Two Adventures Ahead: Mongolia Mission & Poetry Book Launch

 (Please note this post will be the same as the one I am posting a few other places, but further ahead, I will post Patreon-only content about these two adventures in the coming months.)

Hey everyone!

I'm buzzing with excitement (and a little nervousness) as I share two major updates with you. Both represent incredible opportunities to serve others and share stories in new ways, and I'm hoping you'll consider joining me on these journeys.

Mongolia Mission Trip - August 2025

In just 75 days, I'll be boarding a plane to Mongolia for a mission trip—and I'm still amazed that this door opened. Wednesday morning, after weeks of prayer and consideration, I finally said yes to joining a small team that's already been preparing for this journey.

This isn't just any trip—it's a chance to support new Christians in Ulaanbaatar and the upper regions of Mongolia. Our mission is beautifully simple: to pray, worship, and sing alongside new believers, and to lift up everyone involved in the Christian church throughout Mongolia. There's something profoundly moving about the idea of joining voices in worship across cultures and languages, united in faith.

Mongolia has captured my imagination for years. The vast steppes, the nomadic traditions, the resilience of people who've thrived in harsh landscapes for centuries—there's something deeply inspiring about a culture that values both independence and community. As a storyteller, I'm drawn to places where ancient wisdom meets modern challenges, and Mongolia embodies that intersection perfectly.

But this trip is about more than cultural fascination. It's about stepping into a community of faith that's growing in remarkable ways, offering encouragement and fellowship to brothers and sisters I haven't met yet. Even though I'm joining this small team late in their preparations, I know this is exactly where I'm meant to be.

If you've ever considered supporting mission work, this is your chance to be part of something that extends far beyond what I could accomplish alone. Every dollar helps cover travel, accommodation, supplies, and resources that will directly benefit the communities we'll serve. More than that, your support means I can focus entirely on the work rather than worrying about logistics.

I'll be sharing updates throughout the journey—both the preparations and the trip itself. Expect photos, stories, and insights that I hope will inspire and encourage you as much as this opportunity has inspired me.

Poetry Book Kickstarter - Launching Late This Month

On the creative front, I'm putting the finishing touches on what might be my most personal project yet: a poetry book that's been years in the making. The Kickstarter campaign launches later this month, and I'm equal parts thrilled and terrified.

This collection represents my journey as a poet, exploring themes of hope, struggle, wonder, and the magic we find in everyday moments. From fantasy-inspired verses to deeply personal reflections, these poems have been companions through some of my most challenging and beautiful seasons.

What makes this Kickstarter special isn't just the book—it's the community aspect. I'm creating reward tiers that celebrate the art of poetry and the readers who make it meaningful. Think signed copies, exclusive content, maybe even some personalized pieces for supporters who want something truly unique.

The campaign items are almost ready. Cover design, formatting, reward fulfillment logistics—it's incredible how much work goes into bringing a book into the world. But that's part of what makes it so rewarding. Every detail represents care for the readers who will eventually hold these poems in their hands.

How You Can Help

Your support means everything to me, whether it's contributing to the Mongolia mission, backing the poetry Kickstarter when it launches, or simply sharing these opportunities with others who might be interested.

More than financial support, though, I need your prayers, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Creative projects and mission work both require courage, and knowing you're cheering me on makes all the difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey. These next few months are going to be incredible, and I'm grateful to have you along for the ride.

With gratitude and excitement, Tyrean

IWSG: Books That Made Me a Writer

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting.

IWSG Optional Question:

What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?

I decided to think about this question and shift it a bit... and then write about:

The Books That Made Me a Writer

My storytelling foundation came from nursery rhymes mixed with C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, Grimm's and Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, dark and luminous in equal measure; and the timeless wisdom of Aesop's Fables. These weren't just stories—they were entire worlds where good and evil battled in forms I could understand, where the smallest creatures could be heroes, and where magic felt as real as breakfast.

Tolkien's The Hobbit opened the door to epic adventure, while both the Children's Bible and the King James Bible introduced me to narratives of eternity.

But storytelling in our family wasn't confined to published books. My grandmother's tales of her own childhood fascinated me, family members recited fairy tales from memory, and the Sesame Street and Disney book clubs brought monthly treasures that expanded my landscape. Stories flowed through our house like water—in books, in voices, and on screen.

