May 23, 2026—I’ve just had such a wave of epic inspiration, but more in a validating way then I’ve ever felt before. And it has nothing to do with Alien Among Us.

Over the last couple of days, I’ve been skimming my other projects and wondering how I am going to pick them back up after not working on them for so many months. But feeling so ready to try all the same. Specifically my WIP When Stars Break.

Next to Project TTAR, this story has burned itself into my mind. I probably say that about a lot of my writing, and it doesn’t make it any less true, but When Stars Break? I wish I had the confidence to express the blood, sweat and tears going into just the brainstorming process.

Anyway, I don't know how this song avoided my radar, but I love when I hear a song for the first time. And hate it at the same time, because it will never hit the same way again, but this song screams Silas (eventual love interest) from When Stars Break.

And now I just want to put AAU away and work on WSB but I'm not going to do that to myself. I'm a roll with AAU and I don't want to disrupt that.

Present—I’m not sure how much I have shared of When Stars Break, apart from the fact it was a title for a different story (a sci-fi superhero romance) and then was transferred to my fantasy romance novel. So here is the graphic I’ve put together to give you an idea of what its about:

A big reason this is one of the projects I would like to work on this summer is because I was working on it last summer, but I set it aside. If you’re following The WriMo Blog, you already know all about why it was set aside. TL-DR, I didn’t set it aside for any reason other than needing to take a break and focus on my spiritual/prayer life.

Back to WSB—Katerina’s story is just so bittersweet to me because I’ve thrown… quite a lot of myself into her character. But she’s not the whole reason I am writing the story.

Without giving too much away, one of the characters quietly yearns for Katerina. Has been for a very long time. This character sits on the sidelines, watching all of Katerina’s suitors leave without her on their arm. Wishing she could be happy, but at the same time wishing she could be happy with him. But he’s not someone who feels entitled to her affection, because he’s just the gardener.

And that is all I will say for now.

You’re probably wondering what about the Sci-Fi RomCom in the title of this update. If you’re new to my writing, allow me to tell you about a not-so-little writing challenge known as the Open Novella Contest (ONC), on Wattpad.

Quoted from the official ONC profile:

The goal of the Open Novella Contest is to challenge participants to write a novella between 20,000 and 40,000 words in twelve (12) weeks. Participants can enter the contest by writing their novella using one of the many prompts.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that I have participated in the ONC every year since 2022. I have always been familiar with the challenge, I just didn’t join the band-wagon until the fourth year the contest ran.

2026 makes 5 years that I am participating. And I strongly feel like my writing has grown and gotten better each time. And side-note: Protecting Myrtle-Rose(2023) and A Spark of Childhood(2025) were both started during ONC challenges, but set aside when I realized which novellas I wanted to carry through to the end of the challenge. There are times when I open the unfinished files and read through the chapters I have, and I want to finish them. I want to find out what happens in the end. But for the time being, they remain on hold.

If you’re following me on The WriMo Blog, you know that back in August I shared my pre-mature excitement for the 2026 season of the ONC. Truth be told, back in January, I was very worried that the prompts wouldn’t be as good as previous years. And to be honest, the 2025 prompts didn’t WOW me the way 2024 and 2023 did. So, I was on the fence about participating.

Another reason I wasn’t sure about participating is, as mentioned in previous updates, because I’ve made it a habit to seek God’s will for each of my projects. I’m still a work in progress, but I trust Him. ♥

That said, when I read this year’s prompts, my excitement returned. They are so good this year. And unlike previous years when I put my favorites into a drawing hat or a PickerWheel, there was one prompt I kept going back to.

Creativity struck and hasn’t dwindled since. And every time I sit at my computer, I’ve whispered a short prayer for God to help me write. That He would guide my pen (or fingers on the keyboard) and that my writing would glorify Him.

How will a Sci-Fi RomCom glorify Him? By staying true to my writing style and not including any content that I shouldn’t. I’ve actually started to include a disclaimer in all of my projects when I share online, and I’m calling The Elijah Pledge.

Since I am writing for ONC2026, I’ve set Project TTAR to the side, and I will pick it back up in May-June. A Dance with Time is currently sitting on 15,000 words, moving into the second Act, and I’m loving it!

That’s all for today. If you’re not already, make sure you’re following/subscribed to The WriMo Blog Substack. That is where I am sharing all of my challenge updates.

The WriMo Blog

I write fantasy and sci-fi adventures under the name E. S. Elias. And sweet, wholesome romance under Esther Elias.

By Esther Hadassah

And don’t forget to check out my new newsletter!

