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?

Less than Three Hours of Sleep, More than Three Cups of Coffee: The Race to Finish It All in Less Than a Week

So here I am, designing a slice of a galaxy, running on fumes and caffeine, feeling my nearly 59 years,racing to finish a monumental task in what feels like an impossibly short timeframe. I’m not going to lie—this week after our vaction to the beach has been a blur of deadlines, drafts, and way too many cups of coffee. When you’re averaging less than three hours of sleep per night, everything starts to get a little... fuzzy. But somehow, despite the madness, life keeps rolling on. And, of course, so does family life.

This morning, my wife Jiraporn, the ever-amazing, hyper-organized Government Officer woman that she is, canceled her before sunrise morning jog to give me a few extra hours of precious sleep. I’m pretty sure she saw the zombie-level exhaustion on my face and decided it was time to take action. She even arranged for my older son Prom to take a yellow truck jitney into the city rather than my driving him by car for the usual drop-off at his Academy. Bless her, because that extra sleep? Lifesaver. In this chaotic whirlwind, those couple of extra hours meant the difference between functioning like a sleep-deprived lunatic and merely feeling... well, human.

You see, the reality is, I’m not just pulling insane hours to finish this project. There’s the school run, the family dinners bought from the market to save pennies, the general chaos that comes with kids, a spouse, and a busy life. I’m still taking the kids to school, but thankfully, my wife is making sure the kids' homework is done, and I am somehow... somehow pretending I’m not slowly turning into a pumpkin at midnight (or 3 a.m., depending on how long it takes me to knock out the latest edit).

And why all this madness? Well, I’ve got a massive social media push to finalize, and it’s crunch time. Between writing, editing, and prepping social media posts, it feels like my to-do list just keeps growing no matter how much I cross off. Thank goodness for my social media manager, Amy Firpo, who’s been my rock this month. Together, we’ve been pushing through late nights and early mornings, strategizing and planning every single post to make sure everything aligns perfectly.

And then there’s the writing itself. I’m hammering out what feels like endless words, and when I’m not writing, I’m editing—sometimes in the dead of night when the house is finally quiet, and the rest of the world is (mercifully) asleep. It’s funny, you’d think I’d get used to this by now, but nope. Every major project feels like a wild ride that tests my stamina, creativity, and sometimes my sanity. But hey, isn’t that part of the fun? Or at least that’s what I tell myself as I sip on my third cup of coffee before 11:30 a.m.

At this point, everyone around me is concerned. Friends, family—even the people who only know me through Facebook or Instagram—are dropping hints like, “Maybe you should, I don’t know, sleep?” And believe me, I get it. I know it’s a bit extreme. But right now, I’m in that phase where I just have to get it done. The countdown is real, the deadline is looming, and as always, I know it’ll all be worth it in the end.

Somehow, between the sleep deprivation, the family hustle, and the mounting pressure, I’ll cross the finish line. And after this marathon? I plan to pass out for a week, play some zombie survivl game on Steam.com... and then prepare for book two launch. 😅

For now, it’s back to juggling all the things—work, family, and, of course, trying not to fall face-first into my laptop.

---

A Space Opera Writer's Tips for Surviving Crunch Time:

💥 1. Breathe and Take Breaks:
No matter how tight the deadline, don’t forget to take small breaks. Stepping away from your screen for a few minutes can give your brain a much-needed reset, helping you stay sharp and creative. 🌟

💥 2. Prioritize Tasks:
When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Focus on the top priorities first. List out your tasks by importance and tackle the biggest ones first—you’ll feel more in control and less stressed. 🎯

💥 3. Fuel Up:
Coffee is a lifesaver, but don’t forget the essentials: stay hydrated and grab quick, healthy snacks. It’s amazing how a glass of water or a piece of fruit can recharge your brain! 🍎☕️

💥 4. Celebrate the Small Wins:
Finished a paragraph? Scheduled a post? Checked something off your list? Take a moment to celebrate those small victories—they add up and keep you motivated through the marathon. 🎉

💥 REST! (Maybe… later):
We all know rest is essential, but when the pressure’s on, it’s often the last thing on the agenda. That’s okay, just make sure to plan for some recovery time after the deadline hits. Your brain and body will thank you! 😴

Commissioned Art and the Power of Visual Storytelling

Welcome back to The Aurin Cluster! Today’s post is dedicated to one of the most exciting aspects of building the Merchant of Vision universe—commissioned artwork. Creating a visual representation of the worlds, characters, and starships that exist in my imagination is one of the most rewarding parts of being an author. It brings the story to life in a way that words alone sometimes can’t.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with several talented artists to commission key pieces that have helped shape the visual world of Merchant of Vision. While the characters and plotlines evolve through writing, the artwork provides a glimpse into the universe that often informs my creative process in unexpected ways.

