One could argue I should not have waited 12 years to get an editor, buckle down, and put out second, definitive editions of my Herezoth trilogy.

But (including some time away from my fiction to focus on more important things) I have spent twelve years in Herezoth, with the Crimson League, and their families, and their kids. They have been with me through multiple upheavals and periods of life.

They are truly like old friends. They legitimately inspire me. They all have their flaws and make mistakes, but they’re courageous, determined, resilient, faithful, and selfless.

I definitely find myself challenged to be more like them, in areas where I struggle and I see them rise to the challenge and really shine. And I love that. It means a lot to me. My characters have been part of the framework that got me through some really tough moments.

I am so grateful for them–because that is the power of story. We all know the power of reading a great, meaningful story. It turns out that when you write a story, it just so happens to be the one you really need to inspire YOU.