Happy Holiday Season! In honor of the Yuletide Spirit, I’m posting the advance cover reveal for my Gothic romance and talking about how my standalone novel begged to become a duology.
There are three main reasons why Schattengeist (“Shadow Spirit”) came into being. Mainly thanks to the fact that there are certain stories that won’t leave my brain alone until I’ve written them, and this sequel took the cake. All of it. How rude!
- The Mystery that is Ringmaster Erbanhue
The prequel Waldgeist is a fictional diary from the perspective of the German aerialist-gone-witch, Yasmin Lange. So it’s only natural that her somewhat embellished understanding of the ringmaster is the sole depiction presented. Strong threads of mystery are ever intertwined throughout Gothic classics, so of course the ringmaster’s personal journey and private struggles are left up to the readers’ speculation.
Yasmin herself ponders whether her comprehension of him is born from the truth, or from the realms of fancy that she indulges all too often. Maladaptive daydreaming, to put it in modern terms. (Wonder where I got that idea from?)
But what would happen if Erbanhue found Yasmin’s diary after her death? How would he feel about her now that the forest demon’s shadow no longer stains his soul with evil inclinations and selfish ambition? The more I considered these questions, the more my fingers itched to get to typing!
There are few characters I love more than a male main character who redeems himself and comes into his power – not for himself – but to defend his loved ones.
2. Paranormal Romance is the best!
Later-in-life paranormal romance. *Happy sigh.*
Need I say more? I think not. Now, I don’t publish spice above a 2/5 rating – that lives on A03 under a pen name and will never see the light of day otherwise – but I’ll toss my spice lovers a little treat here and there.
3. Yanking Yasmin Out of her Shell
Yasmin’s reluctance to betray her raw emotions and most intimate thoughts stem from her guarded, introverted tendencies. But finally being accepted not just by someone else, but by her beloved ringmaster himself, would slowly but surely chip away at her reticence and also bring Yasmin into her full power. Which is, of course, the main theme connecting every book I’ve ever penned:
Feminine empowerment. Finding your place in life and thriving there.
Psst… There may or may not be a strong element of fantasy in the twist for Schattengeist, too. Enjoy!
Ebook ARC Release: September 2025
Paperback and Hardcover Editions: October 2025
