Plot Twists, Playbacks, and Reclaiming my Words
Beyond the Veil: Spent 2 days screaming at my computer trying to get the vocal functions right.
Hello lovelies!
We’re mid-March and there is a LOT happening. First, I hope everyone is taking care of themselves out there. These are some heavy times, and prayer and affirmations are needed more than ever right now.
I’m doing my best to keep my peace and the good vibes flowing over here.
And speaking of which, I finished a project!
Within the Shadows is complete.
Well, mostly complete. It still has to go through editing and production, but getting a project done is an accomplishment. Especially for me. Y’all know I go through the motions. I’m claiming the win though.
Within the Shadows will be exclusively available through Yvonne’s Book Nook. I may publish it wide later down the line, but for now, I’d rather drag readers to my new website.
The Narration Journey Continues (Chaos and All)
Normally, when I wrap a project, I take a week to decompress because writing takes a lot out of me. Well, narration has decided it doesn’t care about that. It proceeded to eat up all of my decompression time. Spent 2 days screaming at my computer trying to get the vocal functions right. Needless to say, I’m still learning and still adjusting. On top of that, I just upgraded to a new app, so there’s a whole new learning curve waiting for me. Fun times.
But you know I’m up for a challenge.
Here’s something I had to get honest with myself about: I was studying other narrators — people who can shift their voice to match every character, full-on voice actors whose entire talent lives in their vocal range. And I kept trying to do what they do. It wasn’t working, and it was messing with my head.
Then it clicked. I’m not a voice actor. I’m a writer narrating her own books. That is a completely different thing, and it is actually a strength. So I stopped chasing someone else’s lane and started leaning into mine.
And now when I listen to my playback, I’m hearing it differently. I actually like how I sound. There’s still a lot of work to do, but the foundation is there. Also, my voice is made for erotic romance. I’m not sure how I’ll sound narrating an urban fantasy or paranormal thriller, but but we shall see.
Alexis Moonlight and Scarlet Moon are back in action, and I am excited to dive back in. We left off on a high note with both projects, so I’ll be diving in with high energy. Let’s go!
Why have I decided to revamp the Dragon Queen Series and the Cross Knight Chronicles?
A few of you have asked across different platforms why I decided to revamp these 2 series. I think I’ve touched on it before in previous posts, however you deserve the full answer.
The short version: I’m not the same writer I was when I started these stories. And that’s a good thing.
My voice has grown. My understanding of story structure, pacing, and character depth has sharpened. And when I look back at these books, I see what they were always meant to be, and I know I can get them there now.
Here’s the part that might surprise you. There were scenes I cut. Diabolical scenes. Outrageous scenes. Shifts in the storyline that I held back on because an editor told me to, and because I second-guessed myself and thought — is this too much?
Yeah. I’m done with that.
No matter how unhinged it is, it’s going in. The true story I always meant to tell got a little tangled along the way. This revamp is me untangling it, tightening the threads, putting back what never should have been left out, and making sure every book in both series reflects the full vision.
This is the version I always meant to give you.
Okay, that’s it for now. Back to recording. See you soon.
