Issabelle's Posts

My Novel is Going to be… PUBLISHED!!! 😱

If I’m being honest, I can’t believe you’re reading this right now. I can’t believe that here I am, writing this post. I could not begin to tell you of all the times I’ve dreamt about this moment, about all the things I planned to say, about what everything would feel like.

It’s nothing how I had dreamed.

Yet it is so much better.

I should probably address the reason you’re all here which while I hope am sure you love reading my rambles, that is not the reason you are reading this nor the reason I am writing it. I should probably just skip to the point, but as many of you might remember from all those dashes I used to make you endure for cover reveals, that I do so love a good bit of suspense.

But today I am feeling especially happy, and if I don’t spill the details soon, I will probably burst from excited.Β 

All that to say is, as the title already proclaimed, my novel is going to be published. I am going to be a published novelist. Y’all, it sounds too good to be true!!!

I’m not sure where to start with this post, but since we do all love a good story, I suppose the only place to begin is at the beginning. Many of you are no doubt very familiar with my dearest of friends Grace A. Johnson. She is the author of the Daughters of the Seven Seas series and many other works, she has been featured on TWN several times, and she was one of our many talented authors featured inΒ Imagine. Well, back in January she approached me with some of the most exciting news ever! Sky’s the Limit Press, which was the name she published many of her own works under, was going to be turned into a real, official publishing house.Β I know, very exciting. Take a moment to soak it in. I was already bouncing and squealing with excitement before she had even finished all she meant to tell me. That is, she had one other piece of exciting news left. She had asked if Sky’s the Limit could publish one of my novels.Β 

To say I was shocked was the understatement of the year.

For over the last three years, publishing was something I had been actively pursuing, but as God closed every door I tried to pry open with every rejection letter that floated into my inbox (if I was even lucky to get that), somewhere along the way, this dream had become nothing more than that. Just a dream.Β 

And yet now, after all this time of waiting, not only has God brought me to the right publisher, this is all so much better than anything I could have ever envisioned for myself. I guess what I’m saying is, we always say that when God says no on what we think is best for us it’s because He has something better. And though I’ve heard it many times, it’s only been in the last couple of years that I’ve really experienced it, that I can really say based on my own life, that this is true. So very true.Β 

Now, you may be wondering which book exactly is going to get published. Many of you have heard me talk about my current WIP Project: Believer and it is with the upmost excitement that I finally announce that, Lord willing, you will get to read Maksim and Adi’s story soon! I have more info to share later in this post, but first things first, it’s time for me to finally be able to stop calling Project: Believer, Project: Believer and to share what the OFFICIAL title is!

Are you ready?

Well for old time’s sake, that means you better start scrolling. πŸ˜‰

Wow, it’s been so long since I’ve done this!

I’ve missed it!

Maybe I should go easy on you since it has been a while…

apparently not

All right, I think that’s enough of that. I have done more than my fair share of keeping you in suspense! Are you ready… for the official… title?

Then

Here

It

Is!

(Oh did I mention you have to first watch the teaser trailer? Don’t worry, the title is revealed at the end of the video!)

Don’t Let Me Go is a Christian historical novel and the first book in the Lost Empire series!

Dee blurb:

When truth is a crime…

Soviet Russia, 1929: Maksim Lenkov is tired of his past haunting him. An ex-Bolshevik and supporter of the revolution over ten years earlier that toppled the Romanov dynasty, Maksm has never forgotten his guilt over not saving the tsar and his familyβ€”especially a certain beautiful grand duchess. Tatiana Romanova had stolen his heart before the Bolsheviks took her life.

Maksim has spent the last ten years hunting down her killers to no avail and doing anything possible to resist the Soviet rule. Which is why when a young, spunky British girl appears out of nowhere, claiming she has the Soviet secret police on her heels and needs help escaping the country, Maksim is compelled to aid her. Especially since she says to have information that would ruin the USSR’s push for influence on western Europe and, more importantly, information that connects to one Bolshevik whom Maksim knows well. A man who was there the night of Tatiana’s murder. 