The Journey of Commissioned Art: Collaborating with Dmytro Veseliy

One of the most impactful collaborations has been with Dmytro Veseliy, a talented artist from Ukraine whose work has truly enriched the Merchant of Vision universe. I first discovered Dmytro's work about four years ago and was immediately drawn to his ability to capture the vastness of space and the detailed intricacies of starships. His style was different from what I might have imagined initially, but that’s what made it so special—he brought new dimensions to my universe that I hadn’t considered.

One of my favorite pieces from Dmytro is a modified space liner commission. Originally, he had created a concept for a large starship, but we worked together to modify it into a huge space liner designed to ferry passengers across star systems. In an early draft of the story, this liner was going to be attacked by pirates, with Kars Vandor heroically saving the day. Though that particular storyline shifted over time, this piece of art remained, and it’s something I plan to use in the future. It’s simply too epic not to!

The Power of Visual Storytelling

The thing about commissioned artwork is that it does more than just illustrate an idea—it informs the world-building process. Seeing the space liner visualized on screen helped me think about how these types of ships would function in the Merchant of Vision universe. How would passengers live on board for weeks at a time? What kinds of luxuries and dangers might they face? The artwork gave me new ideas for settings, scenes, and even future storylines.

Commissioned art is often the first step toward deeper world-building. It's a tangible way to see your universe come to life, and I’ve found that it sometimes sparks new creative directions in my writing. It allows me to visualize the technology, environments, and characters in ways that inspire new narratives.

Map Reveals and World-Building

Maps are another vital aspect of building a believable, immersive universe. While today’s focus is on commissioned artwork, it’s worth mentioning how important maps have been in Merchant of Vision. Creating star maps that show the relationship between planets, trade routes, and faction territories has been essential for keeping the political dynamics clear.

At some point, I plan to reveal more maps from the Merchant of Vision universe. Whether it’s the inner systems or the remote outposts on the frontier, each map tells its own story about the people and powers vying for control. The same way commissioned art helps me visualize key characters or ships, maps give me a sense of how the galaxy operates—how far one world is from another, where the trade routes pass through, and where the danger zones lie.

Looking to the Future: Fan Art and Community

One of the things I’m most excited about as this series grows is seeing fan art emerge. As an author, there’s something incredibly special about seeing readers interpret the universe you’ve created in their own way. Fan art doesn’t just reflect the world—it enhances it, often highlighting aspects of the story or characters that I hadn’t fully appreciated.

I hope that as more readers dive into the Merchant of Vision universe, we’ll see some amazing fan creations—whether it’s a new take on a character like Kars Vandor, or an interpretation of a battle scene aboard the Terran Starfire. This kind of art builds a community, bringing people together to celebrate the same story in a collaborative, creative way.

What’s Next?

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more commissioned pieces, map reveals, and even some sneak peeks of upcoming artwork tied to future storylines. Keep an eye on this blog for updates, and if you’re an artist or a fan with ideas or art of your own, feel free to reach out—I’d love to feature more community-driven content as this universe continues to expand.

Thanks for joining me on this journey into the visual world of Merchant of Vision. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep creating, and never stop imagining new worlds!

Behind the Scenes: My Writing Process and the World-Building Journey for Merchant of Vision

   Welcome back to my personal blog, "The Aurin Cluster", where today I’m pulling back the curtain in an extensive inside look at the writing process for Merchant of Vision, my space opera universe, and the day-to-day reality of crafting these stories. If you've ever been curious about how I bring these worlds to life—how I go from an idea in my head to a fully realized universe full of characters, starships, and interstellar politics—this post is for you.

The Workspace: My Creative Haven

   First, let's start with where the magic happens—my workroom. It's not the most glamorous setup, but it's my creative haven. I’ve always believed that your environment can shape your writing, so I try to keep mine a balance between inspiration and practicality.

The Entry Portal

   I am a fan of Star Trek.  I am as old as the Original Series. I have been a Gamemaster of the Various Star Trek Roleplaying games since the original Star Trek: The Role Playing Game published by FASA Corporation in 1982. I have run multipe Trek RPG campaigns online, and a solo game using the Modiphius Entertainment Star Trek Adventures Captain’s Log Solo RPG. So my door is decorated with this custom made sign:

  My desk is surrounded by momentos, and inspiring things: A picture of my Thai wife in uniform, little knick-knacks (Reminders to Dream Big), my clock on the wall (With a suitable sci-fi style font), and multiple drafts of planned book covers from the Transtellar Series and a stand-alone novel on the wall, as well as ideas, quotes, sketches, and inspiration. It’s a mix of index cards, and sticky notes:

To the right, a space-themed Thermos, and a decorative artificial Bansai tree, both to trigger thoughts of stars and vegetation on alien worlds...

