Finished the First draft of Chapter 3!!!! (Patreon)

It is done. Finito. Acabado. Cesado. COMPLETED!!!!!

My God, this one was both a war and ballad, a struggle and a midnight cuddle, wrapped in sheets of silk. This one tested me. I'm happy to report the test, in my most humble of opinions, was passed, and the burdens were worth it.

Excuse the theatrics. It's late; my hand is cramping, and I have this light, incomparable feeling in my chest that is sweeter than gold and rarer than pleasure. It is called relief. And how sweet it feels, its gentle kiss on my weary cheek.

Ok, no more dramatics.

Standing at 237 notebook pages, I think this is the longest first draft I've ever written. This is probably because I handwrote every possible path — or, well, almost every path. I'll admit, some parts I just wanted to keep writing ahead, so I just put a note so as not to forget, but those are mostly flavor-text.

I was certain the chapter would turn out big, and, of course, it did. So, I decided that I'll divide it into four parts and upload them to the Alpha as I finish them. I think, in the long-term, this will make me work faster because I'll mix writing, editing, and coding more frequently, which helps me not get too hung up or frustrated when certain scenes are "taking too long" — as in, too many variations 😋.

This is my favorite chapter in Book Two so far and one of my favorites counting Book One as well. I can't wait to have it all finished!!!!!!!

There are two pivotal scenes I'm equal parts nervous and excited to see what you guys will think — if, of course, you even think of them at all. 😄 The urge to talk about them here and now is almost overwhelming but! No spoilers. Not now, after so long.

For those of you who would rather wait for the whole chapter to be added before reading, I can keep a link with the current chapters — although that'll get edited and tweaked when I do a deep edit — and another link with the added parts.

I'm terribly sorry for being so absent since the New Year! Work has been hectic because I've been covering shifts from colleagues on vacation, but, starting next week, everything will go back to normal! This means Monday I'll have the whole day to write ♡ Seems a perfect way to begin the second draft.

It also means I can finally work on more Patreon content. 😊

The Christmas break was heavenly, however. I read so much. It has been so long since I had the time to wake, make tea, and curl up on the sofa with a book while the sun rises over the city roofs. 'Tis a balm for the soul, Alessa would say, if she believed in souls.

I hope you had a beautiful start to the New Year. May 2024 be kinder, happier, and more fulfilling than 2023. Thank you all so much. 🌹