This could be his chance to finally avenge the Romanovs and find peace with his past. But is his new ally all she claims to be or could she be an informer for the secret police? When OGPU draws closer, how far will Maksim go to serve justice? Inspired by true events, Don’t Let Me Go is a gripping, page-turning novel that explores the power of hope in the midst of darkness and the strength of love over evil.

Find out more about Sky’s the Limit Press right here AND add Don’t Let Me Go to your Goodreads to-read list right here! You can also check out the Pinterest story board I have for it right here

Now here’s the sad news about it all, I don’t actually have a release date to give you yet. We’re too far out from publication to have one settled on. We are considering a winter release (which I think works perfectly for the vibe, don’t you? I know winter and Russia is a stereotype but I also don’t care πŸ˜‚) but this is not set in stone. HOWEVER, if you want to stay up-to-date on this release as I move forward, I will be dropping information first either on my newsletter or right here on Teen Writers’ Nook so make sure you’re subscribed to either one so you don’t miss out on news as it’s released! Also make sure to follow Grace Johnson and Sky’s the Limit Press because not only is this an exciting day for me as a writer, it’s an exciting day for the publishing and reading world as a whole! Finally we have a publisher who you can trust to bring God-honoring books to the publishing industry!

One final note! This is such a huge step forward for me, but truly each and every reader of Teen Writers’ Nook is where I send my deepest of gratitude. You guys have helped me grow into the writer that I am today and I know I wouldn’t be here without each one of you! That is why I have something very special planned for all of you! Because we are still months away from release (and to be honest, the book isn’t even finished writing yet, much less editing… *hides*), I want to spend all of this time as we move closer to release with fun posts, opportunities, and sneak peeks for YOU! I have so many things planned for us to do and my hope is that by the end of it, I won’t be the only one full of excitement!!! This is my way of saying thank you to TWN for helping me get to where I am today! So stay tuned because the first of many surprises is coming very soon. *winks*

That’s all I have for now! I hope I’ve done my best in explaining everything, but if you have any more questions about Don’t Let Me Go (ah it feels WONDERFUL to finally stop calling it Project: Believer!) then please drop them down in the comments below. I will do my best to answer them all! Also, while you’re down there, let’s chat! What do you think of this story? Is the title cooler or lamer (more lame… ?) than what you thought it would be? Do you like historical stories? What about Russian stories? *pauses* … I’m not even gonna ask about Soviet stories. Who else stereotizes i’m not sure that’s a real word Russia with winter? (I know I can’t be the only one. Someone’s lying to me if you say I’m the only one!)

Until the next post,

God bless and stay awesome!

Issabelle Perry is a proud Jesus follower, an extroverted writer, and a homeschool graduate. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, jamming to Skillet, studying history, hunting for Narnia in wardrobes, or envisioning herself wielding a magnificent sword (but due to her clumsiness, let’s hope that never happens). This self-proclaimed exclamation mark enthusiast can be found hanging out at Teen Writers’ Nook, a community of teen authors Issabelle co-founded in 2020. She is the author of Don't Let Me Go (Sky's the Limit Press 2024), May We Make Them Proud (2023), and a co-editor for two anthologies. What she’s probably doing right now is fangirling about her favorite books to random people or scanning the pantries for chocolate.

62 Comments

  • Kayti

    Ack! I am so excited for you, Issi! Eeeeeeee! I can’t wait to read it and that trailer was so awesome girl! Ack! So excited!!!! *bounces up and down*

  • Grace A. Johnson

    Oh, Issabelle!!! I am so beyond excited and thrilled and grateful for this. I’m honestly a little bit in shock now that I see everything written out on the internet. Like… we’re doing this. We’re really doing this. And I truly could not ask for a better first book. Thank you for joining me in publishing DLMG!!!!

    And girl, I’m still getting chills from that teaser trailer. XD

    Oh, if anyone says the title is ‘more lame’ than they thought it’d be… I’M COMING FOR YOU.

