Behind the Scenes of Merchant of Vision and the Journey to Book Two

Today, I’m excited to share a bit of the journey behind Merchant of Vision, where it stands now, and what’s coming up as we build toward the release of Merchant of Fortune in December 2024. This story, these characters, and this universe have been in the making for over a decade, and as we move through the final phases, I wanted to take a moment to bring you into the process—the challenges, the delays, the triumphs, and the sheer thrill of seeing this series come to life.

The Road So Far: Merchant of Vision

Merchant of Vision, the first book in the series, has been a labor of love, to say the least. This story started as a seed of an idea, an image of a distant mining colony, a character struggling against the odds, and a vision of a galaxy where the smallest choices ripple out to affect entire worlds. Over the years, that small idea expanded into a fully realized universe. Every detail, every planet, every faction was built with a sense of purpose and history, and my goal was to create a world that feels as vast and real as the characters within it.

But, as many authors know, creating something with this level of depth and complexity takes time. I’ve recently decided to extend the editing phase of Merchant of Vision to ensure that it’s everything it needs to be. I want readers to experience Kars Vandor’s journey at its absolute best. After investing so many years into this story, I want to make sure it’s polished, engaging, and immersive from the very first page. So, while it may be disappointing to see a delay, I promise that the extra time spent refining the story will make it worth the wait.

The Journey Ahead: Merchant of Fortune

With the first book in its final edit, we’re now turning our sights toward Merchant of Fortune, which is slated for release in the last week of December 2024. Book Two takes us deeper into the galaxy, unraveling secrets hinted at in Merchant of Vision and throwing our characters into new, high-stakes challenges. Kars, Kris, and the rest of the crew are headed to new frontiers, facing dangers they never anticipated, and uncovering mysteries that could change everything they thought they knew about the galaxy.

To prepare for the launch of Merchant of Fortune, we’ll be kicking off a social media push that will bring readers into the universe and introduce them to the key characters, worlds, and themes of the series. Starting today, every Monday, I’ll be sharing teaser excerpts and behind-the-scenes glimpses from the manuscript. These snippets will give you a taste of the action, atmosphere, and intrigue that define Merchant of Vision and set the stage for what’s to come in Merchant of Fortune.

Teaser Excerpt: The Salt Flats of Port Obarwinko

One of the things I love most about worldbuilding is creating places that feel atmospheric, almost alive. Today’s teaser takes us to Port Obarwinko, a mining colony with a harsh landscape that’s both beautiful and unforgiving. Picture this: an ancient desalination plant, rusting and crumbling on the edges of a vast salt flat, stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a place haunted by the past, a relic of an era when this world once had oceans, now abandoned to the winds and sands.

Here’s an excerpt from Merchant of Vision that sets the scene:

 "The last rays of sunlight stretched across the salt flats, painting them in muted shades of lavender and indigo as dusk settled over Port Obarwinko. The ancient desalination plant loomed like a skeletal giant against the fading sky, its rusted framework and twisted pipes casting long shadows over the abandoned seabed. Jagged metal towers rose from the structure, once used to siphon seawater through massive intake pipes, now hollow and silent."

This location, for me, captures the tone of the story—an abandoned frontier, a place of forgotten industry and rugged survival. Kars and his crew pass through these desolate places, finding beauty in their isolation, but also danger lurking in every shadow.

Why Book Two is Worth the Wait

Writing a series on this scale means that Book One is just the beginning. Merchant of Fortune dives even deeper into the galaxy, expanding on the events and conflicts of Merchant of Vision and pushing our characters to their limits. The stakes are higher, the scope is broader, and the mysteries become even more complex. Kars and his allies will confront powerful enemies, uncover hidden truths, and face the consequences of choices that reach far beyond their understanding.

I won’t spoil anything, but I will say this: if Merchant of Vision is the spark that ignites Kars’s journey, then Merchant of Fortune is the fire that will test him, forge him, and reveal what he’s truly capable of.

The extra time we’re taking now with Book One will ultimately benefit the entire series. This story has been in development for so long that it feels like it’s finally ready to breathe and take on a life of its own. And as we move forward, the support from readers, fans, and fellow space opera lovers has been invaluable.

