IT’S A SIGN!!! – Moon & Sun Book 3: The Emerald Sun

A long time ago (back in 2006-2008), I wrote two novels I loved and younger readers loved.

The Ruby Key: Moon & Sun Book 1

The Silver Door: Moon & Sun Book 2

I’d started work on the third one, The Emerald Sun: Moon & Sun Book 3…

And then Scholastic told me they weren’t going to continue the series. It would end with Book 3, and they would only want the third book if I took a massive pay cut.

I couldn’t afford to take the pay cut. We were already just squeaking by.

So I stopped working on the series, and wrote a bunch of writing books instead. Mugging the Muse: Writing Fiction for Love & Money, Create a Character Clinic, Create a Plot Clinic… and a long list of other books and classes I’m not going to name goes here, but that kept a roof over our heads and food in our bellies.

Meanwhile, however, I kept hearing from the kids who wanted to know what happened next with Genna, Dan, the Cat…

And now those kids are adults.

The rights to the first two books have reverted to me. Today I start the read-through of the first one to get back into the world, to get the voice back, and to find and take notes on any toys I left on the floor that I can pick up for Book 3.

And after I did the first run of reading, I got an unexpected gift.

During a Hard Drive Move (which is never anyone’s favorite thing) years ago (which I think coincided with our move from Georgia back to Florida, I lost track of the Book 3 outline and early chapters.

My older computer had become massively obsolete. I moved the backups to a new computer, and when I did this, Moon & Sun had already become a dead project, so I didn’t check to make sure I could find it.

Forward a bunch of years to when I wanted to find it, and I couldn’t. Realize… Macs have excellent backup, and really good search, and I knew what I was looking for. And no search term I had brought me to those manuscripts.

Today, on the day I started this project, I dug into an unrelated folder looking for something else, and found the entire Moon & Sun project in there, including the start of Book 3. Wasn’t where it was supposed to be, but everything opens, everything is readable, everything is usable.

It’s a sign. Time to write Book 3, time to get the first two into print again, time to bring this world back to life.

 

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By Holly

Novelist, writing teacher, on a mission to reprint my out-of-print books and indie-publish my new ones.

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Ash
Ash
1 year ago

Back in 2008 my mom bought me the first book at a book fair at my school. I was only 12 at the time and it quickly became my favourite book. It was my introductory to my love of faerie books and I’ve kept it all of these years.
I’ve only just in the last few months managed to find a second-hand copy of the second book to finally find out what happens only to learn the series was cancelled. I was admittedly rather heartbroken, though I’m glad I searched about it and found this page.
I must say, thank you Mrs. Lisle for awakening my young mind and helping mold me into the person I am today. I hope you’re doing well in these difficult times, and I hope to hear word of a third book of ever possible.

Rachel
Rachel
1 year ago

Please please please write the third book. I am begging you. I am in my 20s and I need closure. I loved both books of the Moon and Sun and I still read them to this day. I neeeeed the third book.

Ruby Martin
Ruby Martin
1 year ago

Oh please write the next book! I have just re-read the first two (I am now almost 30!) and need to know what happens!! Genna and Doyati need to be together! ♥

prashannaa rajan
prashannaa rajan
2 years ago

😭😭😭 I’m so happy to hear that you’re trying to write the 3rd book! I read the first 2 books as a kid 6 years ago, and i still can’t stop thinking about it! I really hope you finish this series, keep going and make more amazing books like this!❤️❤️

Tiya
Tiya
2 years ago

Oh my god I have been waiting for this (and can wait a few years more :))! The series are among the best books on my shelves, and I have a tons of books on my shelves. I’m absolutely yearning to find out more about what happened to Genna and Dan, and to think we will get the ending soon o.o
Anyways, may you be in good health and happy writing! 😀

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Tiya
2 years ago

Hi, Tiya!
This is the current status report on Emerald Sun, and this has evolved into a makeshift discussion among readers (and occasionally me), on how things are going.

IF the series I’m writing now takes off for me and buys me enough time to be able to afford to write Moon & Sun 3, I’ll start into it in about two years (from today, which is May 4th, 2021).

