BRACE MYSELF: People are going to read my novel

I’ve been waiting three years to say this: someone is going to pick up my book, buy it, read it, and (hopefully) love it.

Or they won’t. They might not love it. They might not even pick it up. And that’s okay too. It just has me like this:

My debut novel, Sitting Next to a Stranger, has been finished since April this year. It’s going to be published in April 2025. Why the twelve months in between?

1. I was querying. I wanted to experience this part of traditional publishing—the pitching, the rejection, and the challenge of summarizing 300 pages into a single compelling paragraph. It taught me how to articulate what my book is really about, which will help with this and future books.

2. Honestly? There was comfort in postponing.

But now it’s happening. I’m making the final edits, rereading my notes, and approving the cover design. And it’s daunting. People will read the novel, and some will think it’s just okay.

Posting on Substack or Instagram can feel cringe, but those posts disappear. A book doesn’t. I can’t edit, delete, or rewrite it once it’s out in the world. I believe in this book—I’m its biggest fan—but I also know the reality:

• Some people will buy it because they know me and never open it.

• Some will open it and never finish.

• Some will finish it and dislike it.

• And many won’t care at all.

I need to step out of this negative spiral. It’s realistic, but it’s not the whole story. Because I also know this:

• I write because I love writing.

• There will be readers who love it.

• People will underline sentences and think of my characters long after they’ve closed the book.

• My words will resonate with someone in a way I can’t predict.

That’s what I’m holding onto.

My Plan Moving Forward:

• Keep promoting my book and sharing it with the world.

• Accept opinions, don’t go against them.

• Stay proud of the story I’ve written and the emotions I’ve poured onto its pages.

• Remember that this is just the beginning of my journey as an author.

And most importantly, I’ll keep writing. There’s a second novel to finish.

For now: back to the page and to feeling confident.