Welcome to Summer

A birthday month full of change, creativity, and deep writing

This July has been all about DBI, and writing this book has pushed me into some intense emotional places. If you have read Trial by Starlight, you already know Faber’s story begins on Earth, where he is labeled Unwanted and brought to Polaris anyway. He is a young man searching for the family he never had and the life he was meant to live. In the end, he almost gets it, until a piece of information he was never meant to know breaks him in a way that changes everything.

Where DBI Begins

Because the official title of Book Two remains a closely guarded secret, we will call it DBI for now.

DBI is about what happens after that break. It explores how the foundational lies of Faber’s life continue to shape him without his control. It asks how secrets can twist a person beyond reason. It follows how far someone will go when the truth keeps shifting under their feet. Faber is transforming through breaking, and writing that kind of journey is both painful and strangely beautiful.

“Some journeys begin the moment everything falls apart.”

Danica’s Becoming

Danica’s arc has been just as powerful to write. Her story in DBI begins with the weight of remembering she was told she would never be the next apprentice, and that truth becomes even sharper when she is assigned to protect Annice Pavo. Her journey is about destiny and becoming, about stepping into something she never imagined was possible. I cannot say more without giving too much away, but her chapters have been some of my favorites to work on.

Behind the Scenes

Something exciting is coming this fall. I have an early August meeting with Rebecca to begin shaping the audiobook. Nothing is set yet, but the planning has begun, and I am already imagining what these characters will sound like when they finally come to life in audio.

Life Shifts and Fresh Starts

Outside of writing, life has been shifting too. We are moving soon, downsizing now that the kids are out of the nest. It is bittersweet. This house has been the backdrop of so many memories, and it is hard to close a chapter you loved living in. But there is something grounding about simplifying, choosing a modern, open, just enough space that fits where life is now. It feels like reflection and fresh start all at once. I hope Jake is ready for new corners to explore.

What Fuels the Writing

I always share a little of what I use to break my own heart before writing. This month I watched Ladyhawke and The Red Violin, and I am not above making myself cry with Queen’s “Who Wants to Live Forever” on repeat. Emotional art cracks you open just enough to write honestly, and this month I leaned into it.

Stay Connected

If you are not already a Lombaroo Club member, I would love to have you join my newsletter. It is the best place to get behind-the-scenes updates, early book news, event details, and the little moments that never make it into social posts. You can sign up right here on my website and be part of the journey as DBI comes to life.