...and a map of the Varala Drift Subsector, of the Aurin Cluster Sector. (Done with https://travellermap.com/make/poster, using custom data)

And, of course, my 6 year old trusty ASUS laptop that I bought in November of 2018, right before my duaghter was born. I knew I would need a top line Laptop to be able to write at home and at coffee shops and co-work spaces, to build a legacy for her. This machine has been refurbished, fans, battery, and hard drive replace a year ago—this is where the real work happens. (Running Profantasy's Cosmographer to update the map of the setting.)

I have maps of space, planetary systems, notes, world-building maps of planets, images of characters, starports, and scenes, that help me keep track of everything going on in the Kars Vandor/TransStellar Series universe. (You can’t keep track of interstellar politics and vast empires without a bit of organization!).

On a nearby shelf. I have my Science Reference, and Writing books:

I’ve got stacks of notebooks, each dedicated to a different aspect of world-building.  So many  years spent writing and creating, looking at my Wall of Inspiration, figuring out how different pieces of the Kars Vandor Triogy, and the TransStellar series will fit together.

On the right side of my desk is my ever-faithful coffee cup, always filled with something-- tea or coffee to keep me going during those long writing sessions. 

I use fancy, elaborate tools for cartography and writing, including roleplaying reference books:

GURPS Fourth Edition Space by Jon F. Ziegler, and James L. Cambias

The Traveller 5 Ultimate Edition 3 book set (Print Version 5.1) by Far Future Enterprises

Jonathan Sherlock's Traveller 5 RPG Mapping and world creation tool:
https://www.travellerworlds.com/ to generate rough system diagrams, and draft icosahedral world maps. I really enjoy using this tool and the author has continued to upgrade it for years.

Wondershare PDF Element to make .pdf maps of the Rim Worlds Frontier:

Wondershare Edraw Max for flowcharts, templates, etc. and EDrawMind to track Timelines:

The Writing Process: Building an Epic Space Opera from Scratch

When I sit down to write, especially for a universe as vast as that I am developing for Merchant of Vision, it’s not just about typing out words. It’s about building—brick by brick, piece by piece—a collection of worlds so immersive that you could lose yourself in them. Here’s a closer look at how I approach my writing process:

1. World-Building First

For me, the worlds of the setiing come before the plot. Before I even know what my characters are going to do, I need to know where they are. What are the rules of this Universe? What’s the political climate? What’s the technological level? 

I had a rough idea that I wanted an Empire that had fallen, that had once controlled 3,000 worlds. So many worlds that when the name Terra, or Earth is mentioned, it is the same reaction as someone saying "Rome", or "Ur." People lived there, but it was a long time ago, and most of the people in their daily lives know little to nothing about events of even less than 50 years ago.

I then had the idea that there were going to be many alien races. alien life was everywhere.  The Terran First Empire had died of a Religious war, but a Second Empire Replaced it, despite the fact that there were remnants of the first, cut off by accidents of Galactic Geography. 

With Merchant of Vision, I spent years developing the universe, long before I even started writing the actual story. It started with star maps. I remember laying out vast subsectors of space, creating mainworlds of star systems, naming them, and thinking about the kinds of societies that would exist on these worlds. What do they trade? What are their rivalries? What kind of technology do they have? I stayed up many nights in bed with the laptop, just generating worlds and naming things.

Once I had a solid sense of the geography and the politics of the universe, including the factions, I could start thinking about how the characters fit into it. 

2. Character Development: Giving Life to the Universe

Once the world is set, the next stage is creating characters that feel real and dynamic.
I knew I wanted to explore the theme of ambition, and that’s where the character of Nisa Jax came from. An Esper Scout with a father who is a Billionaire. She rejects the life of Corporate Leadership, and becomes a Scout, going past the borders of known space.  But then I saw that I wanted to know her father's story...and the Father's Mother. And thus, Kars Vandor was concieved.

 Kars Vandor came from—a man whose personal journey is one of rags to riches. Not unlike my own story.  Then came the Duchess Zhōu Yuèguāng, and her Esper Spy, Tannika Na'ir. Then Captain Alanya Darrin, commanding the starship Terran Starfire, navigating not just the dangers of space but also the shifting allegiances of her allies...so many other characters, either born from a name, or something from my intuition.

I spend a lot of time developing my characters, not just in terms of what they do in the story, but who they are at their core. What drives them? What fears do they carry? What do they want, and what’s stopping them from getting it?

