Title reveal: the fourth in the dystopian series set in a world where only the productive are rewarded

Well, doesn't this feel like a milestone moment?

You've probably realised from the headline of this little blog that I'm about to give you guys the first peek into the final instalment of the Merit-Hunters Series. No doubt some of you are ignoring all this starting waffle and scrolling straight down to the good stuff. So, just for a bit of extra scroll time, I'm going to continuing waffling about nothing in particular. I'm joking... obviously.

When I started writing this series, it was five years ago, I was 23 years old and was processing the reality of losing a job so early in my career. It didn't feel like a disaster as I knew there would always be other opportunities, but it did feel like a wake up call. When the rug was pulled out from under me, I realised that I was attaching my entire identity to my work. And I also recognised, that a lot of us do it. Now, this is where it gets confusing because work is and should be a big part of who we are and how we serve others, right? Definitely. Should it dictate how worthy we feel? No.

In crafting a world where these questions are drawn up on a such a big scale totally flipped my inner belief system. Writing this series has taught me to value relationships over status, to pursue meaning above money, and to love others before myself. Through which, I have found more joy, fulfilment and life that I ever had before. Do I still struggle? Yes. Do I still cry that my books aren't thriving? Admittedly, yes.

But writing these books has given me so much more than a craft or a creative outlet. It's gifted me with the opportunity to connect with entirely new communities and people who I never would have met otherwise. That's life, friends!

By targeting these books at the generation below me (those in their early twenties) and to teenagers, I hope that something of this would come through and they would pursue good meaningful work without feeling unworthy.

OK, was that enough philosophical waffle for you? I'll get on with it.

The title for book 4 of the merit-hunters series

Well, there it is.

First Dawn Breaks.

It took me a while to get here (shout out to my friend, Jo, who finally smashed it!) But First Dawn Breaks feels the perfect title to round off the series. Not only does it continue the metaphor in the other three titles, but it screams of hope, redemption and new beginning.

But don't you worry, there's a lot more DRAMA in this book than I've ever written before. Plus, most of the book (except for the final three chapters) takes place on just one day. And we have six different character perspectives.

Phew.

It's been a journey and it has taken almost two years to write. Where am I in the process? Very close to getting it to my editor. So watch this space.

That's all for now, friends. Do let me know how the new title feels and I hope we can speak more books and dystopian chitchat soon.

Lydia x