Heidi here, for Melissa. It’s well past time for an update, I know, and I finally have one for you.
Disclaimer: I am not a writer, not like Melissa was. But I am a lifelong passionate appreciator of literature, as well as a decent mimic.
Add to those qualifications (dubious as they may be) a surfeit of love, admiration and loyalty for Melissa McPhail and her work, and the news today is that I am now officially committed to completing her Pattern of Shadow and Light series. Myself.
Terrifying, I know. Let me explain.
As I reported in the last blog post, Melissa had made significant progress on the next book. What she has written lives up to the promise of her earlier work and even exceeds it. It will be worth the wait, I assure you.
We had hoped this manuscript could be moved straight into the pipeline for release: sequencing, beta reading, editing and proofreading then boom – published! Even if the story was never finished, at least what she had done could be given to the world.
But that is no longer an option, because Melissa did in fact finish the story. At least in a manner of speaking. And her story is too brilliant and too important to be truncated.
In addition to the completed chapters, the manuscript is chock-a-block with notes – there are hundreds of pages of them, obviously written for herself and no-one else. (You may recall, Melissa had realized two books would be required to finish the story, and she was writing both of them at once.)
I have found hundreds of additional notes squirreled away with seeming forethought to preventing some interloper from intercepting the secrets: on her laptop yes, but also on old flash drives, in emails to herself, in handwritten notebooks and in dozens of voice memos on her phone.
These notes vary widely: there are shockingly bald statements of the answers to some of the most enduring mysteries of the series. Then there are chapters in progress, sometimes written from several possible viewpoints and with several different endings; pages or snippets of dialog, insults and exclamations for various characters. There are pages describing Melissa’s overarching philosophy, with her musings on what she wants to focus on and achieve with various characters and story lines. Also many files full of quotes from a dazzling array of poets, philosophers and villains who inspired her.
To make it even more fun, many of the notes are not dated, and in some cases there are several different versions of events.
Luckily she talked to me about a lot of these things, so my head is another note repository. In fact, my most important qualification is that I have spent the last several years by Melissa’s side, committed to and immersed in this universe she was creating and has created. She trusted me and confided her heart to me.
Doubtless there are far more talented writers out there, but no-one has been as close to Melissa’s process, her passion and her vision. It has to be me, at least for the first draft. So here I go.
I do realize that this begs the burning question: when? We’ve already waited so long! I’m no soothsayer and I’ve barely gathered all of Melissa’s notes, but what I can tell you is that all my thought and effort is bent on this and will remain so until I have something to share with you. In my ever-candescent optimism, I intend for that to happen by the time the buds are blooming on Melissa’s Oregon trees for spring 2023. It won’t be the next book – even Melissa was expecting at least another year on that, and she’s the rowed Adept/angiel to my novice wielder/naturna – but it will be something good, a peek at least. I have all this fabulous new material she wrote, plus the enormous companion book that nobody has seen, plus an excellent revision/update to ‘How Deep Does The Alabaster Go?’ Perhaps we’ll release a section of the companion book with a related teaser chapter from the new book? I welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
I do have a request: If you are one of those beloved friend-fans who had long conversations with Melissa about her story, and you have notes that can or should be added to the repository, please do email me. I know how much she valued those fan interactions, and the degree to which many of you inspired her. I’m hoping you’ll lend me your inspiration, too, along with your forbearance for my fumbling into a role I was never meant to occupy.
Melissa McPhail and Heidi kemp, June 2017 New Orleans
Heidi,
I’ve never commented on here, nor did I ever have any conversations with Melissa. But I have read her work. And I did grieve when I learned that she had passed. In many she ways she represented what I have always wanted to be: a self-made and self-published author whose stories meant something to people. Even though we never spoke and never met, this always caused me to feel a bit of a kinship with her.
Anyway, I wanted to wish you the best of luck on this endeavor. You are embarking on a journey that will at times feel impossible, and it may feel like a burden too heavy to carry. When you face those moments, please remember that you have a legion of people cheering for you out here. We’ve all got your back in our own individual ways. For however long it takes.
I think I can speak for many of us when I say thank you for continuing Melissa’s legacy and for finishing the story that was so very important to her—and to us. I wish you well.
Thank you so much for this, Ryan. Your understanding and support means more than I can say. I send you my support in return, and hope you are making progress on your own path as an author. It certainly is a challenging journey! Did you ever read Melissa’s blog post on critique and criticism? I just re-read it myself and highly recommend it. https://www.melissamcphail.com/category/criticism-and-critique/
Hi. Thank you for this update. I have been waiting to hear what will happen to the story we all love so much.
