I can’t believe my precious debut comes out in less than a week! There’s nothing cooler than having something you’ve poured blood, sweat, tears, and whiskey into come to life — and finally shared with the world.
I’m terrified, thrilled, and trepidatious all at once. (Do I get bonus points for alliteration?)
As I get closer to the release, I thought it would be fun to share a bit of what’s coming next. This is the time when it’s hardest to keep my plans close to my chest, as I think if I share them — I won’t be able to back out later (hah!).
So with the trilogy mostly done (and by done I mean in various draft stages — but still complete), here is my release schedule. Since each book focuses primarily on one of our three protagonists — I thought it would be appropriate to release each book for that character’s birthday. (As a fun aside — the birthday dates actually come from the D&D campaign. In world — with planets orbiting stars at different rates, most birthdays are approximate assuming you’ve left your birth planet.)
SHATTERED STARS (Xela) - October 10th, 2026
SHATTERED KINGS (Nigel) - June 13th, 2027
SHATTERED SOULS (Jack) - January 26th, 2028
In case you were wondering (I would be!) — here’s some fun facts on the dates.
Xela’s day is October 10th. October is for Opals, and she’s a Black Opal — and in the campaign (in real life) - the 10th was the first time she kissed Jack. Isn’t she cute? This date also makes her a Libra - which makes her someone’s who’s peaceful (nope), fair (yeah), and hates being alone (ironic). In a partner, they seek someone who can balance them, or be a mirror to them (wow that’s spot on tbh). Selfishly — my own husband is a Libra so I do love this for her.
Nigel gets June 13th for less sentimental reasons. Her Gem is a Pearl — so June (plus the summer totally suits her). And since her birthday came up during a Kingdom Hearts adventure, I picked 13 due to its rampant appearances in that canon. Plus my game was called the Reaper’s Game and featured the counting crows rhyme that ends at 13. So it made sense to me. June 13th also makes her a Gemini — a surprisingly good fit for her. Gemini’s are known to be social (obviously), adaptable (yes), and restless (Nigel can’t say in one place too long). Gemini’s also get along splendidly with their fellow air signs (like Libras!).
Jack’s day — January 26th, is another one that has both sentimental and campaign origins. January’s are for Garnets, and that’s the stone he’s most closely associated with. The 26th is another real life date for campaign shenanigans - a memorable escapade where he got to borrow some magic and duel one of the players. He also would have killed them - but it earned him some goodwill in his relationship so that was an acceptable cost. This date also makes him an Aquarius — the one I would have picked for him anyway because it’s such a perfect fit. Aquarius are intellectual system builders, who value logic and innovation. Also — an air sign — did I create three air signs? Is that why they work as a unit? Fuck.
While this information is ultimately meaningless — I am deeply excited to be able to release these in a way that both gives me nice little release windows, as well as being true to this world and these characters.
The journey begins in a week — I hope to see you there. <3
lexe
