Wow, is it really January already? I feel like I sat down for NaNoWriMo in November and then didn’t surface until just now. I have some exciting news to share about the Shattered Legacy series, including the title reveal for book two, but first: A few quick updates, and then a look at what’s ahead. (Or you could just skip to the end, it’s not like I can stop you, haha!)

A Year in Review

So my 2022 was… It was A Year. The highs were incredibly high! But the lows were, well, not great. To spare you all the trauma-dumping, I won’t go into detail, but I experienced some personal losses that definitely slowed me down a bit and were a challenge to overcome. Some days, I still feel like I’m struggling with these losses, but I’m grateful for my amazing support network and my very understanding colleagues. But there is one really good loss I can talk about: Weight loss! I went on a very personal journey this year to improve my health and overall wellness, and I am just so pleased with the results! In total, I have lost fifty pounds, I have more energy, and I’ve learned to utilize healthier coping mechanisms in response to stress and anxiety. This has been a very personal struggle for me, and while I know there is still more work to be done, I wanted to take this moment and be proud of myself for accomplishing this much.

The ultimate high point of 2022 was, of course, the release “Crystal Awakening,” the first book of my newest series, Shattered Legacy! This series is a collaboration with Andrew Rowe, set in the world of his Arcane Ascension series, and after two years of keeping this project under wraps, it was such a relief and a joy to finally be able to talk about it! Ever since we first started talking about this series, I have been looking forward to participating in a live Q&A in the community Discord, and that dream came true for me this year! It’s been so amazing, connecting with readers through Discord, Twitter, email, and even on my favorite writing website: 4TheWords. The best part of my year wouldn’t have happened if not for all of you, so thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!

The release of “Crystal Awakening” also represents the achievement of one of my lifelong goals: writing a traditionally published novel. As a self-published author, I didn’t know what to expect from my partnership with Podium Audio, but if I’d had expectations, the team at Podium would have blown them away. Working up to the release of “Crystal Awakening” was SUCH an amazing experience, I felt so welcome and supported, and everything was just so streamlined and perfect! I got to be involved in everything, from the editing process to the cover art, and from the narrators to the advertising, and it was all just super extraordinary. I’m just so excited and honored to continue working with Podium on each book of the Shattered Legacy series.

A Look Ahead

Enough about 2022, what’s coming up in 2023?

I’m so glad you asked! I have a few fun things planned, which I’ll go into more detail about as details firm up, but in short, I’m really hoping to start attending conventions again! Ever since the lockdown in 2020, I’ve been incredibly anxious about going out into in public and especially nervous about traveling, but I’ve been working through it and I think I’m ready to begin venturing outside again. I haven’t confirmed any travel plans yet, but once I do, I’ll be sure to share those plans here!

I’m also just hoping to be more social in general, so you may see me expanding onto more social media platforms (or maybe I’ll actually try using the ones I have already, haha!)

I am also really hopeful that this will be the year that I finally complete a full draft of book four of the Mage-Born Chronicles. I’ve hit some road blocks on this book, not just in plot and perspective, but also just in finding the time to really focus on this project. I can’t wait to get back to Reshi and Kestral, and to get this final book of the series out and into the hands of my readers. Thank you all for your patience with me! I promise to make it worth the wait.

And here’s the update I know you’re all very excited about: The status of book two in the Shattered Legacy series!

It is with great pleasure (and relief!) that I can now say the first draft of Shattered Legacy Two is now complete! After a weekend of late-night edits, the manuscript received its stamp of approval to make its way out to the beta readers for feedback. If everything goes according to plan, it should hopefully be available later this year! (Psst! I’ve seen the cover art for this one – it’s awesome!!)

And now, the announcement you’ve been waiting for! The official title for the second book of the Shattered Legacy series is…

(Drum roll please)

Phantom Chamber

I can’t wait to tell you more about it! I hope you’re just as excited as I am for the next part of this adventure!