    • Issabelle Perry

      Yes, I know right, Grace! Me too!! You and me both sister. Like, I know it was real before, but now after this post it’s… real, real. Like we can’t go back now. We have to somehow find a way to stick with it until the end. It’s nerve-wracking to say the least. Yep, we’re really, really doing this. *takes a deep breath* *tries not to panic* Awwww, girl, just seriously thank you. I wish I knew of better words, but it’s the only thing I can think to say. Thank you so much, for believing in me and DLMG, for giving me this chance of a lifetime, for the being the best twin sister a girl could ask for. *hugs*

      GIRL I KNOW RIGHT. I made the trailer and every time I watch it, I STILL get chills! But maybe that’s cuz I know something y’all don’t know

      LOL. YOU TELL ‘EM SISTER!!!!

    • Issabelle Perry

      Aww, thank you SOOOOOOOOOO much, Virgina!!!! Awww, that just makes me THE happiest to hear that!! Thank you, thank you!!!! I can’t wait to be able to share it with you and everyone else soon!!! Thank you SO much!

  • Saraina

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eeeep, that book trailer was pure awesomeness!!!! The title is obviously even cooler than what I thought it would be. *eyes you sternly for thinking otherwise* It’s simple and so powerful. And yesss, I totally stereotize Russia with winter! LOL, you’re not the only one! πŸ˜‚ Nadine Brandes’ Romanov is the first Russian story I read that I remember – and actually, her Out of Time series kinda features Russia too, in A Time to Speak. I think. πŸ˜› Anyway, I find it so fascinating! All that to say is, I can’t WAIT for Don’t Let Me Go and here’s some chocolate to get you through finishing the book!!! 🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫 (*and prays for a winter release because that would be so cool* XD)

    • Issabelle Perry

      Awww THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH SARAINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eeeek I am SO glad you liked it!!! Hahaha, well, I just thought it couldn’t hurt to ask. Just to make sure. XD Aw thank you!!! (Confession, though, I am actually not the creator of the title. I was going to go with something lame like “when winter comes” and Grace was the one who said don’t let me go, and so don’t let me go it is. XD But I am more than happy to take the credit for it. *flips hair*) YES I KNEW I WASN’T THE ONLY ONE!!!!!! *high fives* Issabelle and Saraina Stereotyping Countries Since 2023. πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ Yes I LOVE Romanov!!! Such a good book. *GASP* WAIT A TIME TO SPEAK HAS SOME RUSSIAN NODS???????? HOW COME NO ONE HAS TOLD ME THIS BEFORE. If someone had mentioned it sooner, I would’ve already ready that series by now!!! *glares at friends who have recommend the book and never mentioned this* Aww THANK YOU!!!!! I definitely think it is one you will love!! OOOOO CHOCOALTE!!! Just what I needed! *takes all the chocolate and starts munching on it. Mmm yum! Just what I needed! (*also prays for winter release*)

      • Saraina

        Awww you’re so welcome!!! <3333 I LOVE it!!!! (Lol, gotcha! 🀣) *high fives* Yep. Guilty as charged. πŸ˜œπŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ (AAAAHH SO DOES THIS MEAN YOU'LL READ IT NOW???)

  • Krisalyn Higerd

    Ahhhh this is amazing!!! I checked out their website and filled out the contact form for more information!

  • Rose Q. Addams

    CONGRATULATIONS!!

    Oh. My. Goodness. I’m so happy for you!! I’ll be praying for you during the process!! πŸ˜€

  • Mary

    ISSABELLE.
    Wait, I have no words.
    It’s more like my head is going: AHHHHHHHHH 😱😱😱
    This both sounds like the dream novel AND the dream publishing house. I’m so stoked Grace is doing something like this!!!
    OKAY BUT THE BOOK THOUGH. Your blurb gave me CHILLS. I’m just so stoked for this oh my gosh!!!
    WAIT NOW I NEED SNEAK PEAKS.