For example, Captain Alanya Darrin’s character evolved from my desire to explore the weight of command. She’s a leader who bears responsibility not only for the lives of her crew but for the fate of entire star systems. Yet she is bound by her utter loyalty to the Duchess. I wanted her to be someone who wrestles with moral decisions, who struggles with the line between doing what’s right and what’s necessary for survival. Every choice she makes has ripple effects in the larger universe.

And then there’s Duchess Zhōu Yuèguāng, a figure whose ambition and power cast a shadow over the entire narrative. She’s complex, and I wanted her to feel as nuanced as the world she’s part of—a character whose motivations are deeply personal, yet whose actions affect the entire Subsector that she is the Leader of: The Varala Drift.

When developing characters, I always ask: What do they want, and what will they sacrifice to get it? That helps drive the plot forward and creates tension within the story.

3. The Writing Routine

Now, onto the nuts and bolts of how I actually get the words on the page. My writing process is pretty structured, especially when I’m deep into a project. Here’s what a typical writing day looks like:

Morning: I start early—usually around 6 AM—Wake up and take the kids to school, with a cup of coffee and a small snack. I get home around 9 am. I spend the first few hours of the morning writing new content. This is when I try to tackle the heavy lifting, whether it’s drafting a new chapter or diving deep into a specific character’s arc.

Afternoon: After lunch, I switch gears. I’ll either work on editing what I’ve written in the morning or do research for world-building. This is where I fine-tune details, double-check timelines, or revisit earlier chapters to make sure everything lines up. I might also dive into the more technical aspects, like making sure the logistics of a space battle are believable.

Evening: I use the evenings for reflection and brainstorming. Sometimes I’ll map out upcoming scenes, but more often, I spend this time thinking through plot points while taking a break from the actual writing.

One of the biggest challenges is balancing creative flow with discipline. Writing is a grind, even when you love the story you’re telling. Some days, the words come easily. Other days, they don’t, and that’s when I remind myself that progress, however slow, is still progress.

Behind the World-Building: The Notes and Details That Hold It Together

World-building is where I get to be obsessive. I have notebooks filled with sketches of alien worlds, trade routes between planets, political structures, and military hierarchies. Here's a glimpse into how I organize all of this:

Maps: One of the most important tools in my world-building kit is a detailed star map. most of my main story worlds are tracked, with the planet, downports or space stations, and trading hubs plotted out, with notes on who controls what, which factions are at war, and which systems remain neutral.

Culture Notes: Each faction in Merchant of Vision has its own unique culture. Some are heavily militarized, while others thrive on trade and diplomacy. I keep notes on how these cultures view themselves, how they interact with outsiders, and what their goals are. This helps me maintain consistency and make sure the universe feels diverse and alive.

Technology Logs: Space opera often includes advanced technology, and I’ve made sure to keep detailed logs on how different technologies work within the universe—how starships travel, what weapons are available, and what technological advantages one faction might have over another.  THere are multiple methods for ships to get from one system to the other.

The Evolution of Merchant of Vision

Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far Merchant of Vision has come. What started as a loose collection of ideas in my early years as an 11 year old kid in 1977, has evolved into this massive universe—full of starships, characters, and political intrigue that spans whole sectors.

It’s taken years to build this paracosm, and there’s still so much more to explore. This is just the beginning, and I’m incredibly excited to see where the story goes from here. The most rewarding part? Knowing that soon, you’ll get to dive into this universe and experience it for yourself.

I hope this behind-the-scenes look gives you a better sense of the work, the passion, and the complexity that goes into creating a space opera like Merchant of Vision. Thanks for coming along on this journey with me, and I can’t wait to share more updates soon.

Until next time,
James H. Jenkins

#WritingProcess #BehindTheScenes #MerchantOfVision #SpaceOpera #WorldBuilding #AuthorLife #SciFiWriting #StarshipsAndPlanets

Space Opera is a Journey into Escapism

When people hear the term science fiction, they often imagine complex, speculative worlds grounded in scientific plausibility, or tales exploring the ethical implications of advanced technology. At its core, science fiction is about asking big "what if" questions—what if we could travel faster than light? What if AI gained consciousness? It’s a genre built on the intersection of science and storytelling, designed to make us think critically about the future of humanity and the world around us.

But what about space opera? If science fiction is the thoughtful, speculative side of the genre, space opera is often seen as its more carefree cousin—an unapologetic, swashbuckling adventure across the stars. When I sit down to write space opera, like Merchant of Vision, I’m not just building complex technology and plausible science. I’m crafting epic, sweeping tales filled with larger-than-life characters, grand battles, and sprawling empires. Space opera isn’t just a story—it’s a spectacle.

