A New Chapter

 "A New Chapter"

Two days ago I officially became an author as I completed publishing my first novel, More Than Human -the first of a 3-book series. I have dreamed of this day since I read "Demon in My View" by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes when I was 12 or 13. I remember on the inside of the back cover there was a small blurb of info about the author, mentioning that she first published as a teen. I really think that's what sparked my interest in writing. After that, I started creating short stories and poems and even started working on my first book. Unfortunately, I was discouraged with my book in progress and ceased writing, abandoning it forever. For many years I wrote only poetry, never seeking to publish in fear that my words weren't "good enough" and keeping them hidden away in a private notebook. I lost that precious notebook many years ago.

I'm not sure exactly when it happened or why, but some time after high school I stopped writing altogether. No matter what I tried, the words stopped flowing. I found myself forcing the flow and therefore displeased with what was produced.

One day, an idea popped into my head. What if mythological creatures were linked to DNA and that's what explains the irresistible yearning and desire for certain things in our lives that we can't otherwise explain? With ease, a chain of events, characters and details started to appear. I kept a notebook (and still do) where I would jot down chatacter descriptions, scenes, dialogue, and situations as they came to me. After quite some time (thanks to constant battle with mental illness) I finally had enough substance to create a full story.

Writing the book More Than Human itself took over two years. The word count is just above 57k, but I still feel I have a solid story even though I wished I had reached a higher count. I'll admit, I was very nervous as the book started nearing completion and I may have gotten a little impatient towards the end. I now anxiously await the reviews of the public both good and bad.

I am incredibly humbled with how much love and support that I received during this process. I couldn't have done this without my friends. I am especially honored to show off one of my friend's artwork which is featured on the cover of my book as well as my own photo used on the back.

This has been such an incredible experience from a single spark of inspiration as a child to fulfillment as an adult. I never truly thought that I would see this day.
Now, all of the steps in completing the release of my first book are almost at an end. However, this is just the beginning of my journey as an author; the most exciting chapter in my life.