Building Excitement Together

As we approach the release of Merchant of Fortune, I’ll be sharing more of these teasers, along with character spotlights, artwork reveals, and insights into the galaxy’s complex factions and cultures. My hope is to make you feel like you’re right there with me on this journey, experiencing each new discovery, each world, and each plot twist as it unfolds.

Thank you for your patience, for your enthusiasm, and for joining me in this incredible adventure. Merchant of Vision and Merchant of Fortune are stories I’ve waited a decade to tell, and now, together, we’re about to explore them.

Stay tuned for more updates, teasers, and a few surprises along the way. Here’s to the journey, to the stars, and to all the worlds still waiting to be discovered.

Dirt is Made by Stars, And Is The Same Everywhere

When I was eleven, sitting wide-eyed in a dark theater, I was with my father. He was a welder, a cab driver, and not around a lot. But he had paid for some very expensive tickets for this film that had been advertised for months on TV, that was a swashbuckling Space Opera adventure that told the story of a hero with a magic sword the wizard who advised him and the princess that he rescued, going up against the evil dark lord and his minions. 

 I saw spaceships, planets, and heroes on an adventure that stretched across the stars. Good citizens of the Galaxy who sacrificed their lives in a rebellion against those who would attempt to tightly control everyone and everything in a fascist dictatorship under an emperor. 

 The universe opened up before me, vast and mysterious, with alien worlds begging to be explored. And in that moment, I knew I wanted to be out there—walking on distant planets, touching the dust of foreign landscapes, and discovering places no one had ever seen before.

Of course, life had other plans. I stayed firmly rooted on Earth, but I joined the United States Navy and I had my own adventures planetSide across two continents, and have visited almost two dozen countries with their variety of strange terrain and nearly alien cultures, and I've been on the other side of the planet as far as I could go without a rocket...but that dream never went away. 

Fast-forward 47 years, and while I may not be trekking across alien terrain, I am creating it. Every world I write feels like a step into the vastness I once imagined. And here’s the truth that still amazes me: the dirt out there—the red dust of Mars, the rocky plains of distant moons, the mountains seen through a Rover’s camera—it’s made of the same stuff as our own planet.

You see, planets are built from stardust, just like us. The elements forged in stars form everything: the mountains, the soil, even our bones. So when I write about strange new worlds, I know that beneath their exotic skies and unfamiliar landscapes, they’re connected to us in some cosmic way. There are millions of worlds out there, each with their own mountains, skies, rocks, and dust. And in some strange sense, I feel like I’ve touched them, even if only through imagination.

These days, I still carry that 11-year-old kid’s longing to explore, though now I know my adventures happen on the page. When I sit down to write my own Space Opera, I feel a bit like that kid again—full of wonder and the thrill of discovery. It’s not the same as stepping onto an alien surface, but in my stories, I can create worlds where every horizon, every grain of dirt, feels real. In writing, I’m finally the space explorer I dreamed of being all those years ago.

So here I am, nearly 59 years old, creating worlds, one story at a time, knowing that out there, on Mars or a hundred light-years away, the dust is still just dust, and yet it’s so much more. Because with a bit of imagination, that dust becomes the beginning of something grand, and maybe, just maybe, a way for all of us to feel a little closer to the stars.

Behind the Battles: Space Combat in Merchant of Vision

In the universe of Merchant of Vision, space combat is an intense, high-stakes game of strategy, skill, and survival. Ships can’t rely on the luxury of shields and force fields; instead, battles are a complex dance of maneuvers, weaponry, and raw human instinct. From the flash of pulse lasers to the deadly silence of missiles streaking through the void, space battles are one of the most exhilarating (and dangerous) elements of this galaxy.

Today, I’m diving into the gritty details of space combat in Merchant of Vision—a blend of advanced weapon systems, skilled piloting, and the constant risk that one wrong move could mean the end.

Missiles: The Heavy Hitters

Missiles are one of the most powerful, but also the most vulnerable, weapons in space combat. Equipped with guidance systems and explosive warheads, missiles are designed to lock onto a target, close in, and unleash devastating damage. They’re often used for long-range engagements where ships are too far apart for lasers to be effective.

