Hello readers—my name is Anita D’Hondt, though in the world of fantasy fiction I go by my pen name, Ambrose Fider, author of The Crimson Legacy Series. I’d love to take a moment to introduce myself—not just as a writer, but as a woman, mother, healthcare worker, and indie author learning to navigate the ever-changing world of publishing.
My journey into creative writing started long before The Crimson Legacy came to life. As a child, I was drawn to storytelling and poetry, often pouring my thoughts into notebooks and journals. In my early twenties, I entered online poetry contests and was honored when a few of my pieces were selected for publication in anthologies. That small win planted a lasting seed—it told me that my words mattered.
Journaling became a lifeline, especially during some of life’s hardest moments. When we lost our son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), though today seems so long ago. Writing helped me cope. It gave me a space to say what I couldn’t out loud. It was healing, sacred, and personal. I found strength not just in the act of writing—but in the hope that one day, those words might help someone else, too.
I'm a proud mother of five and grandmother (Grammy) to three beautiful souls. My family is my anchor. And through everything, my husband has been my biggest supporter—the one who gently nudged me out of my comfort zone and into the public world of writing.
By day, I work in healthcare, specifically supporting individuals in the geriatric community. This work, though emotionally demanding, is deeply rewarding. Each day, I learn something new from the incredible people I serve—lessons in patience, resilience, and grace. I carry their stories with me, and I think that’s helped me become a better writer, too.
Writing The Crimson Legacy changed everything.
It took me out of hiding and gave me purpose beyond survival. This fantasy adventure wasn’t just a creative project—it was a rebirth. I never thought I’d stand tall and say, “I’m an author.” Yet here I am, doing just that.
Still, the road of an independent author isn’t easy. It’s overwhelming. You’re not just writing—you’re marketing, designing, building an audience, creating merch, running a business. The world of social media can feel impossibly loud, and I often feel like a whisper trying to be heard.
I don’t love making videos. I don’t want to perform—I just want people to connect with my work. I want them to know that behind every page, there’s heart and intention. And on the hard days—the days I think about giving up—it’s the people who inspired The Crimson Legacy that keep me going. Real people, real friends, real gamers who helped breathe life into the story. They gave me the courage to write it. They gave me hope.
If you’ve ever supported my journey, know this: I see you. I am grateful. Whether we meet in real life or not, you are part of something that helped me heal, grow, and step out of the shadows.
I still have more to write—another novel, more stories—and yes, some fears still linger. Life happens. Grief reappears. But as I’ve learned through writing, healing is never linear. And storytelling is one of the greatest gifts we have.
So here I am: a mother. wife, grandmother, healthcare worker, poet, and fantasy author. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my words find you when you need them most.
With love and gratitude, and until next time Lovelies,
Anita D’Hondt / Ambrose Fider
Author of The Crimson Legacy Series