Kickstarter Journey: Incredible Start! Followed by Bumps in the Road...

 My Kickstarter Journey had an incredible start! Within the first 48 hours, five people came forward and gave me enthusiastic support! Within another week, two more people pledged!

But I have had some bumps in the road. I had an unexpected layover coming home from Realm Makers, followed by lost luggage, followed by exhaustion that turned out to be an illness that turned out to be Covid.

And then my dad went into the hospital a few nights ago. He does not have Covid, but he has some other 87-year-old-type health issues going on. After his grandfather and one of his great-uncles, he is the third longest-lived person in his family, and he has lost so much weight that any illness or infection is dangerous. He used to be 5'6" and weigh 130 lbs; now he's 4'11" and weighs 107 lbs. He looks like the wind could pick him up and blow him away.

He's always rallied—always been a tough but gentle soul. He was born with a physical disability and had experimental surgeries because his family was land-poor, and experiments were what they could afford at the local charity hospital. If you ever wonder why I write about characters in novels who don't make it through their journeys unscathed, my dad lived a horror-show-type existence for two years at a charity hospital that eventually amputated one of his legs below the knee. And yet, he has always been determined to live life fully—skiing, hiking, canoeing and backcountry camping, traveling around the world, piloting his own aircraft, working as an airplane mechanic.

I wrote that last paragraph before I realized what I was writing. I guess this is my way of showing and sharing that the bump I hit is hitting me hard. Although I strive to be tough and gentle like my dad, I am here existing in the midst of messy life, praying and living and writing.

In the To Speak collection, I have a prose poem about my dad. "My Father's Eyes" was originally published by The Drabble in 2020.

Here it is:

My father's eyes hold the stories of the ages. They hold innocence and knowledge. They hold the sky. They hold the sea. They hold the rain. They hold laughter and tears the color of water. They hold rivers and lakes and dusty trails beneath tall pine trees pungent with sap. They hold books read by campfires and lamplight. They hold his whistle and his jaunty walk, as well as his embarrassment and his slow shuffling gait—every step measured for balance. They hold hope for moments of quiet conversation. In my father's eyes, the stories are real.

Prose poems are rare for me to write, but I found it fitting for this collection, which is about speaking up and sometimes using storytelling to speak.

Yesterday, on my socials, I did a video about how I wasn't sure this campaign would finish. I'm still not sure. This bump of health and family health has thrown me off-kilter.

Maybe this will be my one and only fully funded and fulfilled campaign for To Speak. Maybe this will be attempt one of two. Either way, the book will come out.

It turns out there is a history of Kickstarter campaigns that failed the first time around and succeeded the second time. So, if that's the case for me. It's okay. This might not be the right time for this campaign, or for me. I will not quit, but I also know I'm not up for an energetic sprint that Kickstarters seem to require.

If you could share the campaign with friends, I would appreciate it.

Kickstarter for To Speak

I am praying, trusting God with everything, and moving forward.

Wild Grace Lives Here

I live somewhere between city sidewalks and deep woods.
Close enough to hear traffic.
Close enough to hear coyotes howl at dusk.

There’s a small patch of land behind our home—
not wilderness exactly,
but not tamed either.

It’s filled with deer, owls, raccoons, and once, a black bear.
I see deer more often than I see neighbors.
They slip through the yard like whispers.
Sometimes bold, sometimes cautious.
They move with intention, instinct, grace.

And sometimes I stop long enough to notice them.

Slowing down, I begin to pray.
Not always with words.
Sometimes with stillness.
Sometimes with awe.

In those moments, I feel what I call wild grace—
God’s presence through the living, breathing world
just outside my window.

This grace isn’t tidy.
It startles.
It howls.
It doesn’t always make sense.

But it’s real.
And it fills my poems—especially this one:

---

Shadowed Movement

Shadowed movement
catches my peripheral,
brown against green.

I turn to see
deer, normally bold,
ducking into trees.

I still,
checking for predators.
The bushes rustle,
stop.

I am chilled
when the howls of the hunt
ring my yard as the sun
dips and the sky darkens.

