There are certain moments that just stay with you. For me, standing inside a Barnes & Noble, speaking to people about my own book, is one of them.

I want to sincerely thank the teams at the Barnes & Noble stores in Ledgewood and Morris Plains, New Jersey. What you gave me was more than just space in a store. You gave me an opportunity I don’t take lightly.

I grew up going to Barnes & Noble. Walking through those aisles, picking up books, getting lost in stories… I never imagined I’d one day be there as an author, having conversations about something I created. That part still doesn’t feel real sometimes.

What made these experiences special wasn’t just the signing itself. It was the connection. The conversations. The people who stopped, asked questions, shared their thoughts, or just listened. That means everything to me.

I know not every door is easy to open. Some stores are selective, some are harder to connect with, and I understand that. But the ones that welcomed me in showed something powerful. They showed what it means to truly support local authors. And that personal touch makes all the difference.

Destroyer took me 18 years to bring to life. Eighteen years of ideas, growth, setbacks, and persistence. Then Creator came just two years later. That alone says a lot about how much this journey has changed me.

One of the things people connect with the most is that I created this alongside my daughter, who designed the cover. That part is personal. It’s not just about the story inside the book, it’s about what it represents for me as a father, as a creator, and as someone who wanted to build something meaningful with family.

Sometimes I write in a traditional way, but more often, when ideas start building in my head, I grab my phone, open my notes, and start telling the story so I don’t lose it. Later, I go back, review those thoughts, and bring them to life on the computer.

And a lot of what I write comes from my life. Growing up as a CODA, with hearing-impaired parents, gave me a deep sense of emotion and awareness. That stays with me. It’s in my characters. Their struggles, their strength, their love… all of it carries pieces of who I am.

When someone reads my work, I don’t just want them to follow the story. I want them to feel it. I want them to hold onto the characters, to connect with them, and to see parts of themselves in that journey.

At the end of the day, yes, I want people to read the book. Of course. But for me, it goes beyond that. It’s about connection. Real connection. The kind you can’t fake.

I’m grateful for every conversation, every moment, every person who stopped and gave me their time.

And I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.

Creator is almost here, and I can honestly say… it takes everything to another level. I’m excited, I’m a little nervous, but more than anything, I’m ready to share it.

Thank you again to Barnes & Noble for giving me this opportunity, and to everyone who has supported me along the way.

This is just the beginning.

— Anthony Segarra