It took a lot longer than I expected

But I am so proud of the journey!

2025/1/23 Edited to

... Read moreIn the world of writing, persistence often proves to be just as important as talent. My journey, which began in 2016, highlights this truth. After facing numerous rejections for my initial works, including five completed manuscripts that met with closed doors, I remained committed to my passion. Each rejection felt daunting, yet I continued to hone my craft. During this period, I developed the idea for my book, SKY'S END, a tale set in a vibrant universe filled with flying monsters and floating islands. Despite initial setbacks, including a string of responses that left me feeling discouraged, I kept reaching out to literary agents. Finally, in 2020, I received the life-changing news that an agent wanted to represent my work. The real breakthrough came when we received an offer from a publisher in 2022, sparking an emotional celebration with my students, who rallied around my achievement. Sky's End not only transformed my career but also made its mark on the literary world, debuting on the New York Times bestseller list shortly after its release. As I look back at my journey, I see that each rejection and every hour spent writing contributed to fulfilling my two-decade dream of being published. Now, with the sequel in the works and excitement building around a film adaptation, I reflect on the importance of resilience in the face of challenges and the incredible joy that comes with realizing one’s aspirations.

Related posts

motherhood looks a lot fluffier than i expected
Happy Mother’s Day to every dog mom, human mom, exhausted mom, healing mom, and “I never thought I’d love this much” mom 🤍 Golda may only be tiny, but somehow she turned our whole world softer, louder, messier, and happier all at once. Today feels extra special with little paws running around t
Golda The Cavalier

Golda The Cavalier

26 likes

We Were Trained For A World That No Longer Exists.
I did everything I was told to do. Go to school. Work hard. Stay loyal. Get the job. Keep the job. For years, that felt like the path to security. Then the world changed. Costs went up. Technology moved faster. Layoffs became normal. And one paycheck started feeling
Jen|IncomeNext Chapter

Jen|IncomeNext Chapter

20 likes

Buffy is back... and faster than expected! 🧛🏻‍♀️🩸
This Sunday, August 31, a big announcement was made in the Los Angeles Times. Chloé Zhao, the director chosen for the sequel to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, announced the end of the filming of the pilot. If it is lucky enough to be developed, it may well arrive earlier than expected on our scree
Sarah M Gellar

Sarah M Gellar

49 likes

This self-check told me more than I expected
I scored a 45 on this connection-to-self test… and I had to sit with that for a minute. Because it says I have a strong sense of self and worth. And honestly… I’ve been doing the work. But what stood out to me wasn’t just the score— it was realizing that this didn’t happen overnight. The
Becoming Through Books

Becoming Through Books

2 likes

A text message from the sender stating, "Don't make plans for December 23rd," with a menu overlay for message options. The text "Caroling Prank" is visible below the message, along with a Lemon8 watermark.
A text message from the sender stating, "It's a Monday," with a menu overlay for message options. Reaction emojis are visible at the top, and a Lemon8 watermark is present.
A text message from the recipient stating, "Okay," with a menu overlay for message options. Reaction emojis are visible at the top, and a Lemon8 watermark is present.
Went as well as I expected…
I came across this TikTok trend where people tell their significant other they signed up for caroling, so I figured I’d give it a try. My girlfriend isn’t exactly the biggest fan of Christmas compared to me, but I thought it’d be funny to see her reaction. Let’s just say… it went about as well as I
Andre

Andre

380 likes

It was a lot harder than I expected to find
#obviousspeakeasy #notsosecret #home #drugwar
RenardeBourgeois

RenardeBourgeois

0 likes

Mark Carney expected to form government.
Live election results: Mark Carney and the Liberal party expected to form government. #canadanews #elections2025 #federalelection #markcarni #markcarni
Moeen 🇨🇦

Moeen 🇨🇦

7 likes

The collab you never expected
Nickwilkins

Nickwilkins

759 likes

I wouldn’t have expected anything less🫶🏽
Mizzotta

Mizzotta

1531 likes

This replaced more than I expected
This replaced: •mental noise •constant worrying •feeling like I was always behind Not all at once. But enough to notice. #MomLife #ParentsOnTikTok #WorkFromHomeMom #ExtraIncomeForParents #MomTok
Jeniramos

Jeniramos

0 likes

Future Nuclear Reactor Meltdowns Expected
Future Nuclear Reactor Meltdowns Expected from a Nuclear Engineering Professor #realism
I love science!