It’s not so quiet living
outside the city limits,
but I do appreciate the chuckling
of the owl when the coyotes leave.

---

This is what I try to capture in To Speak—
not just quiet grace,
but wild grace.
The kind that shows up when we pause.
The kind that waits in the rustling leaves.

---

Call to Action

If you've felt that grace—the kind that humbles you in motion or stillness—To Speak may speak to you, too.
👉 Visit the Kickstarter here to read more poems and help bring the collection to life.

And if you're a writer, reader, or wanderer:
May you find wild grace in unexpected places this week.

—Tyrean

Why I Chose "To Speak" As My Poetry Book Title

 My book needed a title that fit its heartbeat.

I first loved “Once Upon a Garden, Green and Gold.”
That poem won an award.
It felt lush, peaceful, safe.

But as I sorted the manuscript, another thread appeared.

Poetry and Grace

Again and again, the poems whispered, “Stand. Speak. Act.”
They talked about courage, even in small rooms.
They named fear, then stepped past it.

I thought of my own journey.

It Takes Courage to Write

Sharing poems in class.
Publishing despite trembling hands.
Facing silence, doubt, rejection.
Each step required voice and bravery.

So I chose the poem “To Speak.”

Two words.
Simple.
Direct.
A challenge and an invitation.

The subtitle carries the rest:
Poems of Inspired Courage, Wild Grace, and Sacred Ordinary.

Gardens still bloom in those lines.
Grace still flows.
Ordinary moments still glow gold.

But the core is clear:
We speak because grace first spoke to us.
We create because courage keeps calling.

Thank you for joining that call.
May these poems help you speak, too.

Support To Speak With My Kickstarter Campaign

Join my Kickstarter Campaign today! If it's early yet, click "Notify Me On Launch" and if you're reading this when it's going, please browse the reward tier options.

Starlight Stanzas: SciFi Vision in 17 Syllables

 

Starlight Stanzas: SciFi Vision in 17 Syllables

Realm Makers Day 2 is in full warp drive. Between panels and meeting up with fellow authors, I’m signing books and swapping story ideas. The common thread? Wonder.

Poetry carries that wonder in the tightest capsule. One of my favorite forms is the 17-syllable haiku—perfect for glimpses of cosmic awe. A fresh piece from To Speak:

Solar sails bloom wide
catching hymn-bright stellar winds—
voyager rise up.

Seventeen syllables, yet entire galaxies unfold. That’s why speculative fiction lovers keep flipping my poetry sample cards here at the booth. We crave the quick gasp of mystery.

If you’re at the conference, swing by and snag a free “Starlight Haiku” postcard. If you’re elsewhere on Earth (or Mars), join the mission online:

➡️ Kickstarter link | 🚀 #SciFiPoetry #HaikuOfTheStars #ToSpeak

Epic Worlds: When Fantasy Meets Poetry

 

Epic Worlds in Verse: When Fantasy Meets Poetry

This morning, I'm arranging my table at Realm Makers Writers Conference and Expo—a gathering of Christian fantasy and sci-fi writers. Stacks of sword-clashing and spaceship novels surround me, yet the little poem stack in the corner is part of my writing, too.

Fantasy, scifi, and poetry invite us to speak in symbols. They ask our hearts to see farther than our eyes. My new collection, To Speak, lives right in that overlap with poems from the real world, but also phoenix-bright free verse. While it's more usual for epic fantasy to live in great tomes of text, it is possible to celebrate epic worlds in verse, when fantasy meets poetry. 

Here’s one of those pieces:

***

Embers by Tyrean Martinson

The wind is gone,

the trees are still,

clouds cover sun,

my heart feels chill.

 

But the embers glow,

and from this I know,

the spark still lives,

and each breath gives

 

Faith to life,

Truth to love,

Peace abiding,

Hope for flight:

 

A phoenix rising.

***

If you’re walking the expo floor, stop by my booth and read more. If you’re miles away, know that To Speak is taking shape on Kickstarter right now—ready to ignite new sparks of courage and wonder. 

