I have written almost every day of my life since I was fourteen years old. But since I sent the last Merry Gentry novel, A Ghost of Daylight, off to my editor I haven’t really written. I’ve done a couple of small blogs, but even those have been a struggle. I’ve gotten lots of new ideas for short stories, blogs, even novels, but after the glorious rush of inspiration fades the urge to write down more than the idea itself fades. I have even tried to start the next novel that I know will be next once this strange hiatus is over, but other than reading through notes and a bit of plotting I’ve done nothing, because anxiety or exhaustion or some combination of both washes over me. Usually, I get anxious from not writing, and that is happening, but this other anxiety is different. So, I stand between the different anxieties like being trapped between Scylla and Charybdis, a monster on either side of me.
Maybe when A Glimmer of Death hits the shelves on November 3rd some of this odd anxiety will ease and that other familiar anxiety will spur me on to writing the next novel, and yes, it’s Anita Blake, though Zaniel Havelock and his world has been whispering in my ear, too. Or maybe Scylla will keep chewing on me until the eleventh and last Merry Gentry novel, A Ghost of Daylight, is published in April 2027. I’ve never ended a series before, could this shaking, occasionally tearful wave of emotions be about the ending of twenty-seven years of storytelling with one main character, her world, the people she loves, and the people she fears and hates? She was born Princess Meredith NicEssus, the first faerie princess born on American soil. She’s 33 when the first book, A Kiss of Shadows, was published in 2000. She was hiding from assassins as Private Detective Merry Gentry pretending to be just another human with fey heritage that had given her enough magic to work for the Grey Detective Agency, their motto was, supernatural problems, magical solutions. Then the dark court of faerie, the Unseelie Court, found her and there was no more hiding. It was a fight for survival and for Merry to find her place in faerie with the Darkness, the Killing Frost, Rhys the White Knight, the Storm Lord Mistral, King Sholto the Lord of that Which Passes Between, and Galen Green Knight. (If you are caught up with the published books, please no spoilers in the comments.)
I think that’s it. I’m mourning my series. I’m already missing the characters and their world. There were so many subplots I never got to explore, so much research into Celtic myth and folklore that I never got to use on stage. What will I do with the shelves of research books that have grown over the years? How do I stop getting ideas in this world I created? But Merry made me promise that I would give her a truly happy-ever-after ending. The only way to do that is to write the last book, which I did, and walk away so her happiness is complete and permanent.
7 comments
Judith Lowe
I have read every book your books live on my shelves, for my granddaughter to read , she is 20, but that’s beside the point, the point is I will miss Merry G., And I know some day hope not soon I’ll miss my Vampire hunter Andia Blake, I can’t imagine how you keep all those characters in your head, but thank you so much your are amazing
Veronica
Thank you for sharing this moment with us so that we can hold space for you. It’s hard to say we’re not okay, even when we know it’s okay to do so. Just know I’m sending you a bit of sunshine and light to remind you that there’s something to look forward to when you exit the shadows. In the meantime, I hope you find rest in the shade. ❤️
Cris
And we thank you, for all the laughter, the sadness, the love, we thank you for the joy you brought us in sharing this story. This is so pivotal, such a massive moment in your life & the life of your readers. Thank you does not seem like enough words, but maybe at some point there will be another character whom you will birth that will have the same depth of importance to you as Merry did, never to replace her but maybe to honour her. I truly wish you all the best and will continue my rereads of all of your books. Much love and respect from Australia ☮️💜
Sammy
Longtime listener, first time caller, here. I’ve been reading your Anita and Merry books since one of my best friends introduced me to Guilty Pleasures our junior year of high school, around 2005-2006. I can’t accurately describe the excitement my friend group is feeling in knowing that Merry’s story is wrapping up. I know you’re feeling anxiety around ending the story, but to us, it feels like those versions of ourselves who were so excited about her story back then are in full-form now, waiting to see what comes next for Merry and her men. It’s a beautiful full circle moment that we will be able to gift to anyone who is even remotely interested in the world of faerie; and I know it’s not just us who feel this way. I really hope that collective excitement can ease some of your anxiety around ending this story. Thank you so much for sharing your art with us and the world!
Abigale
When was the last time you took an actual vacation and break? Is this a – you need to recharge yourself hint?
Brandie
I first found one.of your books when I was 19, Nightseerer. I started reading the Anita Blake series when you were first printed at Dell. Since then I got hooked on Merry . I am now 52 and have several serious medical conditions and am now in a wheelchair Sometimes I get a little weepy over my brushes with nearly but not quite kicking the bucket . I do tend to brush my toes against the bucket quite often. Last time I was crying that I’d never know what happened with Merry or Anita. So while I know you are saying bye to family, know that you are literally taking something off my bucket list. Thank you for all of your literary gifts that you share and the tireless research you do to ensure all the myriad of folklore is accurate and entertaining. I am pretty sure somewhere in a university a literary professor has you on their syllabus. Happy early All Hallows.
Maggie
I have three book series in my life that I consider top tier- that I read over and over. That I am so well versed in that I pretty sure I could win “Jeopardy” if they were to quiz my knowledge of it. One of them is and will forever be the Merry Gentry series. I have been reading and indulging in this series since book one and own both hard copies and digital so I always have them on me to read wherever I am. It had been a wild, crazy, sensual ride with Merry and her crew. I love every character and every plot. When Laurell announced that this would be the final book (well, this and the next) my heart broke a little. Knowing that it’s coming to an end gives the excitement of getting to read a new book and edge of bitterness. Either way I have pre-ordered my copy and wait with bated breath for Glimmer to hit shelves. Thank you Laurell for sharing Merry and her story with us. It’s been an absolute blast!