Writing Operation: Hollow Realm

The Initial Spark for Operation: Hollow Realm

The story of Operation: Hollow Realm began with a dream I had years ago. I found myself standing inside a ball the size of a planet—a hollow, incomprehensible space that left me dizzy with awe and a strange sense of entrapment. That vivid sensation lingered, refusing to fade, and it became the seed for Anesidora, the alien world at the story’s core. The image of being inside something so vast yet so isolating was the initial spark, pushing me to explore what it would mean to live, fight, and survive in such a place.

Themes I Wanted to Explore

I’ve always been drawn to science fiction, particularly stories that blend military elements with the Hero’s Journey. In Operation: Hollow Realm, I wanted to put my own spin on these classic themes by focusing on a reluctant hero. Anders Huntsmen isn’t a eager savior charging toward destiny—he’s a man burdened by his past, forced into a role he didn’t seek. This reluctance adds a fresh layer to the familiar arc of growth and triumph. The story weaves together the tension of military operations, the wonder of an alien world, and the personal struggle of a hero who’d rather walk away but can’t. It’s my take on a timeless narrative, grounded in the stakes and sacrifices I know well.

Developing Anders Huntsmen and Samuel Adder

The characters in Operation: Hollow Realm, especially Anders Huntsmen and Samuel Adder, are deeply rooted in my 26 years of military service, including 17 years in Special Operations. They’re not just inventions—they’re echoes of the people I served with. Anders is a composite of the soldiers I admired: resilient, sharp, and quietly heroic despite his doubts. Samuel Adder reflects the complexity of leadership I witnessed—charismatic yet calculating, a man who commands loyalty but isn’t above hard choices. I developed them by drawing on real relationships, infusing their interactions with the trust, tension, and camaraderie forged in high-stakes missions. Their conflicts and bonds drive the story, making it as much about them as the world they inhabit.

Why Anesidora as the Setting?

Anesidora wasn’t a random choice—it was a deliberate answer to that dream of a planet-sized ball. As a lifelong sci-fi fan, I wanted a setting that broke from the usual tropes of hidden caves or dimly lit bunkers with mysterious lifeforms. Anesidora is grander: the entire inside of a planet, a hollow realm of surreal beauty and lurking danger. I envisioned yellow soil glowing faintly, red succulents spiking into the air, and a shimmering alien sky—details that make it feel alive and unique. It’s a world that mirrors the awe and isolation of my dream, offering a massive stage for the characters to explore and confront the unknown. I chose it because it felt unexplored, a perfect fit for a story about pushing boundaries.

The Biggest Challenges in Writing

The toughest part of writing Operation: Hollow Realm was simply starting. Every writer knows that blank page dread, and for me, it was a hurdle I tripped over repeatedly. I began this story years ago, abandoned it, restarted it, and let it haunt me daily like a curse. It lived in my head, nagging me, but I couldn’t get it right—until now. Something clicked this time; maybe I was finally ready. Once I pushed past that initial block, the writing became a joy. I realized the act of starting was the real challenge—not the writing itself, which felt like stepping into Anesidora alongside my characters, guiding their fates like an unseen force.

My Writing Process

My process for Operation: Hollow Realm is simple: just write. I make time every day, sit down, and let the words come. I don’t obsess over perfection—first drafts are rough, and that’s fine; editing can polish them later. I started with a loose idea of the ending (still refining it) and a sense of the path to get there. Once I had that framework, the beginning flowed naturally. It’s less about rigid plans and more about momentum—the story often writes itself, surprising me as it unfolds. That freedom keeps me immersed, making the process feel less like work and more like an adventure.

Influences on the Story

Operation: Hollow Realm is shaped by my lifelong love of science fiction—books, movies, anything that sparks the imagination—and my passion for military narratives. Those two worlds collide in the story, enriched by my own 26 years in the military. The gritty realism of operations, the weight of decisions, the bonds between soldiers—it’s all there, woven into the fabric of Anesidora. My time in Special Operations, in particular, gave me a lens to craft authentic characters and conflicts, blending the fantastical with the grounded. It’s a love letter to the genres that inspired me, filtered through my own experiences.

What I Hope Readers Take Away

Above all, I want Operation: Hollow Realm to sweep readers into an adventure—to transport them to Anesidora for a few hours, alongside characters they can root for and relate to. I hope they feel the thrill of the impossible, the pull of an alien world, and the humanity in Anders’ journey. The Hero’s Journey resonates because it’s universal—we all face trials, doubt, and growth. If readers close the book eager for more, feeling that spark of wonder and connection, then I’ve succeeded. It’s about escapism, yes, but also about reflecting something real in a world of imagination.

That’s the heart of Operation: Hollow Realm—a story born from a dream, shaped by my past, and written for anyone who craves a journey into the unknown. I hope it leaves you as captivated as that planet-sized ball left me all those years ago.