Hello dear reader, I hope that your Monday is going well. Are you as
excited about “The Sky Realm” as I am? It’s INSANE how many people are shouting
out words of encouragement and helping me achieve my dream!
Do you remember my KICKSTARTER goal? Well, we are almost at the half way
point.
That’s right, only $300 until we reach $2500! And as soon as we reach
that goal I will be putting out the first chapter of my book!
(Did you just scream out loud, cause I totally did and I’ve read the
chapter at least 46 times).
On that cheerful note, let’s get on with today’s post!
I have always believed that books have the power to inspire, encourage,
strengthen, and free an individual. I experienced this as a child and as an
adult. Books are and always will be close to my heart. They were there for
me when I felt alone. They provided me with stories to distract me from my
terrible days and magical lands to escape to when Earth wasn't where I really
wanted to be.
I was (and still am) an avid reader, devouring books day and night.
Soon, I discovered that I could write, too. The euphoria that I felt when I was
able to arrange different words from the English language into a sentence and
make them fit like they had always belonged together was the first sign for me
to pursue my career as a writer.
But, what fun are dreams that come true with a flick of a magic wand,
dear reader?
Society and culture told me that writing wasn't really a career. It
became more of a hobby that I indulged in, to lower the shouting voices in my
head, the ones who demanded to be written.
I was swept away in the daily rituals of life that label us as
functioning human beings. I went to school, I got a degree, I helped out at
home and I got a job as a teacher. Don't get me wrong. Teaching was one of the
most rewarding experiences of my life. To be in charge of a human's mind and to
have the responsibility to mold it was nothing short of exhausting- and I loved
every minute of it. My only complain was that I didn't get to write. There was
simply no time.
A year later I understood that I would not be able to pursue teaching
and writing simultaneously. My passion of writing overpowered my love for
teaching. I couldn't bear the thought of not being able to write. It meant that
I would not be able to pursue my dream and that broke my heart little.
I suppose my heart wasn't ready to admit defeat just yet, which is why
it would come to me, every night, and quietly whisper in my ear, "Is this
the year you become an author?" and every night my answer would be the
same. "I don't know."
And then, one ordinary day I decided something extraordinary, dear
reader. I came to realize that I have one life and I am the only one
accountable for it. Nobody cares whether I write or not, except me! Suddenly
the "I don't know," wasn't good enough and I picked up my laptop,
opened a blank word document and started to type.
And do you know what happened after that? I was writing. One word after
another, misspelling simple words like 'climb' and 'feelings' because I was so
excited and nervous. My fingers were literally shaking. They are shaking now,
too.
It was a canonical moment for me, dear reader.
And now a year later, here I am with the hopes of publishing all of the
words that I have written with your help. But I will not ask you to make an
impulsive decision. What I ask of you, dear reader, is that you give my novel
summary a chance. Read it over and then decide whether or not the words that I
have written speak to you and beckon you to lose yourself in Aaliyah's
world.
And if you choose not to, I will not give up. Because for the past year,
every night, when the same quiet voice comes to me and asks me, "Is this
the year you become an author?"
My answer is always, always,
"Yes."
***
Below is the website where I am accepting pledges. Help me achieve my goal!
Until next time, smiles up and doubts down.
isheeza
