Hiya, friends – remember me? After five years away, I’m back with a bang – and trust me, the wait was worth it. If you’ve been craving fresh paranormal romance and urban fantasy adventures, get ready to sink into the rich, steamy world of the UNITY universe once again. I’m spilling the secrets on what kept me busy and teasing the new stories coming your way, so buckle up for some seriously addictive romantasy and new adventures ahead! 📚✨

Comeback Kid

Life During the Hiatus

Ever wondered what an author does when they step back from writing? In my case, it was a mix of introspection and exploration. I spent my hiatus diving into new experiences. We sold our last place, changed states, bought our mid-century dream home, and embarked on renovating it. I took on a new career (more on that in a sec). We did a ton of traveling – and y’all, my imagination is soooo full thanks to that! From 15th-century architecture to bustling European cities, each location provided glorious details I’m hoping to weave into the tapestry of my stories. I took time to bask in old hobbies (reading, obvs, but also So Much cozy gaming) and try new ones (building bookshelf inserts – I am a miniatures queen now, and I have all the tweezers to prove it). This period of reflection and growth has been invaluable, allowing me to return to writing with renewed passion.

The time away wasn’t just about seeking inspiration. It was about connecting with my authentic self and understanding what stories I truly want to tell. I wanted to ensure that every word I write resonates with you, my dear readers, but also that it resonates with me. Now, with my creative fires totally stoked, I’m thrilled to bring you fresh stories that will captivate and enthrall.

Rekindling the Writing Flame

What does it take to reignite a passion for storytelling? For me, it was a combination of stepping away from marketing and social media and venturing into the world of software engineering. It turns out that apps and books are remarkably similar. At the end of the day, programs are just particular types of words held together with punctuation and whitespace (though a rogue semicolon is arguably more annoying in software). In 2021, I joined a West Coast tech company as an Internationalization engineer, and building software specifically for translators and linguists amplified my ability to see software problems as language problems.

In a sense, I’d accidentally surrounded myself with fellow storytellers, which served as a constant reminder to me of the magic in crafting narratives that whisk readers away. Taking a step back into the real world also gave me time to rest my talents and cherish writing as an escape again. There’s something about not taxing your passions to pay the bills that reinvigorates one’s love for the craft.

I dedicated time to honing my skills, engaging in extensive close-reading analysis, and attending workshops that challenged my writing style and pushed my boundaries. Breaking away from the familiar allowed me to explore new techniques and genres, ultimately enriching the tales I have to share (and giving me a treasure trove of book recs to pass your way). This journey back to writing has been a transformative experience, and I’m eager to see where it leads us next. Which brings us to…

New Adventures In The UNITY Universe!

A Little Tease For The Upcoming Release

Hold onto your butts, because Book Seven of the Black Wolf Series is happening (I swear), and the UNITY universe is movin’ & shakin’ in ways you won’t believe. As I finish out my first series, I promise to dive deeper into the magic and romances that have kept you on the edge of your seat. Imagine more intricate plot twists, a few unexpected alliances, and the kind of tension that will keep you up at night. The final tale will feature all the familiar faces, as well as a few new characters who’ll be bringing their own secrets and desires.

I’ve been working tirelessly to craft a narrative that will sweep you off your feet. Don’t worry – there’s still time for laughs and love stories in this finale and, of course, an epic battle between supernatural factions. Seriously, y’all, there’s a lot to look forward to. The UNITY universe is a place where the impossible becomes possible, and I can’t wait to share this new adventure with you. When, exactly? 2026, but the exact date is TBA (loving reminder that you get the first word if you’re on my mailing list).

Meet Some New Characters

Introducing characters is always a thrill, especially ones who’ll bring new dynamics and unexpected twists to the endgame, like a shifter with a tumultuous past and a Protector who’s different from how they first seem. If you’ve been paying attention, you might have a couple of guesses in mind already, but here are a few little hints:

Our new Protector challenges what it means to be in your own little world, while our enigmatic shifter will test the limits of loyalty and love. Their stories will intersect with the Black pack’s as we ride this wave all the way to shore. As always, each character has a unique role to play in the UNITY universe. Okay, that was your last hint for now, srsly!

Engaging With YOU: Our Community

Newsletter and Street Team

If you’re not already part of our community, now’s the time to join! My newsletter is your backstage pass to all things J. E. Martin. You’ll get sneak peeks of upcoming releases, behind-the-scenes looks at my writing process, and exclusive content only available to subscribers. It’s a way for us to stay connected and for you to get insider info before anyone else.

If you’re not into newsletters, you can still get closer to the action by joining the J. E. Martin Books Street Team on Facebook. It’s more intimate (and more fun AND less businessy) than my business page. I love hearing from you, and this is the perfect platform to share your thoughts and discuss the stories we both hold dear.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the UNITY universe, this community is designed to bring us together and celebrate our shared love for these stories.

Until We Meet Again

Thanks for being part of this wild ride with me – I’m beyond grateful to have such an amazing community to share these stories with 📖✨ Keep your eyes peeled for more updates and sneak peeks; I’ll be back before you know it with more tales to whisk you away.

In the meantime, don’t be a stranger! Join the conversation, dive into the UNITY universe, or just drop me a line. I can’t wait to catch up again soon and dish out more delicious details. Stay curious, stay fabulous, and remember: the best is yet to come! 🖋️🌟