Christian & Clean Fiction by Esther

A newsletter where Esther shares Christian (and clean!) fiction across Historical Romance, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi.

By Esther Hadassah

I’m Esther, but readers know me as E. S. Elias. I write across multiple genres—historical, fantasy, and sci-fi tales with a dash of romance—because I’ve never been able to choose just one world to live in. I’ve been writing stories since 2010–2011, chasing that spark of imagination that refuses to stay quiet.

When I’m not lost in a fictional kingdom or sketching out a new story, I’m usually at home with my three cats, my dog (and remembering two more beloved pups who still live in my heart), sitting a mountain of books, DVDs, and project journals.

Looking for some Clean & Christian fiction? I’ve got your back! If you haven’t been around here before, I recently started a new a reader supported publication where I share updates and news regarding my Christian & Clean projects, sneak peeks for current WIPs, early access to ARCs, and more!

Christian & Clean Fiction by Esther

A newsletter where Esther shares Christian (and clean!) fiction across Historical Romance, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi.

By Esther Hadassah

Before we get into the fun stuff, allow me to share a recap-story with you:

Back in Winter of 2022, or there abouts, I went out with some friends and we ended up in a book store—in the Plaza Las Americas Mall of San Juan. We were discussing some bookish topics when Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander came up. One of these friends mentioned how she wished there was “a series like Outlander, but without all the R-rated scenes and themes”.

In my confidence, I told her “I will write you that story. I can and I will.”

And side-note here: I journaled this single sentence and I thought I had more to go on, but I didn’t. Some stories sit on a shelf while others take immediate shape.

Back to the present. It is now September, 2025—a lot happened in this month, but I am not going to dive in too deeply with that. Because I’m not trying to reignite fires or stir the coals. That’s not my purpose.

I went on another outing with this same friend, in a much larger group. We went to the movies to celebrate this friend’s birthday, because Howl’s Moving Castle was playing. This is her all-time favorite movie.

I’d never watched or read the book before this. So, it was a new experience. One that I enjoyed so much. I loved the movie, way more than I expected to.

This brings me to the days that followed this movie trip. I found myself falling down a rabbit hole. One that brought me back to “I will write you that story. I can and I will.”

I opened the notebook where I’d left the idea. It looked like I’d added some other notes over the years, but nothing concrete or motivating enough to start writing.

The day that I began this update—September 26, 2025—I re-watched Howl’s Moving Castle, and I have a strong desire to write a story with similar, cozy-whimsical themes, but with Christian undertones, and the time-travel brilliance of Outlander.

Because I am now striving to keep my focus on what God wants me to do, I’ve been taking this idea to Him in my prayers. And every time that I open this notebook, I’m pouring ideas onto the pages. I may run out of space because silly me has been writing in the back of the notebook instead in in the middle where I have loads of room.

So what does this mean?

It means, I am still seeking God’s guidance in this story, but I am stepping forward by faith. And if I have God’s blessing to continue, He will make it known to me. He’s stopped me from writing other stories in the past, He knows how to talk to me.

But I will say, that by the time you read this update, things are happening.

I have started sharing my goals for this book on The WriMo Blog, because I am—hopefully—participating in RDC this year. You can find out more by reading this update:

The WriMo Blog

Let's Try This Again, Shall We?

Welcome back to The WriMo Blog, my little creative corner for all things writing! I’m Esther Hadassah—a fiction writer and blogger with over ten years of storytelling experience. Here, I share what I’m working on during various “Writing Months” (like NaNoWriMo, Camp NaNo, or my own self-imposed challenges), along with writing tips and reflections I’ve p…

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8 months ago · 2 likes · Esther Hadassah and Author, E. S Elias

This is a duplicate update as subscribers of my Christian & Clean Fiction newsletter get first access to all updates.

Christian & Clean Fiction by Esther

A newsletter where Esther shares Christian (and clean!) fiction across Historical Romance, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi.

By Esther Hadassah

Christian & Clean Fiction by Esther

Christian Fiction by Esther

Welcome to Christian Fiction by Esther—a reader supported publication where I share updates and news regarding my Christian projects, sneak peeks for current WIPs, early access to ARCs, and more…

Read more

9 months ago · Esther Hadassah, Author, E. S Elias, and Esther Elias, Romance Author

I was born and raised Christian. I made the decision to be a Christian—I always knew that if I did publish any books, the majority of them would have Christian themes.

What’s changing in my writing?

Not much. My writing has always remained within the boundaries of clean stories—meaning, no explicit scenes, strong language or on-screen depictions of … fill in the blanks. My sci-fi and fantasy writing also falls within these boundaries, but there is the tiniest bit of leeway because some details, such as fantasy violence and minimal magic elements.