I have some QA and notes from email exchanges with Melissa. Where do you want me to forward them? Not sure if it is helpful, but you never know.
It’s my pleasure Shervin and yes, we do love it so very much! Yes please on the QA and notes – any exchanges on the story are helpful, plus I’m preserving as much as I can for posterity. My email address is [email protected]
Thank you. Wish you the best. Looking forward to whatever comes down the pipeline. Happy Holidays!
My pleasure ZR, and thank you for that. I’m a little late in my response (technical reasons held up the posting of the comments on this blog post) but I wish you the best of 2023.
I did not know her personally and the only correspondence was a reply to a blog post she made. Regardless, her passing struck me incredibly hard.
I was just doing my novel series check ups and when I can to Melissa’s site a piece of my world shattered. I felt incredibly sad and guilty for my desire to hear the rrst of her story. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
My daughter was born just a few days ago and it breaks my heart that she won’t be in the same world as her. Melissa’s books have helped me be the man I am today and I hope that someday she will find the same magic and inspiration that I have.
Thank you so much for taking on this monumental task. I have complete faith that you will do justice to get vision.
This is beautiful Tony, thank you for sharing. Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! I know Melissa would be so honored to know how her work has inspired you. I feel the same way, and I am grateful for your faith and support.
Don’t worry about how long it takes. I’m just excited to one day get to read what else is out there!
I appreciate that, Donald. Thank you and YES it is very exciting! 🙂
I am a devoted fan. I love Melissa’s work and am so saddened by her passing.
I check in on this website often. I am grateful for this update and for your efforts on her behalf.
Thank you.
Thank you Pat, I will definitely do my absolute best to honour her.
I am excited! I look forward to reading the next release. Ive only listened to it in audible but ive been waiting for those final books. You may not be the original writer but if you know her heart then you are qualified to continue the work! Would love to read those companion books too. Probably having a multiverse of her multiple endings might be something awesome to read.
Thanks Brent, I’m excited too! Your multiverse idea is intriguing… making a note of that 🙂
I too Love the multi ending idea.. for after the first one.
I think Marion Zimmer Bradley is the only other author I have loved as much.
Looking forward to seeing your / Melissa’s works soon
A daunting task indeed, but what an incredible undertaking. I wish you the best and am excited to read the next few books. Thank you so much for taking this on!
I really appreciate that, Paraggio. It’s my pleasure and thank you for your support!
Heidi!!
I just stumbled across this! Oh my God this is amazing ‼️ I think I’m going to have to recreate the postulate to read her series! I started SOOO long ago and realized it wasn’t just a story, but a world and a project that I would sometime make the time to join. I love that you are doing this
Hello Nancy, I love and support that idea! It’s definitely an undertaking, as befits true epic fantasy. You won’t regret it. A lot of people have said that the audiobooks are an excellent choice if one finds the books a bit daunting. Thank you so much for your support.
Heidi — I’m sitting here thinking, “Of course Heidi is just as sweet and generous as Melissa!”
Thank you for committing to finishing Melissa’s beautifully interwoven tale. I’m eager to find out how everything ends for the characters.
Happy Holidays!!
Leah, you are too kind. Almost as sweet and generous as Melissa and myself 😉 It’s my pleasure, and I appreciate your support so much. I’m a bit late in replying (technical reasons delayed the appearance of these comments) but I hope your holidays were wonderful and wish you the very best in 2023.
Thankyou Heidi! You’re doing great!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Raigen! Much appreciated.
I am very glad to hear that you will be making an attempt to complete this wonderful story. This universe Melissa created is one of the most unique and well thought out ones that I have ever visited. About twice a year, Alorin calls me back to listen or read again. Thank you for taking on such a daunting task and I wish you and the team the best of luck! The rest of this story absolutely deserves to be told.
Ryan, I couldn’t agree more! I have spent a great deal of time working on the companion book to the series over the last few years, and the richness of the universe never ceases to amaze me. Thank you so much for this.
Thank you for the update Heidi!
I honestly teared up when you said you were committed to finishing the series. Not for the fact that it would be completed, but that Melissa was loved so much that you stepped up to finish what she could not. The torch has been passed and I’m sure many are excited to see the conclusion. As many of her fans would say, please take your time. It definitely sounds like you have a lot of material to organize and sift through.
