Extended Writing Update

I have been absolutely swamped the past week between Leas, prepping Apotheosis for its demo release, and a few other things I can't talk about yet but will be announcing in the future ~

I'm going to say I'll release Apotheosis on November 29th, just to give myself time to polish what needs polishing and to write one remaining section of the chapter. I'll keep the update on this short since it's not the main project, but it's going well and I ended up rewriting one of the ROs. I'd originally imagined them as more... I don't know, cold? Hostile? Sort of that type that's lived too long and is very anti-forming-relationships-with-mortals. But it didn't work in terms of balancing the other ROs and I found it so much more interesting to add an element of unabashed kindness to the character without removing that same general cold vibe they have. I'm really liking these ROs, I gotta say.

Speaking of ROs, I've been thoroughly enjoying playing around with the dynamics each of the Leas romances can end up in. I can see some groundwork being laid for an important Keo moment that'll happen at the start of Book 3 as well as some really delicious tension in the until-now relatively carefree Wren romance. Because apparently I can't resist adding in drama 😂 (I kid, it was planned from the beginning, I just thought it'd be happening in Book 3 not 2).

I'm starting to flesh out some areas of the wilds we'll be seeing in Book 2. I had a day where I was struggling to find some inspiration, so I stepped outside to nature-gaze (is that a word? you get what I mean) a little. Turns out it was snowing ❄️ That solved my problem real fast, lol! That crisp, clean air during snow that smells like nothing else in the world was great imagination fuel for a playful little critter of a fae. It'll take us a few chapters to reach them but I can't wait to introduce them when the time comes ^_^

On the bummer side of things, my ergonomic keyboard broke 😭 I think I can fix it, but it's really complicated to do so. Until then my poor fingers and wrists are gonna be aching... But on the bright side of things, it let me reconnect with an old friend who has the same keyboard! So, I'll look on the bright side ☀️

Here's this week's preview (Apotheosis, in honor of the demo releasing next week! It's mildly spoilery, if anyone wants to avoid that!)

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"Focus," the same warm hand from a moment ago wraps around the back of my neck, carefully guiding my head back to a level position. I realize I only have a dim memory of flinching a moment ago, of throwing my head back until I was looking at the ceiling. I take deep breaths, and soothe the newfound presence in me until I feel almost normal again.

"Okay," I say with a breath of relief. "I think I've got it under control."