    • Issabelle Perry

      MARY.
      AAAAAAAHHHHH girl I legit reacted the same way when I first got the offer!
      But seriously your excitement means SO, SO much for me!!!!!! THANK YOUUUUUU!!!!!!
      Yes, it IS definitely my dream publishing house (ignore the fact that it became my dream publishing house when grace first gave me the offer XD) and I just insanely love Don’t Let Me Go and I am beyond excited to finally release it!!!! ME TOO!!!! Grace is amazing!
      AAAAAAHHHH I AM SOOOO HAPPY THAT YOU LOVED THE BLURB!!!!!!!!
      *GASP* YES YES YES!!! Okay, girl, I am SERIOUSLY gonna have to be sharing tons of sneak peaks now, just for you!!! Thank you!!!!

  • Ellie

    CONGRATULATIONS Issabelle that’s so exciting! I can’t wait to read Don’t Let Me Go, it sounds awesome! It’s been way too long since I’ve read a good historical. I used to be obsessed, then I discovered fantasy and it’s kinda taken over my reading life XD… but I’m really wanting to get back into historical fiction. I can’t wait! And all the previews and sneak peaks sound awesome! Congratulations again, this is so big!!!!!!

    • Issabelle Perry

      THANK YOU SO MUCH, Ellie!!!!! Awwww, girl, your enthusiasm means SO much to me!!! I’m SO happy you’re excited, too!!!! *GASP* Really? Well, we’re going to have to fix this! XD Ah, yes, the good ole fantasy genre. I feel like it takes over most people’s life when they find them. I mean, who doesn’t love entering an exciting new world?! Aaah, well, maybe DLMG will be that book that helps you get back into historical fiction! Thank youuu!!!! Eeeek than you SO SO SOOOO much again, Ellie!!! You are the sweetest!!!

  • Gemma

    OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so happy for you!!!!!!!!!! The trailer literally gave me goosebumps. You inspire me so much. Can’t wait to read more of your work!

    • Issabelle Perry

      AAAAAAAAHHHHH THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH GEMMA!!!!!!!! Aaah, yes, I just love the trailer so much and I was hoping it would be chilling and exciting!!! Awww, Gemma, that is like the highest form of praise I could ever get! Thank you!!!!

  • Gemma

    Also I feel so blessed to know you (even if it’s only through email πŸ™‚) You are a bright ray of light and I’m sure everyone agrees that we are all so proud of you!

    • Issabelle Perry

      Girl, you have like literally MADE MY DAY. Thank you SO much!!!! I feel so, so blessed to know you as well!!! Us becoming friends I consider as a gift from God!!! *hugs* D’aww, I don’t think I can even express how much your comment has touched me. These words are always too small, but I know nothing else to say other than THANK YOU!!! <3333333

  • Eloise Thom

    Ahhhhhhhhhh! This is SOOOOO exciting!!! I am so so so so happy for you! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I love the title and the trailer so much! Oh my word the trailer was so epic and beautiful and ahhhhh! I cannot wait to read Don’t Let Me Go (what an amazing title)!! I am so excited!! *showers you with confetti and writerly goodies and chocolate*

    • Issabelle Perry

      AAAAAAAHHHH ELOISE THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just LOVE your enthusiasm!!!!! Aww THANK YOU!!! I must confession that the genius behind the title was actually my publisher (wow, I can’t believe I can finally say those words!!! *happy dance*). I was settling on something crazy like “When Winter Comes” *shakes head at my lack of creativity* AAAAAHHHH I AM SO GLAD YOU LOVED THE TRAILER!!!!!!!! D’awww, seriously, a thousand thank yous, Eloise!!!! I cannot wait to be able to share it with you hopefully soon!!! THANK YOU AGAIN SO MUCH for your sweet comment!!!!! *dances in confetti and eagerly accepts all the goodies and chocolate* Mmm chocolate! Just what I need to get this book finished. πŸ˜‰

