And So the Adventure Began

I can hardly believe I’m even typing these words, but… it’s official. My book is out in the world! After months of writing, editing, revising, and occasionally questioning whether I’d ever finish, it’s finally available for readers to pick up, dive into, and (I hope) love! Seeing my title live on Amazon for the first time was surreal, exhilarating, and honestly a little terrifying all at once. There’s something almost magical about knowing the physical copy of your ideas, your characters, and your imagination is where anyone in the world can find it. I remember staring at the page for what felt like an eternity, refreshing the Amazon listing repeatedly, half-expecting it to disappear if I blinked. But there it was!

So what’s this book about? Without giving away too much, I think it is safe to share my blurb as it is already on my website!

“Zara, princess of the Analai kingdom, was only fifteen when her father told her she was to marry a boy not much older than her. The arranged marriage was a peace treaty between two kingdoms before she was born.

Nevertheless, Zara would never make it to her wedding. A dangerous presence had gained access to the kingdom and planned to rid the world of royalty.

Before anyone could stop it, the Princess of Analai disappeared, allowing a new heir to the throne to take her place. Zara suffered for months until a complete stranger saw something special about her.”

What I love most about this story is the layers of mystery and intrigue. On the surface, it’s an adventure filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and daring escapes. But underneath, it’s a story about identity, trust, and discovering who you really are when the world expects you to be someone else. I wanted to explore what it feels like to be bound by expectations, yet to fight for your own path, and to find connections with people who see you for who you truly are.

And then there’s Lamana, the world itself. From bustling ports to hidden sanctuaries, the setting became a character in its own right. I spent hours sketching maps, imagining alleyways, and thinking through the politics of kingdoms that only exist on paper. Every location carries history, purpose, and a little mystery, and I loved building it piece by piece. The people of the world know about a secretive group that exists in the shadows, but what they don’t know, and what Vesper is about to discover, is how complicated and human these people truly are behind the veil of their outward appearances.

Writing this book was an adventure in itself, though far less glamorous than the ones my characters experience. I won’t sugarcoat it, there were days when I stared at my screen, wondering if the words would ever come, and nights where I scribbled ideas on scraps of paper, thinking maybe I was in over my head. There was one evening, in particular, I remember clearly: my dog snoozing at my feet, a mug of cold tea by my side, and a blank document staring back at me. I tried to force the words, but they wouldn’t come. And then, almost magically, the scene I’d been struggling with for weeks flowed out in one sitting. Moments like that reminded me why I write, the thrill of discovery, the surprise of what your own imagination can do when you stop trying to control it so rigidly.

One of the most memorable parts of the journey was discovering my characters along the way. Vesper, Zara, Lord Ryuu, Kyron, and all the others started as sketches on paper, but they grew into people with voices, flaws, and desires that often surprised me. There were times I thought I was leading the story, only to realize that my characters were leading me instead, and honestly, that’s when the writing was at its most exciting.

Balancing world-building with pacing was another challenge. I wanted readers to feel immersed in the setting without getting bogged down in details. Some nights were spent drawing intricate maps or debating the logistics of what type of wood a chair was to be made out of, wondering if anyone would notice or care about such tiny details. But in the end, it all contributed to the world feeling real and lived-in, something I hope readers notice in subtle ways.

Editing was a journey all its own. It’s not just about correcting grammar or fixing plot holes, it’s about peeling back layers to reveal the heart of your story. It’s questioning your choices, rewriting scenes that once felt perfect, and letting go of ideas that don’t serve the narrative. Sometimes, I cried over scenes I had to cut. Other times, I laughed at lines that somehow survived multiple revisions and still felt perfect. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to trust the process became my closest companions.

Beyond the thrill of publishing, this story matters to me on a personal level. At its core, it’s about the courage to embrace who you are, even when circumstances feel impossible. Zara’s journey is a metaphor for those moments in life when we are forced to navigate paths we didn’t choose, face unexpected challenges, and find allies in the most unlikely places. Writing about her taught me a lot about resilience, empathy, and the power of perspective.

I also hope it resonates with readers who have ever felt like they were living someone else’s expectations or who have had to fight for their own voice in the face of pressure. Fantasy allows us to explore these emotions in a safe space, and I wanted to give readers a story that entertains while also inviting reflection and connection.

For aspiring writers out there, I want to offer a small piece of encouragement: finish what you start, even when it’s hard. Your characters, your story, and your ideas are worth the effort, and the world deserves to see what you’ve created. Writing is a journey of discovery, not just about the story, but about yourself. Remember that even the smallest step forward is progress, and sometimes the breakthrough comes when you least expect it.

If you’re as excited as I am to see Zara’s story come alive, you can grab your copy on Amazon. The story is ready to meet its readers, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Every purchase, review, or even a simple share helps me continue writing stories that hopefully entertain, inspire, and connect with readers like you.

I would also love for you to stay connected with me as I continue this journey. Signing up for my newsletter or joining my Discord page is the best way to get updates on future releases, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and occasional sneak peeks at what I’m working on next. I promise it won’t be spam, just stories, thoughts, and a little bit of excitement from my writing desk to yours.

Publishing this book is more than just a milestone. It’s a dream realized. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, and believed in this story. Writing can feel like a solitary pursuit at times, but the reality is that it takes a community. And I am endlessly grateful to be part of one that cheers, critiques, and celebrates together.

Here’s to the adventures ahead, both on the page and in the imagination. I hope Vesper’s journey excites, surprises, and moves you, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this moment with me. Let’s see where this story, and the next, takes us!

Happy Reading! 

Avery