I’m not sure if she ever thought of pursuing it, but I posited the possibility of a Fynnlar side story to Melissa off-handedly once. Her response: “I have a LOT of fun writing Fynn, Lance, especially coming up with wrong names for Balaji. 😉 So glad you’re enjoying the series on #Audible.”
I jokingly titled the would-be side story “On Any Given Tuesday”. Really loved how she interacted with her fans. I lost my mother to cancer the day before I returned from my honeymoon, so I can relate a bit. Hope you and the family are doing well. Take care and stay strong!
Thank you again for the update!
Lance, wow, thank you! You have fully understood my motivation – this undertaking is daunting and has on occasion felt blasphemous, so your description and support mean so very much. I love her too much to not do everything in my power to bring to her fans what she always intended for them to have.
Condolences on your mom’s passing. It’s very hard to lose a parent, but I am so happy you had a happy event to balance it – congrats on your wedding!
I am such a fan of Fynnlar and I really like this idea of yours. Often when Melissa was writing she would start giggling, then I would know she was probably writing Fynn. I’m making a note, and your title is perfect, so thank you for sharing.
That’s such great news Heidi, thank you for the update. What an amazing, but no doubt daunting, task to take on.
I only had a couple of interactions with Melissa when I tweeted her in despair because I couldn’t stand Ean’s petulant behaviour anymore and I wanted to know why he was such a brat! Lol! Melissa took the time to respond and change my perspective in such a charming, disarming way. That short conversation has always stayed with me.
I only recently learnt about Melissa passing away whilst I was re-reading the series before starting The Sixth Strand. What a tremendous loss and a heartbreaking tragedy, especially for her family and friends.
I think it’s such a tribute to her that you will be completing the series. You must be absolutely flooded with offers, but if there’s anything I can contribute then do please let me know.
Good luck, you’ve got this.
Ben, LOL I confess I shared your despair with Ean at times and definitely questioned Melissa on whether she was deliberately torturing us! If you have her explanation that changed your perspective, I would really like to see that. He certainly has come a long way and oooh there are exciting things in his future…
I love how you described this effort as a tribute. Melissa was such an exceptional talent, it really is daunting to think I could represent her in any way. But her work is brilliant enough that I have to try. Thank you so much for your words and your vote of confidence.
Heidi,
Thank you for the long awaited update, I cannot imagine how hard the last months have been for you and her family. I’m so grateful that you have decided to finish the series, I know a lot of authors are protective of their work. It may be selfish but I always feel like the best homage to the author is to have their work brought to fruition, even if it wasn’t exactly as they would have envisioned. Wheel of Time jumps to mind. It sounds like Melissa left you a wonderful mess of treasures to sort through and I wish you all the best in doing so. I await the next installment with great excitement. I wish I could fulfill your request but I came late to the party, I only just finished book 5 when I heard about her passing. I have only one question. Are you going to continue on with the Audio books with Nick Podehl? I’ve of course read the books themselves but the audio versions are amazing an incredible showcase that these books deserve.
Thank you again for all that you are doing,
Sam.
Sam, you are so kind. Melissa was fiercely protective of her work for sure, and such an exceptional talent that I have had (many) moments of agony contemplating my brashness in attempting to complete it for her. Nobody could do it as she would have, that’s an indisputable fact. So your sentiment that “the best homage to the author is to have their work brought to fruition” resonates deeply with me. Thank you.
To answer your question: YES, upcoming releases will go through Podium Books, the publisher we have to thank for securing Nick Podehl as the talent for the series. He was a brilliant choice, and Melissa’s rep at Podium has been very supportive of my efforts. Fingers crossed I can pull all this together in a worthy fashion – the support of fans like you means the world to me, so thanks again.
I literally just started rereading this series again and came to she how things were going with the next steps. I glad to hear there is enough material. Also, glad she has someone like you to complete her work. I wish you the best of luck and can’t wait to read what’s to come.
Thank you so much, Zach. I really appreciate the support.
Great update
You’ve got this!
Your vote of confidence is very much appreciated Darrell, thank you!
This is very exciting! We who didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Melissa, miss her pen, almost as much as those who did, miss her.
Good luck! We are rooting for you (which is, in fact, a way to root for us)!
Matias, YES you make an excellent point. It really is exciting and with all this fabulous support, I know I will succeed, so thank you.