If it doesn’t, I might be able to figure out some other way to write the book. But its chances become a lot slimmer.

Alex
Alex
Reply to  Tiya
8 months ago

Have you considered self-publishing it to google books? I would love to read the conclusion to this wonderful series and it makes me sad that the interest in it is so low. Some of the best things in the world will always have the least attention.
You could always try to gain attention on reddit as well? It was only my curiosity of “was there a third book to that series I read in my youth?” That brought me here. There may be a lack of interest because it has been so long and many of your readers have moved on.

Danielle Cabral
Danielle Cabral
2 years ago

Oh my gosh! Would love to read book three. Adored the first two in series. I am 48 years old, and you are never too old for dragons, magic trees and great sci-fi reading. A book doesn’t have to be hard to read to be great! Go Holly Lisle

Lahari
Lahari
2 years ago

I read this series when I was 9. I waited for the 3rd book for years and when I realized it wouldn’t be released, it broke my heart even though I understood your reasons for not publishing it. Now I’m 18 and every time I see The Ruby Key and The Silver Door in my bookshelf, I yearn for more and am reminded of how much I loved the series. I’m absolutely ecstatic that you’re working on the 3rd book again. It’s a dream come true because I honestly thought that I would never enter the magical world you created again. Thank you so much for all your hard work!

Christina Cymek
Christina Cymek
Reply to  Holly
2 years ago

So we won’t have Emerald Sun till 2023ish? Will there be other books after it? This is such an amazing series my heart aches for more. 💗

Christina Cymek
Christina Cymek
Reply to  Holly
2 years ago

Thank you for replying 💗 I love this series and I can’t wait till you relaunch it. I have two young daughters now that I’m excited to share it with.

meanrayj
meanrayj
2 years ago

Who is cat?

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  meanrayj
2 years ago

The cat’s… important. Who, what, and why will have to wait for the third book.

Shikha Mehta
Shikha Mehta
2 years ago

Oh my god THANKYOU SO MUCH! I’m one of those kids who’s grown up and is in her 20s. I read it as budding teen and the first two still sit in the front of my fantasy fiction shelf in my mini library. I’ve been waiting since forever, and I’m in love with your work! I’m so happy, and best of luck with writing! Can’t wait to walk the moonroads again with Genna and Dan 💙💙💙💙💙💙

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Shikha Mehta
2 years ago

As I told Emerson — yes, I will do it, but no, I won’t finish it this year 2020. This year has been a nightmare. Must do stuff that will pay the bills, and save this for a better years.

Chanyeol Byun
Chanyeol Byun
2 years ago

This will be one bright spot in 2020. Thank you so much, I’ve adored this series since I was in elementary school a decade ago, and I remember the characters and the plot and even individual lines like I read the books yesterday! No pressure, of course! Your readers are loyal, we will wait!

Erika
Erika
2 years ago

Would you be open to starting a GoFundMe or other crowdfunding project? I know I for one would give you my money!

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Erika
2 years ago

All I have is a Ko-Fi account.
https://ko-fi.com/hollylisle

Aubrey
Aubrey
2 years ago

I have been on the lookout for the third book for a long time. The Ruby Key has set on my bookshelf since I bought it as a hardcover. So excited that you are gettin around to writing the final chapter and am settling down for the wait. The question of who is cat has haunted me for over a decade. What is a little while longer?

Janaia Nash
Janaia Nash
3 years ago

I never get tired reading no matter how many times I’ve read it. I just finished book two which I’ve been waiting for my parents to buy for a while bit the didn’t so I found it online after a year of waiting. Even though I just read it I want to read it again. You’re like the best writer.

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Janaia Nash
2 years ago

Thank you for the kind words. Another reply I made today explains why it isn’t in print yet, and will be in a holding pattern for a while longer. With my sorrowful apologies.

Catharine Stocks
Catharine Stocks
3 years ago

My son just read the first two books during COVID lockdown. He absolutely loved them. He anxiously awaits for book 3, which I told him I would get for him when it’s available.

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Catharine Stocks
2 years ago

Thank you very much for letting me know. Financial circumstances WAY beyond my control have that project on hold. I’ll do it as soon as I can, but I have to do paying work first.