Missiles can come in several varieties, from standard explosive types to ones that use nuclear or electromagnetic warheads for extra power. However, missiles require skillful timing and strategy; they can be intercepted by defensive fire or outmaneuvered if an enemy ship has enough distance and speed. That said, when a missile hits, it hits hard—turning even the most fortified hulls into scraps of metal.

In Merchant of Vision: Kars Vandor’s ship often relies on missile launchers for high-stakes confrontations, especially when he needs a weapon with enough range and force to punch through larger ships. Watching a missile streak silently across space toward its target—only to detonate in a violent flash—is a powerful reminder of the risks involved in space warfare.

Pulse Lasers: Precision and Power

Pulse lasers are a versatile weapon, providing a balance between power and precision. Unlike missiles, pulse lasers can be fired rapidly, sending concentrated bursts of energy at a target. They’re highly effective in mid-range combat, allowing ships to deliver multiple strikes in quick succession. Pulse lasers don’t carry the same explosive force as missiles, but their focused beams can pierce through lighter hulls and wreak havoc on a ship’s systems.

Pulse lasers are also favored for their speed—since they travel at the speed of light, there’s no waiting for the impact. This makes them harder to dodge, especially for larger ships, and ideal for picking off smaller, agile craft or targeting specific sections of a vessel.

In Merchant of Vision: Pulse lasers add intensity to combat scenes, allowing characters like Kris Herron to target critical systems on enemy ships with pinpoint accuracy. They’re also the weapon of choice for close dogfights, where precision and rapid firing can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Beam Lasers: The Surgical Strike

Beam lasers differ from pulse lasers in that they deliver a continuous stream of energy, rather than short bursts. Beam lasers can slice through enemy armor with devastating efficiency, making them ideal for close-range encounters where sustained fire can punch through even the toughest hulls. They’re often mounted on larger ships, where the power requirements are manageable, and used to target specific sections of an enemy ship, such as engines or weapon systems.

Aiming a beam laser requires skill and patience, as the weapon’s effectiveness depends on holding the beam on the target long enough to cut through defenses. Beam lasers are as much a psychological weapon as a physical one—their searing light and intense heat make them a terrifying sight for anyone on the receiving end.

In Merchant of Vision: Beam lasers are typically used by capital ships and are less common on smaller vessels like Kars’s. However, when Kars and his crew encounter beam-equipped ships, the stakes are higher—these weapons can dismantle ships in a single pass if given the chance.

Tactics and Technology: The Art of Space Combat

In Merchant of Vision, battles aren’t just about who has the biggest gun; they’re about strategy, positioning, and the split-second decisions that make or break a crew’s survival. With ships moving at high velocities and distances measured in kilometers, traditional "dogfighting" is rare. Instead, captains must think several moves ahead, planning intercept courses, predicting enemy tactics, and conserving resources.

A few tactics that are frequently seen in Merchant of Vision include:

Missile Salvos: Launching multiple missiles in quick succession to overwhelm an enemy’s defenses. This tactic forces an opponent to split their focus between incoming threats, increasing the likelihood of a missile making it through.

Laser Sweeps: Using pulse lasers to target multiple enemy vessels or systems, keeping them on the defensive. Pulse lasers allow for rapid, dispersed fire, useful for creating a buffer zone against smaller attackers.

Beam Pinning: With larger ships, beam lasers are often used to pin an enemy in place, targeting engines to reduce mobility or focusing fire on weapon mounts to disarm the target. This tactic requires precision and steady aiming but can be devastating if successful.

The Human Element: Beyond the Technology

No matter how advanced the weapons or tactics, it’s the human element that defines every battle in Merchant of Vision. Each captain, crew member, and gunner brings their own experiences, instincts, and fears to the fight. Kars Vandor, for example, relies on a blend of calculated risk and gut instinct to make the most of his limited resources, knowing that one wrong move could doom his entire crew.

For Kris Harron, every battle is a test of her skills as a naval officer and her commitment to protecting those around her. She understands that technology alone isn’t enough to win a fight—it takes courage, quick thinking, and trust in her crew to navigate the chaotic, unpredictable nature of space warfare.

