Hello, my friends!

I hope the new year is treating you better than 2025. In my case, it has given me more clarity in the next major steps that I must take on my author journey. Please bear with me as I explain…

First thing to know is, I must temporarily stop working on the current Gems novel (#9). To be honest, I’m burned out on the series creatively, and I need to take a break from it. A long break. However, I still plan to take the plot elements inside this working draft and use it to create a longer two or possibly three book story arc that will bring the Gems series to a close. The reason I must kick this project down the creative pipeline is simple. You deserve a good ending to the series and I’m unable to do that right now. The only way to recharge my creative batteries is to do something completely new and different. So, with that in mind…

This year I’m going forward with my science fiction and adventure fantasy projects. These are not “young adult” stories per say, however, I’m not changing my writing style so if you’re looking for graphic sex scenes or over-the-top blood and gore, you won’t find them inside these projects. The science fiction series will have more in common with Game of Thrones mixed with Babylon 5, but with no “red wedding” scenes. The adventure fantasy series will be a mix of Master and Commander with Lord of the Rings.

Does this mean you’ll never write a young adult novel again?

No, I will finish the Gems series and if these new projects take off, there’s definitely room for young adult spinoffs that could see the light of day.

I’m excited to get started on this new phase of my writing journey and I hope you’ll be willing to come along for the ride and to read the new books.

If you have any questions, please contact me and I’ll be more than happy to answer them.

Thank you for understanding.

Sincerely,

Doug