the first try. I rewrite, revise, and adjust constantly. Some passages I replace entirely. Others I reshape until they capture exactly the tone and rhythm I need. Every book I publish goes through hundreds of changes. Some scenes are written by hand from scratch. Others are refined paragraph by paragraph until they match what I imagined. AI helps me work faster, but the decisions, the voice, and the story itself come from me.
Writing is also about knowledge. I research constantly. Whether I am studying ancient myths, reading about how cheese is made from sheep's milk, or learning the details of life on the Oregon Trail, I dive deep into each subject so the world feels real. The research matters. It shapes the world of the story and makes it richer. Every book I write is a way to learn something new and then share it through characters and setting.
For me, writing is not casual or part-time. I work on my books seven days a week, usually between eight and twelve hours a day. I revise endlessly. I chase the right words until they sound like music. It takes dedication, time, and full creative focus to bring a story to life. AI might be a tool in the process, but the passion, the vision, and the work are mine. That is what makes it a book with an author behind it, not just a pile of words.
If writing a book were as simple as pushing a button, everyone would be doing it. But storytelling is more than placing words on a page. It is about shaping emotion, building character, and guiding readers through an experience that feels real and meaningful. Anyone curious about what goes into writing should try building a full-length book from start to finish. AI can offer suggestions, but it is the author who gives the story a soul.
AI rarely gets anything right on the first try. I rewrite, revise, and adjust constantly. Some passages I replace entirely. Others I reshape until they capture exactly the tone and rhythm I need. Every book I publish goes through hundreds of changes. Some scenes are written by hand from scratch. Others are refined paragraph by paragraph until they match what I imagined. AI helps me work faster, but the decisions, the voice, and the story itself come from me.
Writing is also about knowledge. I research constantly. Whether I am studying ancient myths, reading about how cheese is made from sheep's milk, or learning the details of life on the Oregon Trail, I dive deep into each subject so the world feels real. The research matters. It shapes the world of the story and makes it richer. Every book I write is a way to learn something new and then share it through characters and setting.
For me, writing is not casual or part-time. I work on my books seven days a week, usually between eight and twelve hours a day. I revise endlessly. I chase the right words until they sound like music. It takes dedication, time, and full creative focus to bring a story to life. AI might be a tool in the process, but the passion, the vision, and the work are mine. That is what makes it a book with an author behind it, not just a pile of words.
Samuel DenHartog
Yes, all of the books in the Grimm Imagination series are standalone and can be enjoyed in any order.
The Kingdom of Eldoria stories are loosely connected across multiple reigns. The Kingdom of Edloria is a world I created specifically for my tales and is not part of the original Brothers Grimm stories. You can notice and enjoy the connections without reading them chronologically, and I did not write them in chronological order. This allows you to dive into any tale without prior knowledge of the others.
For those curious about the chronological order within Eldoria’s history, this list below provides the sequence in which the events occur within the kingdom. Not every book in the Grimm Imagination series is tied to the Kingdom of Eldoria. The books not in the list below are completely standalone from that kingdom.
Curse of the Frog King
Underneath the Mulberry Tree
Quest for the Golden Bird
Flounder, Flounder, In the Sea
Wendy White and Ruby Red
The Singing, Soaring Swan
A Tiny Little Tailor
Wild Man John
The Kingdom of Eldoria stories are loosely connected across multiple reigns. The Kingdom of Edloria is a world I created specifically for my tales and is not part of the original Brothers Grimm stories. You can notice and enjoy the connections without reading them chronologically, and I did not write them in chronological order. This allows you to dive into any tale without prior knowledge of the others.
For those curious about the chronological order within Eldoria’s history, this list below provides the sequence in which the events occur within the kingdom. Not every book in the Grimm Imagination series is tied to the Kingdom of Eldoria. The books not in the list below are completely standalone from that kingdom.
Curse of the Frog King
Underneath the Mulberry Tree
Quest for the Golden Bird
Flounder, Flounder, In the Sea
Wendy White and Ruby Red
The Singing, Soaring Swan
A Tiny Little Tailor
Wild Man John
Samuel DenHartog
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I’m thrilled you enjoyed "Fables from India"—it means a lot to me. The book has now been added to Goodreads, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Blessings to you as well, and I look forward to hearing more feedback from wonderful readers like yourself. Here's the link to the book on Goodreads: Fables from India.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Thank you again for your encouragement!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Thank you again for your encouragement!
Samuel DenHartog
While I am not Japanese, my passion for folklore and fables transcends cultural boundaries. As a storyteller, my goal is to preserve and celebrate various cultures' rich oral and literary traditions, ensuring that their timeless wisdom is passed on to new generations. I approach each fable collection with deep respect for the original source material, immersing myself in the history, themes, and values embedded within these stories.
