So, today I sent off my FINAL final proofs (Also known as AAs or Author Alterations in the publishing world) of THE IRON QUEEN to my wonderful editor. And, it hit me: The trilogy is done. Completed. Finis.
For me, Meghan's story has come to an end.
Its a bittersweet feeling, to be sure. On the one hand, I'm proud that I've written the best story I could at the time. That I've taken the characters from their humble beginnings, watched them grow and change, and finally face the destiny that couldn't end any other way. Completing the story arc is unbelievably satisfying, and I'm content with where I left Meghan. I can walk away knowing her journey is done.
For now. Because even though I'm glad the story is finished, I'm a little sad, too. Its almost like watching your kids grow up and leave for collage; you've spent years with them, getting to know them, watching them struggle and fail and triumph, and then you have to let them go and let them make it on their own. And even though I'll move on to a new series and get to know a whole new cast, Meghan and co. will always be special because they were my first, the first to get published and the first to venture into the world on their own.
Perhaps, someday I will return to their world and get to know them all over again, because quite frankly, I'm not quite ready to say goodbye.
You don't have to say goodbye for good. Nevernever will always be a home, Julie. Not just for all the fans worldwide, but for you too.
ReplyDeletex Nikoline.
Aw, they're having another adventure on their own. They get to meet us readers! :D We'll take good care of them. *hides pokeballs*
ReplyDeleteWhat an epic moment for you! I'm excited for The Iron Queen but I can understand your sadness but it might also be a new beginning for something else?
ReplyDeleteI think be sad as well once I read the last page of This awesome series! Saying Goodbye to Ash ( OhMyAsh..) Megh and Puck.. it will hurt!
And don't forget, devoted reader like me will follow you in any world :)
I can't lie and say I am not excited to see where they go, and to have an ending - but I can understand your feelings and agree with Nikoline - Nevernever will always be a home for you...ready and waiting no matter when or if you want to visit again...I also agree with Mrs. Vanquish - we will follow you into any world you create...with much enthusiasm!
ReplyDeleteI think everyone will be sad to see the trilogy end... but yep, I'll definitely be looking forward to seeing what new ideas you bring forth too!
ReplyDeleteP.S. After reading the blog title, I now have that Sound of Music song in my head... lol
They're never gone! And I'm so excited to read the rest of the series. You've created such a magical world that anyone can get lost in, and we're all so happy you did.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! You deserve it.
Congrats! I'm not sure whether I should be happy or sad, but I'm a little bit of both. I'm still eagerly awaiting THE IRON DAUGHTER, and I can't wait to read the last book of the trilogy too! But then I'd be sad that the series is over. Hmm... =/
ReplyDeleteBut I'm still hoping you'll write something else in the near future xD
Are you saying that you favor your book children over your other book children -shocked face- I thought parents weren't suppose to do that ;).
ReplyDeleteBut congratulations! Its so weird hearing that the story will be over soon when I just got into it recently.
What are your plans after The Iron Fey?
Ahhh! That's so bitter sweet to hear! Sweet because I totally can not wait to read The Iron Queen. But bitter because I'm so in love with your characters and the world you created that it's going to be so sad to see it end! Congratulations though. I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
ReplyDeleteAwww! Reading this gave me goosebumps. Congratulations on completing the trilogy! I can't wait to read the final two books!
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ReplyDeleteI just finished The Iron King yesterday and I thought it was awesome! I'll be posting a review for it soon. I really can't wait to read The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen!
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether I should feel happy of sad about this...Please know that even though you've completed the series, this doesn't mean that you're going to forget them. Nevernever will live forever in our hearts, and so will Meghan, Ash and Puck!
Aik.
http://the-bookaholics.blogspot.com/
You will probably always be sad once you finish a series Julie but the characters will always stay with you in your heart, (I know i am so sappy)and your fans will always have your back.
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you everyone! I have the best readers in the world. *Is filled with warm fuzzies* :D
ReplyDeleteWow. I can't believe it's over. (Well, for you, not for us.) But don't worry, you're going to have a few more years of fan love. The journey doesn't have to end just yet. It ain't over 'till it's over (whatever that means...)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know where to say this; I figure here is as good a place as any. I really like how Winter's Passage ended. It made me chuckle. It was a great way to end it, mainly because, now, I really NEED to read The Iron Daughter. You know, more than before I read Winter's Passage. I really liked it. :D
ReplyDeleteThe book isn't even out yet and this totally depressed me. I hate when a beloved series ends =( It really is like losing a friend. I'm SO glad to hear you're just as attached and might return to the Nevernever one day! I hope you do! But even though the ending of the trilogy will make me sad, I still can't wait for The Iron Queen to come out! (Haha and Iron Daughter isn't even technically out yet =p)
ReplyDeleteI loved The Iron King! I'm so excited to read the next 2 and am so jealous that you know how it ends;) You have quickly become one of my new favorites and I congratulate you on finishing your first series!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for doing the book series! I just wanted to let you know, that, no matter which guy she ends up with, I'll be happy! Of course, if she dies, all be depressed for many days... ;)
ReplyDeleteI think that's a mark of a very talented writer: having 2 love interests (and basically 2 different stories and major decisions) and still keeping readers happy with either one.
No offense to people who love Ash, but Puck is pretty amazing.... I just feel like if she liked Ash, there would be a whole different life for her, and if she liked Puck there could be a whole different life for her. Maybe I'm reading into it a little much, but.....the characters seem so real!!!! :D
Congrats!!!! This is fabulous news :D But, always remember this is the bonus about books...you can't relive moments over again in real life except in memory. In books, however...you can go all the way back to the start and watch their journey all over again!! :D I also agree with what everyone else has said about the Nevernever too :)
ReplyDeleteAnd this is totally just a side note, but since it's the Iron Queen we're talking about...Meghan better be with Ash :P :D LOL.
On another AWESOME note...not long until fans across the world get thr Iron Daughter!!! :D
I know it's sad but the characters will always be in your heart just like they will be in ours. I hope that maybe in the future you could write something from Ash's or Puck's point of view. (or maybe both) This series by far is my favorite. Thank you for writing an amazing story.
ReplyDeleteYou ended a series. Make a new one. Make new charaters. You can add a little of what you liked into the new series. We'll all like it because you rocked at The Iron Fey series.
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