My writing journey began during a period of deep reflection on legacy — the kind we inherit and the kind we leave behind. As a father of two, I’ve always desired to raise emotionally resilient and morally grounded children. Encouraging my children to dream big also ignited a spark in me to pursue my own creative aspirations. One of which was crafting an epic fantasy series, where courage, growth, and self-discovery take center stage on both page and front cover.
Writing to inspire personal growth in young readers
The Kōken series follows Wakamono, a determined young boy navigating a world shaped by Japanese mythology. Leaving his family farm and a past marked by loss, he trains under a mysterious warrior named Red Mist to become a Kōken — a spirit and demon-hunter sworn to protect humanity from the supernatural. As Wakamono confronts vengeful spirits, terrifying beasts, and morally complex choices, he must learn not only how to fight but how to grow into someone worthy of the title he wishes to carry.
Wakamono literally translates to "youth" or "young man," so, at a deeper level, the story is also about making choices and decisions that lead to positive personal growth and the betterment of society as a whole.
Making the decision to self-publish
Alongside themes of honor, grief, growth, and inner strength, I also wanted each cover in the Kōken series to convey a sense of resilience and transformation. However, I felt that this wasn’t something that I alone could capture. I knew that to create the legitimate fantasy series I had always dreamed of, I would need to look for outside help.
I self-publish because I want full creative control over my books — not only with their content, but also with how the world sees them. I turned to Reedsy for their deep talent pool, author-friendly interface, and strong emphasis on professionalism. I submitted my project through Reedsy, outlining what I was looking for, and reached out to five different artists. While they all had impressive portfolios, Adam Fyda stood out for his professionalism, prompt communication, and straightforward responses. That early interaction gave me confidence that he would be a thoughtful and collaborative partner.
Taking inspiration from popular fantasy series
I wanted each cover to evoke a sense of atmosphere, something moody and cinematic, as if they were a still from an epic animated film. For inspiration, I turned to existing fantasy series, particularly The Witcher, in its latest hardcover editions. I wasn’t interested in mimicking their designs. Rather, I wanted to capture the same elements of tension, mystery, and sense of impending movement they conveyed.
When it came to Adam’s portfolio, his mastery of lighting and contrast was immediately evident. He has a remarkable ability to create emotional focus and tension through subtle details and dynamic compositions. What really captured me was how his characters often appear small against vast, dramatic backdrops — an effect that aligned perfectly with the emotional themes of the Kōken series. That sense of isolation, of standing on the precipice of something greater, resonated deeply with the story I wanted to tell. I knew that my series would be in excellent hands.
Bringing each cover to life
One of the most crucial parts of our collaboration was the initial stages, where Adam asked thoughtful, story-driven questions about the characters, emotional tone, and scene composition. He even pointed out narrative elements that I hadn’t consciously emphasized, which proved invaluable.
After I gave Adam my initial ideas for the cover of The Haunting of Wakamono, he suggested that the shrine in the image should be positioned in the background to minimize its prominence and allow the interaction between the characters to take center stage. He was absolutely right — it would have been a distraction — and his insight prompted me to revisit the manuscript to ensure that the narrative properly emphasized the right elements. As a newer writer, this type of feedback is important, as it not only enriched the cover but also made me a more deliberate and focused storyteller.
While the story is steeped in Japanese myth, I wanted to achieve a fresh visual approach. Adam honored that balance beautifully, showcasing elements like torii gates, traditional architecture, and even the man-eating centipede (the Ōmukade) in a way that serves the atmosphere of the cover rather than dominating it.
The Kōken series is intended for readers between the ages of ten and eighteen, so the cover needed to resonate with a teenage and young adult audience. Wakamono is a younger character, but I didn’t want the covers to portray him as a child — rather, as serious and mythic, yet still accessible. We decided not to show Wakamono’s face on the covers, as keeping him in silhouette gives them a universal quality — one that invites readers to project themselves into his journey.
I may reveal his face near the end of the series, when he becomes the person he’s meant to be. For now, though, he remains “the youth” — unsure of who he is and how to live the right life.
Establishing a balanced collaboration
Working with Adam has been one of the highlights of my self-publishing journey. From the very first cover, he not only grasped the atmosphere I was striving for but also understood the emotional depth of the story.
Our creative process has remained consistent across the series. Once I have a few solid reference images and clear notes on what I like or don’t like, I share those with Adam, along with text from the book that describes the scene. Adam usually comes back with a few clarifying questions — often about time of day or season — then produces a draft.
Over time, I’ve come to trust Adam’s artistic instincts deeply. I often close my feedback by turning the question back to him: “What do you think about this detail?” or “Is there anything you would change?” He’s never expressed frustration with that back-and-forth, and I genuinely value his expertise. He’s not just illustrating my idea — he’s interpreting it.
When dreams of publishing become a reality
The most profound takeaway from this experience has been the realization that it's all possible — I have now written a book and seen it come to life. The barriers to entry for authors are lower than ever, and while that brings an influx of lower-quality work, it also opens the door for voices that might otherwise go unheard. That’s a truly beautiful thing.
Since publishing the full Kōken series, the response has been incredibly rewarding. Readers have praised the emotional depth, the mentor-apprentice dynamic, and the mythological richness of the books. It’s also been fulfilling to see the covers Adam created receive so much admiration. Personally, I take great pride in the fact that a real artist created these covers. They feel authentic and reflect the vision I had when I first set out to write this series: a real fantasy epic, written by a real author.
The full Kōken series is available to purchase on Amazon. Telling Wakamono’s story has been one of the most personally meaningful things I’ve done, and I’m excited to see where it goes next. I've returned to Adam for each subsequent book and fully intend to keep working with him as the series continues (as long as he is willing!).
