Behind the press

Noelle Nichols is an author, artist, and dreamer who channels her passion for writing to find hope in the world. Her worlds embody characters who question life and search for paths that align with their true selves (inspired by her own wandering journey through life). She enjoys exploring the reasons behind character's actions, writing characters who, if given the chance, often choose light over darkness.

Many of her stories included Eastern philosophy and bushido, along with historical elements from Japan's samurai and shinobi. Her love and respect for Japanese culture started when she was young, after seeing a TV show about samurai. 

When she’s not writing, Noelle is out hiking and enjoying the fresh scent of pine trees in the forests of Montana with her three border collies and her husband. She enjoys illustrating her stories and characters and loves to learn new skills such as playing the shamisen and, more recently, kumiko, a delicate Japanese woodworking technique of arranging pieces without nails.


Phantom Ink Press

Founded in 2016 by Noelle Nichols, Phantom Ink Press publishes hopeful, inspiring stories that serve as a counter to mainstream fantasy. Our novels delve beneath the surface, featuring noble heroes who grapple with deep questions about the nature of being and mortality. In worlds filled with hope, our characters think deeply, staying true to the great samurai Miyamoto Musashi's teachings:

"Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world."

Many of our stories are inspired by Eastern storytelling, specifically Iyashikei, which highlights character development, heartwarming tales, and moments of ma—appreciating the small moments in life, or the breath between them.

Shadow's Hand, the first book published in July 2016, is the beginning of the ongoing series The Shadow's Creed Saga.  A second version of Shadow's Hand was republished in 2022 with rebranded covers that better capture the tone and spirit of the series.