I love science!

1 like

I expected it to cost a lot more
#travel #plane
Firozeh 🦋

Firozeh 🦋

14 likes

Is your job what you expected it to be?
I think a lot of roles end up being different from how they were described or imagined at the start. Sometimes slightly different, sometimes completely different. Did your job turn out how you expected, or not at all? #job #working #workplace #lemon8career #expectations
DoDigitalwithDay

DoDigitalwithDay

2 likes

My birth did NOT go as expected!
I just want to preface this by saying not all birth stories are bad, in fact quite the opposite! I know SO many people who have had positive experiences giving birth. My first birth did not go at all how we planned, it was traumatic and I think I will always remember what a scary time it was. Howev
Mariah

Mariah

72 likes

Not quite what I expected…
It smelled beautiful but I was expecting it to be loud. I love gourmand scents so I definitely fell in love with it. Perfect for layering though.
Sokii Hendrxx

Sokii Hendrxx

242 likes

random but expected 😂🫶🏼
sweet potato bowl
laura (:

laura (:

71 likes

One thing I never expected was using AI to create another stream of income.
I opened my laptop thinking I was just learning a new tool. I didn’t realize it would introduce me to opportunities I didn’t even know existed. Now I use AI to help create content, save time, and build an income stream outside of my regular job. I’m still learning every day, but it’s amazi
DIGITAL~BOSSBABEZ.AI

DIGITAL~BOSSBABEZ.AI

2 likes

As expected considering all the lying he did
tarneishachavis

tarneishachavis

10 likes

If life feels slower than expected, do not mistake
If life feels slower than expected, do not mistake the waiting for abandonment. God is still writing the story, and His timing remains perfect. ✨️ Scripture “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” — Psalm 27:14 ✨ Affirmation I trust God in the waiting. My heart
Bri

Bri

3 likes

This Synthetic Wig Turned Out Cuter than Expected✨
For my Girlies who love a quick Wig Slay, this video is for you 😍 Let me know what you think about this wig? Is it a Hit or a Miss for you? Tell Me below 👇 Don’t forget to follow me @Queen Blessyn for more tutorials and tips 🥰 #syntheticwig #wigstyle #wigs #wigsforblackwomen
Queen Blessyn

Queen Blessyn

48 likes

First Apartment: Not what I expected
Your first apartment, you dream about how it’ll be and how you’ll decorate it. Then, reality hits. My apartment was not what I’d hoped for. This duplex was built in the 1920s and was not meant for tall people! The ceilings were so short, I could touch them if I reached up and I’m 5 feet! 👍Pr
Katrina Nicole

Katrina Nicole

807 likes

This costume turned out cuter than i expected 🤎🐆🫶🥰
#costumeideas #costumeidea #costumeinspo #costumes👻 #DIY
Gena Cobaj

Gena Cobaj

178 likes

What's your expected Salary? - How to answer
Hello everyone! Discussing salary expectations can be nerve wracking, but it's an important part of the job search process. Research industry standards and consider factors like your experience, skills, and the cost of living in your area. Be prepared to negotiate and remember to value your wor
Yun Jung

Yun Jung

44 likes

Not what I expected it to look like🫢
Just realized it’s been 2 years since I made my first soap bars 🥹 #soapmaking #handmadesoap #soapmaker
La Luja

La Luja

34 likes

A hand holds the book "Crush" by Tracy Wolff, featuring a red geode and blood drop design. The cover reads "Trust no one." and "#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR." Overlays state "#2 in series" and "Currently READING."
🤍I like it more than I expected…
This series of books is very YA and as a 28 year old woman it was off putting, initially. But the more I read the more it is sucking me in (pun intended). If I ignore the fact that the main character is like 17 then I enjoy it a lot more. I’ve been pretending it’s based in a college and not a high
Sutton

