The Million Duvat Endeavor *OPEN*

Special Shoutout

Hello again, everyone. 

After the announcement of the results of The Queen's Quest, the top three received a shoutout from me in addition to other prizes. We all appropriately celebrated their achievements by congratulating them in the comments. However, we often overlook the people who were so close- the people who were barely behind. 

That's why I want to take a moment today to appreciate JustAGirlInDisguise. Her presence first became known to me and other readers of the Books of Lessaenes when she began to participate in the IAYN roleplay. She took what had been a school roleplay coupled with a little bit of alien politics and transformed it into a suspenseful tale of complex backstories, betrayals, and secrets. 

After this, she took her work one step further and actually wrote a story based on the roleplay! Ruby's Story combines elements from the roleplay with ideas she came up with herself, and it was a joy to read. It was the first Books of Lessaenes fanfiction that truly made me remember why I chose to become a writer in the first place. It reminded me of the unique joy that comes with knowing that someone whose face you've never seen has been affected by something that you've written. I was so touched by her story that I even showed it to my parents and shared it with several of my friends. 

JustAGirlInDisguise, in addition to supporting my series through her own work, has been one of the sweetest readers to ever comment on my books. Seeing her name pop up in my notifications genuinely makes me smile.

Her entry to this competition, Ruby's Story, is truly an exceptional work. If it wasn't for the fact that it was based almost entirely on the IAYN roleplay, it would've won by a long shot. Going back through my comments on the results page, I understand how what I said might have offended her. However, it was not at all meant to do so! It was intended as an honest critique, and an explanation of the one factor that kept her from placing in the top three. 

It seems that she is currently under the impression that nobody likes her story, which is far from the truth. So, friends, please go to the last chapter of Ruby's Story and show one of the best Books of Lessaenes fanfictions ever written some love. As an author, I know the difference that a single positive comment can make.

Thank you for your time,

~Saralee