Reflections on My Early Writing: From First Novels to Published Works

As Robert T. Kiyosaki once said, writing is a journey that starts and evolves over time. For me, this journey began with my first novel, which was nothing short of a classic adventure in writing and a testament to the value of persistence in creativity. In this article, I share the stories behind my early writing endeavors, including first novels, unpublished trilogies, and the journey to publication.

My First Novel: A Tale of Love and War

One of the early novels I penned was titled Rubies from Burma. This story was a harrowing yet tender tale of a young girl who finds the courage to save her sister during the tumultuous period of World War II. For indie enthusiasts, the novel made it onto Kirkus Reviews' list of the 100 best indie books of 2017, a testament to its unique and compelling narrative. Despite the initial overwhelming task of weaving a plot full of love and war, the book garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.

Unpublishable Trilogy to Standalone Novels

My early writing efforts did not end with Rubies from Burma. I embarked on an unpublishable trilogy, a monumental task that would span over a decade. This trilogy was a fantastical journey through time and space, with a unique setting in the Indian Subcontinent at the end of the last glacial period. This ambitious project ultimately was broken into two standalone novels:

Winter of Ice and Iron by Simon and Schuster (published in 2017) The White Road of the Moon by Random House (published in 2017)

These novels, although initially unpublished and in pieces, were later released as stand-alone books after extensive revisions and editing. This process taught me a valuable lesson: even if your early work is messy or unpolished, it's worth salvaging and revisiting. Persistence and a willingness to rework your initial ideas can lead to significant breakthroughs.

Other Early Projects: Nerd World and Provocation

During my early writing years, I tackled a variety of genres and projects. One satirical Young Adult (YA) novel, Nerd World, captured the essence of a high school trivia competition turned into a cutthroat affair. This novel originated as a screenplay, but my efforts to pitch it to literary agents were unsuccessful. However, the story found its way onto a now-defunct serial fiction site, and I continued to refine it.

Provocation, another early project published by Arcadia Melbourne, is a perfect example of how perseverance can pay off. This novel, while still unpublished, shows the journey from a humble self-publishing attempt to submission and publication. The story is richly layered with multiple perspectives and unique writing styles, making it a unique read for any genre enthusiast.

Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

My journey through early writing has been riddled with successes and failures. Each novel, whether published or unpublished, has provided invaluable lessons. For future aspiring writers, I urge you to remember that your early work is not just a start but a foundation. Even the most unpublishable trilogy can be transformed into standalone classics with the right editing and dedication.

As I look ahead, I am excited to see what new projects and stories I will uncover. The world of writing is ever-evolving, and with each new novel, I strive to refine my skills and explore new genres. Whether you are writing your first novel or revisiting old projects, the key is to keep pushing forward and never give up on your dreams.

So, whether it’s a tale of love and war, a saga of fantastical worlds, or a satirical look at high school life, the journey is what matters. Embrace your creativity, keep writing, and don’t be afraid to embrace revisions and edits. Your story is waiting to be told.