Thank you for taking on such a huge task I’ve never committed on here before but I love Melissa’s books, they have become some of my favorites fantasy novels of all times and knowing that you’re writing them lets me know that the books are in good hands!
Thanks so much Travis, for being a fellow fan and for your support.
this is amazing news, and thank you a lot for continuing her work!
We’ll be waiting for more news and for the last two books
I was listening to them, but I’ll probably by the whole package to have all in hard cover once the series is finished!
I love Melissa’s work!
Rodrigo, I feel exactly the same about her work! The hardcover books are beautiful, yes. Thank you for being a fan, and for your support.
Oh wow. That’s…you can tell a lot about an author of a certain caliber by their writing. Mellisa was such an author and as such I can say it was very very obvious she was brilliant. Not just as an author but her insights into the science and structure of her world was absurd. Who makes something like the Greater Reticulation into a common phrase?
I find it even crazier she didn’t plot. How? Seriously that’s….
And you’re taking that on in her name. Feeling like Alshiba Torrin a bit would be my guess. I wish you the best of luck and all the grace I can spare right now. Since you are literally the only one who can do it I look forward to seeing the ending to Mellisa and Heidi’s incredible world. May whatever Angiels exist light your way.
James, you are clearly rather brilliant yourself, with your insightful words. EXACTLY! Melissa was a genius and a talent in a number of fields. The fun thing about being close to her was experiencing her passion for philosophy and art and esoteric subjects; she studied those things for pleasure and loved to share. The universe she created in her books was such an excellent outlet for that passion, especially because she could embellish and elaborate in the most creative way for her world, and it drew to her like-minded people in her fans. Like you 🙂
Your Alshiba Torinin reference is spot-on LOL. I am so grateful for your blessing and support.
This is terribly clever; I feel like the next book should have the author line as
Written by:
Björn Van Gelderan
Compiled and completed by:
Alshiba Torinin
I think in a way it would be a clever way to pay homage to Melissa brilliance and To Heidi’s undertaking.
Huge Grinnnn
I personally Love that
Thanks so much Heidi! I love the world Melissa has created, and I’m sure it is no easy thing to take on. I’m grateful, and confident you will do amazing!
Thank you, Dan. It is such a rich and beautiful world! Thank you (on Melissa’s behalf) for partaking.
This is fantastic news!! A Pattern of Shadow and Light is by far my favorite fantasy series. I was incredibly saddened to hear of Melissa’s passing.
I’m impressed and very grateful that you’re willing to pick up where she left off. Her writing and the way she constructed sentences was always a joy to read. Her story is one that absolutely deserves to be completed.
I wish you the best in channeling her energy into that task.
Steve, I feel the same way. Melissa was an exceptional writer as well as an imaginative storyteller – a heady combination! Your good wishes are much appreciated.
Heidi, thank you for taking on this monumental task. I know you may not feel equal to the challenge because… well… you’re not Melissa. But if anyone is able to complete her work it is you. I believe in you and eagerly await the result.
Unfortunately, I have nothing to add to your notes, but (as I just commented in the last post) I would’ve loved to be a beta reader for this series. If you need any support in that respect, then don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you Michael, it’s true – nobody could match Melissa. She’s been creating this world for most of her adult life and honing her craft as a writer for even longer. I would never have considered this undertaking if her story wasn’t so important to me and to many others, and if I hadn’t been sharing her process for so many years and therefore well know how much it meant to her.
I am putting you on the list of volunteer beta readers right now, thank you for that!
I am so thrilled to receive this update … and overjoyed with the information it holds. I am so thankful to you for picking up the torch and helping to deliver this story to the fans – I have no doubt that it will be a monumental task. I trust you will do it justice. After all, you are familiar with its heart.
My heart! Thank you Lauri, this makes me very happy. It is monumental indeed and my temerity in taking it on is rooted in the knowledge of how much both her story and her fans meant to Melissa.
I wanted to remark that Melissa was the kindest author I ever met (virtually)!
A few years ago I had stumbled onto her series and fell in love with it all. The way she tied various religions and scientific theories together with the ifferent species of her world into such a perfectly succinct presentation astounded me.
I reached out to her via Facebook messenger thinking I was on a fan page and low and behold, it was her personal page and she actually wrote back…. a lot. She answered all my questions (avoiding spoilers) and even asked for my thoughts and opinions on the story arc.
I even got to speak with her answer my questions live on a podcast interview.
