It has been a while since I have posted an update, and I do apologize. My mental health took a dive and it was focused within my writing. Imposter syndrome and all. I also found myself in the fantasy once more while working at faire, which was a lovely distraction, for sure!
But now, I want to be better and continue challenging myself as well as continuing to share with you!

I had a discussion with a writer friend about blocks, and they gave me the greatest idea. Where I am in the book, it is finally showing the king. The man, the myth, the lightbringer of legends. We are showed him through different perspective, warring ones, but now he is brought to the page. Finally, we see him...

And I am stuck!

So, the idea is, instead of thinking too much of the character, it was to picture their voice. The mannerism as well as their cadence. Using that may then spark life as well as bring the words back.
So for the king, I pictured Jeremy Irons as Scar for the voice.

The calculation. The brains, the deception and disgrace wrapped up in an accent that is unmistakably royal, especially when thinking about the movie Mufasa. This is a man who rose himself to prominence by his wit and brains rather than brawn. He keeps contacts and allies secret, bolstering them but also making sure they know who to thank in the end. This is a man who will stop at nothing to keep the crown on his head.

And there is danger there, as we the reader only see his expressions, hear his words. We do not get a POV of the king but see how his actions ripple out throughout those who he interacts with.
Perhaps it is that and the fact that I can see the ending why I am struggling!

But, using that inner voice, taking steps away for formatting and plotting things out is helping!

(It also may have helped the fact that I got a commission of Ezra, the King's Guard, that may have helped as well)

I said a couple of months ago that the things he wants are:
Power and prestige. But it goes further than that. This is a a man who used his education as well as the things he learned to create a kingdom through the removal of the forest. The fear of the shifters as well as their potential, thing of Hopper where he thinks that they could stand up against them. So, he chips away at the home, destroying the forest so that he can lord over the lands. He hasd the true colonizer mindset.

Similar to the way that Scar reshaped pride rock and brought it to ruin, the king wishes for that. So that he can become the lightbringer that brings Eahbridge into the future. One where Shifters are not the only ones with power.

Hi Disco Dancers!

I don’t talk about graphic novels enough, I used to read a ton. They’re a great way to get yourself back into reading between long books. Here are some of my fave diverse sci fi and fantasy graphic novels.

Far Sector by N.K. Jemisin

In this standalone Green Lantern story, a Black Green Lantern is sent to a planet to investigate the planets first murder in centuries. Three different races typically live in harmony on the planet, as everyone takes an emotion-inhibiting drug. As the investigation continues, chaos ensues, as the book explores themes of control, rebellion, protest and autonomy. It’s utterly fantastic, beautifully illustrated by Jamal Campbell.

EVERYONE I HAVE A MANUSCRIPT FOR THE SEQUEL!!!!

Disability Pride Month has come to a close, and that brings us to the end of this Readathon as well. Thank you all so much for participating–it’s been such a wonderful experience and everyone’s excitement has meant so much to me. 

I want to do a little wrap up of everything I read for the readathon, but first a few reminders:

Hey y'all,

Our August book club pick is Behind You is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj. I know how busy August can be due to back-to-school season so this short story collection should be a lot easier to get through by the end of the month. Behind You is the Sea is by a Palestinian-American author and I'm also planning to add a fundraiser for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund to my next IG post about Behind You is the Sea, so be on the lookout for that.

Hi party people and disco dancers,

London Trans+ Pride was this past weekend. I usually attend but couldn’t go this time because I wasn’t ready for crowds. I did drag myself out to a smaller music festival with unlimited free ice cream though! Dressed in pink and blue to represent.

Things are pretty darn dire for trans folks here on TERF island. But trans and non-binary authors are writing brilliant stories that showcase how fantastic and resilient our community is.

The Honey Witch of Innisfree can never find true love. That is her curse to bear. But when a young woman who doesn’t believe in magic arrives on her island, sparks fly in this deliciously sweet debut novel of magic, hope, and love overcoming all.

The Honey Witch of Innisfree can never find true love. That is her curse to bear. But when a young woman who doesn’t believe in magic arrives on her island, sparks fly in this deliciously sweet debut novel of magic, hope, and love overcoming all.

Hi friend and welcome to The Coterie Book Club! I'm so happy you're here ☺️

All our book club discussions will take place on Discord. To join in the fun, you’ll need to connect to The Coterie chat! You can do this in 2 simple steps:

1. Click the GO TO DISCORD button on my bindery

2. If you don’t have a Discord yet, you’ll be prompted to start one—otherwise, you’re in!

Title: The Prom Queen Project by Jasmine Dade

Representation: social anxiety

Genre: Romance

Release Date: August 1, 2025