The Thrill and the Terror of Battle

In Merchant of Vision, space battles are a thrilling mix of high-tech weaponry, tactical maneuvers, and split-second decisions, set against the stark silence of space. Each battle scene is crafted to convey both the adrenaline and the terror of combat, reminding readers that while the galaxy may be vast and full of opportunity, it’s also filled with danger.

As the launch approaches, I can’t wait for you to experience these battles firsthand, to feel the tension as missiles streak toward their targets, pulse lasers fire in rapid succession, and beam lasers slice through the void. It’s a galaxy where every shot counts, and every choice could be the difference between survival and defeat.

Stay tuned for more insights into the world of Merchant of Vision as we get closer to launch on Amazon Kindle!

Behind the Scenes: Building the World of Merchant of Vision Through Its Characters

One of the most fulfilling (and challenging) parts of writing a space opera is creating a diverse cast of characters who feel as real as the universe they inhabit. Each character in Merchant of Vision has their own motivations, histories, and relationships that intertwine with the story’s protagonist, Kars Vandor. Today, I wanted to share a sneak peek into the Dramatis Personae for Merchant of Vision—a partial character list (without spoilers) that brings each individual to life and gives readers a glimpse into their roles within the narrative.

With the galaxy as the backdrop, Merchant of Vision centers around loyalty, ambition, survival, and the ties that bind people together in the harsh realities of frontier life. Here’s a look at some of the major and minor players who make up this universe:

Dramatis Personae

Kars Vandor

Role: Protagonist

Relationships: Son of Yasmin Vandor; love interest of Kris Harron.

Traits: Ambitious, determined, resourceful, and empathetic, but haunted by his harsh upbringing.

Background: A 19-year-old welder on the mining colony world of Obarwinko, Kars dreams of escaping his difficult life. Born into hardship, he’s driven to make a name for himself among the stars and escape the shadows of his past.

Kris Harron

Role: Love interest of Kars Vandor

Relationships: Daughter of Aldrick Harron, a Terran naval hero, ; deeply committed to Kars.

Traits: Intelligent, loyal, brave, and driven by a sense of duty.

Background: An aspiring naval officer with dreams of attending the Naval Academy, Kris often finds herself at a crossroads between her loyalty to Kars and her own ambitions to honor her father’s legacy.

Tannika Na'ir

Role: Mysterious Esper ally

Relationships: Espionage agent connected to Duchess Zhōu Yuèguāng; recruited for a mission on Port Obarwinko.

Traits: Calculated, skilled, secretive, and Esper sensitive.

Background: A noblewoman with psionic abilities, Tannika is an Esper with a past filled with espionage. She becomes central to Kars's journey, leading him into dangerous situations.

Duchess Zhōu Yuèguāng

Role: A powerful ally with her own agenda.

Relationships: Tannika’s employer; strategist against the Felis threat, regent of the Varala Drift subsector.

Traits: Commanding, shrewd, and willing to make morally ambiguous choices

Background: Once a naval officer, now a noble strategist, the Duchess is fiercely committed to fortifying humanity’s hold in the subsector, even when her missions blur ethical lines.

Moxxu

Role: Uneasy ally

Relationships: Former Felis military member seeking asylum

Traits: Skilled navigator, resourceful, and wary

Background: A Felinoid astrogation officer with a complicated past. Moxxu’s presence creates tension, particularly with Kris, who distrusts her due to her Felis heritage.

Yasmin Vandor

Role: Kars’s mother; a tragic figure in his backstory

Relationships: Mother of Kars; former captive of Laze Rezal.

Traits: Resilient, caring, and willing to make sacrifices.

Background: A former prostitute on New Asia who escaped to Port Obarwinko, Yasmin’s sacrifices drive Kars’s ambition and his will to rise above his origins

Laze Rezal

Role: Antagonist

Relationships: Yasmin’s former employer.

Traits: Cruel, manipulative, and controlling

Background: A powerful drug dealer who claimed Yasmin as his own. Yasmin’s act of self-liberation from him sets the stage for Kars’s early life.

Maze Rezal

Role: Secondary antagonist

Relationships: Son of Laze Rezal; holds a grudge against Kars and Yasmin.

