Ten years. That’s how long it’s taken me to bring Kars Vandor and his universe to life. A full decade of dreaming, writing, rewriting, doubting, learning, and—most importantly—believing. As I reflect on this journey, I realize just how much it’s been shaped by the quiet moments of determination, the endless hours of research, and the refusal to listen to anyone who said, “Why bother?”
When I first began sketching out the world of Merchant of Vision, I was armed with little more than a notebook and an overwhelming desire to tell stories that felt as vivid and expansive as the ones I grew up reading. I didn’t have all the answers. I didn’t know the technical ins and outs of plotting a novel or crafting complex characters. But I had a vision—a clear image in my mind of who Kars Vandor was and the universe he inhabited.
And that vision was enough to take the first step.
Building the Foundation
In the beginning, it was easy to feel overwhelmed. The sheer scope of a Space Opera universe—thousands of worlds, centuries of history, and countless characters—was daunting. Where do you even start? For me, the answer was simple: by learning.
I spent years devouring every book on writing I could find, from craft-focused guides to literary classics. I found incredible gems in local bookstores—many of them on sale shelves—and built a library that became my foundation. Amazon became another invaluable resource, connecting me with books on everything from world-building to narrative structure.
I also turned to online courses and seminars, diving into subjects like pacing, character arcs, and the nuances of dialogue. I learned from experts in the field, but I also learned from fellow writers—hearing their struggles, their triumphs, and their advice on pushing forward.
The Role of Editors and Mentors
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that you don’t have to do this alone. Writing may feel solitary at times, but no great book exists without collaboration. Over the years, I’ve worked with developmental editors, line editors, and story consultants who challenged me to see my work in new ways.
They pointed out weaknesses I hadn’t noticed, suggested new directions for characters, and helped me tighten plots that felt sprawling and aimless. Their feedback wasn’t always easy to hear—sometimes it felt like being torn apart and put back together again—but it was always necessary.
These editors became mentors in their own right, showing me that even the best ideas need refining and that good storytelling is as much about revision as it is about inspiration.
Keeping the Faith
If I’m being honest, there were times I thought about giving up. When a plotline refused to come together or a character didn’t feel authentic, it was tempting to throw my hands up and walk away.
But I didn’t.
What kept me going wasn’t just the dream of seeing Merchant of Vision in readers’ hands—it was the belief in myself. The belief that this story mattered, that it was worth telling, and that I was the only one who could tell it.
Over the years, I’ve faced skepticism from people who didn’t understand why I was dedicating so much time to something so uncertain. Some laughed, others dismissed it as a hobby. But I knew better. I knew this wasn’t just a pastime—it was a calling.
The Power of Persistence
Writing a book is not just about talent—it’s about persistence. It’s about showing up every day, even when you don’t feel inspired. It’s about pushing through self-doubt and trusting the process.
For me, persistence meant finding time to write amidst a busy life. It meant waking up early, staying up late, and carving out moments whenever I could. It meant staring at the same chapter for days, reworking it until it felt just right.
And it meant never losing sight of why I started this journey in the first place: to share a story that had lived in my heart for years and to invite readers into the universe of Kars Vandor.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
After ten years, I’ve come to understand that writing is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Here are a few lessons I’ve picked up along the way:
1. You Don’t Have to Know Everything at the Start: It’s okay to begin with just a spark of an idea. The rest will come with time and effort.
2. Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s books, courses, or editors, every investment you make in your craft will pay off in the long run.
3. Embrace Feedback: Constructive criticism isn’t a personal attack—it’s an opportunity to grow.
4. Trust Your Vision: No one else sees the story the way you do. Stay true to what matters most to you.
5. Celebrate the Small Wins: Every word written, every chapter revised, every lesson learned—it’s all progress.
Looking Ahead
Now, as I prepare to launch Merchant of Vision, I feel a mix of pride, relief, and excitement. This book is the culmination of a decade of hard work, and while the journey hasn’t always been easy, it’s been worth every moment.
And the best part? This is just the beginning. Kars Vandor’s story is far from over, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me—and you—next.
If you’re chasing a dream, whether it’s writing a book or something entirely different, my advice is simple: Don’t give up on yourself. Believe in your vision, invest in your growth, and keep moving forward.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to the stories yet to come.
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