Embracing My Artsy Side: The Journey to Writing The Drakaina Blood Saga

Growing up, I was always known as an athlete, competing at a high level and dedicating countless hours to training and competition in basketball, football, baseball and track. Embracing my artsy side wasn’t something I prioritized, despite a vivid imagination and a knack for storytelling that emerged even in childhood (mostly because I struggled to sit still lol).

Interestingly, my early brush with writing success came when I won a writing contest at just nine years old. Winning that contest earned me a feature in the local newspaper, and during the interview, I declared that I would write a book someday. It wasn’t until some 30 years later, when I began writing my debut series, The Drakaina Blood Saga, that my mom reminded me of that childhood proclamation. It felt like a full-circle moment, realizing that a seed planted so early had begun to blossom so organically.

As a child, I was the one with the vivid imagination, capable of creating intricate games with in-depth storylines, using nothing more than a pack of Skittles. My love of weaving stories and building worlds was evident even then, though it took my body starting to break down from years of brutal treatment for me to fully embrace that creative side. Life as an athlete often overshadowed my artistic pursuits, but deep down, the storyteller in me was always present, waiting for the right moment to emerge.

One of the most profound influences on my life and writing journey was my late father. He was not only one of my best friends but also my biggest supporter, and a staunch lover of books. Tragically, as I started writing the first epic of The Drakaina Blood Saga, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. His sudden illness brought immense challenges, but also unforgettable moments of connection.

My father’s favorite thing to do during his chemo treatments, and as he faced the end of his life, was to listen to my mom and me read chapters from my rough draft. Those sessions meant everything to me; they became a cherished ritual, a source of comfort for him, and a way for us to share in the magic of storytelling during such a difficult time. I will never forget sitting there as my mom read, watching the expressions on his face shift with the tides of my story––pride and happiness overwhelmingly present throughout.

A year ago yesterday we held his service, so he is top of mind today. Sadly, my father never got to finish the first installment of The Drakaina Blood Saga, The Rise Epic, or see the final product. It’s a heartache that will surely linger forever, knowing how much he would have loved to witness the completion of something we shared so intimately.

Juggling the demands of writing with helping my mom care for him was one of the greatest challenges I faced. It was a constant balancing act, managing interruptions in my flow to feed him, help him to the bathroom, or simply be there to enjoy him and his presence while I could, all while trying to maintain the flow of creativity. Yet, despite the difficulties, those moments of caring for him are something I will forever cherish. They taught me more about resilience than a lifetime of athletics ever could, along with the significance of love, compassion, vulnerability and the depth of human connection in the face of life’s unexpected tragedies.

My father, Steve Halligan, remains my biggest inspiration to this day. His positivity, love, and compassion, even in the face of such a brutal and unexpected illness, left an indelible mark on me. His ability to maintain a sense of humor and vulnerability, especially when he was scared, is something I aspire to embody every day. His legacy is woven into the fabric of my writing, and his indomitable spirit infuses the pages of The Drakaina Blood Saga.

As for The Drakaina Blood Saga, book one is a journey filled with mystery and surprises, where you will get to figure out who the main character is as she does. No info-dumping here! I promise it will keep you guessing right up until the very last page, where a shocking revelation about the true identity of the main heroine and her unexpected allies will leave you eager for more. Stay tuned and prepare to be captivated by a story that has been a labor of love, inspired by the incredible people and experiences that have shaped my life.

Be the light,

Anthony Halligan

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