This is my first post in a long time. I have gone through so much over the last few months so a bit of an update is in order. I will include updates on my writing process as well as new information about my upcoming young adult fantasy novel. It is my first book and I am so excited about it!
When I made the decision to write full-time, I was actually terrified. Being an author has been my dream career for as long as I can remember. I still have a long way to go, but I’m thrilled to have taken the first step. The terrifying part of this adventure is that I am determined to go through it as a self-published author. I will enlist the help of an editor and others along the way.
To begin the updates I will start with how I came up with the story’s idea.
I have actually been sitting on this idea for several years; in fact, it has been brewing in my mind for about eight years. I wanted to write a story of a young teen readers can look up to and follow as the character grows. I also wanted my main character to be a person of color, because I remember growing up and not finding many books with main characters that were described as looking like me.
After the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I decided to stay home and care for my children since I was already homeschooling them before all the students were required to learn at home. Enter: new career. I had all this free time. (Just kidding. I was a mom of three boys; I don’t have free time.)
I began taking my writing career seriously by outline my first book. As I began to plan, I realized I could build a whole series out of this one book. I created story arcs and dynamic characters that will grow and change throughout the series. I had the idea to create a world with all POC characters to match the main character and my main premise to appeal to young POC readers.
After I outlined the first book, I became pregnant with my fourth child. My husband and I were thrilled since it was our first girl! The only downside was the severe morning sickness and anemia that left me debilitated. I was forced to sideline my book for a few months until after I had my daughter.
Now, after months of only daydreaming about my novel, I am back in action. I am currently half-way through the first draft, which will lead to an edit/second draft. As the days go by and I get closer to completing my manuscript, I will update you on my progress. Be sure to stay tuned!
Jennifer Roachford 