This was my baby. Not just because it was my FIRST book, but it was the first step I took out of my comfort zone. It was my first attempt at doing something I'd wanted to do for a long time but never thought I could. Putting myself out there, heart and soul. And for a few other reasons, I won't go into at this time. But this story was special to me!
It was my first time with a secret -- I didn't tell anyone I was writing it, NO ONE! It was my little secret. Part of me was scared to tell anyone; scared people would roll their eyes or make fun of me for "trying to be more than I was," or think I was special in some way. I was scared people would make fun of it or hate it. But, the most amazing thing happened when I finished it. I didn't care anymore. I was so happy, so proud that I'd completed what I set out to do, and I loved it. I loved the story and my characters. They made me laugh, they made me cry, and all of a sudden, I didn't care what anyone else thought. As I said before, don't get me wrong, I want you to love my books, but I don't NEED you to. The sense of accomplishment at finishing what I set out to do was all I needed, and a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I still don't like to tell people I write books or I self-publish. It still makes me a little nervous or hesitant. I really think that goes to show, I write for myself, for my need to get the stories out, not for approval.
So, as I said in my last post, I finished the first draft in 28 days! Then came the reading, re-reading, editing, and countless hours re-writing, till I was so sick of my own story, I couldn't take it anymore! I hope you don't feel the same way! I know it's not recommended, but I edited Dark Side myself, with a little help from Grammarly! I'd lost my job due to Covid, and I was purely writing out of love AND boredom. This was a labor of love. I couldn't afford, nor justify spending the money on, an official editor. So, I did my best, and I hope you find the read as enjoyable as the time I spent writing it! I apologize for any editing miss-steps!
That's about all I got tonight! Thank you for reading. I hope you have a wonderful day or night, whichever it is for you!
Nalani