2023: wrap up edition
2023 is about over, and it’s time to wrap up everything that happened this year! Without further ado, let’s get into some progress reports and housekeeping!
The Shadow Sequence
This year I published my debut epic grimdark fantasy novel, Heir of Fates! It’s the first book in The Shadow Sequence, and you can order it right here. I’m so proud of this book of my heart.
In 2023, I also wrote and edited Vessel of Shadows, the second book in The Shadow Sequence which you can preorder right here, and add to Goodreads. I revealed the cover, and it went amazingly!
I did start drafting The Shadow Sequence #3 this year and made it 50k into the novel. I plan on focusing on finishing books 3 & 4 in the new year. I am so excited to dive back in and bring everyone to tears over this series (cue evil laughter). Thank you to everyone who supported The Shadow Sequence this year, I am indebted to you forever.
The Snow Thief’s Amulet
Meg Smitherman and I teamed up to bring you all a set of standalone romantic fantasy novels with wintery settings and hot assassins called The Iceblood Duet. The Snow Thief’s Amulet releases February 13th (just in time for the smooching holiday), and you can preorder it here or add it to Goodreads.
In the meantime, check out this amazing art that Meg did of Nivia and Thane, the main characters of The Snow Thief’s Amulet.
Other Projects
Above the Oculus: I announced the title to this standalone nobledark prequel to The Shadow Sequence. All I have revealed about the story so far is that it follows our main character, Mavis, and is set in a library. I re-drafted and edited this story so many times this year, and I hope to bring it to you in Fall of 2024!
Between the Reveries: This novel was the other half of Above the Oculus initially. Unfortunately, I realized that the stories served different purposes. I’ve expanded out the main character’s story in this novel, moved the timeline, and now it’s a large sweeping epic fantasy story that I hope to write the rest of soon. I do not anticipate circling back around to this novel anytime soon though 50k words of it are written.
From the Dragon’s Slaughter: For those who have been here for a while, you will remember that this was my April book project. I wrote around 70k words of this novel before pulling back and realizing it was going to be more epic in scope than I’d imagined going into it. Which means it needs a new outline. This novel takes place around 4,000 years after The Shadow Sequence and it is set in an entirely new solar system. It is grimdark and deeply analytical of religion. I’m very excited to get back around to this novel. This will be the next standalone I work on (probably in the tail end of 2024).
Project Fairy: A fun side project that turned into a small novella. I outlined and wrote the first 10k words before switching back to an editing project. I deeply love the whimsical peacefulness of this story, but my grimdark heart needed something darker for the winter season. Perhaps it will get finished next summer!
Other Other Works: I have 20+ novel ideas up my sleeves (and in my notes app, yes that’s a lot but many are series), but there are three standalones that are screaming at me to focus on (one with a friend). But, my goal is to take a step back and work on one project at a time next year. My hopes (which I will dive into in my “what to expect in 2024” newsletter) are that I can finish my series, binge write some standalones, and then undertake my next big sweeping series (hint: it’s a long one).
Anyway, I hope this wrapped up my writing year nicely for you. I can’t wait to see what 2024 brings to the table. Hopefully plenty of amazing words.
See you in 2024, xx,
Rowan