Highlights
Well, 2025 is finally, and unbelievably, drawing to a close. What a year it has been – filled with the lowest of lows and some really good highs.
To start off with, I had an incredible experience running my first ever Kickstarter campaign!
My dark, coming-of-age novel, Of Chaos and Eternal Night successfully funded $2,378 over a $1,600 goal!
With 55 backers from 5 different countries, it was truly an eye-opening experience that expanded my knowledge of self-publishing.
Combing the Kickstarter with August’s #stuffyourkindleday, Of Chaos and Eternal Night has become my most “consumed” release!
Chaos‘s April release was followed by the launch of Sparrows Sing of Dying, book two in The Tides That Reign series.
This sophomore outing expands the world established in Design of Darkness, with new characters, new locations, and a more nuanced look at the central conflict.
I couldn’t be more proud of this saga and cannot wait to share with readers the story’s continuation.
But it wasn’t all fabulous releases in 2025. As most of you know, in August, I split with the original publisher of The Tides That Reign, Midnight Meadow, over their mishandling of the series and their failure to pay me royalties. Although it was an incredibly difficult decision to make, it was ultimately the only correct path moving forward.
The Future
2026 is looking bright, and will be centered around book three in The Tides That Reign.
I’ll be kick(starter)ing things off on March 2nd, with the Kickstarter campaign for Before the Ghost Sea. The campaign will offer a revamp of the entire series, including new cover artwork. Campaign backers will have access to special editions of the first three books in the series, which will include my original outlines, some sketches, and notes about the world.
The Kickstarter will be followed by the standard release of Before the Ghost Sea in the summer.
A Sneak Peak
And finally, as a thank you to all my newsletter readers out there, I’d like to offer a preview of the cover redesign for Design of Darkness! This fantastic illustration is the work of Maria Areta, who created all the promo artwork for the series and will be taking up the mantle of future covers. I ask that you do not share this artwork with anyone, including on social media, and keep in mind that it is a work in progress! The final design may include any number of changes.
Thank you everyone for being part of my 2025. It wouldn’t have been half as good without your continued support.
With that, I wish you all a Happy New Year! Here’s to 2026!
-RD
RD Pires 