Oh my god, my first newsletter has officially landed! I don’t know about you, but January has felt about 12 weeks long. I feel as though I’ve done so much, yet so little at the same time! But WELCOME to my ramblings and inner thoughts (and key updates, obviously), I’m so glad that you’re here on this journey with me.
So what’s been happening?
Book 2 of The Azarian Saga
First off, I’m thrilled to say that book 2 of the Azarian Saga is currently with my editor for its developmental edit. Eeeeek! There’s something about writing the second book of a series that feels so daunting. Wondering whether you’re doing your characters justice, whether your readers will love it as much as the first book. Trying to remember all your character’s nuances, scents, taglines and so on because you still haven’t made your master spreadsheet - yes I’m calling myself out here.
Despite the never ending pit of doubt and worry, I LOVE the second book so much. I had this book’s plot in mind, and its ending when I wrote Daughter of the Dark Sea, and cannot wait to share it all with you this year!
Yes . . . THIS YEAR.
Secondly, I’m broadening my horizons, and will be attending a few events this year! As an anxiety-riddled person, this definitely comes with its challenges, but I cannot wait to meet readers in person. I couldn’t go into 2026 without giving myself some kind of stress, and also decided to design everything for the events. I’ve put in a few late shifts, but honestly can say I’m super proud of everything I’ve done. It’s been a steep learning curve, but nothing is ever too much when it’s your dream.
My pre-orders are live on Beventi for: Lit & Light Book Signing, and Fiction Fest. You can pick yourself up a signed paperback copy of Daughter of the Dark Sea, along with bookmarks, character art and stickers. I hope to see some of you there!
Passion for reading
On top of my very busy schedule, I have a strong goal of falling back in love with reading this year. For me, once I became an author, reading changed. I started analysing the books I was reading, and it became harder to immerse myself into the worlds. I fell into a reading slump, nearly giving up.
But this year, I want to reconnect with myself. 2025 was tough, and 2026 is going to be an even harder year. But I refuse to sacrifice things anymore. Amazingly, I’ve read FIVE books in January (might be the most books I’ve read ever in a month??). How did I do this? Well . . . I’m embracing mood reading, instead of restricting myself to one book at a time. I also finally got a KU subscription! Shocking I know. An indie author who uses KU didn’t have a personal reading KU.
What I’m MOST happy about is falling back in love with PNR. I picked up Bride, not really thinking anything of it, and now I am feral for more werewolf/vampire romance. I feel like I’m 15 again. A friend recommended I try the Omegaverse, and Lola & the Millionaires completely blew my mind.
I’m even in a place where I have ‘hopefuls’. As someone who’s browsed Bookstagram and BookTok a lot, I always used to think, how can you be hopeful about what to read next month? (Especially as a chronological reader). Well, now I get it. As you can see they’re mostly indie books - I just love reading my fellow indie’s book babies!
Daughter of the Dark Sea
Character Art Reveal!
Surprise! I’ve been holding onto a couple small pieces of character art! I’ll be revealing these online in February, but couldn’t resist offering you an exclusive subscriber sneak peek.
Samuel and Aryn are the bromance that I didn’t see coming. I wrote them in on a whim at the beginning of Daughter Dark Sea. They had never been planned, and they ended up (especially Aryn) becoming some of my favourite characters. I couldn’t imagine the Azarian Islands without them! I can’t wait for you to see how their arcs develop in book 2, but for now, enjoy some simplistic character art of the men who stole my heart.
What was in the letter?
Finally, as we come to a close, I leave you with a mini Daughter of the Dark Sea insight. As a reader, I always wonder what are the extra things authors sometimes brush over (word counts are tough!). So, I’m bringing it all to you here.
Take a look below to see the letter Blake wrote Erick from the start of the book, and the beginning of his fall from the loyal arms of Captain Kora Cadell. The FMC who strives for fair justice, truth, and family.
Until next time, dear reader.
Don’t let the world conquer you. 💙