➡️ Kickstarter link | 🛡️ #FantasyPoetry #PhoenixVerse #RealmMakers #ToSpeak

To Speak with Fairy Tales and Faith

 

To Speak with Fairy Tales and Faith

My poems walk winding roads.
One road is faith.
God’s grace anchors each line.
The second road is imagination.
Castles, lost crowns, winged lions—yes, please.

I believe stories shape souls.
Parables proved that long ago.
Fairy tales do the same today.
They sneak truth past our defenses.

To Speak binds these roads together.
Light meets legend.
Prayer meets once-upon-a-time.

Below is a peek from the collection.
It nods to every “sleeping” dreamer who still hopes.

---

Sample Poem — “The Sleeper Wakes”

She hears the thirteenth clock strike noon.
No prince breaks the bramble gate.
Instead, a whisper cuts the curse:
“Rise, child of dust and dawn.
Storms need singers, not silence.”
She stands on shaky legs,
brushes off a century of hush,
and speaks—
one word,
bright as brass.

---

Words like these fill the book.
Some bloom from Scripture.
Others bloom from story.
All ask us to wake and speak.

Call to Action

If faith and fairy tales move you, back the project today.
Help these poems find every sleeper who still believes the hope of a new bright dawn beyond the visible horizon.

👉 Kickstarter link: To Speak

Thanks and Gratitude on To Speak Launch Day

 The Kickstarter for To Speak is now live!

Before I shout links and reward tiers, I need to say thank-you.

---

First Spark

In tenth grade, Ms. Evans encouraged me to try poetry. 
She thought I might love it.
She was right. One small nudge, and a lifelong voice woke up.

---

Circles of Courage

• Creative Colloquy handed me a mic and let a shaky poem fly.

• The Insecure Writer's Support Group cheered on so many of my fiction and poetry efforts.

• My in-person writing crew passed pages, pens, and conversations over our projects.

• My Thursday accountability author group encourages me every week online to keep chasing down my dreams and putting foundations under them.

• Years ago, an editor took a chance on one of my poems.

Each yes, each gentle bit of feedback and encouragement, pushed To Speak one page further.

---

Cover-Art Vote

Last month I posted several draft covers on Instagram and Facebook.
You voted. You argued colors. You encouraged me to consider different images.
Now the book wears a shared vision. 

---

Editors, Acceptances, Rejections

Editors who published me: thank you for the green lights.
Editors who rejected me: thank you for the hard turns.
Both routes brought the poems home sharper and braver.

---

Today’s Invitation

Because of every teacher, reader, voter, and friend,
To Speak launches with a chorus, not a solo.

1. Back the project if the poems call to you.

2. Share the link with someone who needs courage to speak.

👉 Kickstarter link: To Speak: Poems of Courage, Grace & the Sacred Ordinary

Thank you for giving these words their wings.

Courage, Creation, and The Title To Speak

 

Courage Before “Launch”

As the Kickstarter clock ticks down, nerves rattle louder. The collection is titled To Speak for a reason: it’s a call to step up, speak out, and weave faith with creativity, no matter the butterflies. Yet here I am, tempted to stall, to fuss over perfect copy, to hide behind “research” instead of clicking Publish.

Long posts? Readers skim. Short posts? I fear they miss the heart. The dread says, “Wait until everything is flawless.” The truth says, “Perfection is silence in disguise.” My answer is to break the work into small, honest pieces and share one brave line at a time.

---

Call to Writers

If the blank page shakes your knees, hold the pen anyway. Courage is walking forward while fear tags along—write, post, submit, repeat.

Call to Readers

Ready to see where that courage leads? Peek at my Kickstarter Preview for To Speak and join the journey from first tremor to final print.

IWSG July 2025, A New Book, and Kickstarter

Happy IWSG Day!

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

The awesome co-hosts for the July 2 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, Natalie Aguirre, Cathrina Constantine, and Louise Barbour!

And as always, we are lead by our Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Optional Question of the Month:

Is there a genre you haven't tried writing in yet that you really want to try? If so, do you plan on trying it?

