My Journey from Reader to Creator: Building a Fantasy Universe from Norse Mythology

Have you ever been so captivated by a story that you wished you could expand it, add to it, or even live in it? That’s how my writing journey began. As a lifelong reader, I always felt there was more to explore beyond the final pages of my favorite books. But to create these expansions, I needed a foundation—a universe of my own.

Finding Inspiration in Ancient Myths

In 2018 or 2019, everything changed. I stumbled across the creation myths of Norse mythology, particularly the tale of the three brothers. Something clicked immediately. The rich tapestry of these ancient stories provided the perfect scaffold for the universe forming in my imagination.

This was it—the foundation I had been searching for.

The Reality of a Writer’s Journey

With newfound inspiration, I began writing immediately. The words flowed, characters emerged, and my universe began to take shape. But as many creative people know, life doesn’t pause for your passion projects.

My regular job consumed much of my time and energy. Progress was frustratingly slow. I’d write when I could—early mornings, late nights, stolen lunch breaks—but the demands of daily life kept my dream on the back burner.

The Transition to Full-Time Creativity

Eventually, I reached a turning point. I decided to prioritize my writing after a job change, shifting from occasional scribbling to dedicating three-quarters of my time to building my literary worlds.

That first manuscript, which had been shelved while I navigated the constraints of limited time, finally got the attention it deserved.

Building a Literary Universe

Today, that initial book inspired by Norse mythology has been published alongside two others set in the same universe. What began as a single spark of inspiration has grown into an expansive world with its own rules, history, and characters.

I’ve even expanded beyond that original concept, creating a connected dragon world that branches from the same creative roots but explores new territories and mythologies.

Looking Back at the Beginning

Sometimes I marvel at how far this journey has taken me—from a reader wishing for more to a creator building worlds for others to explore. That moment of discovery, reading about Norse creation myths and feeling the immediate connection to my own creative vision, truly was the beginning of everything.

What started as a simple desire to expand upon stories I loved has become a universe of my own making, with countless stories yet to tell.