Three novels in, and the learning never stops. Writing Fear the Reaper, the latest installment in The Reaper Series, has been an incredible journey—not just in shaping the story, but in uncovering more about myself as a writer and storyteller.
Here are a few key lessons that stood out during this process:
1. The Story Always Wins
No matter how carefully I planned, the characters and plot had their own ideas. Trusting the story to evolve organically often led to unexpected twists—and that’s where the real magic happened.
2. Details Build Worlds, but Emotion Drives Stories
Creating vivid settings and intricate lore is something I love, but the heart of a story lies in the characters’ emotional journeys. Readers connect with people, not just places.
3. Discipline Fuels Creativity
Some days the words flowed effortlessly; other days, it felt like pulling teeth. Yet showing up consistently was what made the difference. Creativity thrives on structure.
4. Community is Everything
From beta readers to fellow writers and all of you amazing readers, this journey has been anything but solitary. Your feedback, encouragement, and constructive critiques have been invaluable. Writing may start as a solo effort, but it’s truly a collaborative journey.
As an independent author, this process has been fueled by passion, persistence, and the support of this incredible community. Fear the Reaper isn’t just a book; it’s the product of countless hours of growth, determination, and love for the craft.
If you’ve enjoyed following my writing journey or are excited to dive into The Reaper Series, I’d be so grateful if you could Like, Comment, or Share this post. Your support helps stories like mine find new readers!
Here’s to the next chapter—on the page and in life. Happy New Year!!
Happy reading,
Todd