Emerson
Emerson
Reply to  Holly Lisle
2 years ago

So you are going to write the book? I can’t figure it out but if you are yay!!

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Emerson
2 years ago

Yes. This year has been a money nightmare for me (an not just me, by all accounts) and the project is one that isn’t going to pay me, so YES, I’m going to write it, but NO, I’m not going to have it finished this year. I MUST focus on stuff that pays better, because like everyone else, I have bills to pay, and sadly, this project is a labor of love that will not help me pay them.

Chloé
Chloé
3 years ago

I first read this series when I was 12 years old. I completely forgot about the books until last week when I was going through a bunch of my childhood belongings. I am almost 20 now, read both books in a day, and am still hooked on the story and world just as I was when I was younger. I really hope that you will be able to continue the series! 🙂 Regardless, thank you for bringing this story into the world.

Christina
Christina
3 years ago

When is the third book coming? I love these books so much, and am an adult. And I can’t wait to share them with my daughter (Currently still in diapers). Do you have a rough time frame on its release?

Thank you so much!!!

Fanny De Jesus
Fanny De Jesus
3 years ago

Hows it going so far? Im a student in middle school and your writing is amazing!! I cant wait to read the 3rd book!😃

Patang
Patang
3 years ago

Hi there! I’ve been searching for some good reads, one that brings the inner child backs it’s imagination of fantasy! The books that I have come across now and days just don’t do it. I always revert back to the books I’ve read many times in the past for it brings me back to the days of when I first read them. I have always wondered what happened! I had the first two books but lost them when moving in 2011 when I was 14. Now I’m trying to buy all of the books I’ve read when I was younger. Your Sun and Moon series were one of the many series and books I’ve read that kept me in my day dreams and imagination! I’m soooo happy to hear that a third book will be coming soon! Sorry to hear about how it had to come but I’m so happy that you’re going finish the third book! Fighting!!!

Jjananee
Jjananee
3 years ago

These books are very close to my heart. I happened to borrow the first one from my school library when no other book was left. I was in for a surprise when I read it. It was so interesting and mysterious also very simple and comforting to read, while keeping me at the edge of my seat. The story was very different from most books I was reading at the time and was refreshing. After the first book was done I devoured the second and have waited since for the third. I am very, very excited for this!!!!

Hannah Vincent
Hannah Vincent
3 years ago

Oh, I am so excited for this! Those two books have sat, well-loved, on my shelf for years. The first book lost its cover at summer camp years ago, and has been read and read again so many times. The second book is in better condition but is well-loved as well. I was a child when I bought them, and I still read and love them. I cannot wait to see the next installment. Thank you for writing!

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Hannah Vincent
3 years ago

I have the book outlined now, the first several chapters done, know the ending, and have a lot of the major pieces figured out.

Before I can finish it, I have three books I wrote this year waiting on revision so I can publish them and they can start helping pay bills — and all three are waiting for us to finish moving, unpacking, and getting some semblance of sanity back into our lives.

I’m getting there. 😀

Indrabati Lahiri
Indrabati Lahiri
Reply to  Holly Lisle
3 years ago

Thank you so so so much for taking out the time to do this! It must truly be hard to come back to a series after so long. Honestly, the narrative voice in your books, is so distinct and memorable. Like many fans on this page, I’ve been running a Google search about the Emerald Sun every now and then, and constantly hoping for updates. The Moon and Sun universe is so unique, and utterly enthralling, that it has stayed with me long into adulthood, even after countless other books have come and gone.
I’m incredibly excited to see what comes next, and look forward to reading more of your work soon! And again, thank you so much!

Denise
Denise
3 years ago

Wow this is so great to hear! I was around 12 years old when I bought your books from a Scholastic book fair and I really enjoyed them. I was so disappointed when a third book wasn’t released and I’m sorry to hear about the reason it wasn’t published. About once a year I would do a google search to see if there had been any updates about a future novel, even all these years later. What a pleasant surprise that my search finally yielded a result! I never took the Emerald Sun off my book list in the hope that I might one day get to read it. I’m looking forward it! Also, I love the cover art for the books. Will the same artist be creating the final cover?

