Oh, This is Real…(Miscellaneous thoughts)

I’ve published a book. Wow.

I’m the kind of person who usually has ten ideas going at once—music I want to write, business ideas I want to start, ways to improve my DJ skills, and more. Now that the book is out, I’ve started looking into how to actually get traction with it. Honestly, that’s something I probably should have researched earlier.

What I’m realizing now is that writing FluxFall was the easy part. Marketing it is a different level entirely. So I’ve started building an email list and putting together a newsletter to share updates, progress on new books, and additional content.

I’m also considering getting an agent to help me find a publisher. Long term, I know I can’t do everything myself. As much as I enjoy the creative side, I deal with anxiety and ADHD, and that combination can get overwhelming if I don’t stay aware of it. When I get into a creative groove, I can go for hours—sometimes an entire day—without stopping or even noticing the time.

So I’m working on balance. Reminding myself that this isn’t a race. Writing isn’t a job for me—it’s something I care about, and I want to treat it that way.

I was watching a YouTube interview with AJ Gentile, and he talked about worrying that his Why Files podcast might eventually dry up. That surprised me, because he comes across as completely in control. But he said something that stuck with me—he struggles to enjoy his success because he’s always worried about losing it. I understand that completely.

It’s the same when I DJ. The day before a set—or even right up until I start—I can be a mess. Then I get up there, everything clicks, and I can own the room. Afterward, I always wonder why I worked myself up so much. Why is it so hard to trust the process? For me, it comes down to fear of failure. I have always worried I am not good enough and try so hard to improve. This is part of the journey for me as an author. I am learning and I strive to improve daily. In everything I do.

My passion and creative juices are flowing right now. I already have another book finished and several more in progress, and I’m starting to feel more comfortable with writing. After 8 months of doing this daily, I miss it when I can’t sit and write.

One of the projects I’m building doesn’t have an official title yet. It’s a sci-fi story set in a large, evolving universe with multiple connected stories. The first book centers on a ship called the Meridian Drift. The tone is dark and emotional. The Concord Initiative was created to ensure peace across the universe—but when it makes a decision to erase an entire civilization, the captain of the Meridian Drift is forced to confront choices where the line between right and wrong disappears.

If I continue at this pace, the story could reach around 800 pages. The first arc is complete, and the third arc is shaping up to be the most intense part of the journey.

In the same universe, I’m also developing another storyline around a ship called the Ebon Current. This crew encounters entities known as “Null Wraiths”—invisible, energy-consuming beings. As ships begin going dark and turning into ghost vessels, the Ebon Current is sent to investigate. What they discover forces them to face something they don’t understand and may not be able to control.

My goal is to build a world that could grow beyond books—into a series, maybe even films, games, or other creative directions. I know that sounds ambitious, and part of me laughs at the idea—but that’s the mindset I bring when I’m writing.

Right now, I’m writing about four hours a day. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and I hope it stays part of my life for a long time.

When I step back and look at it, I realize this is real. It’s happening. And instead of being afraid of that, I want to embrace it and see where it leads.

I hope you’ll join me on this amazing journey of mine!

R.A. Lepre