Jason Piggott's Blog - Posts Tagged "creative-process"
The Making of Resurgence: A 25-Year Journey
The Making of Resurgence
A Personal Journey Through History, Vision, and Persistence
Origins & Inspiration
Over twenty-five years ago, the seed for this story took root. Back then, I was a sales engineer travelling across southern England—pre sat-nav, pre-mobile phones. My solitary drives often took me past Stonehenge and through Avebury, where the ancient standing stones stirred something mystical in me.
One such journey along the A303 sparked a vivid, cinematic scene in my mind: screeching tyres, shattered glass, a fireball swallowing a fuel tanker. I saw the full inciting incident. At first I had loose ideas—aliens, underground caverns, spaceships, and explosions. No real depth, and not character-driven, just raw energy. But once I put pen to paper, the story evolved, and the characters took shape.
Research & World-building
Before and during the writing process, I immersed myself in research. I studied RAF Typhoon fighter jets, British Army operations, and even the behaviour of wasps. And before anyone says, “Wasps have no purpose, unlike bees”—please dig deeper. Their struggle is real, and their behaviour around sweet foods has a fascinating biological basis.
I visited Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape, often dragging my partner and kids along for the ride. The smaller Bluestones in the inner circle always made me wonder: why these specific stones, dragged almost 200 miles from the Preseli Hills in Wales? Did they not passed other suitable stones along the way? I created a reason behind this incredible feat, and expanding on the mystery of the monument. Like, how did ancient humans discover the Bluestones’ ability to block the Sekta mind probe? Did someone tell them about the stones hidden power? And if so, who?
Wookey Hole caves also played a major role. I visited multiple times to immerse myself in the environment, capturing images that later helped shape the cover and promotional imagery.
The monument and the caves inspired my creativity—one a force of nature, the other a testament to human will. They reminded me to marvel at life and strive for greatness.
The Sekta & Neo
As the pages formed, I realised a more natural threat fit my ancient theme. Enter the Sekta: a dormant species of arthropods, operating as a social hive like ants or bees. They’ve been here longer than man, arriving as single cells drifting through the cosmic dust that birthed the universe.
I didn’t want mindless monsters. That’s where Neo came in—the mystery man. In early drafts, he was a prisoner helping the survivors escape. But he evolved into something far more complex: a scheming, manipulative, tragic antagonist. The colony changed him, and he changed the colony.
In the first draft, I wrote a 4,000-word backstory for Neo, centred around the construction of Stonehenge, however, slowed the main narrative, so I pulled it—but it’s safe on my computer, waiting to be explored. He’s had a rich and colourful life. I shouldn’t have a favourite character, but…
Henry & the Power of Memory
Working as a head chef in care homes exposed me to the devastating effects of dementia. I saw how it steals moments, identities, and connections. It made me value the now, and I must live each day to its fullest.
In Resurgence, I turned Henry’s dementia into his greatest strength. The Sekta can’t control him because the part of the brain they manipulate has been affected. His vulnerability becomes his shield. I pay tribute to those I’ve known and cared for, and this reminds me that even in decline, people can find dignity and strength. For more information, or if you’re caring for someone affected by dementia, visit www.dementiauk.org for support and resources.
Ellen, Billy & the Cost of Connection
Ellen was supposed to escape the colony a better reporter—sharper, more seasoned. But as the story unfolded, she discovered something deeper: tending to the injured, connecting with survivors, and witnessing raw humanity proved far more rewarding than chasing headlines.
Her relationship with Billy was another challenge. Should the spark they felt in the beginning lead to love? In the end, however, Ellen’s entanglement with Neo extinguished any chance of a happy ending. The thrill of this mystery man led her astray, and she paid the price.
Building the Cast
I built a cast of flawed characters, each carrying more baggage into the depths than they could bear. My biggest challenge was making them a group—perhaps a reflection of my introverted nature. I’m the one at the edge of the gathering, deep in a one-to-one, never centre stage of a group discussion.
Physical descriptions are minimal. I believe our actions are more important than physical attributes. Our character and emotional imprint are what others remember long after hair colour or eye shade fades. Every character carries pieces of me—my stubbornness, naivety, courage, fear, and hope.
Crafting the Book
This journey has been one of stress, discovery, pride, and persistence. I’ve changed careers, supported my family, and faced personal trials, therefor my only creative window often would be the dead of night.
Each stage required new skills—writing, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing. It’s been stressful, but rewarding. The story structure has changed little since the first draft, but the writing has evolved—from basic descriptions to vivid action and raw emotions.
