When I was sixteen, I bought a cool-looking dragon notebook from Barnes and Noble with my Christmas money. I had no idea what I would write in it, but later that week, an idea came to me: a girl with red hair, dreaming of a werewolf every night. I didn’t know it yet, but that small idea would eventually become Waxing Moon, my debut novel, and its sequel Waning Moon. Now, I’m working on the third and final installment in the Moon Trilogy, and all of the big, complicated feelings that come with it. How do I take these characters, who I have loved with, fought with, brought through the worst parts of their lives, and give them the ending that they deserve? How do I say farewell to the characters that have carried me through the last fourteen years of my life? How do I give them a satisfying ending?
Leaving a Crack in the Door
I just spent an hour trying to think of a satisfying response to those questions, and honestly? I can’t. There is so much that has happened in my life, so much that these characters have brought me through, that to just say goodbye to them feels unthinkable. So, I’ll just say: it’s not goodbye.
At least, not yet.
These books will always be a part of me. They will always be the deepest, darkest pieces of my life, pulled out of my chest and put on a page for readers to dissect. I once thought they would be my magnum opus. I realize now that those were the thoughts of a child, dreaming. I have so many more stories in me, little Avery. We’re not done yet. These characters will live on, as people discover our books and read the stories we created. The door isn’t fully closed yet. There’s still a sliver of light there.
The Way Forward
I still don’t know how I’ll feel when I’m finally finished with the last book. Will I feel sad or elated? Will I be scared? Will I be happy? One thing is certain: I will definitely feel. After so much nothing in my life, that’s a good thought to have.
After I finish the Moon Trilogy, I’m going to take a break to focus on finishing my MFA program. There are some new stories there that I’m working on, and I’m excited to start sharing with you. My Caelum stories are going to go on the back burner for the time being, and my thesis novel will be my main project. There might be some short stories posted between now and then, so be sure to keep your eyes out!
Thank you everyone for staying with me through this whole trilogy. I’m so glad I was able to share these characters and their story with you. Let’s take our next steps forward together!
Avery Carter 