Since publishing my young adult fantasy trilogy, the Heirs of Tenebris, I’ve taken a step back from writing…well that’s not exactly true because I did write a young adult fantasy-romance, but more on that later! During this break, I’ve been able to reflect on my publishing journey thus far and have really embraced this season of giving and gratitude.

If your first guess was me thanking my readers and anyone who’s taken a moment to chat with me about my books, you’re absolutely right! One of the things I think most authors are terrified of is whether or not people will be interested in their books or if anyone will actually take the time to read their words. That couldn’t be more true for me, but it was also the fear of putting myself out there and having to connect with people. I’ve never liked social media and I’ve always preferred books to people (a shocking fun fact about me, I’m sure 😉). In reality, meeting fellow bookworms and readers has been my favorite part of being a published young adult fantasy author. It’s become so humbling and amazing when I see familiar faces coming up to me at book signings or in my social media notifications. I’ll forever be grateful to my readers for taking a chance on me and my writing, and especially for their support throughout my publishing adventures!

With the romantasy WIP now complete and ready for its May 2025 publication date, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect and live in each moment. Normally this time of year, I’m sprinting through a “dead man draft” or completing my first read-through ahead of my revisions for draft two of my next novel. I’ll admit, it feels strange not to be drafting like I have for the past two Octobers, but it’s been nice to soak in the HallowThanksMas season. It’s given me the ability to plot out how I’m going to make this the best holiday season for my family. After all they’ve done for me since…well, since birth* (🧙‍♀️😉) it’s important to me to make sure they know how much they all mean to me. I’m sure they do, but still. An extra pie or special holiday surprise couldn’t hurt—and boy, do I have some aces up my sleeve this year!

When I think back on the seven years—oh how time flies!—of my publishing journey, I also think of all my teachers who supported my creativity, and especially my Creative Expressions teacher. Without their class, Fire & Flight probably wouldn’t exist or would still be sitting somewhere in the back corner of my mind. There’s also the amazing team of editors and project managers who helped me bring my Heirs of Tenebris trilogy through the publication process. I’m still blown away by the artwork created by the incredible artists who helped me to bring the world of Tenebris to life, including my cover designer, Marcella Thaler (who also did 90% of the artwork featured…well, everywhere😄). Gabi Hawkins and @tadpole_art (Instagram) were also amazing help in bringing the Delhart family and deities of Tenebris to life with spectacular artwork also featured in the trilogy’s companion guide, my social media, and my website!

I’m excited to see what the next chapter will bring for me and am beyond grateful to everyone who’s been a part of my journey so far. It’s been a dream and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity this season to really sit back and soak in all that’s happened these last three years. It’s crazy to think my journey started seven years ago and now I’ve been a published young adult fantasy author for three years! I can’t wait to share more stories and meet more readers, and am looking forward to the year to come. Happy holidays and warm wishes (from me and all of Tenebris) for the season!

_{*This is a reference to Wicked that I didn’t know I was going to make but it just fit so perfectly that I couldn’t help myself 😂 I’ve always loved Wicked and I’ve been living and breathing Wicked (okay so maybe I always am, but there’s a new wind in my sails!) since seeing the movie adaptation. This particular line can be heard in The Wizard and I for anyone who wants to check it out!}