Sylvia Mercedes: So Much of This Business Is About Timing

Sylvia Mercedes makes her home in the idyllic North Carolina countryside with her handsome husband, numerous small children, and the feline duo affectionately known as The Fluffy Brothers. When she’s not writing she’s . . . okay, let’s be honest. When she’s not writing, she’s running around after her littles, cleaning up glitter, trying to plan healthy-ish meals, and wondering where she left her phone. In between, she reads a steady diet of fantasy novels. But mostly she’s writing. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

In this interview, Sylvia discusses how a standalone story became a trilogy with her fantasy romance Bride of the Shadow King trilogy, her hope for readers, and more.

Name: Sylvia Mercedes
Literary agent: Amanda Jain – BookEnds Literary Agency
Book title: Bride of the Shadow King trilogy
Publisher: Ace Books
Release date: Final book release February 11, 2025
Genre/category: Fantasy Romance
Previous titles: WarBride, the Venatrix Chronicles, Prince of the Doomed City series, the Scarred Mage of Roseward trilogy, Of Candlelight and Shadows trilogy
Elevator pitch: Suffering from chronic illness, Princess Faraine is used to being ignored and passed over for her vivacious younger sister. When the mysterious Shadow King comes seeking a human bride, Faraine knows her sister is the one for him . . . but how can she deny the spark shared between the two of them?

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What prompted you to write this book?

I wanted to explore the story of a very different heroine from what we normally see celebrated in the romantasy genre. With chronic illness dominating so much of her life, Faraine has had to find unique ways to be strong and save the day. She was such a delight to write, and her chemistry with Vor was electric!

How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?

This was one of those stories that simply wanted to be told. From idea to publication of book one was less than five months, with the first book launching as an independent novel in March 2022. From there, the trilogy took on a life of its own, finding its way into the hearts of readers the world over. These gorgeous new editions from Ace Books are a thrilling next step for this story that is so dear to my heart!

Were there any surprises or learning moments in the publishing process for this title?

This series has had so many interesting twists and turns in its publication journey, from starting out as an indie project, to finding its way into two different Trad Pub houses—Ace Books in the U.S. and Canada, and Daphne Press in the U.K. and Commonwealth—not to mention audio, special edition, and foreign language deals. It opened my eyes to the variety of possibilities available for reaching new readers … if you have the right story at the right time for the right audience. So much of this business is about timing, which is nearly impossible to predict!

Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?

Originally, I had planned for it to be a stand-alone novel. But I fell so deeply in love with Vor and Faraine, and their story revealed itself to have unexpected complexity and depth. So, it very quickly morphed into a trilogy.

What do you hope readers will get out of your book?

My hope is that readers will be inspired to see a different kind of heroism in Faraine from your typical bloodthirsty, kickbutt leading lady. She proves that anyone can be the heroine of her own story, no matter the obstacles lying in her path … even the obstacle of her own body trying to betray her.

If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?

While it’s important to be aware of current tastes and trends in the reader market, you must always make certain the stories you tell are born from your heart. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the pursuit of popularity … but authenticity can’t be manufactured. Tell your stories, tell them with passion, and—along with time and a little patience—you’ll find your reading audience.