My answer:

Yes, I really want to try writing adventure-tech-paranormal thrillers as a mashup. And yes, I have some scraps of stories that may eventually come together someday.

My current focus for writing and publishing involves my upcoming poetry collection (see more below) and moving forward with The Dark Blade Trilogy this fall with book 2 on the way. 

Why I wasn’t here last month to chat: we had a family member in the emergency room. Everyone is okay now, but it’s part of my life taking care of my elderly parents as an only child. 

Even with life rollercoaster moments, I still keep on going.

My Big News:

I am launching a Kickstarter Campaign for To Speak: Poems of Inspired Courage, Wild Grace, and Sacred Ordinary. 

This poetry collection will include poems over the last twelve years of my writing life, including a poem that tied for second place in the Lakewold Gardens Poetry in the Gardens Contest from 2022, poems which have been published in various places, and new-never-seen-before poems. 

This is a sample mockup of one of my tiers (almost the highest reward one). Please note this isn't the final cover with all the extras on it - gold foil, etc.

To find out more, head to my Kickstarter Campaign Page (or see Monday's post).

A huge way you can help me without spending any money on the campaign is to sign up BEFORE it even begins. If I have a certain number of sign ups, Kickstarter will promote it to their “regular” backers. 

Praying you all have happy writing and find beauty in life for all the month of July and beyond!

And Happy Fourth of July!

 

A Key Kickstarter Moment - BEFORE the campaign starts

Kickstarter Tip

Did you know that a pivotal moment in a Kickstarter Campaign is BEFORE the campaign begins?

It's true. 

Signing up beforehand helps the campaign get early recognition and helps the reach go farther.

Please consider helping me out by signing up for To Speak: Poems of Inspired Courage, Wild Grace, and Sacred Ordinary!

Click HERE to Help

To Speak: Poems of Wild Grace, Quiet Courage, and Sacred Ordinary 

A poetry collection that invites readers to pause, breathe, and rediscover wonder. Through vivid imagery, gentle strength, and faith-rooted reflections, these poems explore what it means to speak truth, heal from silence, and find beauty in the everyday. From garden gates and library nooks to whispered prayers and owl-watched nights, each poem offers a moment of connection, hope, and renewal. 

This Kickstarter supports the launch of the first print edition, beautifully designed and made for those who love language that listens, sings, and soars.

A poetry collection of quiet strength, wild grace, and sacred moments—now becoming a beautiful book you can hold.

Books, Landscapes, and Worlds we Build

 There’s something magical about the way stories shape our sense of place—and how places, in turn, shape the stories we tell. On a recent episode of the podcast, I shared a mix of recent reads that have swept me across galaxies, fairy tale kingdoms, gritty American towns, and mist-shrouded fantasy worlds. I also talked a bit about the real-world landscapes that continue to shape my writing and my imagination.

Recent Reads I Can’t Stop Thinking About

Let’s start with the books. I’ve been on a bit of a genre tour lately—fantasy, thriller, space opera—and each one brought something unique and memorable.

Black Spire (Galaxy’s Edge – Star Wars) by Delilah S. Dawson
I picked this up curious, and ended up fully immersed. The world-building is rich and cinematic (no surprise—it’s Star Wars), but what truly stood out were the characters. The main protagonist is layered and driven, with a strong sense of purpose that kept the emotional stakes high. If you're a fan of found family dynamics and stories of quiet resistance, this one might resonate with you.

To Steal the Sun by Melanie Cellier
This was just plain fun—a fairy tale retelling of “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” full of magic, heart, and adventure. Cellier’s storytelling is warm and inviting, with characters you root for quickly. A great read when you want something lighter but still full of depth.

No Plan B by Lee Child
Sometimes you just need a fast-paced thriller, and Lee Child never disappoints. This latest Jack Reacher novel is everything you’d expect—tight plotting, relentless pacing, and a protagonist who cuts through complications like a freight train. It’s the kind of book that reminds me how powerful clear, confident storytelling can be.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
This was a reread for me, and it still holds up as one of the best fantasy novels out there. Sanderson’s magic system is brilliant, the stakes are high, and the characters (especially Vin and Kelsier) remain some of my favorites. Revisiting Mistborn reminded me how much I value thoughtful world-building and the way it intertwines with character arcs.

