Nine Tenths publishes tomorrow.
This book is so many things. My first published novel. A creative endeavor spanning years. An idea that felt fresh and new before getting lost in a crush of superhero media, only to possess enough spark to be found again.
I loved this book so much I wrote a sequel before any contract existed (don’t do that.) When necessary I pushed this book from my mind so I could write new books about new characters. And when publishing became possible I found the book again, and rediscovered my joy for the world I’d created.
This book forced me to talk about my writing as real instead of a cute hobby—undermining your work doesn’t encourage people to come along for the ride. You have to stand in front of your creation. Be proud. Be your own advocate.
Many author friends encouraged me along the way, and I thank them. More recently I’ve received strong support from my non-writing friends. Some who didn’t know I wrote at all, others who were proud my journey resulted in a thing you can hold in your hand. (You hold your e-reader don’t get pedantic.)
I’m not much for blog posts, but your first book only comes around once. I hope people enjoy Nine Tenths. I hope people want more of my writing. But regardless, I enjoyed writing this book. I know it’s possible for the words I put down, the hours I spend holed up and isolated, to become a real story. A real book people can read.
Let’s see what happens next.