We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darius Sebastian Yancy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darius Sebastian below.

Darius Sebastian, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
As a writer I would honestly say getting veteran fiction readers to step beyond popular household characters and stories that have been around for decades. When you create a fresh new story, you have to know that it will be compared to the realms of enjoyment that many people have already grown attached to. So I would truly say being humanely relatable while also balancing being other-worldly enough that when readers indulge in my books, or even my board games,  it feels as though they’ve escaped their normal routine for an 30 mins of adventure.

Darius Sebastian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have been involved in Athletics and Martial Arts for almost 18 years. If you would have told me when I was competing in professionally in MMA that I would be writing fictional stories and publishing a novel, I might have laughed. But here we are and I am absolutely in love with it and about to have my first 76,000 word novel published called A Fightomian Story: Part 1 – 3. The story follows a being named Suirad who fell in love during the most Chaotic time on their planet, and how that love secured their bloodline, along with the rise of many warriors across their universe. This story is strongly inspired and driven by my first child Nora. She is my little warrior and I can’t wait for her to come of age and read the through the universe of emotions displayed throughout her characters fictional journey. I must add that writing has also been the most therapeutic action since the passing of my older brother, Paul. I’m also writing a story around a character inspired by him.  The very art of writing has shown me that a love for life, no matter how challenging it may be, is the key that unlocks the heart of my creativity. In total, I have maybe 18 different stories, 4 completed, and one about to be published. Within my universe of stories, I have created 9 different planets and over 80 characters. As a fan of many super heroes, I have also strayed away from creating copycat characters of one’s that already exist. There are no capes in my stories. But what is, are humans and other beings who experience impactful and emotional moments that either make you laugh, pull at your heart strings, have you eager for action or contemplate viewpoints beyond your own. I am positive readers will resonate with these people, because they are these people.

In my youth, I had no desire to write anything. But now I can’t stop and am currently 15,000 words in with writing the sequel to my first novel while it’s going through the editorial process with the publishers. I must also add, that my mother in law, Tammy also helped jump start this. She gave my daughter a small toy that I believed should go upon a board game, so I made one. And another, and hosted many board game gatherings at various social settings in Dallas, and even was lucky enough to take my business theme board game to Austin, TX for a company to host and play. My creation process to writing is very challenging to explain, because my board games, as well as the graphic art covers I create are all instrumental to my stories. I truly love how I’m learning to express life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

With no prior writing background or audience in that realm, deciding to just do so was extremely left field to my world that has comfortably known me for athletics, combat and strength training. Some would say that originally back in Highschool, those that played sports, weren’t the ones who were associated with those who were involved in journalism, playing board games or things of that nature.  So funny enough, my shift in interest was odd to bear witness to for me and everyone else. So I had to learn how to truly be my biggest supporter. A fan of what I’m working on and stay focused on the intent of the legacy I want to build for my children. But I must also share how grateful I am to see who supports these new chapters of my life and the new faces that have appeared. 

I also was using every bit of time to complete my first book, all while being a husband, father of two under 2, Son and brother. Life demands much. And less netflix and scrolling. But even as I held my son to feed him his bottle at 1am…I was writing, and now I know that I can do whatever I attach my heart to.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

So far, I’ve used any extra funds from my business as a Strength Training and Striking Coach to get clothing made with my art covers that are inspired by pivotal moments in the stories snd seeking those, publishing the book and building a website. That very same art will on display and for sale in an upcoming Art Show in Dallas, TX called Chocolate and Art Dallas, January 19th and January 20th on 816 Montgomery St.

Dallas, 75215. All of my creation,  circles back to my book(s). I’ve considered launching a Kickstarter for the marketing of my book and games, but time will tell!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: p4pboardgames
• Facebook: P4P Board Games
• Linkedin: https://linkfly.to/31102MRxxF5
• Twitter: Playing 4 People board games and short stories