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:
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