My Debut Novel: Until It Ends

The release of my debut novel, “Until It Ends,” is swiftly approaching. Having devoted a year to crafting this novel, my journey actually began after a trip to Jamaica—a pivotal moment that reignited my passion for storytelling. Previously, I had written and self-published two novels on Amazon. Although they barely made a ripple in terms of success, and certainly didn't allow me to quit my day job, they were my initial steps into the world of writing.

After a brief hiatus from publishing, during which I pursued various interests (my “shiny red objects”), the urge to write never left me. It lingered in my daily thoughts, compelling me to give it another shot. This time, I aimed to do everything correctly: I chose a name for my company, created a pen name, and registered as an LLC.

Once these foundational pieces were in place, I dedicated thirteen months to writing, completing five novels in the process. This included four novels for my “Rock Creek Falls” series and a standalone Christmas story, along with a free novella intended as a giveaway.

The real test came with the editing process. My first novel underwent a rigorous critique by a wonderful editor who, with great care, helped me see the flaws needing attention. This led to a revision period of approximately two and a half months. After revising, I handed the manuscript over to a copy editor, who polished away many errors. However, I discovered a few lingering grammatical mistakes myself. This was disheartening and brought me to tears; I nearly gave up on my dream once more.

Nevertheless, I have come to accept that minor imperfections may remain in my work. No one, not even the best editors, can catch every error. If any mistakes are pointed out in the future, I'll address them. For now, my focus must remain on the essence of my work—the story itself, which I hope resonates well with readers.

Wishing myself good luck and much success with “Until It Ends,” which will be available on April 27th, 2024.