The journey.

Those who know me know that I'm an avid golfer, sports enthusiast, designer, video game nerd and fantasy/romantasy fan.

So when exactly did I decide to start writing?

Most people were surprised to hear that I was writing a book (series). My "about me" section will explain how this all happened - but basically it boils down to me being a huge fan of fantasy (games and books - we're talking Wheel of Time / Mistborn / Lord of the Rings / The Witcher / World of Warcraft, etc etc) as well as a sap for a good romance.

One thing I always found with those epic fantasies were that they lacked the emotional connection of a well developed romantic relationship. That's where the romantasy genre comes in - blending those two worlds. Once I discovered this, I found my people. I read a sh*t ton of these books. Gobbled them up. Enemies to lovers? Sign me up. "Who did this to you?" all for it. Badass FMC needs to save the world? Yes.

There are some wonderful authors out there keeping me (and BookTok) fed right now. But I also noticed that the more I read, the weaker some of the fantasy elements were. Questionable plots, underdeveloped worldbuilding, etc. So I really wanted to tell a story that bridged the epic fantasy without sacrificing the romance.

As far as what that story was? It was never a question. It's the same story that's been in my head for years. It wasn't until I went down this road that I realized I could and should write it out. I had never thought about writing a novel before but after all this, it just felt right. So I sat down and got to work.

I started by writing down a few brief paragraphs outlining the overall story. I always knew the beginning, the middle and the end (and a few key scenes throughout) and the characters. Then I set to work on worldbuilding and developing the magic system (which I did end up changing after 2 rounds of edits).

After that, I just starting writing. I'm a panster writer. (Fly by the seat of your pants). I knew who my characters were and where I needed them to go, but as far as how they were getting there? No idea. I discovered it as I went. That was how I plotted it all out.

I basically wrote about half a million words (what would've amounted to 3.5 books worth) in about 6 months. This was all a discovery draft to work out what exactly was happening. And then I hit a bit of a wall.

It was my magic system and some convoluted plot elements that I'd worked in that were not working for me. So I focused on and overhauled the magic system - making it more unique. By doing that, it forced me to have to go back to book 1 and make changes. And from that, I could scrap the plot lines that weren't working. After that it was much easier. I had a better idea of exactly where things were going.

With endless Google Docs pages (worldbuilding, character profiles, chapter outlines, structure and plot tracking) as well as a wall full of sticky-notes, I finally got my whole series outline to a point I was happy with. I know where the story is going to go and how it's all going to end. And as I send book 1, Tides of Corruption, out to my beta readers, I'm now working on book 2. (Lightly).

I'm certain there are more rounds of edits once I gather the feedback from the beta readers. And once I make those necessary changes, then I'm going to look towards publishing it! The light is at the end of the tunnel for book one and I'm excited (and dreading) the querying process.

So while I wait on the Beta Readers feedback and begin brainstorming more ideas for book 2, I've been spending a lot of time researching literary agents and publishing houses. The plan is to bring this series to life - one way or another. To do that, I need to put in the work now. Including putting myself out there on social media and trying to create a presence for myself.

So if you've made it this far, thank you! Your interest, and my newfound passion, is what drives me to keep going. I look forward to sharing this with the world! :)