About Me - Author Daryl Anthony

Meet the Mind Behind the Words

Storyteller. Dreamer. Creator Of
Unforgettable Journeys.

Daryl Anthony is a writer with a lifelong passion for storytelling, community, and the power of perseverance. He earned his undergraduate degree in English Writing from Fairfield University and completed his graduate work at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Drawing from his background in literature and his deep appreciation for character-driven narratives, Daryl creates stories that blend heart, humor, and grit.

His debut series, The Hot Steppers, which includes Volume I and the newly released Volume II, captures the resilience of youth, the importance of teamwork, and the bonds that form when people come together against the odds. A devoted husband and father of twin daughters, Daryl often finds inspiration in their energy, curiosity, and courage. When he’s not writing, he enjoys reading, watching movies, following sports, and exploring new creative projects that challenge him to see the world in fresh ways.

Discover Daryl Anthony’s books, filled with heartfelt moments, humor, and unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

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The Hot Steppers: Vol. II

The heat is back. The stakes are higher.

After earning their spot on the elite state pathway, the Hot Steppers face a season like never before. Between ruthless academy teams, a slick corporate sponsor, and a looming threat to their home lot, the pressure is enough to break them, from the outside, and from within.

With new talent testing old bonds, viral fame turning against them, and the fight to save the only home they’ve ever known, the team must decide what they’re really playing for. Perfection? Or something deeper: trust, identity, and the unbreakable bond that makes them a family off the field.

The Invitational awaits. And this time, it’s not just about winning the game,
It’s about winning each other back.

“Don’t miss what’s next.”

Meet The Characters

⭐ Simmie (Captain)

Struggles with the pressure of the "Elite State Pathway" and the fear of failing her team, eventually learning to lead with connection rather than rigid control.

⭐ Maya “Brew” (The Spark)

Becomes a local celebrity with her #BrewCrew followers but feels the exhaustion of performing a "persona." She eventually drops the act to embrace being her true self, "just Maya."

⭐ Trina (The Reliable)

Having spent the summer honing her skills to "be seen," she remains the team's anchor of perspective, reminding them that their value isn't just in winning, but in their shared identity.

⭐ Zara (The Strategist)

Formally named the "Team Strategist" by Coach Mel, Zara moves from the shadows to lead the team's tactical prep, using her "soul vs. machine" theory to dismantle elite opponents.

⭐ Santi (The Anchor of Precision)

Overcomes her shyness and fear of being "replaced" to become a crucial playmaker. She finds her voice as the team's moral compass, helping Simmie bridge the gap with new teammates.

⭐ Alina (The New Contender)

A mysterious, elite-trained newcomer who joins the Steppers. Despite an initially rocky integration, she provides the "new energy" and "fluid ease" the team needs to compete at the state level.

⭐ Coach Mel (The Mentor)

Navigates the team's move to the Elite State Invitational while simultaneously leading the community fight to save the neighborhood lot from demolition.

⭐ Mr. Otis (The Elder)

Acts as the team’s biggest supporter and unofficial guardian of the lot, providing historical context and encouragement when the girls face their toughest challenges.

Meet The Characters

⭐ Simmie (Captain)

“We don’t need perfect turf. We make the lot perfect.”
(Steady leader who speaks with quiet authority.)

⭐ Maya “Brew” (Comic spark)

“Too much is just enough.”
(Her self-aware, fearless motto—straight from her banter with the team.)

⭐ Trina (Quiet strategist)

“Silence isn’t weakness. It’s how I see the whole field.”

⭐ Jenna (Fierce competitor)

“If the ball’s loose, it’s already mine.”

⭐ Zara (The Vault / secret fact-dropper)

“Ask me anything—I probably already know it.”

⭐ Santi (Graceful playmaker)

“Soccer speaks every language. I just listen.”

⭐ Layla (Underrated finisher)

“I don’t talk much—I let the net make the noise.”

⭐ Coach Mel (Mentor)

“You keep showing up, those whispers turn into warnings.”
(One of her many motivational gems.)

⭐ Mr. Otis (Neighborhood elder)

“Showing up when nobody’s making you—that’s where greatness hides.”

The Hot Steppers

Grit, friendship, and game-day fire, right on a cracked city lot.

When Simone “Simmie” and her crew claim an abandoned blacktop as their home field, nobody expects much. No uniforms. No fancy turf. Just busted sneakers, duct-taped cones, and a dream big enough to fill the whole neighborhood.

But word spreads. Rivals show up. Whispers turn into warnings: Watch out for the girls from the lot.

With every bruising match and late-night practice, Simmie, Maya “Brew,” Trina, and the rest of the Hot Steppers discover that greatness isn’t about the scoreboard, it’s about heart.

When the city tournament bracket drops, they’re staring down the league’s richest, toughest team. Win or lose, the Hot Steppers are ready to prove one thing:

You don’t need a perfect field to play a perfect game.

“Love what you read?”

Meet the Mind Behind the Words

Storyteller. Dreamer. Creator Of Unforgettable Journeys.

Contact

Storyteller. Dreamer. Creator Of
Unforgettable Journeys.