The messy middle is where stories prove their worth. And right now, that’s exactly where I am—deep in revision, sleeves rolled up, digging into Act 2 of Faeries Don’t Hide.
I’ve just worked my way past the pinch point, that deliciously tense section of the book where the stakes tighten, characters are cornered, and choices start to cut deep. Yes, there’s been a wererat attack (because what’s a pinch point without teeth and shadow?), and yes, an otherworldly persona dropped in at just the wrong—or maybe the right—moment.
All of these moments has forced Aunia and her companions make some pretty weighty decisions, which of course, will land them in an even more tangled situation. All of this reminds me why I love writing fantasy: because the fantastical always reveals something painfully human and digging deeply into Aunia and Mathias’ interiority… getting to those places that make their hearts shudder is exquisite. I love seeing the depth these characters have… even when they doubt themselves. Or maybe especially when…
I am fast steering toward the midpoint. For writers, this is the fulcrum of the book, the place where everything shifts. For readers, it’s when the story takes that first breathless plunge toward the endgame. Getting it right matters, so my revision work here is both surgical and creative—cutting, re-threading, and layering where needed to provide the best oomph, wonder, and heart.
It’s slow. It’s exhilarating. It’s the part of revision where the world feels the most alive under my hands.
So in case I go missing for the next couple of weeks (yes, I’ll try to poke my head out), know I’m wandering through caves, ducking wererats, and listening to the voice of someone who doesn’t quite belong to either world.
Oh, and updated Tagline and book blurb:
When the stars are watching, there is no escape.
Aunia’s desperate search for the sea-witch may reveal if her father still lives—or if he’s lost forever in the Faery world. But every answer only draws her deeper into conspiracy. The compass that hunts faebloods is in enemy hands, the Eldarghast tree is waking, and Tamore itself is on the brink of war.
With betrayal closing in, Aunia and pegasus flyer Mathias must risk everything to stop Arch Vicar Bibb’s wererat army—before the prophecy chooses which world, mortal or faery, survives.
The bookmark above is part of my swag package. Something I give out to my ARC team as a thanks and then also there are giveaways during my virtual launch (and also games, readings, Q&A, and other whimsical fun). More on that soon.