      • Eloise Thom

        Awwwwww of course!!!! YAYYY!! Oh my goodness YES!! *happy dances with you* And congratulations to Grace!!! This is so exciting!! *group hugs careful not to squish Issabelle’s chocolate* I think that When Winter Comes is really good too, it is definitely creative πŸ™‚ Of course!! Haha yay! I’m praying for you and your writing, Issabelle, and you and publishing, Grace! *more hugs and prayers*

        • Issabelle Perry

          Yes, congrats to ole Grace!!!!! *sets chocolate aside and joins in the group hug* Ah I love group hugs. XD Awww THANK YOU!!!!! You’re so sweet, Eloise! Thank you SOO much, girl! Lord knows I need all the prayers I can get on my book baby. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be the one book that gives me gray hairs. *takes all the hugs and prayers*

  • M. C. Kennedy

    AHHH, this looks so cool! I love the book trailer! Gave me goosebumps…

    I actually grew up in Russia, so I definitely have a soft spot for novels about it! I’m excited to see where you take this story.

    • Issabelle Perry

      Aaahh, thank you SO much, MC!!!! Aww, I am SO glad that you like it! Ikr. I get goosebumps myself every time I watch it!

      *Gasp* Really?!?! That is like THE coolest ever!! *crazy russian nerdy side kicks in* Ah well then I think you’ll definitely love this whole series!! Aw thank you!!!!! I can’t wait to share more about it hopefully soon!!! Thank you so much for stopping by!!!

  • Ava Coulter

    IS! Ahhh this is so exciting! I literally squealed with happiness when this post popped into my inbox. *has a dance party and throws confetti* I’m so so so proud of you, girl, and I cannot WAIT to read Don’t Let Me Go! (The title is beautiful, by the way. Definitely epic.) This looks like such a touching and powerful story!!! <333 (Also you're not the only one who stereotypes Russia with winter πŸ˜‰ XD) Congrats to Sky's the Limit Press as well!! So exciting. It is one of my dreams to be published by STLP and Enclave πŸ₯°

    • Issabelle Perry

      Aaaahh, Ava, I LOVE your enthusiasm!!!!! Awww, girl, really?! That just makes me SO happy to hear that!!!!! *also dances and adds to the confetti pile* D’awww, girl, seriously, thank you SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!!!! Eeeeek, I can’t wait to get to share it with you hopefully soon!!!! (Aaaah THANK YOUUUUU!!!!!) Aww, I definitely hope it will be! My favorite stories are the ones that are touching and powerful!! (YES I KNEW I COULDN’T BE THE ONLY ONE!!!!! *high fives* I mean, I’m sure Russians have their stereotypes for Americans so no one should be upset. XD) Awww, girl, I think that’s AWESOME and I hope that one day I’ll be reading YOUR post announcing you got your dream publisher!!!! I’m cheering you on!!

  • Joy Calle Martinez

    Oh my goodness, Issabelle, I am SO SO excited for you and this story!!! The title is just beautiful and is already giving me vibes of desperation, grief, beauty and hope! I’m thrilled that you’re publishing this (and with Gracie’s new press! You’ll be the first publication – how awesome!) and I absolutely cannot wait to read it. I know it’s going to be ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

    • Issabelle Perry

      Awww THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH JOY!!!!!!! It literally means so much to me!!! Aaaah tHANK YOU!!!! (Though I should probably confess the Grace came up with the title. I was going to go with something lame like When Winter Comes. XD I’m too embarrassed to admit that while I was struggling day and night for a title, it just came to her while she was sweeping. XDD) Yes! That is definitely the vibes I’m going for with this book! I want it to be one of those hope in the midst of pain and darkness type of stories. Awww THANK YOU!!!! (I know right! I still can’t believe it!) Awww thank you again SOOO much!!!! I can’t wait to share it with you, and I hope it will be everything you expect!!!! <3333333

  • Rayna

    AHHH THIS IS AMAZING, IZZY!!!!!!! very happy for you!!! Remind me to get you tons of chocolate :> I can’t wait to (eventually) get to read Don’t Let Me Go <333 I LOVE the teaser trailer πŸ‘€
    Also, how are you?? It's been so long since I read one of TWN's posts, I really need to catch-up. 😭😭
    <33

