A Toast to the Shadows: Fantasy Launch Week Wrap-Up

We made it to Friday of the Fantasy Launch Week!

This week has been a whirlwind of lilac flames, "wicked" reveals, and the incredible joy of seeing so many of you step through the doors of the Inner Sanctum. Launching this website wasn't just about having a place to list my books; it was about finding you—the readers who crave detailed world-building and smart, snarky characters without the spice.

I am currently sitting at my desk with a chilled glass of sparkling elderflower (the only way to celebrate, in my opinion) and feeling immensely grateful.

The Council is Growing

The response to the Beta Reader applications has been, quite frankly, more moving than a Phoenix's song. Reading through your applications has been a highlight of my week. Seeing so many of you connect with the idea of "domestic suspense" and "morally grey" leads confirms what I’ve always suspected: there is a huge community of women looking for exactly this kind of story.

A Word on the Murky Waters

While the response has been mostly magical, I have to pull back the curtain on a slightly darker side of the digital woods. We’ve had a significant influx of bots—and, even more concerning, a direct warning from Goodreads Moderators about a specific applicant known for pirating indie titles.

It’s a bit of a "villain origin story" moment, isn't it? To those few bad actors trying to slip through the gates: my lilac phoenix has very sharp talons. To my genuine readers: please know I’m personally vetting every single application. I’m committed to keeping the Inner Sanctum a safe, exclusive space for those who actually love the craft, not those looking to exploit it. It’s a bit of a faff, but protecting the integrity of this story (and my fellow indies) is worth the extra coffee... or three.

The Final Call

If you haven’t put your name forward for the Council yet, this is your official 48-hour warning.

I’ll be closing the application form at midnight on 1st February 2026, so I can begin the difficult task of narrowing down the group. Remember, I’m not looking for perfection; I’m looking for your unique perspective and your honest, "best friend" feedback.

Last Chance to Apply for the Beta Council

What’s Next?

Just because launch week for this fantasy world is ending doesn't mean the magic stops. The Lore Gallery will continue to grow, and The Vault has several secrets currently being polished for release.

I want to thank you for being so welcoming. Writing can be a lonely business—it’s just me, a laptop, and a very demanding lilac phoenix most days. Having you join the journey makes the "descending layers of flame" worth it.

Have a wonderful, restful weekend. Stay snarky, stay curious, and whatever you do... don’t feed the goblins.