Earlier this year (2025 for anyone reading later), I was making writing plans, that could still happen, just not as quickly as I’d hoped. But that’s a story for a different day.

July was going to be the month in which I intended to fast-draft my new fantasy romance, When Stars Break. But my mental health took priority and I haven’t felt like writing since. So, what I going to do is ride this wave of down time until my creative energies are replenished.

I’ve put together a more in-depth post over on The WriMo Blog. If you’re interested in more detail, check it out here:

The WriMo Blog

Going back to my roots.

Welcome back to The WriMo Blog—if you’re new, welcome! I’m Esther Hadassah—a fiction writer and blogger with over ten years of storytelling experience. Here, I share what I’m working on during various "Writing Months" (like NaNoWriMo, Camp NaNo, or my own self-imposed challenges), along with writing tips and reflections I’ve picked up along the way…

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9 months ago · Esther Hadassah

Why am I not going in-depth here? I had already started the newsletter update over there and don’t feel like doing a copy-paste. But I will share the books that influence my desire to write Bible-inspired fantasy. I will say, I included some books that I haven’t actually read yet, but they are there from a different blog update.

In the meantime, make sure you keep an eye on this space. I’ve got things I will be sharing soon!

I have already hinted at this project in a previous newsletter. But today, I am going sharing the placeholding cover design!

When Stars Break: A Daughters of Amoria Novel

This story is a romantasy—light fantasy elements—that follows a young woman in a Victorian-inspired setting, and explores themes of societal expectations and the pressures that come with them. Especially regarding age, marriage, and personal worth in a traditional realm. It touches on how rigid customs can create feelings of isolation and "undesirability," and the emotional journey of breaking free from these constraints. It also gently examines family dynamics, class differences, and the quiet strength it takes to find one's own path in the face of disappointment.

The inspiration for this story came after I was already planning the Daughters of Amoria series. There are world-building aspects that I want to establish before jumping into the main series.

My main character POV is Katerina, and the love-interest is Silas. She’s a middle class lady, he’s a gardener. That’s all I can share at the moment because I need to get back to drafting!

Hello, my awesome peeps! Welcome back! Today’s update is part of my Summer 2025 Projects newsletter series, where I will be showcasing the four (4) that I will be working on this summer. Of which one (1) does hold top priority. If this interests you, keep reading!

From the title of this update alone, you can get the gist of what I am going to be talking about. Especially because I have spoken about this book over the past several years.

Originally, this book was titled “Love Over Hate” and was going to be part of a standalone fantasy series. I soon realized I was not as into that idea and never jumped into writing the series. But Romeo & Juliet, with Dragons and Elves? It is still something I see myself writing. Which is why I have decided to make this book my “priority” of all the books I will be outlining and drafting this summer.

I won’t be revealing my project cover until after I’m settled into the drafting phase. Which will be soon because I am putting together a plan and goals for this story. I have also given myself a “deadline” to finish the first draft by the end of January 2026.

At this time, I am still in my re-outlining stage, but I have created the book on Wattpad. It will also be posted to Ream and Inkitt as free-reading for a length of time, so I can receive feedback. Then it will be removed from Wattpad, and placed behind the pay-wall for my Inkitt and Ream subscribers.

Officially, this book is now titled: THE LAST CHÆRA.

Add to Reading List!

I recent shared a post to The WriMo Blog where I talk about some of the passion projects I have for myself. As in, I only write them for myself, and don’t actually intend to share them anywhere. Most of them, anyway. Those projects pertain to my sci-fi-fantasy writing, so check out the post here:

The WriMo Blog

I've been keeping a secret or a few.

Hey, writer friends! This is not the first time I’ve tried to start a post about something I’m not sharing publicly, but it is the first time I will actually push it forward. Offline, I am working on several passion projects. I would like to share a little bit about them, but without diving too deeply into them. If this interests you, keep reading…

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a year ago · Esther Hadassah

Before we dive into the main subject of today’s update, I am sad to report that my ONC2025 novella, The Unicorn’s Blessing, did not make the Longlist. After letting the news settle and congratulating everyone I was supporting through the contest, I am ready to work on my next story.

THE UNICORN’S BLESSING will remain on Wattpad for a few more months and then I will be removing the story content and uploading it elsewhere. I am very proud of this novella, thrilled that it came as far as it did. I can still say that it was a Round 1 Winner and a Round 2 Ambassador Pick. Someone among the judges did love my novella, and that’s more than I could ever ask for.