Movies added to the well of my imagination. Star Wars: A New Hope, which I saw during its original run, and Disney's animated Peter Pan filled my imagination with lightsabers and pixie dust. I spent countless hours dreaming of flight, of carrying a meaningful sword, of facing down dragons and emerging victorious.

When I began crafting my own stories, the darkness in those early tales found its way to the surface. Inspired by a particularly haunting painting of a conquistador silhouetted against a bonfire, the mysterious hidden attic entrances in our old house, and the shadowy photography darkroom tucked beneath the basement stairs, my first stories I told were horror. I wanted to give my friends just a shiver—but my first successful story worked too well, leaving them sleepless.

Someday, I might rewrite that story and share it with the world. Maybe....

Looking back, I see how these early influences created the DNA of my writing: the blend of wonder and darkness, the belief that small acts can change everything, the conviction that stories matter most when they help us understand what it means to be human. Every book I read, every story I heard, every tale that made me long for wings or weapons—and every shadow-filled corner of my childhood home—became part of the storyteller I am today.

Notes from my podcast

On my podcast last week, I discussed whether or not I will change anything as a writer now that I have a tiny grandson, and while there might be some small shifts, I know the core of my imagination is still rooted in what I read and heard and enjoyed as a child.

On my podcast, I forgot to mentione the first stories I told my grandson, the first songs I sang to him, and the first books I've read to him, which are: the story of David and Goliath told from memory. Psalm 23, from memory. Amazing Grace; Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord; Jesus Loves Me (You/Us), I've God the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart; Oh, Where is my Hairbrush (blankie); Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?; Guess How Much I Love You, The Gruffalo, and The Mitten. And, of course, his name song... which is essentially a song I make up as I sing to him. Both of my daughters had one of those, too.

 This week, on my podcast I'm discussing legendary objects and why they matter in narratives - not only for fantasy and scifi, but also potentially for mysteries, adventure thrillers, and other stories.

Find those episodes at The Truth About Storytelling.

My Current Projects:

1. A poetry collection with 85-101 poems I'm gathering together, refining, and formatting for a Kickstarter campaign, but I don't have that page up yet.

2. The second and third books of the Dark Blade Trilogy - writing, revising, working...

3. The Rayatana Series - mainly moving this around on my shelves, pulling it down, and writing notes on it at this point, but someday...

4. A pen name projects, possibly to be revealed at some point. 

Addressing Real World Issues Through Fantasy Novels

 Fantasy has long served as a mirror to real-world struggles, offering readers a lens through which they can examine complex and difficult topics in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. While dragons, magic, and ancient prophecies capture our imaginations, the best fantasy stories also resonate with real-world truths. One of the themes explored in Dark Blade Forged and The Dark Blade Trilogy is the fight against trafficking, woven into the fabric of the story through the battle against the Red Hand and the alliances formed to dismantle its hold on society.

Using Fantasy to Tackle Difficult Topics

Fantasy allows authors to address dark and pressing issues in a way that maintains hope and adventure. The reality of human trafficking is horrifying, but through the lens of a fantasy narrative, the themes can be explored with nuance, offering readers both awareness and inspiration. By presenting these struggles in a fictional setting, we can highlight the resilience of those who fight back, the necessity of unity, and the impact of justice over vengeance.

In The Dark Blade Trilogy, the Watch Guard, an interkingdom agency, and the leaders of Septily are locked in a battle against the Red Hand, a trafficking organization that operates in the shadows, using mercenaries to tighten its grip. The Watch Guard seeks to dismantle the Red Hand’s influence, but the path is fraught with danger, deception, and moral dilemmas.

The Role of the Red Hand: A Reflection of Real-World Injustice

The Red Hand operates with coercion, violence, and the dark arts, thriving in secrecy and corruption. Their methods, though framed in a fantastical setting, echo real-world trafficking organizations that prey upon the vulnerable. To combat such a pervasive evil, the Watch Guard and Septily’s leaders must employ strategy, courage, and unexpected alliances.

One of these unexpected allies is a character seeking to escape the system—a woman who has firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of the power behind The Red Hand. Her journey from to empowerment and escape embodies the strength of survivors who fight to reclaim their freedom.

