For the longest time, I dreamed of nothing more than being able to write my very own novel.
At ten, whilst my brothers were busy playing outside, I would be slouched in front of our computer just typing away. My world revolved around books, and I knew, right then and there, that I wanted to become a writer. Although just like any other traditional Asian family, my parents told me I should become a lawyer or a nurse. You know, something more ‘professional’, and this society deems fit.
I wrote the start to my very first novel by the time I was thirteen. Well, I never finished it but I still remember the plot and what it was about. To be quite far, I have a pretty good memory. I remember everything, and sometimes I feel like it is both a blessing and a curse. But whatever.
By the time I was fifteen, I was torn as to what I should study in university. I knew that this was going to be my Pre-Law course, so I had to choose wisely. Being the strong willed and stubborn girl that I was, I chose Creative Writing over Legal Management or Political Science. Sorry, parents, but my passion for Literature has never truly left me…despite not being able to write anything aside from my every day journals.
At eighteen, my mother sent me on a backpacking trip around Southeast Asia as a birthday present. This trip changed the course of my life forever. As cliche as it might sound, it is very true. I had met so many amazing people from different parts of the world, and my point of view has been forever changed.
When I came back, I quickly put my journal notes into an actual novel. A novel that I was bound to write for the next two years of my life. Having started in my hometown in the Philippines, and finally finished in my new home in New York. It would, then, take me another year to proofread and edit the first draft since I am a great procrastinator. I had lugged my finished first draft manuscript around Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. Finally having finished editing the first draft just this February in Mexico City.
At twenty-three, I had hoped to put out the first ten chapters of my novel out into this never ending void called the ‘internet’. I feel like this would be a great way to see if people would actually dig my story, and if I could actually have a future in publishing it. Well, that is every writer’s ultimate dream, is it not? I mean, publishing. At least, it is mine.
By the time I am twenty-five, I hope to be able to actually publish this novel. God willing, we will see.
So today, I am taking a leap of faith in putting out the first ten chapters of my novel for everyone to see. I feel like this will be a great step into opening myself up, since I fear people reading my writing. To me, my novel is such a sacred piece of myself, and so I am very anxious in putting it out there. But then again, I wrote this with the hopes of people reading them. This will be the first step in my self-growth as a published novelist.
I hope that you guys like my novel, and have the interest in continuing to read it when I release or publish it. For the past few years, I have poured my heart and my soul into writing, proofreading, and editing this piece of art. Now, I give it all to you for you to read and experience. Also, I feel like putting this out in the middle of this quarantine season is a great way to ease boredom. So, I hope you guys like it and I would love to hear your feedback on the comments below or via private message on social media.
To download my novel, kindly click the link below:
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NOVEL
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NOVEL
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NOVEL
Ah, I hope you guys enjoy it and be safe at home. Cheers, friends!
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
Proverbs 21:3 NIV
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