Previously published October 6, 2023
Writing has always been a solo activity for me. I didn’t share my work with anyone unless I knew they were going to be there for the long term. I would only let those I completely trusted to hold my words. Now, with the work that I’ve put into my first novel, I can say that sharing my work is an act of love-and bigger act of trust.
The short stories I’ve written over the years have sat on my computer ready to be seen by someone else other than very specific people among my friends and family. My work has waited for me to trust in myself and trust in IT to convey the emotion, thoughts, and spirit of its essence- the reason I created it. It has been a journey to get here. But if it feels like I was stalling- I was.
I am now ready to trust others with my work. I want to leave it in your hands for you to cherish it as I have. I want to allow you inside my imagination so we can share the journeys that my writing wants to take you on. It is time for me to let go and let it live. I will only get better by continuing to share my writing. Holding it back will only keep me stagnant. I have been holding myself back by stalling.
Writing this first novel hasn’t been any small step for me. Rather, it has been a large step accomplished through a steady stride at a slow pace. The process included revision after revision before giving it to my beta readers to examine. Then after more revising, I let editors do their magic. None of this was easy (I didn’t expect it to be). However, working on my first fiction novel and deciding to self publish it were the two most important steps I took. Right and left. The ones that pushed me forward on a journey that gets me here- simultaneously stalling and growing. But if it felt like I was stalling, I’m ready to step up.
I won’t stall anymore. Imani’s Heart: Book One in the Tiwa Series has been released. The paperback and Kindle versions are both available on Amazon. It’s time to give you the efforts of my work, increasing knowledge in the publishing world, and desire for you to join me on this journey. Buy your paperback or electronic version of my debut book. Don’t stall.
P.S. Once you get the book, please send me a picture of you and the book to any of my social media. I appreciate it!