My First Blog Post – Welcome to the Journey

Every story starts somewhere — this is where mine begins.

I’m glad you’ve found your way here. Since this is my very first blog post, I thought I’d start by sharing a little about myself, how I began writing, and how Shadows Among The Peaks came to life.

Like many of you, I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. My tastes range widely—thrillers, legal dramas, fantasy, historical works, biographies, world events, and theology. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by countless authors and often wondered how they dream up such vivid characters and intricate plots. For the longest time, I assumed I could never do that myself. But the idea kept tugging at me.

When I reached a point in life with a bit more time—semi-retirement and a quieter schedule—I decided to give it a try. Thanks to the tools we have today, getting words from mind to page was easier than ever. The ideas began to flow, and one in particular stood out: a story about a lone traveler who quietly steps into people’s lives, sometimes to help, sometimes to protect—always guided by a strong moral compass.

That character became Eli Shephard. He’s not a vigilante roaming the streets looking for trouble, nor is he driven by personal revenge. Think of him as a quiet force for good—someone who prefers peace but can stand his ground when needed. He connects easily with people from all walks of life, especially children. His skills and resilience come from a mix of military experience, personal discipline, and values shaped by biblical principles. While my books aren’t “preachy,” those principles underpin his choices, just as they influence mine.

My goal in writing this series is to tell engaging, clean, and emotionally resonant stories. You won’t find graphic language, sexual content, or gratuitous violence here. There is action, and sometimes danger, but it’s used purposefully, not for shock value. I want these books to be something readers can enjoy—and recommend—without hesitation.

As for the setting and themes, I’ve always been drawn to globe-trotting adventures like those in Robert Ludlum novels, as well as stories with multiple intersecting plotlines, much like Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series. For my primary antagonist, I chose the institution of child trafficking—not to dwell on grim details, but because it represents a real-world evil that demands courage to confront. In my books, the focus is on the people fighting back and the relationships forged in the process, not on depicting the horrors themselves.

I’m looking forward to sharing more about Eli, the world he inhabits, and the journey that brought me to this point. In the meantime, I invite you to read the first three chapters in the “Read a Sample” section of this website and see if the story draws you in.

Shadows Among The Peaks will be available for early reading through Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) later this year, with a full public release planned for early February. I’m excited to build a community here where we can talk about stories, characters, and the ideas that inspire them.

If you enjoyed this post, share it with a friend or leave a comment below — I’d love to hear from you.

Read a Sample