I’m in the middle of launching my second book, Merchant of Fortune, in a month and a half, while still putting the finishing touches on the final edits for Merchant of Vision. It’s a whirlwind, to say the least. On top of that, I’m in the middle of a move into a new house, which (as anyone who’s moved before knows) is a chaotic process in itself. There are boxes everywhere, we are working to close out the old house, and the kids are upset that we're leaving our old home that they lived in virtually since being born, and the high-speed internet still isn't connected yet. It feels like I’m trying to finish a marathon while juggling flaming swords.
But here’s the thing: heroes aren’t defined by how smooth their journey is. They’re defined by their willingness to keep going, no matter what. That’s a lesson I’ve learned both from writing these stories and from living them.
The Real-Life Hero’s Journey
When I write characters like Kars Vandor, I’m inspired by the challenges we all face in real life. Kars isn’t a hero because everything comes easily to him. He’s a hero because he makes the choice, every single day, to push forward despite the odds. Whether he’s navigating the dangers of deep space or dealing with the complex politics of a crumbling empire, he keeps going because he believes in something bigger than himself.
And right now, I feel like I’m standing in Kars’s boots. There are days when the editing feels endless, when the move feels overwhelming, and when I wonder if I’ve bitten off more than I can chew by launching a second book before the first is even fully polished. But I also know that this is part of the process—the messy, unpredictable, exhilarating part of the journey where you have to trust that all the pieces will fall into place. I made the schedule and I've missed it many times in the early days but now I'm actively releasing and I need to maintain that schedule because of... to be truthful... because of the algorithm.
Writing Through the Chaos
Moving house is a bit like writing a novel. It’s chaotic, there are moments where you can’t see the floor for the mess, and it often feels like you’re taking two steps back for every step forward. But bit by bit, you start to see the shape of what you’re creating. The boxes get unpacked, the plot threads start to weave together, and suddenly you realize you’re not as far from the finish line as you thought.
There’s a certain thrill in pushing forward through the chaos, much like a protagonist finding their footing in the second act of a story. It’s where the stakes are highest, where the character is most vulnerable, but also where the most growth happens. It’s the crucible of transformation, and right now, I’m feeling the heat.
Trusting the Process and Moving Forward
If I’ve learned anything from writing Space Opera, it’s that the universe is full of unexpected twists and turns. You can’t always see what’s ahead, but you have to trust the journey. The same goes for writing and life. I chose this path—both the creative career and the decision to move halfway across the world to Thailand—because I believed it would be worth it. And even on the hardest days, that belief hasn’t wavered.
So here I am, sitting in my new workspace, surrounded by boxes, taking a deep breath before diving back into edits. I’m tired, I’m overwhelmed, but I’m also excited. Because I know that the best stories are born in moments like this—when the outcome isn’t guaranteed, but you press forward anyway, trusting that the effort will pay off.
If you’re reading this and feeling a bit like you’re stuck in the middle of your own hero’s journey, just remember: it’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to need a break. But don’t give up on your story. Keep moving forward, one page, one step, one decision at a time. The ending may not be clear yet, but that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.
Thank you for following along on this adventure with me. Here’s to the next chapter, both in the book and in life.
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