I’m writing a New Adult Romantasy Novel

I have recently decided that I want to further grow as a writer and write something that I truly desire to read. And it’s a new adult romantasy novel. I know that there are literally so many romantasy books out there, but I haven’t found the one I’m looking for.

If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~ Toni Morrison

So you see, I have permission from one of the greats to write the book that I want to read. And I have it almost completely planned out.

When I say “planned”, I don’t mean a detailed outline. It’s just a concept, a foundational idea, and three scenes in my mind playing on repeat. I also have a title in mind.

I don’t have any cover art. Not really. Just something to look at as I write and visualize the story. This book will also be the first new story (apart from my ONC books) that I will be sharing to Wattpad, as well as Inkitt and Ream Stories. I launched my Ream page very recently and I am giving it my best shot. I made a Carrd with all the book platform-related links, so check that out HERE.

Watch this space updates! Like, actual updates. I am putting together a schedule, with intentions to have 50% of the book written by the end of August. Oh! And this is not going to be a novella. It’s going to be a full-length novel. Because the genre calls for it. But I am giving the story full control. So it could end up being shorter, or longer, than 60,000 words.

That’s my goal, anyway.

Thank you so much for dropping in. I hope you stick around and follow along with all the updates for this project. I am super excited about sharing it with you.

Hiya, peeps! I realize its been a while since I’ve sent out a newsletter, but in all fairness I tend to keep The WriMo Blog updated more than anything. Follow me over there, if you are interested in keeping up with everything.

I am participating in the Open Novella Contest again. I have been so excited for it to begin, and now its here! I have spent the last few days (in between work and daily routine) brainstorming the heck out of my novella. I mention this in The WriMo Blog newsletter, that I want to try and outline every detail of this story. Additionally, I am bringing back a beloved character from #ONC2024.

If you were following my old blog platform, you know who this character. If not, allow me to introduce Prince Oskar of Unara. He was the male MC in my Ambassadors’ Pick, ONC 2024 Shortlisted novella, THE GIRL WITH SCARS.

This new story takes place a few years prior to events in TGWS, so (for those of you who have read the original story) Oskar has not met Dorthee in this new story.

Why did I decide to write with the same character?

Spoiler for anyone who has not read THE GIRL WITH SCARS: There is a very short scene where Oskar’s brother, Erasmus, reveals to Dorthee that Oskar has encountered a Unicorn. I have been wishing that I would have expanded on that piece of filler content. But I was on a time-crunch and once my novella was written and had met the required word count, I was not allowed to go back and change/edit/revise the story because I had already submitted to the final round.

This year, I have the chance to go back to that sentence and expand. Because there was a SINGLE Open Novella Contest prompt that involves a Unicorn. Well, a Unicorn’s horn, to be precise. But it works out so well!

So, it gives me great pleasure to reveal my new novella project, my ONC2025 entry:

When Prince Oskar ventures into the forest behind the royal palace, he stumbles upon something unthinkable-a Unicorn's horn, slick with fresh blood.

Unicorns are sacred in the kingdom of Unara, their magic a gift only bestowed upon the worthy-or stolen through death. Someone is hunting them, and if the killings continue, their magic will fall into the wrong hands.

Determined to uncover the truth, Oskar sets out to find the culprit. But the deeper he digs, the darker the secrets he unearths—ones that could shake the very foundation of the kingdom.

A standalone fantasy adventure, The Unicorn's Blessing follows Prince Oskar before the events of The Girl with Scars, revealing the choices that shaped the man he would become.

So that’s my novella and I am so excited to be writing it. At the time of sharing this newsletter, I have just reached 2,000 words in the project! And I have 90% of my outline brainstormed! Additionally, I have some alternate cover designs that will be a better match to the one I have for THE GIRL WITH SCARS. But I’ve had wonderful reactions to this current design, so I am going to keep it for a while. As you are definitely aware, I tend to change my covers multiple times until I settle on one that sticks best.

I will be sharing the alternative designs on The WriMo Blog Ko-fi page.

Anyway, that’s my update for now. What are you working on right now? Comment below!

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Stay safe, and stay awesome. See you in the funny papers!

Despite my joy and excitement as I brainstormed Project Wonder, a voice in my head said it was not the right project to work on. Not yet, anyway. So, I have been busy trying to reach the same level of preparedness in my new project as I was in Project Wonder.

Project Wonder was brainstormed and planned from START TO FINISH. I impressed myself. Of course, I’ve already had a few days prior to writing this update to sit and do more brainstorming, but I’m still cutting it close. I might be discovery writing as November goes on.

What is my new project? For now, it is referred to as “Project Ducuria”.

