I did not start 2026 intending to write. The last book I wrote was in March 2025, and this was book six in the Empire of Saints series, which was the perfect round-off for a writing hiatus while I focused on self-publishing. So fast-forward fifteen months later, and I’m just as surprised as anyone else that I’d committed to the Novella Prequel Trilogy of Missing Girls & Lost Boys.
The story itself isn’t a surprise. It’s one that’s always been in my head for these characters but had no place in the trilogy. And while I’d still call the series a trilogy, this is a bonus book for those who have fallen in love. It was a difficult one to write. My process has become efficient over the years, and editing isn’t as much as a slog to correct myself as it once was, but it was difficult to dredge these characters––who I love––through their dark origin stories.
But now it’s complete. And I cannot wait to share it. The Novella style is not one I found easy, but I’ve kept it as fluid as I can, while still having to leave chunks out. I even surprised myself when it completed at nearly 400 pages.
So when you hear an author say, “The characters wrote the story.” Then this is it. I knew what they did, but it was largely written by them, and I just brought it to the page. It’s heartbreaking, and you’ll see some of that carried over into Endgame, but otherwise, I hope you enjoy it. This book cost me some serious emotions, and it’s going to make Endgame all the more difficult to write.
Wish me luck, and before you read it––I’m sorry.
PS - I love Zeke and Alex more than ever <3
