Hello, everyone! I know that I’ve been a little scarce recently. I’d like to explain a little about what’s been going on.

So, last year, I finally published the second Wyld Magic book. My plan after that was to immediately write and publish the third book in that series. In fact, it was my 2016 NaNoWriMo project. I got off to a good start last November–and then came to a screeching halt after the outcome of the election on November 8.

Now, I realize I’m far from the only creative person who took a hiatus after that day. I had many friends who struggled after that event for months and some who continue to struggle today as our lives continue to be impacted by the changes in the U.S. I took some time to focus on the things that mattered the most: my friends and family. They reminded me that there will be setbacks but we will keep supporting each other and fighting to make the world a better place.

Then I tried to go back to writing Wyld Magic 3, but I couldn’t pick up the thread of the story again. I came back to it many times over the past six months. I have a substantial portion already written and most of the rest outlined, but I wasn’t making much progress. I just wasn’t having fun.

I finally realized that the Wyld Magic series is just too political for me right now. I see way too many stories about politics in the news every day–stories that frustrate, scare, anger, and sadden me. I tried to channel those feelings into my writing, but it didn’t work. Politics are the last thing that I want to think about. I don’t know when I’ll be ready to pick up Wyld Magic 3 again, but it probably won’t be for a while.

On to better news! I wanted to write a project that I could have fun with, something that sparked my enthusiasm for writing again. So I dusted off an old draft of Riwenne’s story, the most recent version of which is a YA steampunk fantasy novel. And I’ve been having fun again!

I don’t know what the title is, I haven’t written out the book blurb, and I don’t know when it will be finished. (Hopefully before the end of the year, but we’ll see how busy I get when my kid starts school again tomorrow.) But I can tell you that it involves a steampunk empire, a floating city, gods, magic, friendship, a talking animal mascot, and Saving the World from Certain Destruction. Also, there should be some tasty food along the way. If you liked Small Town Witch, then hopefully, you’ll like this book, too!

Stay tuned for more news about Riwenne’s story and future excerpts of the first draft here on the blog!