It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything here, and I know that silence can feel loud — especially when you’re waiting on the next book.

When The Woods (day job) went into off-season back in November, I told myself this was it. The quiet stretch. The time I’d finally be able to sit down and really sink into Shadowed Truths. And then life laughed.

November turned into Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving into Christmas.

Christmas into New Year’s.

New Year’s into my birthday.

It’s been nonstop. One thing bleeding into the next, barely enough room to breathe, let alone write.

And in the middle of it all. I got COVID again (for the fourth time).

That’s the part that really threw everything sideways.

This round triggered a worsening flare of my dysautonomia, and I’m now officially dealing with full-blown POTS. Which means a lot of adjustments — to my schedule, my expectations, my body. Writing doesn’t look the same when your nervous system refuses to cooperate. Sitting for long stretches isn’t always an option. Focus comes and goes. Energy has to be rationed.

So this book is moving much slower than Marked by Fate did. I had that manuscript done in two weeks (I KNOW, that's crazy).

But slower doesn’t mean abandoned.

I do have the first four chapters finished. And the entire outline? Locked in, start to finish... no uncertainty there. The story knows exactly where it’s going — I just need the space and stamina to flesh out the rest of the chapters.

That part is happening. Even if it’s happening in smaller pieces than I’d hoped. Shadowed Truths is still scheduled to release on November 10, 2026. That hasn’t changed. It’s just becoming a walk instead of a sprint.

If you’re someone who likes to peek behind the scenes, there is a way to follow along with the writing process — and honestly, it’s become one of my favorite parts of this whole thing.

The Shadowed Truths playlist grows as the book grows.

Every chapter gets dedicated songs. Every time you see new tracks added, it means a chapter has been finished. And every song is tied to that chapter in some way — emotionally, thematically, character-wise. It’s not random. It’s very intentional.

So if you want a first feel for where the story is heading — the tone, the tension, the heartbreak — keep an eye on the playlist. Either through the dedicated page on my site or by following it on Spotify.

And if you haven’t read Marked by Fate yet, this is actually a really good time to start. Book One isn’t a placeholder. It’s the foundation for everything Shadowed Truths is about to pull apart.

I also want to say something I’ve always been pretty upfront about, even if it feels a little uncomfortable to say out loud. Being an indie author means balancing passion with reality. The more Marked by Fate reaches new readers — through sales, shares, word of mouth — the more time I can realistically devote to writing instead of having to split my energy in ten other directions just to keep things afloat. That’s not me asking anyone to “line my pockets.” That’s just the honest math of being independent.

If you’ve loved the book, telling a friend about it matters.

Sharing it on social media matters.

Recommending it to a reader who might need it matters.

All of that helps more than you probably realize.

I don’t have any big flashy update right now. No surprise drop. Just this: the story is still being written. Even when life keeps getting in the way. Even when my body makes it harder than it should be. I’m still here, and the book is still coming.

And I’m endlessly grateful — for the patience, the support, the quiet encouragement in between.