Traits: Aggressive, cunning, and vengeful

Background: As a dark mirror to Kars, Maze’s resentment and desire for revenge add complexity to the story.

Sector Duke Ziven Croyle

Role: Primary antagonist; upholder of the established order

Relationships: Political adversary; antagonist to the Duchess’s goals.

Traits: Tyrannical, arrogant, and resistant to change

Background: Croyle is intent on keeping colonists like Kars under control, representing the systemic forces working against him

Vek Coris

Role: Rival and antagonist

Relationships: Wealthy noble with an interest in Kris.

Traits: Arrogant, manipulative, and charismatic

Background: A noble who enjoys taunting Kars and attempts to win Kris’s affection, Vek’s wealth and influence make him a significant obstacle.

Brynn Talon

Role: Agent and master schemer

Relationships: Operative within the Duchess’s circle.

Traits: Ambitious, deceptive, and clever

Background: Brynn was born on an extremely tech poor world and she sees technology as the route to power and riches.

Setara Cho

Role: Informant and antagonist

Relationships: Broker on New Asia with connections to the Chin Gang

Traits: Cunning, self-serving, and untrustworthy

Background: Operating within the red-light district, Setara poses a constant threat to Kars, especially concerning his safety.

Dorik Keth

Role: Supporting character and Armsman

Relationships: Armsmaster; friend to Kars

Traits: Skeptical, and practical

Background: Dorik serves as a grounding influence on Kars, often challenging his plans with a skeptical perspective.

Celia Talleron

Role: Logistics manager and stabilizing influence

Relationships: Supporter of Kars in the crew

Traits: Rational, calm, and reasoned

Background: Known for her level-headedness, Celia’s presence helps to balance the crew, offering stability amidst chaos.

Ilias Gamberu

Role: Tech expert

Relationships: Friend to Kars

Traits: Optimistic, expressive, and resilient

Background: A former gambler with tech skills, Ilias brings humor and hope, boosting morale during dark times.

Sister Bevel Moray

Role: Spiritual guide

Relationships: Advisor to Kars

Traits: Wise, compassionate, and insightful

Background: Bevel’s teachings influence Kars’s understanding of leadership and his purpose in the universe.

Saow Maak

Role: Pragmatic ally and Mentor

Relationships: Salvage yard owner aiding Kars

Traits: Independent, resourceful, and aloof

Background: Saow Maak is a rugged alien survivor of the frontier, providing Kars with essential help while maintaining an emotional distance.

The Heart of the Galaxy: An Ensemble of Heroes, Rivals, and Allies

Each of these characters adds depth and richness to Merchant of Vision, bringing their own unique perspectives, skills, and challenges. Together, they build a universe that feels alive, reflecting the complexity, struggle, and resilience that define life on the frontier.

I hope this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Dramatis Personae helps you get to know these characters before you meet them in the story. Their journeys, alliances, and conflicts are all integral to Kars Vandor’s quest, shaping the universe of Merchant of Vision in ways both profound and unexpected.

Creating Alien Cultures: The Challenge of Making Unique, Believable Societies

One of the most rewarding—and sometimes challenging—aspects of writing Merchant of Vision has been developing the alien cultures that fill this universe. Science fiction has an incredible opportunity to explore not just new worlds, but new ways of thinking, living, and surviving. Each alien society needs to feel distinct and alive, with beliefs, technologies, and social structures that make sense given their environments and histories.

In this post, I want to take you behind the scenes into my process for building these cultures, and how I try to make them feel as real as possible.

From Ecosystems to Worldviews: Where Alien Cultures Begin

One of the first questions I ask when creating a new species or culture is, What kind of environment shaped them? A civilization that developed on a desert world, for instance, might have different values and technologies than one from a lush, jungle-covered planet. Desert dwellers might focus on resource conservation, with strict social codes around water usage and food sharing, while a jungle society could prioritize knowledge of local flora and fauna for survival.

For example, in the Merchant of Vision universe, the Taxxu Felis evolved on a world with harsh winters and short summers, where survival depends on community bonds and preparation. This has led to a culture that prizes loyalty and resourcefulness, where every member of society has a role, and individualism is often seen as risky or even dangerous.

