Lately, I’ve been trying new coffees.
Not just new brands—but flavors. The adventurous kind. The kind that whisper spells when you sip them.
Peppermint Mocha & Spellwork
Peppermint mocha is a magic potion. Something Elphaba might swirl in a cauldron before flying into the fog. It reminds me of Wicked, of the rising suspense weaving through the pages of Daughter of Vandor, Book 3 of the Blackwick Series—where every story is calling out to Betty to save them.
Lavender Vanilla & Longing
Lavender vanilla tastes like Vandor to me. Like soft meadows swaying under twin moons, like secret gardens that remember your name. Like the gentle longing so many of us feel when reading fantasy—that ache for something ancient and beautiful. It’s a flavor that feels like a dance where Mr. Darcy might finally ask Miss Bennett for a spin—a moment slow, aching, and inevitable.
Blueberry & Brave Magic
And yes, I know it sounds strange, but blueberry coffee is surprisingly delightful. Like Elsa in Frozen, changing winter to summer. It brings to mind the blue ocean surrounding the island of Vandor—bright, surreal, and full of hidden depths.
Inviting the Unexpected
Trying new flavors reminds me: adventure begins anywhere.
In a mug. In a book. In a risk you didn’t expect to take.
Just like story.
This month, I’ve returned to the ritual of audiobook creation—this time for The Legend of Blackwick. I already know the narrator’s voice. She brought Forever Is Eternity to life with such resonance that I still hear Edmond in her breath. But now, we’re going deeper.
Into new symbols.
New spells.
New emotional landscapes.
Trusting the Unexpected
That spirit of daring has carried into everything:
Designing chapter header glyphs
Watching films I didn’t expect to love
Letting characters lead
Reaching out to people simply because something in me said—trust them
That’s how I met so many of you. And I am so lucky I did.
Vivyana, gifted writer and editor who polishes my words, changing the rough stones into gems.
Jolene of Enchanted Ink AI Studio, who brings to life the characters with custom images that are true to the vision of the stories—what started as a simple email (“Are you interested in creating some dragons for me?”) has now blossomed into a creative collaboration. Check out her glorious artwork at www.mochawavepublishing.com.
Jody at Crippled Beagle Publishing, whose master courses and Regal Beagles writer’s group have been an open portal into self-publishing and continued support.
Sarah Kisko, the voice behind Forever Is Eternity, whose narration has showcased Betty’s transformation—from a shy housemaid to a confident confronter of vampires and dragons. She’s brought such magical characters as Peter Pan and his pixie warriors to life with uncanny perfection. Now, she’s lending her voice once more to the Legend of Blackwick audiobook, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
And readers—like you—who took a chance on me.
Let the Voice Speak
Sometimes story is a voice.
Sometimes it’s a cup of something warm.
Sometimes, it’s a person who says, “I see what you’re building. I believe in it.”