The Power of Place

As much as I love traveling through fictional worlds, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the real landscapes that shape us as writers and as people.

I’ve lived most of my life in the Pacific Northwest—specifically western Washington—surrounded by evergreens, misty coastlines, and mountains that feel like ancient sentinels. That grounding in fog, rain, and rugged beauty shows up again and again in my own stories, whether I intend it to or not.

But I’ve also traveled far beyond those moss-covered forests—through over thirty U.S. states and several countries. Every new place leaves an imprint: the colors, the textures, the light, the way people move and speak. I believe those experiences feed our creativity in quiet, powerful ways.

In August, I’ll be heading to Mongolia on a mission trip—an opportunity I’m deeply grateful for. I expect that landscape—so vast, so different from the Pacific Northwest—to offer new insights, new metaphors, and new reflections that will eventually work their way into my writing.

Other News

I’m also preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign for a new poetry collection soon! The page isn’t quite ready yet, but I’m excited to share more about that in the coming weeks. It’s a project close to my heart—drawing on both the inner landscapes of faith and identity and the outer ones of seasons, places, and memory.

Help Me Choose the Cover!

One last thing before I go—I'd love your input! I'm in the final stages of choosing the covers for my upcoming poetry collection, and it's down to just a few favorites.

I originally shared 16 cover concepts on Instagram (yes, I may have gotten a little carried away), but I've narrowed it down to the top 2–3 options for both the regular edition and a special edition hardcover.

💬 Would you be willing to vote and help me decide?
Your favorite might end up being the one featured on the limited edition hardcoverYour feedback means a lot to me, and I want this collection—inside and out—to reflect the hearts of the readers it’s meant for.

So, cream or sage green? 

---

How about you?
What stories have you been reading lately? And what landscapes—real or imagined—have left their mark on you? I’d love to hear in the comments or on the podcast page.

Until next time, keep reading, keep imagining, and keep exploring the worlds within and around you.

Two Adventures Ahead: Mongolia Mission & Poetry Book Launch

 (Please note this post will be the same as the one I am posting a few other places, but further ahead, I will post Patreon-only content about these two adventures in the coming months.)

Hey everyone!

I'm buzzing with excitement (and a little nervousness) as I share two major updates with you. Both represent incredible opportunities to serve others and share stories in new ways, and I'm hoping you'll consider joining me on these journeys.

Mongolia Mission Trip - August 2025

In just 75 days, I'll be boarding a plane to Mongolia for a mission trip—and I'm still amazed that this door opened. Wednesday morning, after weeks of prayer and consideration, I finally said yes to joining a small team that's already been preparing for this journey.

This isn't just any trip—it's a chance to support new Christians in Ulaanbaatar and the upper regions of Mongolia. Our mission is beautifully simple: to pray, worship, and sing alongside new believers, and to lift up everyone involved in the Christian church throughout Mongolia. There's something profoundly moving about the idea of joining voices in worship across cultures and languages, united in faith.

Mongolia has captured my imagination for years. The vast steppes, the nomadic traditions, the resilience of people who've thrived in harsh landscapes for centuries—there's something deeply inspiring about a culture that values both independence and community. As a storyteller, I'm drawn to places where ancient wisdom meets modern challenges, and Mongolia embodies that intersection perfectly.

But this trip is about more than cultural fascination. It's about stepping into a community of faith that's growing in remarkable ways, offering encouragement and fellowship to brothers and sisters I haven't met yet. Even though I'm joining this small team late in their preparations, I know this is exactly where I'm meant to be.

If you've ever considered supporting mission work, this is your chance to be part of something that extends far beyond what I could accomplish alone. Every dollar helps cover travel, accommodation, supplies, and resources that will directly benefit the communities we'll serve. More than that, your support means I can focus entirely on the work rather than worrying about logistics.

