When author B.L. Mostyn was 13 years old, she started writing stories set in a rich fantasy world filled with dragons, gods, werewolves, elves, and reluctant heroes. She didn’t know then that the world of Eris would stay with her for decades—or that it would become the setting for her debut fantasy novel, Heroes of Another Age, published in 2025.

In this heartfelt episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, B.L. shares what it’s like to carry a dream for over 20 years—and what finally gave her the courage to publish.

“The truth I learned is that your voice is unique. No one else can tell your story the way you can.”

Like many authors, she battled fear, self-doubt, and a belief that self-publishing wasn’t “real.” For years, she thought only traditional authors had legitimacy. That changed in 2019, when she discovered one of her favorite authors had self-published. Suddenly, everything seemed possible.

But then the world shut down, and like many parents, she pivoted to homeschooling and survival mode. It wasn’t until 2024 that she returned to the dream full force, building a website, learning social media, and working with a hybrid publisher.

“Once I decided to do this, I hit the ground running. I didn’t just want to publish—I wanted to build something lasting.”

Heroes of Another Age is just the beginning. It’s the prequel to an 8.5-book fantasy series already outlined and in development. The story follows twin brothers in a hidden mountaintop village who are thrust into a destiny far greater than their quiet life ever prepared them for. It’s a tale of reluctant heroes, divine purpose, and the choice between staying safe or stepping up.

“I wanted to give people a way to escape. To solve problems with a sword and a spell. To go on a journey with a friend by your side.”

That mission—to give others an escape—is deeply tied to her own journey as a mom and creator. B.L. dedicates her book to her daughters, ages 9 and 12, and says part of her courage came from wanting to show them what’s possible.

“I wanted to tell them: with enough passion and dedication, any dream is possible. And I wanted them to see me live that truth.”

Even now, B.L. admits fear hasn’t gone away. She’s navigating the challenges of promotion, especially on social media, and trying to get her work into readers’ hands while managing a full-time job and family life. But the vision keeps her moving.

“There are days when I feel like I have three full-time jobs. But I love what I’m doing, and that passion keeps me going.”

For writers who feel like they don’t have the time, energy, or resources yet, B.L. offers gentle encouragement:

“Start small. Write a sentence. A paragraph. A character sketch. Even 10 minutes while waiting in line adds up. If you keep building, one day the window will open. And when it does—you’ll be ready.”