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Denise
3 years ago

Hi, Denise.

I’m relieved to finally have it scheduled, and about halfway outlined.

I have not checked to see if the original cover artist (Joshua Middleton) is available for new work — but because I’m having to indie-publish this last one, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to afford him.

So probably not.

Leonora
Leonora
3 years ago

I’m so EXCITED!!! The Ruby Key was my life as a child, and I could never find the Silver Door in any library. Now that I’ve grown up, I have been nostalgically buying all the books I used to love, and I managed to get my hands on a copy of books 1 and 2. I expected Book 2 to have all the answers, and then when it ended it was evident that there was so much more to come, yet I had never heard of further books :O
I’m so glad I found your post, now I can’t wait for the third book!!
PS. The cat is my favourite character 😉

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Leonora
3 years ago

Thank you so much for saying this. It’s taking longer. I have learned that no matter what you plan, everything takes longer. But I’ll get it done.

Chris
Chris
4 years ago

I found 1 and 2 in a thrift store and I absolutely love them! Almost done 2 so I will for sure buy number 3.

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Chris
4 years ago

I have several chapters written now, and it will become my new Monday novel in two weeks. (The next two are tied up with Event Prep for the Summer of Fiction Writing.)

I’m delighted to be able to be getting the first two books back into print, and to finish the third.

Mia
Mia
4 years ago

Today, i found the Silver door in my library and reread it. It got me hyped all over again for the 3rd book. It still saddens me how you have to end with book 3 instead of writing the whole series like u wanted. So much lost content, parts of the amazing Moon and Sun universe that we’ll never get to see 🙁 At least there’s still The Emerald Sun to look forward to tho! Wishing u all the best!!!

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Mia
4 years ago

Thank you, Mia.

I’m excited, too. 😀

I’m getting close to the end on the first novel in progress (Dead Man’s Party), and just passed the middle on the second. When Dead Man’s Party goes into the one-month walk-away, so I can get some distance on it, The Emerald Sun will take its spot for Monday brainstorming and outlining. As soon as I finish The Wishbone Conspiracy, it can move over to Wednesday-through-Friday first draft.

Ava
Ava
4 years ago

Oh my god!! I’m so excited!!! Finally! Thank you so much

Shashaank
Shashaank
4 years ago

Please do keep us updated for the sun & moon #3 the emerald sun. I’ve been dying to see this series to an end. I first read the ruby key when I was in 8th grade. I’ve been captivated by it ever since. Please see this series to an end. Would love to hear from you

Dylon
Dylon
4 years ago

Holy crap! I’m so excited! Ive been reading these books since elementary school and I still love them to this day. I love this world as it was my first fantasy series, and I sure did pick an amazing one!

Francine Seal
Francine Seal
4 years ago

synchronicity or serendipity, Whatever you want to call it, it was meant to be! Looking forward to reading this book (and rereading the first two.)

D.K. Dailey
D.K. Dailey
4 years ago

This is wonderful news. And very encouraging that you found the start of the third book and are getting immersed in the world again. I wish you could write more but understand how writing a series goes, as I am unpublished and writing several series and it’s so hard. I imagine your road was very hard to even get published by Scholastic. And I love you revision technique by the way and love that you write craft books as well. Thank you!

Connie Cockrell
4 years ago

Awesome!!!!!

Devon Sweeting
Devon Sweeting
4 years ago

Something similar just happened to me.I’m 8 months pregnant and looking to quit my former job as a tattoo artist to spend more time at home with my newborn. I had been writing books on the side for a while now and my computer crashed. I lost everything…pictures, files, etc. I was devastated. It wasn’t until I had my laptop restored with a brand new hand drive that i found out ONEDRIVE saved EVERY SINGLE FILE!!!! I thought they were lost for good.

Holly Lisle
Admin
Reply to  Devon Sweeting
4 years ago

Gotta love good backup. I’m so happy you found all your work safe. And best wishes for an easy delivery and a healthy, happy newborn.