So, Heidi, if you or her family has access to her FB messenger, there would be some good back and forth on her theories and decisions. At least for the first few books. I have since deleted my social media accounts and no longer have access.
Please tell her family thank you for continuing to allow you to share her world with us. We will be forever grateful!
Dave, thanks so much for this. I do have access to her Messenger and just found your thread! It makes for a really good read – I am sure she greatly appreciated those probing questions and real-time updates.
I will pass on your thanks to her family, and thanks so much for your interest and support.
Hiedi- thank you. I have tears right now because I absolutely LOVE Melissa’s writing and was devastated to hear of her passing. I thought this story would never be finished. Your passion tells me that at the very least I can look forward to reading whatever Melissa was able to finish. Your task sounds… nearly impossible. So thank you for caring about all of us fans out here and for doing your best. Love and blessings, Michael
Michael, this means so much to me. Thank you for understanding and for your support. It is *nearly* impossible, true. But it would be an unforgivable breach of her trust in me not to do my absolute best to share all that she had created but didn’t have a chance to share.
“Disclaimer: I am not a writer” – you are to me!
I am so glad to know that you will carry this story to its completion. I am nearing the end of my second read-through, and the sheer epic scope of these stories baffles my mind! There is no one more connected to this wonderful world than you, so I know there is no one better suited to finishing the story.
I wish you all the best in this major undertaking! And I can always reread the books again while eagerly awaiting the next volume, but it’s a relief to know the next volume is still coming!
Oh David, thank you for saying that. I have been a writer in some form for most of my life, but as you say, the sheer epic scope of the story is daunting, not to mention Melissa’s exquisite talent and craft. I have been lucky to be so intimately connected to the creation of this world for so long. I promise to do my absolute best to share what she couldn’t, and the support of fans like you in this rather brash undertaking means the world to me.
Heidi,
You are brilliant!! I’m believe in you, and am so excited that you’re there to show us the last of Melissa’s work combined with your love, friendship and ability!
Good luck!! I can’t wait to see what you two beautiful ladies have in store for us!!
Much love,
Antoinette
Hey Heidi,
I can’t imagine how difficult it must’ve been over the past few months. Melissa inspired me and lit me up with her beautiful story in Alorin. It’s been a series that I’m beyond fond of, especially since it helped me fall in love with something while I was going through some dark times.
I’m so excited to hear you’re taking her life’s work and giving it a conclusion. I trust that it will be enough to conclude this amazing story, no matter how you choose to bring everything together.
I’m curious, do you think you’ll publish the rest of the series in two books or put everything together in a single one?
Thank you so much for committing to finish this series. I have read many dozens of fantasy series, and Melissa’s Pattern of Shadow and Light was one of my two or three very favorites- that are tied in my heart for greatest story I have read. No matter how long it takes, and even if it is not the same as if Melissa had written it, what you are doing is valuable to me beyond what words can describe.
This is amazing to hear. You were both lucky to have found each other. I feel a friendship such as yours is akin to the unbreakable bond in this world of worlds she created. Coming up on 1 year since she left the world, shortly, has had me relistening to the series again and again. I know you will do right be Melissa, this universe she created and the closing words for all who are part of it. Thank you for choosing to continue the path you were on together.
Thanks for your bravery and commitment taking this on, Heidi! Like many others, I love these characters and I am excited to re-join them on their journeys. I am sure you will bring your own love for Melissa and the story to life with your writing.
Heidi, thank you so much for taking on this daunting, yet very important, labour!
I’m sure I speak for many of Melissa’s fans when I say that I’m so pleased to see the level of commitment and investment you have for this mission. I find myself coming back to the website periodically, over and over, to check for an update.
I was captivated from the moment I began this series, and I was transformed almost instantly into a fan. I’m sure that for many of us, the tragedy of Melissa’s passing will be in some way brought to rest by the proper conclusion of this great work that has captivated so many of us.
Bravo, Heidi.
As a fan who was absolutely devastated to read your previous update about Melissa’s passing, all I can say is thank you. Thank you for being willing to share the rest of her story with us. I can imagine that any of her fans will be grateful for anything you’re able to share with us as you undertake the monumental task of finishing her epic fantasy.
I would love to be one of the beta readers.
I just want to say, thank you for helping to finish this series. This is such a tragic ending for so talented a writer and wonderful person. That you would commit to finish her great work is a testament to your own strength of will and character. At least Melissa was able to pass on knowing that her story was in good hands.
