My writing journey so far

You know, reflecting on my writing journey, it’s wild to think about where it all began. People often ask, 'When did you start writing?' and honestly, it feels like I've been making up stories forever! While I don't remember the exact age, I definitely dove into creating worlds and characters from a very young age, long before I even considered publishing. That spark probably came from devouring countless books and, yes, even spending hours lost in video games. Gaming, for me, wasn't just entertainment; it was an immersive storytelling experience. It taught me about character arcs, world-building, and the thrill of a good plot twist. I think that early exposure to diverse narratives, whether in books or games, really shaped my imagination and laid the groundwork for my own stories. From those first whimsical children's books, like 'Robin Hound,' 'Short and Stubby Wins the Race,' and 'The Prince and The Pupper,' which were my initial foray into publishing, to the more complex YA novels I craft today, that foundational love for stories has been constant. The path isn't always glamorous, though. Being a writer is a rollercoaster, and honestly, it takes a significant toll on your mental well-being sometimes. There are incredible highs, moments of pure exhilaration, like the day 'A Girl Called Ruthless' hit best-seller status and even won an award, or getting that call about being an 'America's Next Great Author' finalist. Seeing my books, like 'A Story Unfinished,' held by readers, and signing documents with presses and literary agents – those moments make all the late nights, the self-doubt, and the endless revisions worth it. But then there are the challenges – the books that 'died on sub' (a tough pill to swallow, let me tell you!), the rejections that feel like a punch to the gut, and the quiet moments of questioning if you're good enough to keep going. Learning to navigate those emotional waves, to pick myself up, and to persist through the inevitable setbacks has been a huge part of my journey. It's about resilience, finding your community, and constantly reminding yourself why you started in the first place. You have to be your own biggest cheerleader, especially when a project doesn't go as planned, like that first YA romance still 'on sub.' It’s a constant learning process, from taking the leap to publish 'A Story Unfinished' with my own small press – which, incredibly, became a catalyst that helped me secure a literary agent – to the meticulous process of signing with an agent for my next novel. Every step, every setback, every success, has been a profound lesson. And now, working on my newly finished YA monster circus romance novel, it feels like all those early influences – the imaginative play, the intense focus cultivated by gaming, and the mental fortitude built from handling rejections – are finally converging. My hope, always, is to continue connecting with readers through my stories and perhaps, one day, land that big book deal. It’s more than just writing; it's a lifestyle, a deep-seated passion, and a never-ending adventure of creativity and perseverance.