Dear Friends,

I don’t even know where to begin.

On June 30, 2026, The Lightborn officially released into the world.

Even typing those words still feels surreal.

For years, this dream lived only in my imagination, hidden away in notebooks, Word documents, and countless late nights wondering if I’d ever be brave enough to share it with the world.

Now… it’s real.

Watching my KDP dashboard on release day was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Every refresh showed someone new was reading my book. Every page read reminded me that a story I’d carried around in my heart for years had finally found its readers.

It still doesn’t quite feel real.

I’m a published author.

And I’m smiling as I type that.

⭐ Then Came My First Review…

There was another moment I’ll never forget.

I waited anxiously for readers to leave a review. I didn’t know what to expect and tried not to get my hopes up. Then my first review was from an ARC reader who left such kind, encouraging words. I’d received my very first 5-star Goodreads review…

I cried.

Happy tears.

Readers I didn’t even know had picked up The Lightborn and liked it!

Seeing someone connect with Rocky and the Elite Squad the way I’d hoped they would reminded me exactly why I wrote this story in the first place.

📚 My First Book Signing

On July 5th, I had my very first author signing at the Barnes & Noble in Torrance, CA.

I honestly had no idea what to expect.

Friends and family drove from all over Los Angeles to support me, and I still can’t thank them enough for showing up to support me!

I was honestly surprised by all the readers I’d never met before that stopped to chat with me.

They asked questions about the book.

Bought copies.

Shared their excitement.

And for two wonderful hours, I got to do something I’d dreamed about for years:

I got to tell people about my story.

By the end of the event, I’d sold 18 books in just two hours, and my heart was absolutely overflowing.

It was everything I’d hoped it would be.

💙 From the Bottom of My Heart…

Before I go any further, there’s something I need to say.

Thank you.

Thank you for sharing my posts.

Thank you for cheering me on.

Thank you for believing in this dream.

Thank you for showing up to my book signing.

Thank you for buying my book.

Thank you for reading it.

Your encouragement has carried me through every moment of self-doubt, every late night, every edit, every setback, and every victory.

I honestly don’t have words big enough to express what your support has meant to me.

So I’ll simply say…

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

None of this would have happened without you, and I’m so grateful you’re on this journey with me.

🤫 A Little Secret Just for My Newsletter Family…

Since you’re one of my newsletter subscribers, I wanted to let you in on a little secret.

I’m currently working on an exclusive Mermaid and Pirate novella that will be available only to my newsletter subscribers.

I’m not quite ready to spill all the details just yet…

But I cannot wait to share it with you.

Stay tuned…

I think you’re going to love it.

🔥 What’s Next?

While the novella is in the works, I’m also outlining Verdant Hills Academy: Book Two – The Fireborn.

I’m having so much fun diving deeper into Lucky’s story, and I already know some of the twists coming your way.

Let’s just say…

Things are about to get very, very interesting.

❤️ I Need Your Help

If you’ve already read The Lightborn and enjoyed it, would you consider leaving an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble?

Reviews make an enormous difference for debut authors, helping other readers discover books they might otherwise never find.

Every single review truly helps.

That’s all for now. Thank you for hanging out with me.

With love,

Tuesday Dube