In the case of "Fables from Japan," I have drawn from classic, public-domain sources that reflect Japan’s cultural heritage, carefully reworking the tales in modern language to make them accessible to contemporary readers. Unlike Andrew Lang, who often mixed stories from various cultures in his "Fairy Books" series, I prefer to group all of the fables and fairy tales from a particular country or culture together. This allows readers to immerse themselves fully in that culture’s storytelling traditions, gaining a deeper appreciation for the themes and values that shaped those tales so long ago. My role is not to replace or rewrite history but to act as a bridge, bringing these stories to life in a way that respects their origins while allowing new audiences to connect with them.
I have completed twenty-four "Fables" books and plan to work on at least six more, each focusing on a different country or culture. There is no way I can be from all of those cultures, but that does not mean I cannot study and respect them deeply. By dedicating myself to learning about these traditions, I can faithfully retell these stories so that all of my readers can enjoy fables from around the world. I aim to allow readers to explore diverse cultural heritages, one story at a time, and discover the universal wisdom in every tale.
Every culture has a wealth of wisdom and creativity to offer, and I see myself as a curator and storyteller, honoring the voices of the past as I help them resonate with today's readers.
In the case of "Fables from Japan," I have drawn from classic, public-domain sources that reflect Japan’s cultural heritage, carefully reworking the tales in modern language to make them accessible to contemporary readers. Unlike Andrew Lang, who often mixed stories from various cultures in his "Fairy Books" series, I prefer to group all of the fables and fairy tales from a particular country or culture together. This allows readers to immerse themselves fully in that culture’s storytelling traditions, gaining a deeper appreciation for the themes and values that shaped those tales so long ago. My role is not to replace or rewrite history but to act as a bridge, bringing these stories to life in a way that respects their origins while allowing new audiences to connect with them.
I have completed twenty-four "Fables" books and plan to work on at least six more, each focusing on a different country or culture. There is no way I can be from all of those cultures, but that does not mean I cannot study and respect them deeply. By dedicating myself to learning about these traditions, I can faithfully retell these stories so that all of my readers can enjoy fables from around the world. I aim to allow readers to explore diverse cultural heritages, one story at a time, and discover the universal wisdom in every tale.
Every culture has a wealth of wisdom and creativity to offer, and I see myself as a curator and storyteller, honoring the voices of the past as I help them resonate with today's readers.
Samuel DenHartog
The enigma of my life that could unfold into a novel is the baffling tale of how I found myself in Mexico and the inexplicable reasons that keep me from ever leaving.
Samuel DenHartog
Currently, my summer reading list is quite unique as I'm focused on writing ten books per month. Therefore, the books I'm reading are primarily the ones I'm in the process of writing myself.
Samuel DenHartog
Alone in bed, I heard the familiar, comforting sound of my dog's claws tapping on the wooden floor and its labored breathing as it neared me. A wave of cold dread washed over me as I suddenly recalled, with heart-stopping clarity, burying my dog in the moonlit backyard just hours before, its lifeless eyes staring accusingly into mine.
Samuel DenHartog
If I could pick any fictional book world to visit, it would definitely be Middle Earth from Tolkien's epic tales. Think about it – who wouldn't want to kick back with a pint at the Prancing Pony or feast on a Hobbit's spread in the Shire? Imagine wandering through the enchanting Elven realms like Rivendell, with its waterfalls and hidden valleys, or getting a selfie (okay, maybe an old-school portrait) with Gandalf or Legolas!
I'd totally be up for some dwarf-guided exploring in the mines of Moria (minus the Balrog, please) and maybe even try my hand at archery in Lothlórien. And let’s not forget about a little detour to Rohan – I mean, who wouldn't want to see those magnificent horses?
Sure, there are some risky spots (I'd probably skip Mordor – lava and giant spiders are not my thing), but the adventure would be epic. I could learn a thing or two about courage, friendship, and resilience from the likes of Frodo and Sam. Plus, I'm pretty sure Middle Earth’s scenic views and epic stories would beat any travel blog out there. So, yeah, Middle Earth – for the adventure, the stories, and, of course, second breakfasts!
I'd totally be up for some dwarf-guided exploring in the mines of Moria (minus the Balrog, please) and maybe even try my hand at archery in Lothlórien. And let’s not forget about a little detour to Rohan – I mean, who wouldn't want to see those magnificent horses?
Sure, there are some risky spots (I'd probably skip Mordor – lava and giant spiders are not my thing), but the adventure would be epic. I could learn a thing or two about courage, friendship, and resilience from the likes of Frodo and Sam. Plus, I'm pretty sure Middle Earth’s scenic views and epic stories would beat any travel blog out there. So, yeah, Middle Earth – for the adventure, the stories, and, of course, second breakfasts!
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