From Dare to Published: How Jordan Accidentally Became a Storyteller

RealmJumpers

What happens when a dare turns into a creative mission? For writer Jordan Troche, it sparked a journey into crafting rich fantasy worlds that blend biblical mythology, medieval adventure, and anime-inspired storytelling. In this deeply personal conversation, Jordan pulls back the curtain on his creative process and the evolution of his unique narrative style.
The conversation begins with Jordan revealing how "The Fallen," his 50-chapter webcomic series, emerged from a challenge to create stories without the filler that often plagues popular series. Drawing inspiration from ancient texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jordan transformed obscure biblical references to Nephilim into a compelling dark fantasy universe where monster hunters navigate a pre-flood world teeming with otherworldly threats.
Jordan offers invaluable insights into the contrasting demands of webcomic scripting versus novel writing. While creating visual direction for artists requires technical precision, novel writing demands a different discipline—one that Jordan believes has been enhanced by his experience with concise comic scripting. He discusses his organic "pantsing" approach to storytelling, where endings may be planned but the journey itself unfolds through discovery, allowing characters and plots to evolve naturally beyond initial outlines.
Most poignantly, Jordan addresses the emotional challenges of independent publishing. With refreshing candor, he describes the journey from creative fulfillment to the often disappointing realities of marketing and reader engagement. His hard-won advice for aspiring creators? Define success on your own terms before finishing your work, and never let publishing struggles diminish your love for storytelling.
As the webcomic landscape continues expanding globally, with more independent works being adapted into animation, Jordan sees unprecedented opportunities for diverse creators to bring their visions to life. His parting wisdom resonates with creators at any stage: stop second-guessing yourself. Your unique perspective means that even familiar story frameworks can become something extraordinary through your distinctive creative lens.
Whether you're a writer, artist, or passionate fan of imaginative storytelling, this episode offers both practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement to pursue your creative vision with confidence and persistence.

Chapters

1. Show Introduction & Realm Rumors (00:00:00)

2. Jordan's Writing Journey Begins (00:03:36)

3. Biblical Influences & Research Process (00:09:05)

4. Comparing Web Comics vs. Novel Writing (00:14:26)

5. On Plotting vs. "Pantsing" Stories (00:20:39)

6. Challenges of Publishing and Success (00:29:14)

7. The Future of Indie Comics (00:34:26)

8. Advice for Aspiring Writers (00:38:26)

9. Outro (00:39:56)