The Future of The Cursed Queens
And a million apologies.
I’ve been avoiding writing this post, and I wish I didn’t have to. Alas, here we are. Let’s start with some hope and good news.
The Ocean’s Queen is still on it’s way! Huzzah!
But, as you may have guessed by now, it won’t be here for the original June 10th release as planned.
A little while back we’d decided to push it’s release out to July to be sure there was time to edit and prepare Finley’s book the best way possible. My intention was to send everyone an update one we had an exact date in July so I wouldn’t leave you all hanging with a vague idea of the month.
Then time went on… and it didn’t happen. I kept avoiding the topic and pretended like everything was on track. Picture Lorelai in season 6 of Gilmore Girls still holding onto a few of her June 3rd plans just in case the wedding could still go on. That was me in regards to my release for The Ocean’s Queen. The light at the end of the drafting tunnel was so close and in sight, I made myself believe that I could against all odds make at least a summer of 2025 release happen. I’m a little delusional, yes.
Honestly though, this book has been the hardest I’ve ever had to write. Finley is far different than the other main characters in this series and it’s taken more time for me to figure her out. (The same goes for our hero, Rafe.) Along with putting all the pieces of the other three books together to create a finale was a lot of pressure. Then pile on about 20 life changes in the last two years. It was the perfect storm for the longest I’ve ever needed in writing a draft.
None of this is an excuse for how long this has taken me and how I’ve handled this book and it’s release, but this is the truth.
All of that being said, The Ocean’s Queen will still be released. It is coming and on the way. We are holding back on setting an official release date until it is ready to go to the copy editor. This way, we can do everything we can to be sure this is a well done and polished book and a proper send off for The Cursed Queens without feeling rushed.
I wish I could give you an exact date, and my hope is that it will still happen in 2025. I won’t promise you that though. It wouldn’t be fair to me, my editors, my publisher, or to you to continue to say “by this day I promise!” only to keep changing it. The only thing I will promise is that Finley’s book will happen and I won’t take over 10 years to write it. (I’m looking at you George RR Martin.) This draft is almost done with only a few chapters to go, and will be sent to my editor the moment I type “the end”.
Thank you all so much for your understanding, patience, and support of my little series. With all of this, I’m still so proud of these books and am beyond grateful for you my “royal readers”, my friends, and my family, for all the love you send.
The Ocean’s Queen is going to be epic once it is finally in your hands, and I hope worth the wait.
In the meantime, I do have an event coming up! I’ll be over at the Book Bar in Mokena, IL for their adult book fair June 29th which I’m so excited for!
Also, Dale’s next book’s release, 13 Bodies, is this week on Friday, June 13th! 13 bodies is nothing like I write, so if you’re wanting a feel good adventurous romantasy… this isn’t it. But if you want something deranged and disturbing and violent, 13 Bodies will be right up your alley. He’s been working so hard on this novel and I couldn’t be prouder.
Today’s Flynn Moment
How is it possible that this little guy is simultaneously the most adorable dog on the planet and a menace to society?
Thank you all again so much! Your support and love mean the world, and you can always catch me and any writing, puppy, and event updates over on my Instagram!