From IT Manager to LitRPG Hero: Steve Harthun on Ashes of Vaeltharion

In this episode, we sit down with debut author Steve Harthun to discuss his gritty LitRPG progression fantasy series, Ashes of Vaeltharion. Steve introduces us to Burden of Fate, where a washed-up Army Ranger from Kentucky is ripped into a brutal world with nothing but guilt, addiction, and survival instincts. No chosen-one tropes here — just hard-earned power, tactical combat, dark fantasy, and a world where magic has strict rules and weakness gets you killed. We dive into Steve’s journey from IT manager and father of eight to published author, his time on Royal Road, building ruthless progression systems, writing flawed and broken heroes, and the heavy themes of trauma, redemption, and resilience that fuel the series. Whether you’re a fan of Dungeon Crawler Carl, grimdark fantasy, or stories where every level comes at a real cost, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of world-building details. Tune in for a raw, honest look at what it takes to create a compelling new voice in LitRPG and progression fantasy. Available now on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and Audible.

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