Thank you Heidi. My heart still breaks for you and Melissa’s family. I have just now had the heart of start listening to Melissa’s work again. Her story telling and passion has impacted me more than any other series. Seeing the characters face their challenges gave me the courage to handle mine. Thank you for honoring her and the amazing work she brought to the world.
Thank you. This won’t be the book we wanted, but closure to the story will help a lot of Melissa’s fans.
Good luck, Heidi! I’ll be waiting.
Heidi – thank you for taking on this project. I fully expect Melissa to be your muse as you do your best to complete this fabulous series. I think most of her fans will gladly be patient as you tackle this enormous task with a desire to give us the finished story.
Thank you so much for your labor of love. And it will pass that the books will be complete, and just like Jordan and Sanderson, her book will become the Melissa and Heidi and will be known as such and loved as such.
‘greater love hath no friend that to finish her author’s story’. I will love it and enjoy evermore.
HEIDIIIIIIiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!
I miss you. Come home.
Best of luck Heidi! I look forward to reading what you come up with.
Godspeed and thank you. I never met Melissa and only interacted with her a couple of times online, but I found her gracious and welcoming, and patient. It hurts my heart to know that she is no longer with us in this world. But she will always live in the hearts and minds of her friends, family, and fans. Thank you for taking on this herculean task. I can hardly wait to continue the adventure.
I just wanted to stop by and say, thank you for all that you’re doing. I never had the pleasure of a conversation with Melissa about this wonderful series, mostly because I just never tried to reach out. I was extremely saddened to hear of her passing. I can’t speak for everybody but I wanted to say that I appreciate what you are doing both for everybody that wants the series to finish and to honor Melissa. Take all the time you need, if I have to wait 15 years for this series to finish, I will in fact do just that and still smile when the books hit the shelves.
You are amazing… thank you so much for respecting her work and for the effort you are putting in to making sure it sees the light of day! I wish I were one of the ones that had long conversations with Melissa, but I am not. I am, however, a hopeful fan who appreciated her more than I knew. I look forward to seeing what comes out of you process.
Can’t wait to see how it turns out. I’m sure you’ll do her proud.
Thank you!! Thank you!! Your commitment to completing her work is quite honorable. We know at least one epic series that was completed (Jordan/Sanderson) after the original author’s death. And that was a great success. Just like this case, co-author has TONS of materials and notes, and time enough with the original author to complete their original vision. You’ve got this Heidi. You CAN do this. They technically may not be her exact words, but it’s definitely her story and vision. If it helps, think of it like a campfire tale where you have something to add to what was already said, and you just take the conversation to the end of the story.
Yes, I’m climbing the walls to see what happens to Ean, Tanis, and everyone else. Yes, this is a pride of place series in my library. Yes, you are the right person to finish this. Your love for Melissa will make your writing shine.
And thank you for loving her enough to make all those strangers happy when you didn’t have to do anything at all. Blessings and prayers to all of you.
I missed this back in December somehow, but thank you for this update. I can say with a fair amount of certainty that I am not the only one with a heavy emotional investment in Melissa’s work. When I read the news last year, I sobbed for hours. I wasn’t one of the lucky few who’d gotten to have in-depth conversations with her, but through her characters I formed a bit of an attachment and hearing the news of her passing felt like losing a dear friend that I’d lost touch with over the years, but still cared for very much.
Thank you Heidi. I know what you’re about to undertake cannot be easy for you in the slightest. I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me? The news that I’ll get to know how her story ends has served as quite possibly the best birthday gift I’ve gotten in years. If she trusted you to carry this torch, then I think the rest of us should as well. And I do. I look forward to seeing what you write, and have every belief that it will be just as well written as if it had been penned by Melissa’s hand.
Thank you so much Heidi. For taking on this great work, for helping us with this closure and for this update. I can’t thank you enough.
Heidi,
I have not had the connection with Melissa that most people here have had. I infact had only one email from her, I want to tell you that her Email to me telling me to push forward, to become a writer myself, to never give up. I believe in you, I may not know Melissa well but i do know the books she wrote changed my life. I send you all the support I can as a fan of the books, as a fan of the world, but most of all as a lost novice writer myself.
Hello Heidi,
I just happened to visit the site today to see if there was an update and I’m sorry to hear about Melissa’s passing. Condolences to you and her other friends and family.
This is my favorite fantasy series and I’m glad Melissa has someone like you to carry the torch. I hope you have a team to assist you with deciphering the web Melissa wove for us! Blessings to you.