After twenty-five years, perspective comes not from argument, but from endurance. The stories remain. The readers remain. The record remains. That is the truth that matters.
The journey has never been about controversy or competition. It has always been about creation — bringing characters and worlds to life that celebrate courage, imagination, and the quiet strength of perseverance.
From Ruin Mist to Bugville, from classrooms and libraries to homes and digital shelves around the world, the work continues to find new readers every day. Across decades and languages, the stories have stood the test of time — inspiring dreamers, thinkers, and storytellers in every generation.
Storytelling, to me, has always been an act of service and gratitude. Service to readers, to imagination, and to the creative spirit that connects us all. As both a veteran and a writer, I’ve seen how stories can heal, teach, and unite — and I’ve never stopped believing in that power.
For Background
After nearly a decade focused on private projects and personal life, I returned to publishing in 2025 with a milestone: the 25th Anniversary Edition of The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches. It wasn’t just a relaunch; it was a celebration — a way to honor the journey, restore the original vision, and share once more the story that began it all.
It also marked a reaffirmation of what’s guided me from the beginning: that great stories endure not because of marketing or approval, but because they resonate. Because readers see themselves in them. Because imagination never loses its voice.
Creative Decisions That Defined the Work
Over the years, I’ve made creative choices that challenged expectations — and helped shape how independent publishing evolved:
- Diverse Editions for Diverse Readers. Offering both YA and adult versions wasn’t a gimmick; it was a thoughtful way to give readers layered access to the same world. It became standard industry practice.
- Innovative Story Structuring. The “named and numbered paths” of the Ruin Mist series were inspired by Japanese story cycles and manga arcs — designed for accessibility and exploration.
- Cross-Genre Creativity. From epic fantasy to speculative fiction and children’s education, my focus has always been on story first, label second.
Those choices didn’t follow trends. They set them — sometimes quietly, sometimes defiantly, but always with intention.
Fact and Record
The Ruin Mist novels were international bestsellers long before “indie success” was a term. They spent weeks atop Audible charts, were featured in Publisher’s Weekly, and have been experienced by millions through Amazon, Playaway, and OverDrive. My children’s series, Bugville Critters, earned recommendations from educators and early learning experts. My technical works were translated globally and used by corporations and universities worldwide.
That’s not opinion — that’s the record. It’s been public for decades, and it’s still growing.
Why This Still Matters
Because truth, once spoken clearly, continues to echo. The stories matter — not because of who wrote them, but because of what they’ve meant to those who read them. They’ve encouraged curiosity, confidence, and kindness. They’ve helped young readers find their voices and adults rediscover imagination.
And that, in the end, is what every writer hopes for: that the work will live beyond them, in the hearts and minds of others.
A Call to Keep Reading
The best way to know the truth of a story is to experience it yourself. Read the books. Explore the worlds. Share them. Let the work speak in its own voice — as it always has.
Winds of Change – The 25th Anniversary Legacy Edition launches February 2026. It’s more than a restoration — it’s a reminder that stories built with heart endure, no matter the noise around them.
Because real stories don’t fade.
They stand.
And so do I.