Sylvia
4 years ago

I’m joining the excitement at your finding what you thought was irretrievably lost, Holly!! I don’t think a non-writer can appreciate the value that is to a writer. I had to switch computers a few months ago and horrors! my book files didn’t get transferred. I could have cried. I knew I could (most likely) get them back, I always keep my hard drives and have backups, but the work! But it was some odd glitch in the files themselves, so the tech was able to retrieve them. I haven’t read the Sun and Moon books, but I really look forward to them, they sound like I’d love them.

Kelly G in ATX
Kelly G in ATX
4 years ago

Oh I can’t wait to see this in print so I can have my daughter read it! It’s right up her alley!

Margaret Fisk
4 years ago

Oh, that’s fantastic. Love when something lost is then recovered :).

Margaret Fisk
Reply to  Holly
4 years ago

:). Definitely a sign. They were just waiting for the right moment to be found, and that moment is now :).

Therese
Therese
4 years ago

Such happy news! Congratulations!

emmiD
emmiD
4 years ago

Congratulations! Finding old digital files that serviceable are glorious. And to have the original rights revert to you in advance of finding the files you thought were lost–truly a serendipitous sign! Go for it full tilt, girl!

Lynn O'Brien
Lynn O'Brien
4 years ago

Yay for computers even though you can lose things in them too. Sure beats having thrown a manuscript in the trash and having to start from scratch as I have had to do. Glad you found it.

Tammi
Tammi
4 years ago

This makes me so, so happy for you. What a wonderful thing.

Eva
Eva
4 years ago

YAY! I was already an adult when I read those two books, but I loved them and can’t wait to read the next!

Kate
Kate
4 years ago

excellent! Interestingly enough, I fond notes on a story I thought I lost in a comic book container (I used to write everything by hand). not the same, I know, but I was excited when I found them as I thought I left them in the house on Cross Street.
Congrats and good luck on finding your world.

Kate
Kate
Reply to  Holly
4 years ago

Bonus, the story is still there. In my head, I mean.

Mike
Mike
4 years ago

Actually, Holly, these two books are the first two of yours that I read…many years ago. And I loved them, too! So I’m really glad to hear that you’re going to begin work on the series. Can’t wait to read Book 3!

Amazing Blair Peery
Amazing Blair Peery
4 years ago

Oh, there’s nothing better than finding something you thought lost, especially when you weren’t even looking for it. Or so says my friend, Prince Serendip. Enjoy your treasure!

Sarah Neuendorff
Sarah Neuendorff
4 years ago

Cutting time off of this project! Glad you found parts.

Ryan
Ryan
4 years ago

Wasn’t Moon and Sun intended to be a long series (7+ books)? We know Holly and how Holly likes to think long. Why not make it a long series again now that the rights have reverted? Why end it with book 3 when that was Scholastic forcing you to?

Bethany Becker
Bethany Becker
Reply to  Holly
4 years ago

That is wonderful, Holly. I read the first two books with my daughter, now 18, and we both treasured them. Over the holidays, I’ve reread Ruby Key, and have been admiring your wonderful narrative and pining for more.

A real end with more potential stand alone stories to come, as Pullman has done is a great idea. So looking forward to buying multiple copies of Emerald Sun.

Alicia Mayo
Alicia Mayo
4 years ago

Very cool! Glad you have a new (old) project to bring you joy. Happy writing!

Heather C
Heather C
4 years ago

I’m super excited about this. I remember being a beta reader for the Silver Door back in the day. Really can’t wait to read book 3!

Yoshimi Miyazaki
Yoshimi Miyazaki
4 years ago

Crazy happy for you, Holly!

Amy
Amy
4 years ago

Fantastic news – I loved that series! Looking forward to revisiting that world again! 🙂

Elizabeth
4 years ago

Finding digital files you thought were gone forever is one of the most exciting things ever. I didn’t read this until I was an adult, and yet I’m definitely among those looking forward to the third book. Woo hoo!

Amelia
Amelia
4 years ago

I am so excited! 100% one of those kids who is now an adult and still wants to know what happened.

Amelia
Amelia
Reply to  Holly
4 years ago

I’m just super glad that you’re able/willing to continue the series after all of these years. I joined your Patreon as soon as you posted this update! I know it’s not much, but I’m glad that I get to be a (very) small part of seeing the story concluded.

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