Yet, space opera has long been viewed as "not serious" in the literary world. From its earliest days, it was dismissed as pure escapism, a genre more focused on dazzling readers with epic space battles than on exploring deep philosophical questions. And maybe that’s part of the appeal. After all, isn’t part of the reason we love storytelling the ability to escape from our world and dive into one where anything is possible?

Escapism vs. Serious Science Fiction

Writing science fiction often demands a strong adherence to scientific principles. Many science fiction writers strive to explore plausible futures, using current technology as a springboard to examine where humanity could end up. Whether it’s near-future dystopias or utopian explorations, sci-fi tends to have a what could happen quality. It’s about digging deep into the ethical dilemmas and scientific advances that might one day be real.

On the other hand, space opera doesn’t worry so much about plausibility. It’s about what we wish could happen. It’s high adventure, daring heroes, and the clash of galactic civilizations. Think of Luke Skywalker staring at the twin suns of Tatooine—he’s not just grappling with the philosophical implications of space travel; he’s setting off on a galaxy-spanning adventure. Space opera embraces grand, sweeping conflicts that are larger than life. It’s about entertainment and spectacle, and while it can still explore deep themes, it doesn’t prioritize realism in the way "hard" science fiction often does.

The Criticism of Space Opera

For many years, space opera was seen as pulp fiction—good for quick thrills but not something you’d call serious literature. From its roots in serialized stories in magazines during the early 20th century, space opera was dismissed as shallow, too focused on flashy space battles and simplistic conflicts. Critics argued that it lacked the intellectual depth of more grounded science fiction. There was no questioning of technological ethics or speculation about humanity’s future—just lasers, starships, and action.

But here’s the thing: there’s a place for both. Just because space opera is more escapist doesn’t mean it lacks value. In fact, that sense of pure adventure, the idea that you can lose yourself in a world so grand and far from our own reality, is exactly what makes it so beloved. It lets us dream of distant stars, of unexplored galaxies, of heroes that rise to the occasion in ways we wish we could. Space opera is a celebration of imagination—an opportunity to escape the mundane and dive headfirst into a universe full of endless possibilities.

Why Write Space Opera?

When I set out to write Merchant of Vision, I wasn’t aiming to create a scientifically plausible future. I wanted to build a universe that felt epic. I wanted to write about starships like the Terran Starfire cutting through the vastness of space, about political intrigue stretching across entire galaxies, and about characters—like Captain Alanya Darrin and Duchess Zhou—who are driven by ambition, honor, and sometimes revenge. I wanted readers to feel the scale of these battles, to sense the weight of entire civilizations clashing against each other. That’s what space opera gives you—scope.

Yes, it’s escapist. And honestly? That’s the point. We need stories that let us step outside our world and explore new horizons, if only for a little while. Stories that don’t bog us down in the complexities of science, but instead whisk us away on adventures where the fate of galaxies hangs in the balance. Space opera is a genre that embraces fun—it’s about excitement, thrill, and the promise that the next starship you see on the horizon might just take you somewhere unimaginable.

A Place for Both

In the end, there’s room for all kinds of storytelling. Hard science fiction can challenge us to think critically about where we’re headed as a species. It can question the ethics of technology, delve into the societal impacts of innovation, and paint plausible futures. But space opera gives us something just as valuable: a chance to dream big. A chance to explore not just where we’re going, but where we wish we could go.

As much as I love diving into the "what if" questions of science fiction, there’s something equally fulfilling about the "what could be" of space opera. It’s about hope, adventure, and the limitless potential of the stars. So while it may have started as pulp, space opera has grown into something powerful in its own right. It reminds us that there’s a whole universe out there waiting to be explored—and who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll get there.

#SpaceOperaVsSciFi #SpaceOpera #MerchantOfVision #SciFiWriting #Escapism #EpicAdventure #AuthorJourney #GalaxyBuilding #TerranStarfire

Final Countdown: 8 Days to Merchant of Vision

From a Childhood Dream to the Launch of a Universe

As I sit here, with just 8 days left until the launch of Merchant of Vision, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that led to this moment. The starships, the battles over distant worlds, the vast empires in conflict—it all comes from a vision I’ve had since I was 11 years old, rolling dice to randomly generate an 8 x 10 parsecs subsector. Back then, I didn’t just dream about space; I built my own universe. The foundation of my love for science fiction came from countless hours spent reading authors of 50s, 60s and 70s science fiction, and playing role-playing games, where I was not just a participant but a creator/referee, building entire worlds out of my imagination.

