As the creator of Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring, I’ve journeyed alongside Isla Delgado for three years. She is a character who’s as real to me as the ink that spells her name. Much like the children of today’s increasingly common blended families, Isla navigates a world where love isn’t divided but multiplied. And it’s this very theme that I plan to delve deeper into in future installments, thus turning this book into a series.

The realm of blended families is rich with stories waiting to be told, experiences begging to be understood, and lessons yearning to be shared. It’s not just about the logistics of shared custody or holiday schedules but the intricate dance of relationships that such families perform daily. My vision for the Mrs. Franchy series is to peel back the layers of this dance to find the core of what makes a family in the modern world.

I’m not just an author; I’m a stepparent myself, and I bring to my writing the real-world insights and the raw emotions of someone living this life. I’ve faced the challenges, felt the pangs of inadequacy, and embraced the victories, however small. I want Isla’s story to resonate with children and adults alike—those who live the reality of a blended family and those who’ve never considered what it might be like.

In the upcoming books, expect Isla to grow, not just in age but in understanding. I’ll explore the dynamics of having two sets of parents without the child feeling like a rope in a tug-of-war match. It’s about fostering an environment where love doesn’t keep score, where a child is never a prize to be won but a heart to be nurtured.

The narrative will not shy away from the complexities—jealousy, the struggle for acceptance, the battle for identity—but will also celebrate the victories. For every moment of tension, there will be one of triumph—because that’s the truth of life in a blended family.

As Isla’s character matures, so will my storytelling, informed by my growth and learning as a stepparent. I am not the same person I was when I started this journey, and neither are my readers. We’re evolving together, and I want that to be reflected in the pages of my books.

So, join me as we continue our journey with Isla Delgado. Let’s discover the laughter that can bubble up after tears, the unity that can follow discord, and the love that can bloom in the most unexpected gardens. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, both in life and writing, families don’t have to match. They just have to love.

And to all those navigating the waters of blended families, you’re not alone. Your story matters. Let’s tell it together.

Stay tuned for more tales of heart, humor, and hope from the world of Mrs. Franchy, where the definition of family is as boundless as the love parents and stepparents feel for their children.

Read you later,

Joa