I’ve written to move a story forward, and on some days, I’ve written because a piece of my heart needed somewhere to land.
One example I always go back to is Chapter 5 of The Cord Between Two Queens.
It's the moment Eradena confides in Sahara, one of her dearest friends. Through grief, trauma, and the crushing weight of a realm that seems determined to break her, Sahara remains her anchor.
Her lifeline when the darkness feels too heavy to carry alone. And there's something I've never really shared about that chapter.
I didn't create Sahara entirely from imagination. I wrote her from memory.
The people who stood beside me when life felt unbearable shaped her. From the friendships that reminded me who I was when I had forgotten. From the voices that spoke light into my darkness, offered encouragement when I had none left, and stayed when walking away would have been easier.
Sahara echoes every person who ever helped me find my footing again.
And perhaps that's why I love her so much, because I believe we all need a Sahara. And sometimes, without even realizing it, we become that person for someone else.
Which brings me to you. My readers. My Wielder Walkers. I want you to know something.
You have been my Sahara, too.
Every message. Every review. Every recommendation. Every kind word you've shared about The Cord Between Two Queens and Silver Kiss has meant more to me than I could ever properly express. I'm writing this with tears in my eyes because I know these stories would never have traveled this far without you.
Writing this story was an act of trust.
Because of you, my story has wings. You carried Eradena with you. You let the questions linger. You found meaning between the pages.
And most importantly, you stayed. That matters more than you will ever know.
So today, I want to offer you the same encouragement Sahara offered Eradena:
Never underestimate the light you bring into someone else's darkness.
Your kindness matters. Your voice matters. Your presence matters.
Even on the days when you feel unseen, even when your efforts seem small, you may be the very reason someone else finds the courage to keep going.
And if you're walking through your own darkness right now, I hope you find your Sahara. I hope someone reminds you that you don't have to carry everything alone.
Because even the strongest queens need someone to stand beside them.
Thank you for standing beside me.
Thank you for walking through this realm with Eradena.
And thank you for giving me the courage to keep writing.
Next week, I'll open the door a little wider and show you what’s coming next.
The realm is changing.
The story is far from over.