Language, Rituals, and Beliefs: Building Depth

Language and rituals are the heart of any culture, alien or otherwise. In developing the different societies within the Merchant of Vision universe, I spend a lot of time thinking about what languages might sound like, how they would write, and the phrases they’d use to describe their world. Sometimes I’ll invent entire sayings or rituals based on what a culture values.

For instance, the Taxxu Felis have a saying: Naow huang phu khu “A tail for a tail.” It’s a simple phrase, but it’s used to express a bond of mutual loyalty, a promise that one will never abandon another. This concept of loyalty is woven into their rituals, from the way they welcome new members into a group to how they say farewell to someone departing on a dangerous journey.

Alien Technology: Unique Yet Functional

Another fun challenge is designing technology that feels alien, but also practical. An alien race with a different physiology or environmental pressure might develop tools and vehicles that are nothing like ours. In the Merchant of Vision universe, I try to keep the technology grounded but visually distinct, often designing starships or equipment that reflect the needs and values of each culture.

For example, the Taxxu Felis’ starcraft are lightweight and built for speed, often with technology focused on survival, rather than luxury. These ships don’t have much in the way of creature comforts, but they’re robust and reliable—qualities prized by a species that needs to be adaptable to survive.

Bringing it All Together: Making the Universe Feel Alive

The goal is to create a universe that feels rich, layered, and alive. I want readers to feel like they could visit each of these worlds, walk through a market filled with strange foods and sounds, or watch an alien ritual and understand the meaning behind it. It’s about creating a universe where every culture has its own unique story, shaped by the trials and triumphs of its people.

Working on Merchant of Vision has been a deep dive into these alien societies, and I’m constantly expanding on them as the story grows. There’s always a new ritual, a phrase, or a piece of technology waiting to be discovered, and it’s this endless potential that makes world-building one of my favorite parts of writing science fiction.

What’s Next? A Look at Upcoming Alien Societies

While Merchant of Vision introduces a handful of these cultures, there are so many more waiting to be explored in future books. Without giving too much away, some upcoming alien societies have connections to ancient mysteries, and others have a level of technology that even Kars finds baffling. Each one will bring a new layer to the universe, giving readers a deeper view into the vast, interconnected world of Merchant of Vision.

I hope you enjoyed this look behind the scenes into how I create alien cultures. What kinds of worlds or societies would you like to see in the series? Let me know—I’d love to hear your ideas!

4 Days to Launch: The Dream of a Lifetime is Finally Here

We’re down to the final four days until Merchant of Vision launches, and I have to admit, I’m feeling a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, pride, a bit of exhaustion, and a whole lot of joy. This journey has been long and winding, spanning continents, life chapters, and countless late nights. But as I sit here, on the brink of my first space opera novel going out into the world, I can’t help but look back on everything that led to this moment.

35 Years to Fruition of a Dream

The seed of this dream was planted a lifetime ago, nearly 35 years back when I was serving in the Navy. I had my first experience of Thailand, visiting Phuket, and somewhere amid the bright skies, bustling markets, and distant horizons, the idea took root in my mind: One day, I’m going to be a science fiction author, writing books, living retired in Thailand. It was an epiphany, really—one of those moments of clarity that sticks with you. And while life took me on a few detours, that dream stayed with me, like a compass.

Fast forward a few decades, and here I am—living in Thailand, doing exactly what I set out to do. But let me tell you, this wasn’t just a switch I flipped. This journey has been a long and winding one, with years of work, self-discovery, and determination poured into every step. It’s been 35 years since I first set my heart on this, I started the initial draft of what was going to be Merchant of Vision 10 years ago...and 8 years since I finally moved here to Northern Thailand to make it happen. And now, after countless drafts, edits, ideas, and re-imaginings, the launch of Merchant of Vision is just four days away.

Building a Galaxy from Scratch

This isn’t just any book for me. Merchant of Vision is my first true space opera—a universe filled with vast empires, distant planets, interstellar intrigue, and the epic battles that fuel the genre. The scale of this setting has been both exhilarating and daunting. I’m working on a detailed draft map of the entire setting, and let me tell you, it’s as complex as anything I’ve ever tackled. Imagine charting a galaxy with thousands of worlds, mapping out factions with layered histories and motivations, and planning every trade route, every political alliance, every space phenomenon that exists in this universe.