In those early days, I was hooked on the idea of what the future could hold—the endless possibilities, the adventure, the sheer scale of what space opera could be. Science fiction gadgets for communication, hand computers, laser pistols, powerful computers, and robots. I remember sketching starships, based in the style of William H. Keith, Jr. in the margins of my school notebooks, imagining them battling across interstellar space, caught in the power struggles of far-off worlds. That was my playground. Space wasn’t just a backdrop; it was alive with potential and danger, a place where anything could happen if you were daring enough to explore it. And I wanted to explore it.

I was an 11 year old boy, portraying the roles of 40 year old Merchant Captains, Bold multi-skilledc Scouts, and tough space Marines that had been wounded in service, mustered out, looking for a job on the frontier of a vast, fallen Empire.

I had lead figures of starships, tiny scouts, basically a cockpit and an engine to huge weapon platforms with multiple gun batteries.

I designed starships, deck plans, planetary systems, and maps of worlds.

My Vision for the Space Opera Genre

Fast forward to today, and those same passions have evolved into "Merchant of Vision", a story that has been years in the making. At its core, this book is everything I love about space opera: the starships, the political intrigue, the conflicts that stretch across an entire sector roughly 100 light years across.  Worlds with alien creatures beyond a normal person's imagination. 

It’s about characters like Captain Alanya Darrin, commanding her flagship, the Terran Starfire, serving in the Frontier Fleet of the Remnants of the Terran First Empire.

 As Captain aboard, her unquestioned loyalty is to the Duchess Zhōu Yuèguāng, a powerful and cunning leader from the remnants of the Terran First Empire, operating covertly with her own agenda in the conflict against the Taxxu Felis.

The characters in this novel series will travel through perilous frontiers, navigating both personal struggles and epic battles. It's about the wonder and danger of space itself—the unknown territories, the empires on the edge of collapse, and the choices people make when their lives are on the line.

For me, space opera is about scale—both in terms of world-building and character arcs. It’s about exploring what happens when civilizations collide and how individual actions can ripple across the stars. Merchant of Vision has grown from that same foundation I built when I was a kid, playing role-playing games and creating a universe where anything was possible. The difference now is that I’m no longer just imagining these stories—for other gamers to enjoy at a table. I’m putting them into the world for others to experience.

A Journey of Decades

But getting to this point wasn’t easy. It’s taken years of writing, rewriting, and reshaping this universe. There were times when my wife was pregnant with our first daughter, Ping, and I would lie awake at 4 am, typing on a new ASUS laptop, accomplishing the brutal grinding task of laying out The Aurin Cluster Sector. I sometimes felt lost when the sheer scale of the task seemed impossible, when I wondered if this dream would ever come to life. I’ve made plenty of missteps along the way—whether it was overcomplicating the plot (that was a significant problem, certainly) losing sight of a character’s development, or getting bogged down in the details of world-building. At times, I felt like I was floating in the void, trying to connect the pieces of a puzzle so vast, it seemed endless. Boxes of planetary maps, notebooks of scribbled musings, 3 ring binders of planetary profiles.

But I kept going. Why?  The short answer is that I am delusional, and obsessed. Perhaps also this is my special interest, that feeds my neuro-spicy high functioning ASD traits. I was told long ago, It was impolite to call it Asperger's.  Sure. But knowing that solved a lot of personal anguish as to why I was often called pedantic, boring, and a "space cadet".

It was like a joke to me in high school as I had read that book, and flipped the script into a badge of honor. I wanted to be a space hero.  In weekly games with neighbor kids, I could take on those roles.  

It is said that your brain cannot tell the difference between imagination and reality. If that is true, my brain has travelled and marvelled at the sights on hundreds of worlds.

But with this life's work...I keep going.

When I was a kid, reading Joe Haldeman's "The Forever War" it was the most exciting thing I had read in my life.

I wanted to learn to write like that. 

From the very beginning of reinventing myself after the Navy, I’ve held on to one central belief: likely borrowed from Tony Robbins: 

"What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

That question has been the driving force behind everything. 

I want to be an author.  I want to tell stories. I have been telling stories of the Far Future since 1977.

It’s pushed me forward when I wasn’t sure if I had the energy to keep going. It kept me motivated when I hit roadblocks. More than anything, it reminded me that this is what I was meant to do. It reminded me of that 11-year-old kid who believed in the magic of space opera, and interstellar adventure.

Learning and Growing Along the Way

With only 8 days left until the launch, I can feel the weight of this journey. There’s a mix of excitement and exhaustion. I’m still learning new things daily—most of which fall far outside my comfort zone. For instance, I’ve had to learn about book promotion, how to build a following on social media, and how to connect with readers in ways I never had to before. I’ve had to become not just an author but a project manager, a marketer, and, in some ways, an entrepreneur.

I’ve stumbled more than once. But here’s the thing: I’ve learned from each misstep. And every time I thought I couldn’t push forward, I found new strength. I discovered that I was capable of so much more than I had ever imagined.

