From the Air Force to Authorship | Hear Fantasy Author's DL Jenning's Inspiring Journey on the Be Your Own Hero Podcast

In this episode of the Be Your Own Hero podcast, I interview Fantasy author and Air Force veteran, D.L. Jennings. Jennings is the author of the epic fantasy series, the Highglade Series. It features three award winning books: The Gift of the Shaper, Awaken the Three, Days of the Dark. In this conversation, we discuss Jennings' unique journey of writing during his deployment in Africa, the challenges and joys of being a published author, and the importance of character development in storytelling. Jennings shares insights on the writing process, the balance between writing series versus standalones, and the impact of storytelling on readers.Key Takeaways:D.L. Jennings is a veteran and fantasy author.He wrote his first book while deployed in Africa.His writing process involves a mix of planning and spontaneity.He emphasizes the importance of character depth in storytelling.Writing can be a cathartic experience for authors.The journey of writing is filled with ups and downs.Finding your 'why' is crucial for pursuing creative endeavors.Readers often connect more with characters than plot twists.D.L. Jennings aims to inspire others through his writing.He believes in the power of storytelling to impact lives.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to DL Jennings01:57 The Journey of Writing During Deployment04:57 Exploring New Projects and Inspirations06:43 The Dynamics of Series vs. Standalone Books10:53 Writing Process: Plotting vs. Pantsing18:44 Character Development and Real-Life Inspirations20:34 The Creative Process: From Inspiration to Writing20:55 Balancing Writing with a Day Job22:43 The Challenge of Full-Time Writing24:45 Discipline and Consistency in Writing27:01 Finding Your Why: The Drive to Create29:56 The Impact of Storytelling on Mental Health31:54 Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story38:56 Embracing the Journey: No Regrets41:03 Connecting with Readers and Building CommunityFor more, visit DL Jennings website here. Keywords:D.L. Jennings, writing journey, deployment, storytelling, fantasy author, character development, full-time writing, creative process, indie author, Be Your Own Hero