#oigd

My Life at the Moment

Right now, my life is shaped by four big projects: my family, my writing, finding a publisher for Once It Gets Dark, and my “normal” job.

Last year, my health wasn’t the best—and since some of those issues are chronic, that’s something that will likely always be part of my life. But I’m really happy to say that I’m doing much better this year (fingers crossed).

That also means I’ve been able to return more fully to my regular work. It has been lovely to be among people again and to see my wonderful colleaguesand not only via video. But it does mean I have a bit less time and energy for writing than before.

Now that the weather is getting warmer and the trees are getting green again, I am able to sit in my favorite spot on the balcony, with some tea (or coffee in the morning!) and watch the neighbor’s chubby cat stroll around the patio as I write. I currently write every single day: one hour in the morning (while everyone else is asleep), and two hours at night.

Even if it doesn’t always look like it from the outside—I am making progress. Just… more slowly than during the time when I literally couldn’t leave my bed all day 😅

Writing, it turns out, is a very time-consuming pastime.

Because of that, a 6–8 week publishing rhythm is what I can realistically commit to right now. Anything faster just isn’t sustainable for me at the moment.

Current Writing Projects

Taunus (Main Project)

Taunus is the big overarching story I’m writing at the moment, based on an idea that I’ve had for many years already.

I originally planned to take a break from large projects after finishing Once It Gets Dark, but while writing those final chapters, this story began begging me to be written down.

So here we are.

Compared to OIGD, Taunus has a slightly more fairytale-like atmosphere, but just like OIGD it is an urban fantasy / dark romantasy.

We’re leaving Berlin and moving to the Taunus—a mountain range near Frankfurt. The heart of one of the most densely populated regions in Germany. The birthplace of Goethe, the home of the biggest bookfair in the world. A city known for its banks and redlight district.

If everything goes well, I’ll actually be traveling there in the coming weeks—and I’d love to share photos and little behind-the-scenes impressions with you, just like I did with Berlin.

Verilverse One-Shots

While I was writing Taunus, I almost got a little homesick and missed the Once It Gets Dark world. I think that there are many more stories to be told in this universe.

So I’ve started planning a series of shorter pieces—standalone stories set in the same universe. I’m not closing myself to the possibility that some of them might turn into a longer story in the future, but I only have the mental capacity for one long-form-story at the time.

Some ideas I’m especially excited about:

Vik Ichel – The Colonel on a mission that doesn’t go according to plan

Anna & Vo’ren (post-OIGD) – An intimate scene, unfolding on the soft furs of their bed, exploring their relationship after the story… and the very important question of how many children Vo’ren expects 😅 (I have already started writing this when inspiration struck me on my last vacation on the Canary Islands)

The 12 Wives – What happened to the twelve women given to Veril officials? This one might grow into something bigger over time (there are twelve of them after all), but for now I have plans for the POV of a particularly important one amongst them, and the man she is given to.

There are more ideas too—like a young Veril soldier exploring a new and dizzying world on a night out in Hamburg.

All of these will be part of the Verilverse Standalones Collection: stories that can be read on their own, but together paint a wider interconnected world.

Publishing Schedule

I’ll be alternating between formats: Taunus chapter → Verilverse one-shot → Taunus chapter → and so on

This helps me stay creatively fresh and keeps things varied—for all of us.

As mentioned, expect 6–8 weeks between major story releases, sometimes a bit longer if life gets in the way.

Once It Gets Dark—Publishing Update

Not much news here yet.

The manuscript is in good shape, and I’m currently polishing my query letters. I’ll absolutely keep you updated the moment something exciting happens.

Smaller Bonus Posts

As always, I’ll continue sharing smaller extras alongside the main stories—these don’t take away from writing time, since I create them from research I’m already doing.

Coming up:

A map of Volkspark Friedrichshain under Veril influence

A character overview for Taunus

A breakdown of the Veril writing system (possibly as a video!)

Audiobook

I’ve been having so much fun recording the OIGD audiobook.

I’m following the shorter chapter structure from Inkitt, and interestingly—it’s also helping me refine and revisit the story in new ways.

And: Lovely Fee is currently designing the audiobook cover, which I’m very excited about 🥹

Please let me know if you enjoy these more detailed, personal updates—I really want to find the right balance between keeping you informed and not overwhelming you.

And truly, thank you. I’m endlessly grateful for your support. You make all of this possible.

Many hugs, Maria de la O

Upcoming Stories (Current Plan)

Taunus Chapter 3

Vik Ichel Story

Taunus Chapter 4

Anna & Vo’ren One-Shot

Taunus Chapter 5