Martin Steyn's passion for writing began after reading "The Dark Half" by Stephen King. Captivated by the psychological depth and horror elements, Steyn found himself drawn to true crime, particularly stories about serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer.
His curiosity about how ordinary-looking men could lead double lives as hunters of humans sparked his fascination with crime and thriller genres. Exploring True Crime
Steyn's interest in serial killers led him to delve deep into true crime books. He was fascinated by how these killers lived unnoticed among ordinary people.
This curiosity drove him to write his own stories, where he could explore the dark recesses of the human psyche. His research on South African murderers even led to writing articles for Crime Library, showcasing his commitment to understanding and portraying the complexities of criminal minds.
From Horror Fan to Aspiring Writer
Growing up, Steyn enjoyed creating stories, whether through Lego, toy soldiers, or his imagination. At 15, he borrowed Stephen King's "The Dark Half" from the local library, which ignited his desire to write.
His first story, "Vengeance," was a blend of various horror elements. Though not exceptional, it marked the beginning of his writing journey, leading to more short stories and eventually the dream of becoming an author.
Writing in Afrikaans
Steyn's transition to writing in Afrikaans came naturally. His first full-length novel in Afrikaans revealed the joy of writing in his native language, especially crafting dialogue.
Despite initial struggles, his fascination with serial killers and his studies in Psychology and Criminology through Unisa provided a solid foundation for his crime novels. His dedication to his craft resulted in several manuscripts, even though getting published proved challenging.
The Turning Point
Steyn's breakthrough came with a link to the South African Writers' College, where he enrolled in a novel-writing course with Wilna Adriaanse. Her guidance was instrumental in refining his work.
His novel "Donker Spoor," featuring a middle-aged detective investigating teenage girl murders, emerged from this course.
After multiple revisions, Steyn sent the manuscript to LAPA Publishers, where Cecilia Britz saw its potential. In 2013, his dream became a reality when LAPA decided to publish his work.
Books Written by Martin Steyn
Dark Traces
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