At the moment, the goal is to write a novella-length story, but that is just a smaller milestone that I could surpass. If so desired. Additionally, I do have cover art! But you won’t get to see it until later in November. Until then, here is a teaser:

That’s the update for now. See you in the funny papers!

My cousin and I were looking through her very large order of stickers and there were some packs that were of cute little bottles—each with a variety of different worlds, creatures, rooms, famous art-inspired pieces, and just magical things. My cousin had brought up the initial idea and I bounced off from there. And then "Project Wonder” was born.

I am participating in Sarra Cannon’s “Rough Draft Challenge” as a replacement for NaNoWriMo this year.

Project Wonder is a young adult sci-fi portal fantasy adventure, following a young woman who has lived a very isolated life and finds herself caught in a journey through different worlds that started by entering her missing father’s forbidden lab.

I have been brainstorming this story to the fullest and I really think it will all work out perfectly. The fMC (female main character), Dottie, is going to have such a great character arc. I’ve been deep in brainstorming and I think I can safely say that Dottie is going to be a mostly well-rounded character. And below is what I think the title will end up being!

I am still tracking my word count progress on the NaNoWriMo website, at least until I find a new one that works as good or better. Truthfully, that is the only feature I’ve ever used on the NaNoWriMo website. I am trying out 2 different trackers, and Sarra Cannon said her husband is working on a website specifically for the RDC, so I’m excited to give that a try as well.

In the meantime, I want my visitors to know that I made this decision this year based on my past fails of trying to write 50,000 words in thirty days and feeling absolutely gutted when I see all my writer friends succeeding, and I barely reach 28k.

If you decide you are still participating in NaNoWriMo, that’s totally fine! I completely support you and you will definitely see me participate in more future Camp sessions. I just happen to prefer smaller word count goals now and I can achieve them better with my current schedule.

Edited to add: this post was written and pre-scheduled prior to the realization that I will be working on a different project in November, hahaha!

I want to talk to y’all about my new novella, THE LARK PRINCE. Yes, you read that correctly: NOVELLA. It was supposed to only be a very short bonus story that I would include in a special edition hardback of my novella, THE LARK’S PEARL, when I finally publish it. But more on that another time. Let’s talk about Elias, The Lark Prince.

I had a goal of 10,000-ish words. This story was intended to be short; just some bonus chapters for THE LARK'S PEARL, from Prince Elias's POV. However, as I was writing, and reached my goal, passing it by 2,000+ words without a sense of it ending, I kept going. And going. Until I finally reached and ending the story deserved, with a word count of 23,637 words... Yeah, it became its own novella.

Check out the full blog posts by clicking this button!

Let me tell you about Elias

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Back in 2022, after I’d written a romantasy story for the Open Novella Contest—for the first time!—I knew there was more to the story. THE LARK’S PEARL was a crowd-favorite and I told everyone there was bonus content in the works. I can finally say that said bonus content has finally taken form.

I am not going to get too deep in the details, but these stories are the ones that readers know I have been planning. Whether or not they are the only bonus stories I have planned is still in the air. But they are the ones that I’ve been able to start and I have 45% written for one of them.

And spoiler warning for those who have not read THE LARK’S PEARL—there are snippets from my novella across all the stories. Originally, I thought it might be necessary, but it’s not required to read THE LARK’S PEARL before the other stories. Which means, if you are new to the stories, you can start anywhere. However, there is a recommended reading order, based on when the stories fall, chronologically.

I was always going to include bonus content in my future published edition of THE LARK’S PEARL, but it only going to be a couple of chapters from Elias’ perspective. And yes, there are readers who wanted me to elaborate on some details involving Clara, Erik’s betrothed, plus the wedding that I never got around to writing. And then there’s the “all-knowing” Ariabella’s mother. I have recently discovered her name is Rosemary, though I never once call her by name in the main story.

I really did intend to make the stories their own, but that’s how writing goes sometimes.

I will end this update here. I hope it is enough to get my readers excited for something new but familiar.

Read on Wattpad

I’ll be updating my progress on , so make sure to subscribe to that newsletter. It is just a summary of my regular blog posts, but you will be notified through there when a new post goes up.

I entered the 2024 edition of the Open Novella Contest on Wattpad. My entry, THE GIRL WITH SCARS, was chosen as a Round 2 Ambassadors’ Pick! This has never happened to me with any of my books before and I am over the moon!

Read Free on Wattpad

I don’t know what I’m doing differently than previous years, but I hope I can figure it out so I can share with others for next year! Additionally, I hope to have the book finished by April 27th, and marked as “Complete” on Wattpad so I can get the book printed in May!

That’s all I wanted to share today. See you in the funny papers!