I'll be sharing updates throughout the journey—both the preparations and the trip itself. Expect photos, stories, and insights that I hope will inspire and encourage you as much as this opportunity has inspired me.

Poetry Book Kickstarter - Launching Late This Month

On the creative front, I'm putting the finishing touches on what might be my most personal project yet: a poetry book that's been years in the making. The Kickstarter campaign launches later this month, and I'm equal parts thrilled and terrified.

This collection represents my journey as a poet, exploring themes of hope, struggle, wonder, and the magic we find in everyday moments. From fantasy-inspired verses to deeply personal reflections, these poems have been companions through some of my most challenging and beautiful seasons.

What makes this Kickstarter special isn't just the book—it's the community aspect. I'm creating reward tiers that celebrate the art of poetry and the readers who make it meaningful. Think signed copies, exclusive content, maybe even some personalized pieces for supporters who want something truly unique.

The campaign items are almost ready. Cover design, formatting, reward fulfillment logistics—it's incredible how much work goes into bringing a book into the world. But that's part of what makes it so rewarding. Every detail represents care for the readers who will eventually hold these poems in their hands.

How You Can Help

Your support means everything to me, whether it's contributing to the Mongolia mission, backing the poetry Kickstarter when it launches, or simply sharing these opportunities with others who might be interested.

More than financial support, though, I need your prayers, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Creative projects and mission work both require courage, and knowing you're cheering me on makes all the difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey. These next few months are going to be incredible, and I'm grateful to have you along for the ride.

With gratitude and excitement, Tyrean

IWSG: Books That Made Me a Writer

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting.

IWSG Optional Question:

What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?

I decided to think about this question and shift it a bit... and then write about:

The Books That Made Me a Writer

My storytelling foundation came from nursery rhymes mixed with C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, Grimm's and Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, dark and luminous in equal measure; and the timeless wisdom of Aesop's Fables. These weren't just stories—they were entire worlds where good and evil battled in forms I could understand, where the smallest creatures could be heroes, and where magic felt as real as breakfast.

Tolkien's The Hobbit opened the door to epic adventure, while both the Children's Bible and the King James Bible introduced me to narratives of eternity.

But storytelling in our family wasn't confined to published books. My grandmother's tales of her own childhood fascinated me, family members recited fairy tales from memory, and the Sesame Street and Disney book clubs brought monthly treasures that expanded my landscape. Stories flowed through our house like water—in books, in voices, and on screen.

Movies added to the well of my imagination. Star Wars: A New Hope, which I saw during its original run, and Disney's animated Peter Pan filled my imagination with lightsabers and pixie dust. I spent countless hours dreaming of flight, of carrying a meaningful sword, of facing down dragons and emerging victorious.

When I began crafting my own stories, the darkness in those early tales found its way to the surface. Inspired by a particularly haunting painting of a conquistador silhouetted against a bonfire, the mysterious hidden attic entrances in our old house, and the shadowy photography darkroom tucked beneath the basement stairs, my first stories I told were horror. I wanted to give my friends just a shiver—but my first successful story worked too well, leaving them sleepless.

Someday, I might rewrite that story and share it with the world. Maybe....

Looking back, I see how these early influences created the DNA of my writing: the blend of wonder and darkness, the belief that small acts can change everything, the conviction that stories matter most when they help us understand what it means to be human. Every book I read, every story I heard, every tale that made me long for wings or weapons—and every shadow-filled corner of my childhood home—became part of the storyteller I am today.

Notes from my podcast

On my podcast last week, I discussed whether or not I will change anything as a writer now that I have a tiny grandson, and while there might be some small shifts, I know the core of my imagination is still rooted in what I read and heard and enjoyed as a child.

On my podcast, I forgot to mentione the first stories I told my grandson, the first songs I sang to him, and the first books I've read to him, which are: the story of David and Goliath told from memory. Psalm 23, from memory. Amazing Grace; Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord; Jesus Loves Me (You/Us), I've God the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart; Oh, Where is my Hairbrush (blankie); Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?; Guess How Much I Love You, The Gruffalo, and The Mitten. And, of course, his name song... which is essentially a song I make up as I sing to him. Both of my daughters had one of those, too.

