When I decided to write my first novel, the plan was not to start a series. I was going to write a novel to see if I even had a voice. After it was published, people loved the love relationship between the two main characters. I got many requests from readers asking what happened to the couple. I decided to write a second book to answer that question. Then, as with the first book when it was published. Readers wanted a third book. Then again, after the third book, readers were attached to the...

Becoming a writer isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, observation, and learning how to translate life into words. In the Relatable Voice Magazine – Issue #44 (April 2026), author Verlin Darrow shares insights from his journey that go beyond writing. Darrow emphasizes observation as the foundation of storytelling. Writers who pay attention to human behavior—tone, gestures, and subtle reactions—create more believable narratives. He also highlights consistency over inspiration....

Knowing that I would one day “have to leave” South Africa shaped my life the way pruning a Bonsai tree alters its growth habit.