Justice vs. Vengeance: A Hero’s Internal Struggle

For Dan, the protagonist, the battle against the Red Hand is deeply personal. He discovers his own parents are slavers, a legacy he despises and seeks to distance himself from. His journey is one of choosing justice over vengeance, as his dark blade tempts him toward brutal retribution. Yet, as he learns through his friendships with Prince Alex, Farrald, his trainers, and his allies, justice requires more than anger—it demands wisdom, restraint, and sacrifice.

His struggle reflects a crucial question in both fiction and reality: How do we fight evil without becoming consumed by it? The novel does not offer easy answers, but it explores the importance of standing together against oppression, ensuring that those who fight for justice do not lose themselves in the process.

Why These Themes Matter

Incorporating an anti-trafficking theme in fantasy serves a greater purpose than just adding tension to the plot—it sheds light on an issue that, while often unseen, exists in the real world. Stories have the power to inspire change, to encourage awareness, and to ignite conversations that might not happen otherwise.

By embedding this theme within an epic fantasy setting, I aim to craft a story that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level. The Watch Guard’s battle against the Red Hand is a reflection of real-world fights against exploitation, and the choices the characters make reflect the moral dilemmas faced by those who stand against injustice.

Fantasy as a Tool for Awareness and Hope

Fantasy stories do not just offer escapism—they offer hope. They show that even in the darkest times, heroes can rise, alliances can form, and change can happen. The battle against the Red Hand is a reminder that evil thrives in secrecy but can be defeated through courage, unity, and unwavering determination.

By weaving these real-world issues into my novel, I hope to create a compelling story that not only immerses readers in an epic adventure but also leaves them with something meaningful to consider. What are some fantasy stories you’ve read that address real-world issues in powerful ways? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Dark Blade Forged is available at online stores and can be ordered through in-person bookstores.

Friendship in Fantasy: Bonds That Defeat Darkness

 Friendship is one of the most powerful forces in fantasy literature. It binds heroes together, gives them the strength to persevere, and often becomes the key to overcoming overwhelming darkness. From classic tales to modern epics, the relationships between characters shape their journeys just as much as any sword or spell. In my novel Dark Blade Forged and throughout The Dark Blade Trilogy, friendship plays a central role, proving that unity and loyalty can stand against even the greatest evils.

The Power of Friendship in Fantasy

Fantasy worlds are often fraught with danger—corrupt rulers, dark magic, and creatures of nightmare. Against such threats, friendship becomes more than just companionship; it’s a shield against despair and a source of hope. Strong bonds between characters elevate their struggles, making victories sweeter and losses more profound.

Take The Lord of the Rings as an example. Frodo may carry the burden of the One Ring, but without Samwise Gamgee, his journey would have ended long before Mount Doom. Sam’s unwavering loyalty and determination serve as a reminder that even in the darkest times, friendship can light the way.

More Than Just a Sidekick

Fantasy friendships often go beyond mere camaraderie—they shape the very destiny of the protagonists. In Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive, Kaladin’s bond with his Bridge Four comrades transforms them from enslaved cannon fodder into an elite fighting force. His friendships drive his growth, proving that trust and brotherhood can triumph over suffering and despair.

Similarly, in The Dark Blade Trilogy, the friendships between the main characters form the heart of the story. Dan, the protagonist, wants to go it alone. Born to a noble family with a dark reputation—his parents are slavers—he longs to break free from their influence and forge his own path. He seeks solitude, believing that only by standing apart can he truly escape their shadow. But as he soon learns, overcoming his darkness requires more than isolation; it requires trust.

Dan’s journey forces him to rely on those around him—Prince Alex, once distant but now a friend, Farrald, a merchant’s son whose deep understanding balances Dan’s intensity, and his trainers, who push him beyond his limits. Even unexpected allies step in, showing him that strength does not come from standing alone but from standing together. His greatest challenge is not just wielding his dark blade but ensuring that it serves justice rather than vengeance. Without his friends to anchor him, he risks losing himself to the very darkness he fights against.

The Contrast Between Solitude and Friendship

Many fantasy heroes begin their journeys alone—either by choice or circumstance. Yet, as their stories unfold, they find allies who challenge them, support them, and ultimately change them for the better. The contrast between solitude and friendship highlights one of the genre’s most enduring themes: that true strength is not found in isolation, but in unity.

Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher series starts as a lone wolf, but over time, his relationships with characters like Yennefer and Jaskier add depth to his journey. Their companionship forces him to confront his own emotions and question his cynicism.

Friendship as the Key to Overcoming Darkness

At the heart of many fantasy tales lies the idea that darkness—whether external or internal—cannot be defeated alone. True heroism often requires trust, sacrifice, and the willingness to fight for those who stand beside you.

In Dark Blade Forged and in The Dark Blade Trilogy, as in so many great fantasy stories, friendship is not just an element of the plot—it is the foundation upon which victory is built. The heroes do not simply battle against a villain; they struggle to maintain their unity in the face of adversity. Their friendships give them strength when all else seems lost, proving that even in the darkest moments, the bonds between companions can light the way forward.

What Are Your Favorite Fantasy Friendships?

Friendship is a timeless theme, one that resonates deeply with readers. What are some of your favorite friendships in fantasy literature? Do you prefer stories where bonds grow slowly over time or ones where characters form instant, unbreakable connections? Let’s discuss in the comments!

You can find Dark Blade Forged at online stores and order it from in-person bookstores.

Legendary Objects and Cultural Values: What Myths Reveal

The Power of Objects in Storytelling

Spring is a season of renewal, a time to plant seeds—both literal and creative. As I dive deep into writing and poetry projects, I find myself thinking about the objects that shape the worlds we build in stories. Legendary objects—enchanted swords, bottomless bowls, towering world trees—are more than just fantasy tropes. They reflect the values of the cultures that create them, serving as powerful symbols of justice, protection, abundance, and wisdom.

What do these objects reveal about the societies that cherish them? How do they shape the narratives we love? And how can we, as storytellers and poets, use them as metaphors in our own work?

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Objects of Justice & Protection: Swords, Staffs, and the Burden of Power

Weapons in myth and fiction are rarely just tools; they often symbolize justice, leadership, and responsibility.

In Dark Blade Forged, the sword Dan wields is more than a weapon—it carries a heavy burden, forcing him to confront questions of morality, control, and self-doubt. A similar theme plays out in Loki, where the TVA’s pruning sticks wield absolute power, but their function raises the question: Are they tools of justice or oppression?

This theme recurs across cultures:

• Excalibur (Arthurian legend): Only the worthy can wield it, reinforcing the idea that leadership and justice are deeply connected.

• Samurai swords (Japanese tradition): Tied to honor and discipline, reflecting a society where duty is paramount.

• Mjolnir (Norse myth): A weapon of protection that requires moral worthiness.

These objects don’t just shape characters; they reflect the values of their worlds.

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Objects of Abundance & Growth: The Magic of Nourishment

Not all legendary objects are tied to battle. Some symbolize renewal, connection, and the sustaining power of community.

Take Strega Nona’s magic pasta pot. It’s an object of abundance, yet it also carries a lesson—uncontrolled excess can lead to disaster. This theme appears in many cultures:

• Yggdrasil (Norse myth): The great tree that connects the nine realms, representing wisdom, life, and continuity.

• Celtic Cauldrons of Plenty: Endless nourishment, symbolizing generosity and the cycle of giving.

• The Cornucopia (Greek myth): A never-empty horn of plenty, embodying prosperity.

These objects highlight a culture’s relationship with sustenance. Are resources seen as infinite gifts, or as things to be carefully managed? Do they bring harmony or test the responsibility of those who wield them?

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Legendary Objects as Metaphors in Writing & Poetry

As a writer, I love exploring the deeper meanings behind objects. In storytelling, weapons often symbolize inner conflict—Dan’s blade in Dark Blade Forged isn’t just a tool; it represents the struggle between justice and vengeance. Similarly, objects of abundance—whether a cauldron, tree, or endless pasta bowl—often serve as metaphors for knowledge, generosity, or even temptation.

Poetry thrives on metaphor, and legendary objects offer a rich foundation for crafting deeper meaning. Consider:

• A broken sword as a symbol of lost faith.

• A tree standing alone on a battlefield, representing resilience.

• A bowl that never empties, reflecting both generosity and burden.

By weaving these symbols into our work, we tap into something ancient and universal—stories that have been told and retold across cultures for centuries.