Beyond the Page #7 | Richard Spegal on Dark Fantasy, Organic Storytelling & Writing Without Limits

In this episode, Steve sits down with Richard Spegal, author of the Eternal Knights series, to discuss writing mature dark fantasy, creating believable characters, and why the best stories are driven by people, not plot.Richard shares how his military service, personal experiences, and lifelong love of speculative fiction have shaped his writing. Rather than following familiar genre formulas, he strives to create stories that unfold organically, allowing characters to make choices that feel authentic, even when they lead into uncomfortable territory.Together they discuss:The Eternal Knights seriesWriting dark fantasy for adult readersWhy organic storytelling creates stronger fictionBuilding believable characters and relationshipsThe influence of military service on his writingMental health and portraying difficult topics with authenticitySelf-publishing, hybrid publishing, and avoiding vanity pressesWorldbuilding without over planningWhy reading remains one of the most valuable lifelong habitsBalancing creativity, family life, and the writing processRichard also offers thoughtful advice for aspiring writers, discusses the realities of today's publishing landscape, and explains why authentic characters matter more than predictable story formulas.Guest: Richard Spegal https://richardspegal.com/Featured Series: Eternal Knights