Introduction | Dragons In Space Serial

Get to know me and this project

“You know what would be really cool? Dragons in space!”

This is a legitimate thing I said to myself over 3 years ago. I can clearly envision the moment. I was standing on our back deck, it was springtime, and my mind was whirring. If I remember correctly, I was in the middle of editing a very different book when the idea struck.

Fast forward and I did start this story. I actually first debuted it on my Patreon but a few things were against me.

1. I didn’t know where the story was going (as a plotter this was challenging)

2. I didn’t have spare time to really focus on the story

3. I was trying to do too much on my Patreon

4. I had created a really sprawling cast of characters and I wanted to give them each a voice

That last point is not a negative. In fact, I think it’s going to be a really fun benefit to this story, BUT it also meant that I really need to have my ideas lined up since juggling 7 different characters and their POV chapters is not an easy task.

Enter: Fall 2024 Emilie who said - you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to write this as serialized fiction on Substack.

Why serialized?

My first (serious) jaunt into serialized fiction began on my blog back in 2020 after a challenge by my dear friend (and fellow serial author) Christen Krumm. She suggested we write a story on our respective blogs each day in August. I said YES and began plotting immediately (because I knew it was going to be tough to write every day for 30 days straight). And it was (tough, that is) but it’s also something I look back on with extreme fondness.

I had so many people invested in my characters by the end of August that I just knew I needed to do something with that story.

So I did. I released Suspended in the Stars on Kickstarter first and then published it in the fall of 2023. I’ve also released book 2, Falling Through the Black, and book 3, Rising from the Galaxy, comes out this fall.

Why Substack?

I mentioned that Dragons in Space was initially (partially) released on my Patreon and, as I found myself wanting to dig back into this story, I did consider going back to that platform. Ultimately, I didn’t for a few reasons.

One) I’m a chronic overachiever. I wanted so badly to offer a million different things on my Patreon and found that, to be successful as an author and in my graphic design business, I couldn’t do it all. (Shocking, I know.)

Two) I like the discoverability here on Substack. I love that anyone can join, anyone can read, anyone can share, and anyone can find this fun series of mine.

Why free?

I wanted to take the pressure off. I love what Patreon (and Substack) offer in the way of support for creatives. I believe in this support, I really do, but remember what I said above? I’m an overachiever and I feel a burden to anyone financially supporting me (this is not a bad thing).

In order to reduce the stress I felt in having to produce weekly, I decided to allow myself some freedom.

What I post here will be free (for the foreseeable future) but I will eventually turn on paid subscriptions. This will not replace reading for free, it will be additional.

About support

• If you feel passionate about financially supporting creatives, becoming a paid subscriber (when that’s available) is a great way to do that.

• If you’d rather wait and support me by buying the book when it’s released (TBD on that timeline) that’s also hugely supportive.

• Or, if you’d rather just read for free with no financial investment, that’s totally fine too. My only request would be that you consider sharing the story with your friends who might enjoy it.

About the story

A young man enters a competition to win the heart of a dragon in the void of space but finds himself joining a motley crew to journey across the galaxy in time to save his planet from a spreading darkness intent on conquering everything in its path.

Dragons in Space is a YA Science Fantasy perfect for ages 13+. It’s a no spice Fourth Wing meets Skyward where the dangerous aspect of Hunger Games meets the quest nature and found family of Lord of the Rings.

Join the adventure!

So here’s my invitation to you all. Come join me for a ride through space with a motley crew of characters and dragons fighting against a haunting force of evil threatening the galaxy.