There have been days throughout the past four years when I honestly never thought this season would come. Right after publishing The Crush in 2020, I contemplated giving up on being an Indie author entirely. One of the only things that kept me going was the fact that I’d made a commitment to finish writing and publishing the second and third books of The Ballad of Emery Brooks trilogy, and I aimed to stay true to my word. Now that The Fall and The Dream are (almost) both out in the world, it’s time to say goodbye to a group of characters that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

For those of you who don’t know, I originally started writing my first idea for The Crush well over a decade ago. I was still a teenager at the time. The story changed dramatically over the next few years, and the book as we know it today became my dedicated WIP in 2018. After The Crush‘s first draft was completed in 2019, I started writing The Fall–aka a book about overcoming crippling grief in the wake of a loved one’s unexpected passing–just a few weeks before my (at the time, future) mother-in-law passed away unexpectedly. My grief over my mother-in-law’s death was poured into that book, which is why it only took a handful of months to finish and became my fastest-written manuscript to date at the time. The Dream, the third and final book that will be releasing December 2nd, proved to be the most difficult to complete. I started writing the book on March 4, 2020, got engaged the next month, got married a year and a half later in October 2021, and churned out the last 4,580 words on New Year’s Eve of 2021 to finish the book ten minutes shy of 2022 rolling in.

The Ballad of Emery Brooks books aren’t just the books of my heart. My entire heart is woven into every line of this trilogy, and I pray readers recognize that through Emery’s journey.

These books helped me navigate the last half of my twenties. These books saw me go through many of the same emotions and seasons of life that Emery experiences within their pages. I cannot believe, after what seems like a few short years, that it’s time to say goodbye.

These characters may just be comprised of words on paper, but they’re real to me, y’all. Part of me wants to hold on and see what comes next for Emery, but in my heart, I know that The Dream is the end of her story. For now, anyway. Just like with Speak Your Mind, I’m going to experience a heap of separation anxiety from these beloved characters, but I know God is leading me to other pursuits and future stories in this upcoming season.

So, to Emery and all her family and friends, I love y’all with my whole heart. My journey with you was a long, winding road, often full of doubt, impatience, and uncertainty. Innumerable tears, both happy and sad, were shed along the way. But looking back? Every moment with you was worth it to me. ❤

The Dream is Now Available for Pre-Order!

If you’ve read the first two books in the trilogy and can’t wait to read The Dream, pre-order the eBook at the vendor of your choice using the button below! The Dream will be released on December 2, 2024, Lord willing!

Haven’t Read The Crush Yet?

If you’re interested in reading the book that started it all, The Crush is available to read for only $0.99 on eBook retailers. Grab your copy using the button below!

Talk to Me, Arrowheads!

If you’re a writer, which one of your works was the hardest to say goodbye to after you finished writing it?

If you’re a reader, which character from The Ballad of Emery Brooks trilogy will you miss the most?

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson 😀