Dorrie Wade, talented business owner of Derpy Dragon Designs in Toledo, celebrates the launch of her self-published debut novel, “The Ghost.” This captivating shapeshifter romance thriller draws inspiration from local Pacific Northwest landscapes, including Toledo, the Cowlitz River, and Mt. St. Helens on the cover. Available now online and in local bookstores, this adult novel follows Echo’s fight for freedom amid brewing war. Early readers rave with five-star reviews, calling it unputdownable with suspense, action, spice, and romance.
Roots in Toledo: Former Cheese Days Queen
As a graduate of Toledo High School, Wade found herself right where she belonged: surrounded by family and the familiar faces of her community.
“I can’t imagine growing up anywhere else,” Wade says. “I could ride my bike to both of my grandparents’ houses if I wanted to. I lived right next to the city park, so my siblings and I were there all the time. Most of my neighbors haven’t changed since childhood, so I know we are looking out for each other.”
Her connection deepened through community involvement. As a former Cheese Days Queen, Wade carried on a family tradition, “My aunt, mom, and cousin all held the title. It was inevitable,” Wade explains. “When I signed up, I was pretty sure everyone knew I would hold the crown when it was time.”
Wade wore the crown often and volunteered extensively that summer, building lasting bonds. “I still have amazing connections due to my time as Cheese Days Queen,” Wade adds.
From Derpy Dragon Designs to “The Ghost”
Wade balances roles as business owner, mother, wife, and now author. Two years ago, she shifted focus to writing.
“I have taken a big step back from Derpy Dragon Designs,” she shares. “I still attend events and manage social media, but I switched gears in a big way to focus on my writing two years ago. And my child started school this year, which freed up some of my daytime hours. It takes a lot of planning and organizing. I write whenever I can, mostly in the evenings and long into the night when the house is quiet.”
The dream of becoming a published author grew over time. “I had always hoped I would become a published author,” Wade says. “Part of me thought I wasn’t good enough, that my idea wasn’t unique enough to stand out. I had talked about wanting to publish it when I was in high school. My husband always said I could do it, that my stories were absolutely good enough. I am pretty sure if I hadn’t had his support, it probably wouldn’t have happened.”
Wade first drafted her first copy of “The Ghost” in 10th grade as Echo’s Tale. Two years ago, she rewrote it fully with its new title. “It needed a lot of work, but after about a year and a half, I knew it was ready and just needed fine-tuning that could only happen if I let other people read it.”
Even though Wade faced many challenges along the way, it never stopped her from seeking a path forward. “The rejections from publishers were hard, but switching gears and going the self-published route was harder,” Wade notes. “It was all on me: editing, finding an artist, formatting, proofreading, finding beta and ARC readers, marketing. It was a LOT.”
Wade explains how the support of her husband, Justin, kept her going and helped her become a published author. “It was 100%, my husband,” she says. “He helped find a way out of plot holes. He was my first reader all those years ago and then again when I did a rewrite. There is a reason it’s dedicated to him.”
“The Ghost” Launch, Reception and What’s Next for Wade
“The Ghost” officially launched on March 2, 2026, with copies selling out quickly. “The idea that the release is finally here, and people are buying it, is a wild thought,” Wade says. “Even more wild to see the available copies dwindling.”
“I never thought it would happen,” she shares. “So, to have people messaging me and sending me pictures of them holding it or seeing how far my book is being shipped, it’s this huge warm knot in my chest.”
“Five-star reviews from strangers mean the most,” says Wade, “Being told it’s good by someone who knows me…I always have that touch of anxiety, but strangers? They don’t owe me anything. It’s hard not to think ‘wow, it’s actually good and I did it!'”
“The Ghost” is the first in a planned trilogy, with book two in first-round edits for release in 2027. Stay up to date on the progress of the trilogy by following Wade’s Instagram page.
Readers can purchase “The Ghost” at Book N Brush in Chehalis, directly via Wade’s website, or on her linktr.ee.
Wade hosts her first in-person author event on June 6 at the Birthday Bash, Moose Lodge, 1400 Grand Avenue in Centralia.
Don’t miss this hometown triumph, and grab your copy of ”The Ghost” today and dive into Wade’s captivating imagination. Support a local Toledo author whose story echoes the resilience and magic of our community.