 This week, on my podcast I'm discussing legendary objects and why they matter in narratives - not only for fantasy and scifi, but also potentially for mysteries, adventure thrillers, and other stories.

Find those episodes at The Truth About Storytelling.

My Current Projects:

1. A poetry collection with 85-101 poems I'm gathering together, refining, and formatting for a Kickstarter campaign, but I don't have that page up yet.

2. The second and third books of the Dark Blade Trilogy - writing, revising, working...

3. The Rayatana Series - mainly moving this around on my shelves, pulling it down, and writing notes on it at this point, but someday...

4. A pen name projects, possibly to be revealed at some point. 

Addressing Real World Issues Through Fantasy Novels

 Fantasy has long served as a mirror to real-world struggles, offering readers a lens through which they can examine complex and difficult topics in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. While dragons, magic, and ancient prophecies capture our imaginations, the best fantasy stories also resonate with real-world truths. One of the themes explored in Dark Blade Forged and The Dark Blade Trilogy is the fight against trafficking, woven into the fabric of the story through the battle against the Red Hand and the alliances formed to dismantle its hold on society.

Using Fantasy to Tackle Difficult Topics

Fantasy allows authors to address dark and pressing issues in a way that maintains hope and adventure. The reality of human trafficking is horrifying, but through the lens of a fantasy narrative, the themes can be explored with nuance, offering readers both awareness and inspiration. By presenting these struggles in a fictional setting, we can highlight the resilience of those who fight back, the necessity of unity, and the impact of justice over vengeance.

In The Dark Blade Trilogy, the Watch Guard, an interkingdom agency, and the leaders of Septily are locked in a battle against the Red Hand, a trafficking organization that operates in the shadows, using mercenaries to tighten its grip. The Watch Guard seeks to dismantle the Red Hand’s influence, but the path is fraught with danger, deception, and moral dilemmas.

The Role of the Red Hand: A Reflection of Real-World Injustice

The Red Hand operates with coercion, violence, and the dark arts, thriving in secrecy and corruption. Their methods, though framed in a fantastical setting, echo real-world trafficking organizations that prey upon the vulnerable. To combat such a pervasive evil, the Watch Guard and Septily’s leaders must employ strategy, courage, and unexpected alliances.

One of these unexpected allies is a character seeking to escape the system—a woman who has firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of the power behind The Red Hand. Her journey from to empowerment and escape embodies the strength of survivors who fight to reclaim their freedom.

Justice vs. Vengeance: A Hero’s Internal Struggle

For Dan, the protagonist, the battle against the Red Hand is deeply personal. He discovers his own parents are slavers, a legacy he despises and seeks to distance himself from. His journey is one of choosing justice over vengeance, as his dark blade tempts him toward brutal retribution. Yet, as he learns through his friendships with Prince Alex, Farrald, his trainers, and his allies, justice requires more than anger—it demands wisdom, restraint, and sacrifice.

His struggle reflects a crucial question in both fiction and reality: How do we fight evil without becoming consumed by it? The novel does not offer easy answers, but it explores the importance of standing together against oppression, ensuring that those who fight for justice do not lose themselves in the process.

Why These Themes Matter

Incorporating an anti-trafficking theme in fantasy serves a greater purpose than just adding tension to the plot—it sheds light on an issue that, while often unseen, exists in the real world. Stories have the power to inspire change, to encourage awareness, and to ignite conversations that might not happen otherwise.

By embedding this theme within an epic fantasy setting, I aim to craft a story that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level. The Watch Guard’s battle against the Red Hand is a reflection of real-world fights against exploitation, and the choices the characters make reflect the moral dilemmas faced by those who stand against injustice.

Fantasy as a Tool for Awareness and Hope

Fantasy stories do not just offer escapism—they offer hope. They show that even in the darkest times, heroes can rise, alliances can form, and change can happen. The battle against the Red Hand is a reminder that evil thrives in secrecy but can be defeated through courage, unity, and unwavering determination.

