📝📚 Author Update: Progress Report + New Book Announcement!

The Curse of the Wolf and the Red Maiden –– Book Cover Art

Hello fellow readers!

To all who have been patiently waiting, supporting, and following my work, this is an update I owe you.

After spending time developing the Carnival Kills sequel, I’ve decided to put the project on hold. (I know, I know. I'm as bummed as you too.) The good news is that we’ve been actively pursuing a film deal and have been engaging potential buyers for the movie rights since last October at the Los Angeles Film Market. We have had a couple of interested buyers but nothing set in stone, thus I found myself still finding a story for the sequel, still evolving the characters, and rather than rush it into something it’s not ready to be, I’m allowing it the time it needs to fully take shape. It’s a world I’ll return to, but for now, the focus has shifted.

That shift has opened the door to something new...

In the process, I’ve been diving deeper into the lore of Runes of Arcana, expanding its history and foundations. At the same time, a new story began to take form and one that quickly became impossible to ignore.

I’m excited to officially announce my next book:

“The Curse of the Wolf and the Red Maiden.”

At its heart, it’s a gothic romantasy rooted in folklore, an atmospheric tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. If I had to describe it simply: A modern and epic retelling of Red Riding Hood meets Beauty & the Beast, with a darker, gothic edge.

This project has been a deeply personal one. My love for old tales, myth, and haunting legends is woven into every part of it. To bring that vision to life, I traveled to England and spent time in Oxford—the very city that inspired the setting of the story. Experiencing it firsthand added a level of depth and authenticity that has shaped the tone and world in ways I’m incredibly excited about.

As it stands, the manuscript is complete, and I’m currently deep into the second rewrite. The story is coming together exactly as I envisioned, and I’m aiming for publication at the start of Fall (maybe earlier).

This is the reason I’ve been quiet recently, but it’s been a focused and rewarding silence.

I’m looking forward to sharing more soon. Thank you, as always, for being part of this journey.

—C.D.