Now we wait…

(impatiently.)

Hello, friends!

How has it already been a month since we dove into the Dacian culture?!

Today’s newsletter is going to be more of a catch-up sesh than a deep dive like the last two. We’ll get back into mythology & symbolism, but right now, my brain needs a rest.

The Puppet Master is in the liminal stage of being “ready” but also not. Currently waiting for the first sneak peeks of its COVER (excuse me while I cry & scream) and I cannot wait to show you here first!

Why is being patient SO. HARD.?

And so, The Puppet Master has been sitting in my drafts for the past month–not touching it until the end of September when I’ll get edits back–and it’s so strange to not have my hands all over it. Especially when another idea strikes at an ungodly hour that needs to be included. Or, the realization of mentioning Vanora barefoot once when entering the cave and then never again until Chapter 33 when she’s putting on boots…my poor girl has been stubbing her toes and dealing with the floor of a CAVE for YEARS. Oh well, into the always evolving “Edits” folder in my Notes app for November.

That being said, somehow nearly 10k words have made it onto the page for the 2nd book in the trilogy! How, who knows. More characters, higher stakes, Rome… it’s been a whirlwind of plot and planning.

And now for the series info I hinted at on Insta stories–drumroll please!

I’m super thrilled to announce the title of my series: Defender of Light.

The Puppet Master is book one, Master of ____ is book two, and you’ll have to wait for book three 😛

A quick happy (early) birthday to The Puppet Master! I dreamt of the concept on July 28, 2025 and started writing on the 29th–can’t believe she’s almost 1!

As far as other projects, I’m continuing to co-host Craft & Kettle, a podcast centered around humanizing the pursuit of publishing with the lovely Mina West. Find her on the web here to discover all the wonderful things she’s working on!

Find Craft & Kettle on Spotify & YouTube, next episode dropping this Friday, 7/17, at 12pm EST.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped me create a back cover blub! It is now officially done. Your input means the world and I couldn’t have done it without you!

Told ya, today’s newsletter is short & sweet. Hope you continue to enjoy all July has to offer!

Catch ya next New Moon!

xoxo,

Carren