From Cybersecurity to Storytelling: Jamari Torian on Imagination, Discipline, and the Making of Sunder World

Every once in a while, I meet an author whose story reminds me why I started The Resilient Author Podcast in the first place. My conversation with Jamari Torian—who writes under the name Almighty Mari—was one of those moments. Jamari isn’t just a writer; he’s a cybersecurity professional, husband, and dreamer who turned a series of vivid dreams into a fully realized fantasy series called The Sunder World.

When I asked Jamari what his book was about, he described it as a story of survival—both for the characters in his fantasy world and for anyone navigating real-life struggles. Beneath the layers of action and adventure lies a message about resilience and the fight to overcome the obstacles that life throws at us. “No matter how tough things get, I want readers to find strength in their own lives,” he told me.

What stood out most was how his journey began—with a dream. Literally. He kept seeing recurring characters and places in his sleep, images that felt foreign yet deeply meaningful. When he shared the dreams with his wife, she suggested that maybe the story was asking to be written. That simple encouragement changed everything. He started writing without worrying about grammar or structure—just following the thread of imagination wherever it led. “I stopped caring about mistakes,” he said. “I just kept going.”

Like many first-time authors, Jamari faced self-doubt. As someone trained in cybersecurity, creative writing wasn’t the obvious path. “I didn’t believe in myself as a writer,” he admitted. But with the support of his wife, mother, and family, he pushed through that resistance. The people around him believed in him long before he did. One of his proudest moments came when his brother told him he was inspired to write a children’s book after seeing Jamari complete his own.

The writing process took around two months of revisions before his first volume was ready for release. His wife, a journalist, became his editor, helping refine the story while preserving his voice. Instead of waiting for a publishing deal, Jamari decided to take the indie route—self-publishing through Barnes & Noble. That choice gave him full creative control and opened the door to new opportunities, including a possible in-store book signing.

Since then, Jamari’s confidence as a writer has grown. He now sees his imagination as a gift and a tool for connection. He’s exploring new genres, like crime and mystery, and even considering turning The Sunder World into a manga or audiobook to reach more readers.

“Finishing this book showed me that I can do anything,” he said.

When I asked what advice he’d give to other aspiring authors, his answer was simple: don’t give up. He shared that his biggest regret was letting perfectionism stop him from creating when he was younger. “I used to hate making mistakes,” he said. “And because of that, I stopped writing, I stopped drawing. But now, I’m not giving up again.”

What I loved most about our conversation was Jamari’s humility. He isn’t chasing fame or validation—he’s creating because he has stories to tell. And that’s what being a resilient author is all about. He reminded me that imagination doesn’t fade with age; it just needs permission to speak.

If you’re interested in exploring Jamari’s world, you can find The Sunder World Vol. 2—which combines Volumes 1 and 2—on Barnes & Noble, or connect with him on Instagram at @sincerely_ja.

Jamari’s story is proof that creativity and resilience go hand in hand. Sometimes, all it takes is one dream—and the courage to believe it’s worth writing down.