This map is a work in progress, and it’s easily the most intricate part of building this world. Each system, each planet, and each point on that map has a role to play in the larger story. I’ve spent days just piecing together trade routes and determining the positions of space anomalies, all while sketching out the histories and ambitions of different factions. It’s a labor of love, to say the least, and sometimes, an exhausting one. But seeing this universe come to life on that map has been indescribably fulfilling.

Bringing It All Together

Then, of course, there’s the final push of editing. Going through the book line by line, adjusting, rephrasing, catching little details I missed in earlier drafts. It’s a meticulous process, one that requires focus and patience, and by this stage, a hefty dose of coffee. Final edits are a strange blend of excitement and fatigue; on one hand, there’s the thrill of knowing it’s almost ready, and on the other, there’s the relentless urge to make sure every detail is just right. I know it's a case of diminishing returns and you can't just keep polishing it over and over and over, eventually you have to just say okay this is enough and send it out the door... Knowing that there's still probably mistakes or better ways that I could have written it.

Even though it’s tiring, there’s a part of me that feels immense pride at seeing this journey come together. Every page I edit, every world I refine, brings me closer to sharing this vision with you, the readers. I wanted Merchant of Vision to be a universe that feels alive, one that you can get lost in and feel the weight of its history, its mysteries, its ambitions.

What Comes Next?

Once Merchant of Vision is out in the world, I’ll be starting the media buzz for Book 2. There’s a thrill in thinking about where this story will go, knowing that Book 1 is just the beginning. I have so many more stories to tell in this universe, so many characters who haven’t yet had their moment in the spotlight, and so many twists and turns that I can’t wait to share with you.

And yes, as a special treat, here’s an early look at the cover for Book 2! I couldn’t help but get a little ahead of myself here—I’m too excited about what’s next. If you loved the cover of Merchant of Vision, I think this one will make you even more excited to see where the story goes.

A Long-Awaited Milestone

It’s hard to believe I’m finally here, at the edge of something I’ve wanted for decades. It feels like the culmination of that dream I had 35 years ago on the shores of Phuket—except now, it’s real. To have turned that vision into a reality, to be here in Thailand writing space operas, building galaxies, and sharing stories with readers, it’s a feeling I can hardly put into words.

Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of this journey, and to those who are joining now. Your support, enthusiasm, and love for this genre mean the world to me. I can’t wait to take you all on this journey through Merchant of Vision and beyond.

Here's to dreams, perseverance, and the wild, wonderful worlds waiting to be discovered.

Take a look at the series plan on my website:

https://www.digitalmoonbooks.com/

The Darkening Wars: Ghosts in the Taranga Nebula

In the world of Merchant of Vision, some of the most haunting places are those left behind by the Darkening Wars. This brutal conflict between the fiercely independent Taxxu Felis and the ambitious Scorpio Concordat left a lasting mark on the galaxy—and nowhere is it more visible than in the Taranga Nebula.

Picture it: in systems like Eropeh and Port Saya, entire fleets from both sides drift in silence, locked in the orbits where they last fought. These aren’t just abandoned ships—they’re frozen memories, ghostly reminders of a war whose cause has almost been forgotten. The Concordat may claim victory, but the Taxxu Felis’ defiance is still there, hanging in the cold silence of space.

These wrecks are a goldmine for scavengers, who risk everything to explore the derelict ships, hoping to uncover ancient tech, rare metals, or maybe even Concordat secrets. The ships aren’t just lucrative—they’re dangerous, with decks that could collapse at any moment or, as some say, defense systems that still activate if they detect intruders. The Concordat themselves send teams to recover classified tech, adding a layer of political tension and intrigue to every expedition.

For the people in this universe, the Darkening Wars aren’t just history—they’re a scar, a legacy that still influences alliances, fuels black markets, and inspires rebellion. The graveyards of the Taranga Nebula may be filled with wreckage, but for those who seek it, they hold stories, treasures, and maybe even the chance to rewrite the galaxy’s history.

Would you venture into those haunted hulks, seeking answers—or fortune?