From Marine to Unicorns: Meet Don Bishop

From playing clarinet for the United States Marine Corps to building cyber defenses as a warfare officer, Don Bishop has led a life most only read about. But it's his transition from those structured, high-intensity worlds into the boundless realm of epic fantasy storytelling that truly sets him apart.

In a recent interview, Don, author of the Nightshade Unicorn series and host of The Grind Hill Chronicles podcast, shared the remarkable path that led him to write about intelligent unicorns, a looming threat, and a world where magic is at once mystical and grounded.

"I want to create a fantasy story that was unmistakably mine," Don said. "So I started with something iconic - unicorns - and twisted it into something deeper, darker, and more meaningful."

And twist it he did. In his world, unicorns aren't rainbow-maned cliches, they're enigmatic, intelligent beings whose roles in protecting the realm stretch beyond myth. In fact, Don's unicorns are key players in an eternal struggle against a veiled evil that resurfaces across generations.

From Cybersecurity to Storycraft

Don's diverse background informs every corner of his storytelling. His time in music instilled an emotional cadence into his work, while military structure influenced how he frames conflict and discipline within his characters. A meaningful artifact, a flute passed down generations, serves as both a relic and a subtle piece of his evolving magic system.

"I wrote a melody for that flute," he said. "My wife wrote another version. We still need to record it for our Kickstarter backers - I'm behind, but it's coming."

Building a Legacy with Books and a Podcast

Don isn't just writing stories; he's building a world through multiple channels. His Grendhill Chronicles podcast explores storytelling, worldbuilding, and the often-overlooked challenges of indie publishing. He even runs a book giveaway with every episode, asking quirky questions like, "Who would be on your heist team and what would you steal?"

And for what surprised him the most on this journey?

"Imposter syndrome hit me hard when I finished my first manuscript," Don admitted. "It's one thing to talk about a story, another to realize it's real now, and it might not be good."

What's Next?

With two books out, a growing podcast, and a fan base intrigued by his serious take on unicorn lore, Don Bishop is just getting started. And for those wondering what he'd do if a Nightshade Unicorn appeared on his doorstep?

"Read book one and take your best guess," Don teased.

Whether you're a reader, writer, or just someone who loves a good transformation story, Don Bishop's journey proves that magic often starts in the most unexpected place, like a Marine Corps bus or a forgotten melody.

To learn more about Don and what he's up to, head on over to his author website at https://www.pedramon.com/