What has kept me going, day after day, is the belief in this story and in myself. I truly believe that this universe I’ve created is worth sharing with the world, and I’ve had incredible support throughout the process.

Support and the Power of Belief

I wouldn’t have made it this far without the unwavering support of my family. My wife, Jiraporn, has been my pillar of strength. Through all the late nights, the endless brainstorming sessions, and the moments when I was locked away at my desk, she was there. She has believed in me and this dream just as much as I have. Jiraporn has been patient and understanding when I needed time to write, even when it meant sacrificing time we could have spent together. Her encouragement has given me the strength to keep going when it would’ve been easy to give up.

And then there’s Amy Firpo, my social media lead, who has worked tirelessly to help bring Merchant of Vision to life. Amy has helped me navigate the complexities of building an online presence, promoting the book, and ensuring that this story reaches the people who will love it. I owe so much to her hard work and dedication.

8 Days Left: Why I Won’t Stop Now

There are only 8 days left until Merchant of Vision is out in the world, and it’s hard to believe how far this journey has taken me. From the young kid building universes with role-playing games, to the adult who now gets to share those worlds with readers everywhere, I’ve held on to the same dream. I’ve refused to let go of that belief—the belief that if I kept pushing, kept working, this vision would become a reality.

Now, here I am. I’m at the edge of launch day, and I know I’m ready. But I’m also aware that this is just the beginning. The launch of Merchant of Vision is not the end of the journey; it’s the start of a whole new adventure. I can’t wait to see where this universe takes me next.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this, it’s that belief is everything. Believe in your story. Believe in your dream. Even when it feels impossible—even when you’ve been working for years and the finish line feels like it’s still so far away—don’t stop. Keep pushing. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize that you’ve made it. You’ve turned that dream into something real.

So here’s to 8 more days. Here’s to the launch of Merchant of Vision—and to the future that lies beyond.

#MerchantOfVision #TerranStarfire #8DaysToGo #SpaceOpera #AuthorJourney #NeverGiveUp #BeliefInYourself #SciFiAdventure #LaunchCountdown

A Writer's Journey Through Creative World-building

It’s 9:00 AM on a Tuesday, and the weight of exhaustion feels like a familiar companion. After staying up until the early hours and running on just a few hours of sleep, I find myself once again at my desk, inching closer to the release of Merchant of Vision.

World-building is both exhilarating and exhausting. Every planet, every star system, every trade route has been mapped out in intricate detail, each one adding layers to a universe that only existed in the deepest corners of my imagination. But this is what it means to be a writer, especially a science fiction writer: you become the architect of worlds, the creator of endless possibilities, driven by a passion to see it all come to life.

For me, the creative process has mirrored the experiences of my characters, particularly Kars Vandor. His journey is filled with moments of hardship, struggle, and persistence, much like my own. The meticulous world-building, combined with the rigorous demands of shaping a story, sometimes leaves me feeling drained, yet there’s a deeper satisfaction that keeps me going. Like Kars, I’m fueled by a vision, and no matter how exhausting the road becomes, I know it’s worth it.

As I push through these final edits, I can’t help but reflect on how much the act of world-building has become more than just a creative exercise. It’s a means of escape, a way to envision something greater than ourselves, something far beyond the limitations of our world. Every star I place in Kars’ universe feels like a step closer to completing a grand vision, and just as Kars stands on the brink of his own journey, I stand on the edge of seeing this book come to life.

Two weeks left. Two more weeks of grinding through the mental fog, pushing past the exhaustion, and staying focused on the bigger picture. Merchant of Vision is more than just a book—it’s the culmination of years of imagination, hard work, and determination. Just like Kars, I won’t stop until this world is fully realized, ready to be explored by readers. And when the time comes, I know it will all have been worth it.

 

Ten years. A decade of my life has been wrapped up in this one story—“Merchant of Vision.” It began in November 2014, during NaNoWriMo, with nothing more than an inkling, a spark, the start of something that felt like it could one day be grand. It was the story of Nisa Jax, Esper Scout, the daughter of a Billionaire that rejected the money to become a frontier scout.

I never imagined that spark would lead me on such a long, winding journey. The joy of writing is always there, an ember that keeps burning even when the flame dims, but it’s also a journey that has come with great strain, sacrifices, and challenges that have sometimes felt almost too much to bear.

The writing itself has been exhilarating—the feeling of building a universe, character by character, system by system, conflict by conflict. Kars Vandor became the lead character, and his journey through the stars mirrors my own, in a way. He’s chasing something bigger than himself, just as I’ve been pursuing this dream of being a published author, imagining these vast empires, and hoping I’d one day be able to share them with others. There is something magical about world-building, creating characters and watching them grow, putting them through hardships and learning alongside them—it’s a joy that has kept me coming back, draft after draft, year after year.

