Two years spent writing and shaping the story. Two months spent promoting it. Two book launch events to send it into the world. And now the flame is burning. The Maroon Candle has been lit.

That's a bunch of number 2s. Hmmm. Time to research.

The number 2 in astrology indicates it is time for self-reflection—to pause, consider what you want from life, and carefully set your goals. 2 also means you may be under pressure from other people, but that you should trust your own view above that of others.

A record 33 new subscribers in May! The wheel was spun and the winner of the $50 Amazon gift card was: SHARON MERITT! Thank you to everyone who subscribed. More giveaways coming soon!

One of my pre-launch plans was simple: reach out to friends, introduce The Maroon Candle, and casually mention that the $5.99 eBook costs less than a fast‑food combo. I braced myself for at least one “Dude, seriously? We haven’t spoken since senior year of high school.”

But it never came.

Instead, I got an avalanche of support, enthusiasm, and a surprising number of "I'm proud of you" notes I didn't know I needed. It lit me up and warmed my insides.

Outside of friends, I promoted on platforms like Goodreads, Bookbub, Amazon, and TikTok.

All of the above helped push The Maroon Candle to #205 on Amazon's Horror Fiction chart (there are over 50k books in that category), and #14 on IngramSpark's Psychological Fiction chart—IngramSpark is the publishing platform used by many authors including bestsellers.

In the blur of it all, I keep snapping into this cartoonish head‑shake of disbelief:

I’ve written and published four books.

And as for how that astrological rule of 2’s applies to The Maroon Candle journey, I’ll say this: when I look inward at what I want from life, writing and publishing books has always been one of the goals — and I’ve achieved it.

When I consider the pressure I thought came from other people, I realize it was only ever me: my own insecurities, my own self-doubt.

And I believe I’ve finally beaten them.

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