    • Issabelle Perry

      AWWW THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH RAYNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It means SO SO much to me!!!! Hahaha, oh I shall definitely remind you of that. You know how much I love me chocolate!!! XD Aww, thank you SO much!! I can’t wait to be able to share it with you one day hopefully soon!!!!! <333333 EEEK THANK YOU!!!! I can't lie. I'm pretty proud of it myself. XD
      I've been good. How have you been? It's so nice to hear from you again. <3333 Aaah, I feel you! It's been SO long since I've been to your blog as well.😭

    • Issabelle Perry

      EEEEEK THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH TASHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait for you to read it!! (Seriously cuz it’s so hard keeping my mouth shut about it and I feel I’m gonna spoil it if I don’t get it published soon. XD)

  • Diamond

    Ahhhh!! I’m SO excited for you! I know this book is going to be so amazing and I can’t wait to hold it in my hands! This is a great beginning for you!

  • Corrie.S.P

    This is so exciting!!!!!!
    Mwhahah, I knew what the title was even before the video ended!😏 (I read the title of the video….)
    Is it wrong that I thought you alreayd had a book published??πŸ˜…
    I think the title is very sweet! (I also thought the title of the book was “Project: Beliver”πŸ€¦β€β™€οΈπŸ˜…) It can mean a ton of diferent things too based on where the story goes. Is he letting the girl go? Old love? God? The past? WMahahha, the possibilities are endless.
    Now you need to change your WIP thingy on the side to it’s actual name! Eeek! Also, you are nearly halfway there!!!! Keep it uppppp!!!
    The synopsis is really interesting!! I really wanna read it now!! I love the images you used in your pintrest board.

    • Issabelle Perry

      I KNOW RIGHT!!!!
      *GASP* Corrie, you sneaky, girl. XD Ah, yes, I had a bad feeling people were going to read the title to the video first and be spoiled. *pouts*
      Hahaha, nope, you’re probably thinking about some of the smaller works I’ve had published (like a short story in an anthology and May We Make Them Proud, my novelette) or an anthology I’ve edited. So technically I have been published before, I just haven’t published a novel… until now. (Yes, I understand this is very confusing. XDDD)
      Aww THANK YOU!!! (Hahaha I’ve just got you all confused. XD I’m sorry.) YES, GIRL I WAS LITERALLY THINKING THE SAME THING WHEN I GAVE THE BOOK THAT TITLE. It works for many different aspects in this book, God and old love being some of them. πŸ˜‰ You’re so smart!
      GIRL, you’re right! I do need to change that!!!! YES I AM SO CLOSE!! Now if I can just sit down and finish this last little bit…. THANK YOU!!!!!
      Awww THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!! I hope you get to read it one day!!!!! THANK YOUUUUU!!!!!!! I am SO thrilled to hear that!

  • Kimberly Perry

    I am so excited about your book coming out – I can’t wait to read it. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you teaser trailer. AHWE-SOME!!

  • Corrie.S.P

    hahaπŸ˜‚ Sneaky is my middle name😈
    Don’t pout! the title is still lovely even if we knew😏

    That would make sense. Not too confusing. First books are awesome!

    Well…. My smartness knows no bounds. What can I say?πŸ€·β€β™€οΈ

    It still says project beliverπŸ˜‚
    I’m kinda glad it does, idk if I would recognize it being the actual title since I knew it so long as the other one.πŸ˜… Dumb brain of mine

    YW!! It’s still so neat! and It’s been anounced for a month😱

    • Issabelle Perry

      Hahaha is that what the “S” in your name stands for? XD
      awww, well, thank you, Corrie!!!!!

      Hahaha, that’s true. XD You’re too smart for us, ;P

      Oops. I think I forgot to go over there and change it. Again. *facepalm*
      Hahaha, yeah, that’s fair. I should’ve revealed the title before everyone got used to “project: believer”

      EEEEEk i know right!!!!!!!! Aw, thank youuuu, Corrie!!!!!

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