But it hasn’t always been joyful. There’s an emotional toll that comes with spending a decade on one project. I had other projects in the works, but this was the main focus.  There have been countless moments of doubt when I wondered if I’d ever finish. The excitement of those early days, when I could easily churn out 2,000 words in a single session, gave way to the weight of editing, rewriting, and refining. Life got in the way, as it always does. I had responsibilities to my family, mainly driving kids to school and my wife to her work, hours per day as we live outside the city. At times it felt like there simply weren’t enough hours in the day to sit down and write. Usually I would end up starting to write at 10 PM, and then write until 2 am, get 4 hours of sleep and then do a new day, all over again.

My family has been both my greatest source of support and the ones who’ve had to endure the strain of this reinventing-myself-as-a-writer gig, and my many projects, that always progressed at a snail's pace. I’ve stolen hours from them, spent late nights at my desk when I could have been spending time with them, sacrificed weekends for word counts and rewrites. It’s a balance I’m still not sure I’ve gotten right—the guilt of choosing to write instead of being present has weighed heavily on me, and yet I know I could never have given up on this dream.

The sacrifices writers make are often unseen, unacknowledged. Writing can be such a lonely pursuit. There were times when I felt I was screaming into the void, unsure if anyone would ever read these words, if Kars Vandor would mean anything to anyone other than myself. There were moments when the isolation got too much, when I questioned why I was putting myself and my family through this. The endless rewrites, the stories that ended up in the trash bin, the nagging voice in my head that told me I’d never finish—they all felt like weights dragging me down.

But I kept going. Because despite everything, there is hope. There is hope in the idea that one day, this story would be finished. One day, Kars Vandor’s journey would be complete, and someone out there would read it and maybe feel something—a spark of excitement, a glimmer of recognition, the thrill of adventure. Writing has always been an act of hope for me, and the dream of being able to share this story, to have someone connect with the words I’ve put down on the page, has been enough to keep me going, even in the hardest moments.

Now, with the release of my debut full-length space opera novel just around the corner, I feel both excitement and fear. The journey isn’t over, not really—this is just one step in a larger path. But to finally be able to share Kars’ story, to let readers into the universe I’ve spent a decade building, feels like an achievement in itself. It’s a dream come true, one that has come with more sacrifices than I can count, but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

To those who have been on this journey with me—thank you. To other writers out there, struggling, questioning, doubting—I see you. I know how hard it is. The sacrifices we make often go unnoticed, the hours spent at a desk, the sleepless nights spent wrestling with plotlines and characters. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing it all for nothing, like no one will ever care. But we keep going, because writing is hope. Writing is creation, and there’s beauty in the act of making something, even if it’s just for ourselves. Keep going. Your story matters.

And to my family—thank you for letting me chase this dream. Thank you for your patience, for enduring the strain, for letting me steal away the hours I needed to bring this story to life. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine. The sacrifices have been many, but I hope that seeing this book come to life, seeing the dream realized, has made it worth it.

 As I reflect on the 17-day countdown until the release of my debut Space Opera novel, Merchant of Vision, I’m struck by how monumental this journey has been. Writing short stories in the past was exciting, but this novel is different. This is the culmination of years of dedication to my craft. For a long time, being an author of a full-length novel felt like a distant goal—one I’d work on, step away from, and return to over the years.

What makes this so personal is that Merchant of Vision isn't just a story. It's a reflection of my passion for creating entire worlds, complex characters, and grand interstellar adventures. I’ve always been captivated by the idea of vast galaxies and unknown frontiers, and now, for the first time, I get to share my vision of that universe in a more immersive, fully realized way.

The process wasn’t without challenges. There were times when the words wouldn’t come, when life’s obligations took priority, or when I doubted whether I could really see this project through. But each time I returned to the story, the characters were there waiting, and so was my passion for the genre. Writing a Space Opera at this scale felt like charting the stars: overwhelming but filled with endless possibilities.

Now, with the release date approaching, it’s hard to believe that this long-held dream is finally becoming a reality. I’m deeply proud of this novel, and even more grateful to those who have supported me along the way. This journey has shaped me not just as a writer but as a person. It’s taught me patience, perseverance, and the power of imagination.

Merchant of Vision represents my love for storytelling, my fascination with space, and my growth as an author. To everyone who's followed along—thank you for your patience and support. I hope this novel offers you the same sense of adventure and discovery that I felt while writing it.

Stay tuned, because in 17 days, we’ll all take off together on this journey through the stars.