Duality and Dialogue: My Journey to Ethereal Ascendant

Introduction: Rising from the Darkness

When I first began writing Ethereal Ascendant, it was more than just a creative project, it was a journey into the depths of my own mind. I had been diagnosed with bipolar schizoaffective disorder, and I was grappling with hallucinations, isolation, and the uncertainty of recovery. The doctors told me that I might never regain my independence, that I would likely live under my parents’ care for the rest of my life. It felt like a sentence.

But life has a way of surprising you.

 And I’ve come a long way from those dark days. Today, I’m living on a far-off island, surrounded by a new blended family, on an epic adventure that I never could have imagined in those early days.

One of the most important things I’ve come to understand is that the mind is a powerful thing. I’ve read one idea that struck me deeply is that the mind is more unconscious than conscious. It is suggested that dreams may be more real than waking reality, except that in reality, we experience time—which is why our dreams feel like fleeting moments, even when they might hold more weight than we realize. For years, as I was healing, I could only stay awake for a few hours at a time due to thyroid issues. My life was spent in and out of dreams, and those dreams became an essential part of my recovery.

The Darkness and the Light

Living with bipolar schizoaffective disorder has taken me to some dark places. There were times when I wasn’t sure if I’d ever find my way back. But somehow, I did. Recovery isn’t a straight path; it’s a winding road filled with setbacks and breakthroughs, moments of despair and moments of triumph. I wasn’t supposed to recover as well as I have, but here I am, defying the odds, living a life that once seemed impossible.

Every step of my recovery has been hard-fought, and every small victory is worth celebrating. It’s those tiny steps that have brought me to this moment, where I’m ready to share something incredible with the world.

The Journey to Ethereal Ascendent

I’ve often heard it said that the unconscious mind rules more than the conscious, and in this book, that theme plays out in profound ways. My protagonist, Ildarachi, is cursed—a condition that only the elixir Dalamoris can heal. His journey is one of self-discovery, struggle, and ultimately, triumph. It’s a journey that mirrors my own.

This trilogy is a symbol of that time, of the many years spent exploring my unconscious mind. It became a sanctuary, and through writing, I learned to channel the power of those dreams into something concrete—something I could hold on to.

Ethereal Ascendant and the entire trilogy explore the boundary between the conscious and unconscious, reality and dreams. There are what are called dream mages in my novel where the dream world in my book directly correlates with the fantastical world of Systralas. This mirrors the way my mind functioned during those years—half awake, half in the dream realm—both equally important to my healing.

Innovation: Breaking Free from Complacency

One of the driving forces behind my writing is innovation. Everywhere you look today, it feels like we’re surrounded by remakes, live adaptations, and sequels upon sequels. Creativity in mainstream media seems stifled, like we’re all stuck in this loop of organizational complacency. I don’t want to sound like a hater, but this kind of approach just isn’t for me.

I’ve always been driven to create something new, something bold. It’s what makes Ethereal Ascendant different from other fantasy novels. Yes, I have elves, dark elves, ogres, trolls, fairies, and dragons. Yes, I have sword and sorcery. But there’s a twist. Imagine a world where ancient magic coexists with modern technology. There are skyscrapers, guns, cars, televisions—where the marvels of futuristic science meet the traditions of fantasy races.

This fusion of fantasy and modernity creates an entirely new experience for readers, a world where the old and new clash and complement each other. It’s this innovation that I believe sets my work apart, and it’s what keeps me excited about the possibilities of storytelling.

The Man on the Cover

Ildarachi, the central character in Ethereal Ascendant, is a complex figure who embodies the dangers of abusing power. His arc takes him through a dark spiral, where the overwhelming consequences of his choices strip away his humanity. Throughout the novel, he embarks on a redemptive quest, seeking to reclaim the compassion and integrity he once had. This journey challenges him to confront his inner demons and find a path back to the essence of what it means to be human.

The Power of Collaboration

My wife, mother and I have been working tirelessly on re-releasing my trilogy, and I’m thrilled to reveal the new cover art for Book 1: Ethereal Ascendent. This book is close to my heart, not just because it’s a story I’ve created, but because it’s a reflection of my own journey. In “Ethereal Ascendent” The dream world is directly connected to the fantastical world of Systralas—a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, much like the way my mind has navigated the complex terrain of mental illness.

Looking Ahead

The re-release of Ethereal Ascendent is just around the corner, and I’m excited to see this work go further than I ever imagined. It’s a polished, refined version of the story I first set out to tell, and I’m confident that it will resonate with readers in a profound way.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Recovery is a process, and every step forward is worth celebrating. This book is a testament to that—an expression of resilience, creativity, and the power of collaboration. I can’t wait for you to join me in the world of Systralas.