Unfolding the Folded Realm: An Inspiration

Writing The Broken Guardian of T'Phareth, the first installment of The Folded Realm has been an extraordinary journey. As I reflect on what inspired me to create this series, thoughts flood my mind, battling for supremacy like too many dragons trying to squeeze into a treasure-filled lair. These inspirations mirror my life's journey.

The worlds and magic system behind The Folded Realm emerged from decades of study in neuropsychology, enlightenment, gaming, martial arts, and the holographic universe. The story is deeply influenced by the family and friends who inspired those passions. I want to start by sharing a few influences of storytelling and games and how they helped guide me to the hallways of the Folded Realm. 

When I was young, I read every fantasy, adventure, and mythological story I could find and craved more than the tales I discovered in books. Like any kid with a vivid imagination, I wanted to experience those adventures and share the story. I found what I sought in role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, where I spent countless hours crafting worlds, designing maps, and bringing characters to life. Even before D&D, I would spend hours creating stories and sharing adventures with my brother using nothing but our imaginations.

Throughout my childhood and adulthood, I devoted much of my spare time to playing games with friends and telling stories to them that explored new worlds in our imaginations. I discovered a simple truth about games and storytelling. Whether we played poker, board games, or D&D, or whether the stories we shared were real or fantastic, they gave friends a shared reason to come together. Perhaps that’s why I cherish storytelling and games so much.

Decades later, I feel fortunate to have a son who eagerly listens to my endless tales of adventure and fantasy. Magic Land, T’Phareth, and The Folded Realm were born from the world of adventures I crafted for Thomas as he journeyed through the realms during bedtime stories and while we played together at home during the pandemic. Although this novel has been adapted for adults and young adults, my son's adventures continue to be the heart of my inspiration.

Me and Thomas in Magic Land

In future entries, I will delve into overarching themes and personal inspirations behind my novel. We’ll also explore the development of T’Phareth and other realms shaped by decades of world-building. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader, a fellow gamer, or just curious about the story’s hints of science and philosophy, I hope The Broken Guardian of T'Phareth resonates with you.

Welcome to The Folded Realm. Let the adventure begin!