Lawrence Silveira is a big fan of comic book superheroes.
The Sierra High senior created the character Darkblade, alias Jeffrey Adams, who, in his recently self-published book Darkblade and the Secret Shadow, wakes up in a small room with no memories or recollection of his past.
His book was released on March 19.
On Wednesday, Silveira – he’s the son of Lathrop Elementary School Principal David Silveira – had a book-signing event in the SHS library along with Noelle Lanser, who is the book-cover illustrator.
“Art is hobby,” said Lanser, who enjoyed seeing her work on the cover. “I’m really happy for Lawrence.”
Added Silveira: “My dad is real proud (of me) even though he has yet to read the book.”
Lawrence Silveira will be attending Columbia College in Chicago in the fall. He is looking forward to pursuing Creative Writing, with plans to continue writing as a future career, according to David Silveira.
Nearly a dozen students stopped by for the book signing. Those who brought a copy of his book, in turn, were asked to jot down a few words in Silveira’s copy of the book.
Back to the book: Adams, who is unaware that he’s Darkblade, knows he has super-human abilities and is brought over to Hero Central, a community consisting of individuals with various super-human powers. It’s there that he’s able to control the physical manifestation of fear called Dark Matter.
From there, Silveira’s character goes through a series of trials and tribulations.
Silveira was influenced to develop Darkblade during his days of growing up and playing with cousins. A fan of Captain America and Batman – Silveira wore a Batman T-shirt to the book signing – he came up with a rough draft of the book back in 10th grade.
“I changed things up,” said Silveira, who spent the following year putting together what turned out to be the finished product.
This past year consisted of editing prior to the publishing. Silveira, who went to Nile Garden School, used the online service of www.createspace.com.
CreateSpace, via the Amazon website, is a fast, free and easy way to get work published. Those using it are provided with the tools to build, publish and distribute their book equipped with copyright and a non-exclusive agreement.
Darkblade and the Secret Shadow is available on www.amazon.com.
“It took me about two years to put the book together,” said Silveira, who appeared thrilled with the finished product.
In addition, he’s looking forward to graduation later this month at Sierra, where he ranks third academically in his class.