Sutton

30 likes

not what I expected
Hi guys welcome back to my diary <3 My life lately has actually been pretty good. Pay raise, new bf, new apartment yada yada but.. I’m still so sad. Not like normal every day sadness either. I’m sure it’s depression since I’ve have been diagnosed before, but, it almost feels selfish to feel
sharia 🫧

sharia 🫧

38 likes

is this higher or lower than you expected?
Honestly, while it is certainly not cheap, it’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be heading into the year. The US is a high cost country to travel in, but I was able to find some deals by staying at places for longer periods of time (1-3 months) aka slow travel. If you’re on a strict trav
Marisa • Travel

Marisa • Travel

22 likes

Crazy we got double what we expected on this job!
#paintcorrection #autodetailing #cardetailing #tesla
Detail studio

Detail studio

1 like

Post 🥜 Surgery was easier than I expected
I’m not sure zebra 🦓 is my pattern of choice, but it didn’t matter. This comfy donut around my neck was like having a full-time, built-in pillow. 👍Pros: comfy, reusable, machine washable! 🤔Cons: I lost my 🥜 but this made it easier 🛍Brand: Comfurt Collar 💰Price: $34.99@ #lemon8partner #
Mango 🥭

Mango 🥭

7 likes

Way more than we expected!
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium really brought the magic to life with this one! Between the mermaids swimming through the aquarium habitats, the meet-and-greet moments, and all the sea life exhibits throughout the experience, the kids were super excited What made this feel extra special was how imm
Fun with The Johnsons

Fun with The Johnsons

17 likes

That took longer than expected
2023 pencils. 2024 inks. 2025 colors. I’m determined to get this project finished, life just keeps sidetracking it because that’s what life does. There’s 18 more of these guys to get done. #comicart #illustration #artprogress
Gulapocalypse

Gulapocalypse

0 likes

It turned out way better than customer expected
#autodetailing #scratchremoval #carcleaning
Detail studio

Detail studio

4 likes

That’s not what I expected:(
#shocked #funny
Kris Chanski

Kris Chanski

9 likes

“I don’t know what I expected but this was not it”
Anytime I post a string of ultra creative videos that don’t get the exposure they deserve, I gift the algorithm with a video like this.. an offering if you will. I’m prepared for unfollows if you don’t read the body text, but hey, if you’re not down with the weird, you should probably not follow
xandrathecreative

xandrathecreative

138 likes

just grateful it came out cuter than expected 😂
#frenchbob #curlyhairstyles #curlyfrenchbob #curlyhairstyleideas
Ashley Mariah 🧡

Ashley Mariah 🧡

7 likes

✨ Living Alone Isn’t What I Expected
When I pictured living alone, I imagined peace, independence, and slow mornings with coffee in hand..the kind of calm I used to crave when I lived with other people. And while those moments do exist, they’re balanced by something no one really talks about: the weight of *constant responsibility.*
Cianah Monaa

Cianah Monaa

335 likes

Are Nurses Expected to Be Heroes or Humans?
I love being a nurse. I really do. But sometimes it feels like the world expects me to be more than human. Long shifts, short staffing, patients who are scared or angry, families demanding answers I don’t always have—every day tests how much anyone can give. And when we struggle, when we c
syd✨🌷

syd✨🌷

5 likes

The reason I stayed wasn’t what I expected. 💜
When I first started this journey, I thought the products would be the thing that kept me here. Then I thought maybe it would be the possibility of creating more income and more freedom for my family. But the longer I’ve been here, the more I’ve realized neither of those is the biggest reason
Coach Eva ☕ Jeep + Scrubs 🌻

Coach Eva ☕ Jeep + Scrubs 🌻

1 like

Didn’t go as expected
#firstresponders #bike #ninja #booktok #summerbod
ThatNinja.650

ThatNinja.650

6 likes

An expected 5 star read
You guys when I say surprised cause I had been putting it off
(☆Boo𝙺diaries(☆

(☆Boo𝙺diaries(☆

32 likes

See more