Between the Shadows and the Fae: A Little News from My Writing Desk
There are times when being a writer feels a little like living several lives at once. One moment, I'm wandering through the darker corners of a fictional town, the next I'm standing in the middle of an enchanted kingdom, trying to decide which character is about to turn everyone's world upside down.
And lately? I've been doing quite a bit of both.
It's been a busy, emotional, and creatively exciting time, so I thought it was time to share a little of what's happening behind the scenes!
First, let's talk about Closer...
Halloween brought the release of something a little different from what many of you may know me for: my psychological horror novel, Closer.
This story was a particularly personal undertaking. I wanted to explore grief, loss, and the terrifying possibility that sometimes the things we desperately wish would return are the very things we should fear.
At its heart, Closer is about a man named Ezra, whose world falls apart after the tragic loss of his fiancée. But grief has a strange way of changing the world around us, and before long, Ezra begins experiencing things he cannot explain. Is he losing his mind? Is someone trying to reach him from beyond the grave? Or is something else entirely beginning to take notice of him?
And then there's the town itself.
Some places have histories they'd rather keep buried. Ezra's hometown has more than its fair share of missing persons, and the deeper he looks, the harder it becomes to separate the past from the things happening right in front of him.
I wanted this book to be unsettling, emotional, and just a little heartbreaking. Not simply a story about being frightened, but one that leaves you thinking about it long after you've turned the final page.
If you haven't discovered Closer yet, I'd love for you to give it a look. And if you've already picked it up, shared it, or told someone about it, please know that every bit of support means more than you might realize.
Sometimes grief doesn't let go. Sometimes it gets closer.
Meanwhile, back in the Underworld...
As if one fictional world weren't enough to keep me occupied, I'm also diving headfirst into the next installment of The Fae Chronicles!
The first book, The Fae Chronicles: Battle for the Underworld, introduced readers to Vanessa, a world she never knew existed, and a kingdom whose secrets, loyalties, and ancient magic are far more complicated than they first appear.
And now, things are changing.
The events following the first book have left the realms facing an entirely different future. Old leadership has fallen, new alliances must be forged, and the responsibility of rebuilding trust has landed on the shoulders of those who never imagined they'd be carrying it.
Queen Esta has her work cut out for her. There are kingdoms to rebuild, laws to reconsider, old trade routes to reopen, and wounds that cannot simply be healed by declaring peace.
Some characters are still wrestling with grief. Others are learning what it means to forgive, to trust again, and to build something worth protecting.
And, of course, there are new beginnings. New families, new responsibilities, and a few little surprises along the way.
But here's something I've learned about writing fantasy: just because a kingdom finds peace doesn't mean its troubles are over.
In fact, sometimes peace is simply the quiet before something much bigger begins.
I'm still working through the direction of this next book, developing its characters, expanding the mythology, and figuring out exactly how all the pieces fit together. There are some exciting developments ahead, and I cannot wait to share more when the time is right.
I won't give away too much just yet. I rather enjoy keeping a few secrets tucked away in the Royal Archives.
A little reminder from your resident world-builder
One thing I've come to appreciate about writing is that every book takes on a life of its own.
Some stories arrive quietly and grow into something much bigger than expected. Others demand to be written, refusing to leave you alone until you've given them somewhere to go.
Closer was one of those stories. So was The Fae Chronicles. And every book I've published carries a little piece of the time, imagination, and heart that went into creating it.
Independent publishing isn't always easy. There are quiet launches, unexpected hurdles, long writing days, and moments when you wonder whether anyone is actually listening.
But there are also wonderful readers, kind words, unexpected connections, and the opportunity to create something that might mean something to someone else.
That's the part I keep coming back for.
So, whether you've followed my writing for years or have only recently stumbled across one of my books, thank you for being here. If you've read something I've written, I'd love to hear what you thought. If you haven't yet, perhaps one of these worlds is waiting for you.
And if you enjoy following along with my writing adventures, sharing my posts, recommending a book, or leaving a review, those little things can make an enormous difference for an independent author.
For now, I'll be somewhere between a haunted little town and a kingdom full of Fae, probably with far too many notes scattered across my desk.
If you're interested in checking out any of my books, I currently have 4 available. All digital copies are only 99 cents, and I am currently working to get the physical copy of Closer released soon. Hoping to be out next week!
Closer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HP89P2FH
Shadows of Willow's Creek: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H5M7XQLJ
The Fae Chronicles: Battle for the Underworld: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8M9B82X
Selkie's Storm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZW9Z5Z5
Until next time, keep your lanterns lit, your secrets close, and remember...
Not every story ends when the book closes.
Love,
Joli <3
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