South Florida author Darrin Matthew Peppers, a single father raising his autistic daughter, spent two years rebuilding his debut novel despite severe vision loss and financial hardship.
CORAL SPRINGS, FL, November 10, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- After nearly twenty years developing his supernatural adventure series, Darrin Matthew Peppers published Caleb & Bastet: Recognition — Volume One in October 2026. The legally blind author, who reports no functional vision in one eye and approximately 10% remaining in the other, has launched a $10,000 GoFundMe for eye evaluations, potential surgery, and related medical expenses.
"Before you give me a dollar, I'd rather you read my work," Peppers says. Readers can immediately access the free Prologue through Chapter Three at CalebAndBastet.com without registering, donating, or making a purchase.
Twenty Years of Storytelling, Two Years of Reconstruction
Peppers began developing the fictional universe in 2009, sharing his early stories with his mother, Brenda, an avid reader who later passed away from cancer. He later reimagined his protagonist as an adult, drawing selectively on earlier manuscripts. Rebuilding book one between 2024 and 2026 involved extensive rewriting, character development, continuity revisions, and professional human editing. The story, characters, mythology, and creative direction originated with Peppers, whose work began long before today's generative technology existed.
For years, Peppers worked independently from home in website development, SEO, graphic design, and digital advertising so he could care for his autistic daughter, whom he has raised alone since 2015 and homeschooled from ninth grade. As his eyesight deteriorated and his daughter required medical care, he lost client income, postponed his own treatment, and used retirement savings to support their household.
Determined to finish his novel, Peppers dictated original chapters into his phone during early-morning walks through the Florida Everglades. He later used accessibility software, transcription tools, and editorial assistance to review and refine his writing, sentence by sentence.
Original Artwork, Modern Tools, and Creative Independence
Long before publication, Peppers developed original character concepts, hand-drawn illustrations, and designs for his fictional universe. Early sketches of Caleb, Bastet, and the specialized CatPack equipment helped establish the series' visual identity. Bastet, the novel's feline co-star, was modeled after Peppers' own black-and-white tuxedo cat, whose distinctive appearance is faithfully reflected in the final character artwork.
As his eyesight deteriorated, Peppers increasingly relied on voice dictation, digital design software, and AI-assisted tools for continuity checks and promotional artwork. The novel's story, characters, mythology, and creative direction are his original work, developed over nearly twenty years and refined through extensive revisions and professional human editing.
Some criticism arose when viewers encountered AI-assisted artwork in promotional videos and advertisements and assumed the novel itself had been generated by artificial intelligence. Peppers emphasizes that the promotional imagery is separate from the writing process and that his original hand-drawn character concepts helped shape the visual identity of the series.
"Using technology doesn't erase twenty years of creativity," Peppers says. "All I ask is that readers judge the story after giving it a chance."
A Medical Need and an Invitation to Read
A January 2025 University of Miami Health System estimate listed $31,822 in estimated charges and $9,200 in patient responsibility under Peppers' former insurance. Now uninsured, he needs updated examinations and pricing; actual costs may be higher. GoFundMe contributions are intended solely for eye treatment and directly related medical expenses, not publishing or advertising.
The complete novel is available on Amazon, with additional series manuscripts in development. Readers can explore the free preview or learn about the medical fundraiser through the links below.
"I lost the business. I lost most of my sight. I didn't lose the story."
About Darrin Matthew Peppers
Darrin Matthew Peppers is a South Florida independent author and former digital marketing professional creating the planned Caleb & Bastet supernatural adventure series while raising his daughter.
Website: https://calebandbastet.com
Free Preview: https://calebandbastet.com/read-free-preview/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HL41ZCLW
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-legally-blind-dad-get-eye-surgery
Media Contact: info@calebandbastet.com
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