I am extremely proud of both of my novels, but in different ways. If you have connected with me before, you know that book one was an arduous process, but if you’re new to Nav’Aria here’s a little more about my #writingjourney.

I’ve met some wonderful new readers at events recently, and the same questions keep popping up. “How long have you been writing?” or “How long did it take you to write this book?”

I always laugh (and if you’re familiar with my story you know why). Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir took me 8 YEARS, while Nav’Aria: The Pyre of Tarsin took me just 3 MONTHS!!!

Initially writing was “JUST my hobby”. I started the book on a whim in 2011… but it wasn’t serious. It was a fun outlet, and I secretly hoped that “someday” it could be something. Yet I didn’t really think much of it… at least not at first. I was a recent college grad, newlywed, and new teacher. I was traveling internationally. I was chasing after the life I thought I wanted. Now hear me, I did want it. I loved it! Teaching high school history was one of my greatest joys, and I believe it shaped me as an individual, and now as a parent. But the dream of writing and publishing Darion’s story was always there too hidden away.

Once we met our daughter in 2017 everything changed. I took a break from teaching to help her acclimate to her new home/life/family and realized that I now related to some of my characters. You see, Nav’Aria has a lot of adoption themes. I’ve always loved older kids and adoption and that is felt in my writing, so to see it then playing out in my home was truly inspiring.

As many of you know, I pumped out the rest of the novel in a 2-week span in 2017 (NUTS!), and then began exploring the world of query letters, traditional vs indie publishing, and all that good stuff. Fast forward, Nav’Aria: The Marked Heirpublished on Jan 1st, 2019. So, there you go. The journey has given me an interesting perspective and story on its own.

Book two though, is a whole different beast.