A Quick Note from My Writing Desk

Hello Friends,

This week has been a whirlwind of working behind the scenes to build the world of The Breaking & Crushing of Bone. At first, I was disappointed that I hadn't reached the word count I'd set as my goal for the week, but I quickly realized the importance of taking a step back to plan the next stages of this series and my writing platform.

I've been revisiting the Irish folklore that first captured my imagination, listening to the music that first inspired me, planning artwork and inlays, and gathering visual inspiration for an upcoming Substack article about the stories, music, and books that ultimately shaped this series. Taking a moment to pause and breathe reminded me of everything that brought me here, and it was wonderful to spend time with those memories once again.

Stepping away from actively writing Wretched also reminded me that I needed to dive deeper into my research to give the novel the attention it deserves. The characters who have taken shape demanded that their histories be told in a way that feels authentic, immersive, and tangible to you, the reader.

Being an independent author has also meant spending time on the things readers don't often see: preparing newsletters, designing visuals, organizing research, planning future content, and making sure everything is in place for the road ahead. It's a lot of moving pieces, but every one of them brings this series one step closer to the readers I've been writing it for.

One thing I was reminded of this week is that inspiration rarely arrives all at once. More often, it grows through small moments. A song. A forgotten legend. A photograph of a weathered Irish tower house wrapped in fog. Those little sparks have a way of becoming entire worlds if you're willing to slow down, notice them, and listen to what they have to say.

Thank you for continuing to follow this journey with me. Whether you've been here since the beginning or you've only recently discovered my work, I'm grateful you've chosen to walk this path alongside me. Every newsletter, every comment, every preorder, and every word of encouragement helps bring this world one step closer to life. I can't wait to share what comes next on this journey with you.

Until next time,

Lisah Jayne Walden