By weaving these real-world issues into my novel, I hope to create a compelling story that not only immerses readers in an epic adventure but also leaves them with something meaningful to consider. What are some fantasy stories you’ve read that address real-world issues in powerful ways? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Dark Blade Forged is available at online stores and can be ordered through in-person bookstores.

Friendship in Fantasy: Bonds That Defeat Darkness

 Friendship is one of the most powerful forces in fantasy literature. It binds heroes together, gives them the strength to persevere, and often becomes the key to overcoming overwhelming darkness. From classic tales to modern epics, the relationships between characters shape their journeys just as much as any sword or spell. In my novel Dark Blade Forged and throughout The Dark Blade Trilogy, friendship plays a central role, proving that unity and loyalty can stand against even the greatest evils.

The Power of Friendship in Fantasy

Fantasy worlds are often fraught with danger—corrupt rulers, dark magic, and creatures of nightmare. Against such threats, friendship becomes more than just companionship; it’s a shield against despair and a source of hope. Strong bonds between characters elevate their struggles, making victories sweeter and losses more profound.

Take The Lord of the Rings as an example. Frodo may carry the burden of the One Ring, but without Samwise Gamgee, his journey would have ended long before Mount Doom. Sam’s unwavering loyalty and determination serve as a reminder that even in the darkest times, friendship can light the way.

More Than Just a Sidekick

Fantasy friendships often go beyond mere camaraderie—they shape the very destiny of the protagonists. In Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive, Kaladin’s bond with his Bridge Four comrades transforms them from enslaved cannon fodder into an elite fighting force. His friendships drive his growth, proving that trust and brotherhood can triumph over suffering and despair.

Similarly, in The Dark Blade Trilogy, the friendships between the main characters form the heart of the story. Dan, the protagonist, wants to go it alone. Born to a noble family with a dark reputation—his parents are slavers—he longs to break free from their influence and forge his own path. He seeks solitude, believing that only by standing apart can he truly escape their shadow. But as he soon learns, overcoming his darkness requires more than isolation; it requires trust.

Dan’s journey forces him to rely on those around him—Prince Alex, once distant but now a friend, Farrald, a merchant’s son whose deep understanding balances Dan’s intensity, and his trainers, who push him beyond his limits. Even unexpected allies step in, showing him that strength does not come from standing alone but from standing together. His greatest challenge is not just wielding his dark blade but ensuring that it serves justice rather than vengeance. Without his friends to anchor him, he risks losing himself to the very darkness he fights against.

The Contrast Between Solitude and Friendship

Many fantasy heroes begin their journeys alone—either by choice or circumstance. Yet, as their stories unfold, they find allies who challenge them, support them, and ultimately change them for the better. The contrast between solitude and friendship highlights one of the genre’s most enduring themes: that true strength is not found in isolation, but in unity.

Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher series starts as a lone wolf, but over time, his relationships with characters like Yennefer and Jaskier add depth to his journey. Their companionship forces him to confront his own emotions and question his cynicism.

Friendship as the Key to Overcoming Darkness

At the heart of many fantasy tales lies the idea that darkness—whether external or internal—cannot be defeated alone. True heroism often requires trust, sacrifice, and the willingness to fight for those who stand beside you.

In Dark Blade Forged and in The Dark Blade Trilogy, as in so many great fantasy stories, friendship is not just an element of the plot—it is the foundation upon which victory is built. The heroes do not simply battle against a villain; they struggle to maintain their unity in the face of adversity. Their friendships give them strength when all else seems lost, proving that even in the darkest moments, the bonds between companions can light the way forward.

What Are Your Favorite Fantasy Friendships?

Friendship is a timeless theme, one that resonates deeply with readers. What are some of your favorite friendships in fantasy literature? Do you prefer stories where bonds grow slowly over time or ones where characters form instant, unbreakable connections? Let’s discuss in the comments!

You can find Dark Blade Forged at online stores and order it from in-person bookstores.