It’s been just over a month since Swords Against Bastards was released. It has achieved, by far, the greatest debut of any of my books. That also tells me that a lot of people have either read the first three and were quick to support the next chapter in the saga. Or they have read enough in the earlier books to have faith in purchasing the fourth overall installment in the Barbarians of the Storm series.
So, this is a big thank you to all of you who have supported me over the last year and who are still coming along for this ride with my characters, my stories, my universe, and well… me, as I try to fill the void you may have from lackluster, nutritionless mainstream entertainment.
Things aren’t going to end anytime soon; I have many stories and ideas left in this literary universe. In fact, I’m essentially trying to build a legitimate IP that can live on in new and unique ways beyond just the buddy adventures of Fenrik and Dan. Plus, it’s the IPs that many of us have loved for so long that have crumbled and betrayed themselves, leaving the door wide open for those of us willing to walk in and evict the squatters who are just pissing on the walls at this point.
I have put a lot of time into creating this world. While it was initially crafted in an attempt to give me what I wanted in entertainment, it’s pretty damn special to make something that seems to resonate with so many. I figured that some people would like it but I am much further along than where I thought I’d be in a year, and that’s pretty f’n cool and also motivates me more than just doing this for myself.
I still feel strange saying the word “fan” in reference to myself and my books, but I keep running into those who enthusiastically talk to me about my stories and their theories and that’s probably my greatest reward in doing this. In fact, I love hearing people’s theories and interpretations, as well as who their favorite characters are and why.
Also, if you have things you want to say but haven’t, just reach out to me and let me know. A one-off character in one story I wrote ended up being a favorite of a few readers and with that, I am now trying to think of a way to revisit this character. That being said, your words of encouragement and the feedback you provide can shape my work and bring you more of what you like.
Again, I thank all of you who have given my work a shot. You’ve contributed to the most satisfying and rewarding year that I’ve ever had as a creative. It means more to me than the multimillion dollar brands I’ve designed at my real job for the last two decades, regardless of the many awards and accolades those brands have received. I think that has to do with the fact that these stories are very personal and dear to me, as is the supportive community of other creatives and readers around them.