I have procrastinated over this book for 2-3 years! I had a huge personal trauma in my life, closely followed by a major attack of 'imposter syndrome' that crippled my mojo and writing process. So Ayliah & Eliah sat in limbo at the end of Chapter 2 for quite some time. I think also the enormity of attempting to write an epic series of modern day magical fantasy books like this overwhelmed me. Was I really up to the job of telling this amazing story?

My writing style is maybe a little unconventional in that I will research possible events, incidents, secondary characters, etc. for some time before I begin. I often end up down rabbit holes jumping from one possible scenario to another as I look for creative ideas to keep you entertained. For instance, this book involves trees, unassuming and not much to discover about them you might think... wrong. I went down the rabbit hole and discovered trees actually talk to each other, sent food/nutrients to help struggling trees, have a sense of family and have a method in their growth. Check out the video that inspired me: HERE
Once I have my notepad full of possible ideas I will often write a starter synopsis for Chapter 1, then the ending; trusting that the middle bit will find it's own journey with no set rules. I know where my characters begin, but I never plan the journey to the end... it just flows where it wants to take me.

Deciding whether I wanted Ayliah & Eliah to become emotionally entangled was something I deliberated on for some time; would tough, lone, tired Eliah know how to let a slight fairy-like blonde Gatekeeper in through his armour? Or would he despise her for his perceived view of her limited capabilities to complete their Quest? Would his distaste for the weaknesses of modern humanity, and the yearning for the old ways cripple his emotional wellbeing? All questions I had to answer...

But finally I am there! So now it's time to spell check, tweak, add more detail where needed, maybe change a step in their journey, possibly rewrite the odd Chapter, then I can share these two strong, magical heroes with you so you can also join them on their Quest.

So keep an eye out for news of a release date... see you there! xx