Okay, so remember this week's quote? I promise there is a reason for it; I wasn't just blabbering randomly about courage or putting myself out there. I really do actually plan on taking a chance. Today.
So, there it is. I have a title. I got some feedback from some trusted friends, and I figured this is the next step. Be gentle guys. It's a first draft.
Click the photo below to read the first chapter!
If you're interested in following along with this journey, feel free to sign up for my book's mailing list to get periodic updates. Thanks friends!
13 comments:
It's really, really good! I feel captured by the characters, already. I also giggled at the part where the little sister goes to Stanford, because that's where I'm attending school right now :) Do you workshop your novel/chapters? You should look into doing that with writers in your area... I find it REALLY helpful and constructive.
Perpetually Caroline
I am so impressed! I cannot wait to be able to read more. Talk about putting your heart out there by posting the first chapter for your readers to read. THANK YOU FOR SHARING!
I loved it. I found myself thinking about the characters after I put it down.
Joelle, firstly, huge congratulations on this journey! Secondly, I can really relate to your anxiety about sharing, and you should be super proud of yourself, seriously. A few weeks ago on my literary blog I shared some of the visual inspirations for my current project and I felt so completely exposed - just for sharing such a vague, obscure portion of it. Sometimes I can't even tell people that I'm writing at all because it becomes such a personal thing. And fiction is such an interpretive sort of art, so there will always be someone who doesn't like it. That's a scary thought when you're putting your heart into something. But all that's to say I'm really inspired by your gumption and your willingness to put yourself out there. Annnd thirdly, the first chapter is beautiful. So pretty! There's an instant atmosphere to it that's really warm and charming. I can't wait to see where it goes. Thank you for sharing! (:
Downloaded and in line for my next reading! So proud and happy for you! Also excited to read the first chapter.
Yay! Can't wait to hear what you think!
You have no idea how much it means to me that you actually took the time to come over and read this Casee. I admire you so much, you have no idea, and your opinion on books truly means the world to me! It's kind of amazing to know that there are so many people out there who can relate to what I'm feeling. You are so right - this has been an immensely personal project, and there will definitely be people who won't like what I have to say, but I'm not writing this for them. Thank you so much my dear, for stopping by, and I can't wait to share more with you! xoxo
:) <3 you Lauren!
Thank you so much Maggie, I honestly didn't know how much I needed words of encouragement like this. Putting this out there has been TERRIFYING, but knowing that I have the support from awesome people like makes it so much easier...and so worth it! xoxo
I have definitely thought of looking into some workshops, but I haven't really done much about it. I'm sure I could use the constructive criticism though, so thanks for the thought! And thank you so much for your sweet words about my book! xoxo
Joelle, it's great!! You're really talented! It left me wanting to read more!
Awesome! I just uploaded my first chapter to share with the world as well! It's in the queue... which is exciting and scary and awesome. Also, one of my main charaters is young and owns a bakery, too!
Aww, you'll make me cry! Thank you, really, that's such a tremendous compliment. I always thought my nervousness meant I wasn't cut out to be a writer, like if it didn't come easy then maybe I wasn't supposed to do it? But the more I've explored it the more I've realized that insecurity is a really common thing for writers. Even for someone like Neil Gaiman who always strikes me as so confident, self-doubt is a normal part of the process for him. It really opens a door in your mind and makes you think, "Wow, I'm really not alone in this". Keep doing what you're doing and I'm sure it'll be wonderful! x
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