Why did I decide to write a novel?

Because, when I was a child, I loved to read. For a while during my adult life, I lost sight of the importance of always having at least on book on the go. Thankfully, I found my way back to reading again. And I don’t mean reading text books for class or news to stay on top of things. I mean reading a novel. I mean losing yourself completely in a delicious story that sweeps you away to another world and makes you forget about everything. There is nothing more wonderful than that. Now, I always have at least one book on the go. And usually several at a time.

Because, I have always admired how great writing can make me forget everything that is going on. How it can sweep my imagination away and make me believe things that I wouldn’t in real life. How it can elicit emotions that ripple through every part of my being. How I can be taken on a journey and care so much about people that don’t actually exist.

Because, I see every book I pick up as a gift. And I wanted to give my own gift to all those that love to read.

Because, I longed for a challenging project. A new path in life. And to do something that I honestly didn’t know if I could.

Well. Little did I know that I would definitely find everything I was looking for, and much more, in my novel writing journey.

What was writing a novel like? Was it hard? Was it fun? Were there surprises along the way?

It was amazing. It was super hard. It was a blast. And there were many surprises along the way.

I think that writing my first novel was one of the hardest things that I have ever done. I have always appreciated every book I picked up, the beauty of it, and the work that I knew must of gone into it. Now, my appreciation for books has reached a new level. Writing a book is a lot of work. Writing a book takes hard work and dedication.

It also takes intelligence, commitment, organization, and open minded-ness.

I look back on those days when I was deep into the research and the writing. There were moments when I didn’t know if I could finish it. There were moments when I thought it might be a waste of time. There were moments when I thought maybe this was a stupid idea. And, there were moments when I didn’t know how to continue. But, like on many other paths I have taken in life, I found a way to go on. I really, really, really wanted to finish the book. And I really wanted it to be at least good enough for a few people to enjoy. I would take a deep breath, regroup, and bite off another piece.

It is really hard to believe that I doubted myself. But I did. Now, coming so close to the pointe where I will be printing my first proof, I am so grateful that I chose to continue.

I wouldn’t have been able to finish it I hadn’t chosen to go on, even when it got hard. I also wouldn’t have been able to finish if it weren’t for the amazing wealth of supportive, encouraging friends that I am surrounded with. Some are writers. Some are not. All of them encouraged me.

I look back now on the last year and a half, and I am so glad I struggled. And I am so glad I got to where I am.

The struggle really is the best part. I think that when we are deep in the depth of the journey, that is when we truly learn about ourselves and grow.

I am beyond thrilled to be planning the release date of my first novel, to be looking forward to sharing with the world the dark, emotional, dramatic tale that I have I woven. It is simply my hope that a few of you will get lost in another world for a few hours, and be swept away to story time the way I remember it as a kid.

Stayed tuned for book launch details.