I’d like to start this post with an apology to everyone who contacted me in the last 10 years and whose notes I missed! I was looking through the website’s contact form submissions and realised they were directed to an email address I hadn’t been checking for some time (silly me!).

This is probably just one of many things overlooked as I grappled with challenges that made me lose track of my writing life, readers and the many friends I made when I first started my publishing journey.

I’ve previously thanked everyone who reached out over the years even when you were met with silence at my end, and I’d like to thank you again! I wish I’d been able to be more present for all of you who reached out, do forgive me for that lapse!

Time marches on with blithe disregard for our pleas to wait till we catch up. At the same time, I’ve discovered there are many ways of living life to the fullest, even when your best laid plans are coming awry.

I can say that, when I was unable to write (or at least write well) for a long period of time, I was blessed to discover the joy of art and illustration, something I hope to speak about more in future 🙂

I also feel, with some certainty, that I grew and matured quite a bit in these last few years. I suspect Mesmer #3 (The Amarinth Heir) became the better for it. I suppose we will never know. Perhaps I’m comforting myself and you too by looking for silver linings 🙂

What I am certain of is that having Lea and Gabriel develop into full, complex characters over the three books was immensely satisfying. I love them so very much, it makes me so happy to have completed their story 🙂

The publishing landscape today has changed drastically from when I first started the Mesmer Trilogy. Or, is it me who’s changed? I’m not too sure 🙂 It does feel in many ways like I’m starting all over again as a writer, and maybe that’s not a bad thing…

If there’s one thing I’ve learned and relearned, it’s that starting over is an opportunity to rejuvenate, rediscover yourself, and give yourself permission to change for the better. That’s part of living life to the fullest. I also think it’s important to recognise that life is not only a journey but also an experience.

I hope anyone reading this will take to heart that doing your best is often a courageous act. Living life to the fullest takes courage. We don’t applaud ourselves enough for not only beating the odds but for taking on those odds in the first place. Part of that process is to pivot, change your mind and yes, even change your heart. This is not cowardice. It is simply us being human, works in progress, finding our path and ourselves in an ever-changing world.

I’m so glad I never gave up on completing the wonderful story that the Mesmer trilogy is to me. I’m also so grateful to have met so many fans of the books and its characters and its enchanting realm! Your passion for the story kept that writer’s fire in me lit though the years. Who knew that kindness could be such an inspiration? 🙂

So, what’s next? Well, life continues! My original plan was to follow the Mesmer Trilogy with books set in the other two kingdoms of Makliaven and Lorien. That’s still the plan, but I have some other projects I’m working on right now that will probably take up my time for this year at least.

I will try to be more active here and on social media from now on. If more Three Towers Fantasy books are out, you’ll be the first to know once you sign up for email updates by following this website. You can also follow me on social media: my handle is @iamariswrites on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

I’ll sign off with the shameless mention that reviews of the Mesmer Trilogy are always welcome! 🙂 If you enjoyed the series and feel it will bring joy and magic to others, do spread the word! 🙂 Have a great weekend, everyone 🙂