Want to preview the first five chapters? Visit shadowcolonymedia.com/resurgence for the interactive Biblet experience.
A Personal Journey Through History, Vision, and Persistence
Origins & Inspiration
Over twenty-five years ago, the seed for this story took root. Back then, I was a sales engineer travelling across southern England—pre sat-nav, pre-mobile phones. My solitary drives often took me past Stonehenge and through Avebury, where the ancient standing stones stirred something mystical in me.
One such journey along the A303 sparked a vivid, cinematic scene in my mind: screeching tyres, shattered glass, a fireball swallowing a fuel tanker. I saw the full inciting incident. At first I had loose ideas—aliens, underground caverns, spaceships, and explosions. No real depth, and not character-driven, just raw energy. But once I put pen to paper, the story evolved, and the characters took shape.
Research & World-building
Before and during the writing process, I immersed myself in research. I studied RAF Typhoon fighter jets, British Army operations, and even the behaviour of wasps. And before anyone says, “Wasps have no purpose, unlike bees”—please dig deeper. Their struggle is real, and their behaviour around sweet foods has a fascinating biological basis.
I visited Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape, often dragging my partner and kids along for the ride. The smaller Bluestones in the inner circle always made me wonder: why these specific stones, dragged almost 200 miles from the Preseli Hills in Wales? Did they not passed other suitable stones along the way? I created a reason behind this incredible feat, and expanding on the mystery of the monument. Like, how did ancient humans discover the Bluestones’ ability to block the Sekta mind probe? Did someone tell them about the stones hidden power? And if so, who?
Wookey Hole caves also played a major role. I visited multiple times to immerse myself in the environment, capturing images that later helped shape the cover and promotional imagery.
The monument and the caves inspired my creativity—one a force of nature, the other a testament to human will. They reminded me to marvel at life and strive for greatness.
The Sekta & Neo
As the pages formed, I realised a more natural threat fit my ancient theme. Enter the Sekta: a dormant species of arthropods, operating as a social hive like ants or bees. They’ve been here longer than man, arriving as single cells drifting through the cosmic dust that birthed the universe.
I didn’t want mindless monsters. That’s where Neo came in—the mystery man. In early drafts, he was a prisoner helping the survivors escape. But he evolved into something far more complex: a scheming, manipulative, tragic antagonist. The colony changed him, and he changed the colony.
In the first draft, I wrote a 4,000-word backstory for Neo, centred around the construction of Stonehenge, however, slowed the main narrative, so I pulled it—but it’s safe on my computer, waiting to be explored. He’s had a rich and colourful life. I shouldn’t have a favourite character, but…
Henry & the Power of Memory
Working as a head chef in care homes exposed me to the devastating effects of dementia. I saw how it steals moments, identities, and connections. It made me value the now, and I must live each day to its fullest.
In Resurgence, I turned Henry’s dementia into his greatest strength. The Sekta can’t control him because the part of the brain they manipulate has been affected. His vulnerability becomes his shield. I pay tribute to those I’ve known and cared for, and this reminds me that even in decline, people can find dignity and strength. For more information, or if you’re caring for someone affected by dementia, visit www.dementiauk.org for support and resources.
Ellen, Billy & the Cost of Connection
Ellen was supposed to escape the colony a better reporter—sharper, more seasoned. But as the story unfolded, she discovered something deeper: tending to the injured, connecting with survivors, and witnessing raw humanity proved far more rewarding than chasing headlines.
Her relationship with Billy was another challenge. Should the spark they felt in the beginning lead to love? In the end, however, Ellen’s entanglement with Neo extinguished any chance of a happy ending. The thrill of this mystery man led her astray, and she paid the price.
Building the Cast
I built a cast of flawed characters, each carrying more baggage into the depths than they could bear. My biggest challenge was making them a group—perhaps a reflection of my introverted nature. I’m the one at the edge of the gathering, deep in a one-to-one, never centre stage of a group discussion.
Physical descriptions are minimal. I believe our actions are more important than physical attributes. Our character and emotional imprint are what others remember long after hair colour or eye shade fades. Every character carries pieces of me—my stubbornness, naivety, courage, fear, and hope.
Crafting the Book
This journey has been one of stress, discovery, pride, and persistence. I’ve changed careers, supported my family, and faced personal trials, therefor my only creative window often would be the dead of night.
Each stage required new skills—writing, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing. It’s been stressful, but rewarding. The story structure has changed little since the first draft, but the writing has evolved—from basic descriptions to vivid action and raw emotions.
Want to preview the first five chapters? Visit shadowcolonymedia.com/resurgence for the interactive Biblet experience.
