Hello, my lovely readers!
So, you might have noticed a couple of surprise releases that popped up recently i.e two little novellas that materialized seemingly out of thin air. Plot twist: they surprised me just as much as they surprised you! Let me explain this delightful madness.
You see, I've been plugging away at my longer novels (yes, the ones I promised you aaaaggeees ago … we'll get to that), and I decided I needed a break from writing. So naturally, being the completely logical person I am, I took a break from writing... by writing more. I know, I know. The irony isn't lost on me either.
Here's the thing: my brain is like a very crowded, very noisy apartment building where all the tenants are fictional characters, and they ALL want to talk at once. I've got voices and storylines bouncing around in my head constantly, chattering away like they're at some sort of literary cocktail party that never ends. Most of the time, I have to tell them to pipe down and wait their turn (yes, I talk to myself a lot—psychoanalyze that what you will).
The problem is, I just don't have the headspace to write full novels for every single character who decides to set up camp in my head. But then, in a moment of what I can only describe as caffeinated clarity (or a whiskey haze), a thought struck me: why don't I just write short, focused, stand-alone stories about these persistent little voices?
Eureka!
And that's how Highlander Undone was born. This little gem is all about Connor MacNeil, a deliciously dark and broody hero who discovers that his older brother has gone and betrothed him to their clan enemy's daughter, Fiona Finnigan. Connor is, shall we say, less than thrilled about this arrangement. Because really, who does like a marriage of convenience? Certainly not our grumpy Scottish warrior.
But here's where it gets interesting (and slightly maddening for me as a writer): the moment I finished Connor's story, his brother Ewan MacNeil started absolutely pestering me to tell his tale (and fix the water heater in apartment five). Apparently, he had quite the adventure fetching a wayward bride (Lileas MacDonald) from an abbey, and he was not going to let me rest until I wrote it down. So, after much literary arm-twisting from a fictional character (again, the therapy bills are mounting), His Runaway Bride emerged.
So what's with the novellas? That's what. They're my way of appeasing the voices in my head while still making progress on the bigger projects you're all waiting for.
Now, speaking of those bigger projects, I see you there, tapping your foot impatiently and 'tsk-tsk-ing' me. I know how long you've been waiting for the novels I promised, and I absolutely appreciate your patience more than you know. The good news? They're coming very, very soon! Even as I type this post, those novels are sitting on my desktop, waiting for a bit of spit and polish, and probably some tightening of twists that will hopefully leave you gasping (and not vomiting) in the best possible way.
Will there be more novellas popping up from time to time? Most likely. I've learned that trying to silence the characters is about as effective as trying to herd cats in the rain. But for now, it's just these two little Scottish rogues causing trouble.
I honestly don't know if you'll like these shorter stories but I'm hopeful they'll provide some one with some sort of entertainment (somewhere in the world). And hey, if they're not your cup of tea, hopefully they won't drive you to drink!
Thank you, from the bottom of my writer's heart, for your incredible patience, your enthusiasm, and for taking these surprise literary adventures with me. You're the best readers a slightly unhinged author could ask for.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some novels to finish and some very impatient characters to appease.
With love and gratitude (and possibly too much caffeine),
Elina xoxo