It took a lot longer than I expected

In 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.