Mariella Hunt

I’m convinced that self-doubt and impostor syndrome are to blame for many, many good books never getting published. Indeed, a nervous writer might never even allow her friends to look at her work if it is less than perfect in her eyes.

The truth is that nothing we write will ever be perfect; even our favorite traditionally-published authors might often struggle with “cringe syndrome” while reading their own work. It’s the nature of the craft.

This year, I published The Sea Rose in January. I have had such kind and helpful readers! Yet, in spite of their encouragement, I reached a crash recently where I could not bear to read my own work from just ten months prior.

It must be a sign of improvement as a writer, and some research shows me that all writers feel like this at some point. Ten months from now, what I’m proud of today will likely grate on my nerves. That’s what happens when practice improves our craft.

Over the course of the summer and autumn, I wrote book two of the Ladies of the Sea series. It is called The Sea King. In it, you meet two different viewpoints who join Rose, Peter and Meredith in order to help tell the story from many different angles. I’m proud of The Sea King because I achieved a new complexity with my character development. I already know that it will be even better in book three.

While The Sea Rose was primarily a love story, The Sea King focuses more on world-building and establishing how my fantasy universe works. I am grateful that I opted for indie publishing, because this story by nature cannot seem to stick to one genre. While I believe that I managed the change well, that is up to my readers to decide.

When you read The Sea King, I’m eager to read your reviews and learn how you believe I can improve for the next adventure.

Click here to pre-order. It will be available for Kindle on December 8, and hopefully the paperback will be ready less than a week after!

If you decide to visit my world again and follow on this adventure, I am most grateful for your time. It makes a greater difference than you realize for an indie author to have friends!

-Mariella

P.S. I have a short story collection planned for release early next year. The short stories are set in this same world. I can’t wait to share those. Also, if you have been on the fence about checking out my work on Kindle Vella, The Sea Rose Saga has exceeded 200 episodes and still continues. I’ve also started a Vella called The Prince of Sumner Lighthouse. Find my Vellas here.

Lord Peter West and Lady Rose Finch have returned from the district of the Merpeople. They knew their welcome would be rocky, but had not prepared for the challenges that awaited them at home.

When Peter learns that Lady Meredith, the woman he spurned, could be in danger, his conscience moves him to find her. But these plans are interrupted by the death of the Ocean Queen and the chaos that ensues.

The heir to the Ocean Throne, Prince Sorley, has been locked in prison for years. Enraged by the separation, the ocean begins calling to him. As furious raindrops threaten crops and sink ships, Rose and Peter must find a way to rescue Sorley from prison.

Can he be freed before the chaos is irreversible?