Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine November Edition | Page 24

manuscript either needs to be scrapped entirely or
some serious reworking. Huh???
Those words are hard to hear. Imagine the realization
the work I poured months into, neglecting my hunger
because I was in a groove and couldn’t fathom leaving
the computer for two minutes to fix a sandwich, isn’t
good enough.
Now the real work began.
Once I got out of my head and over that literary stab in
the heart, I chose to rewrite the story. That act had to
be the best decision I ever made.
One year later, after hours of writing in solitude,
skipping out on family fun, minimal television, and
many sleepless nights, I submitted the manuscript,
again. This time, the story had legs to stand on, but
it still needed work. Editing is a beast, but I had to be
the bigger beast. It requires inputs, rereading, reading
out loud, resubmitting, more red marks when you get
it back, and the cycle continues.
Discouragement was riding me during the editing
process, particularly as a new author. Writing became
a chore instead of a labor of love. But I couldn’t give up
even when I felt like I didn’t have anything left in me
to give. I put so much time into this story, and I was
determined to see it to fruition.
Having a support system helps when the literary world
and achieving that goal of published author seemed
bleak. Sometimes I had to step away, vent with my
peoples, get my bearings, then attack the editing with
a fresh attitude and a sharper eye.
Although my editor was tough, she nurtured my
writing soul. She explained what I was doing wrong
and didn’t give up on me when it took me longer than
most to figure some things out. I appreciate that, every
time I gaze at my freshly published novel.
www.londonstcharles.com
24 | NKLC Magazine
The release of The Husband We Share is literally a
dream come true. My words are in print. The love and
warmth felt from those who’ve been on this writing
journey with me are appreciated on a level I could not
believe. I’ve done something that makes my heart smile
and makes my children proud.
My oldest daughter, Sierra, attended the 13th Annual
Cavalcade of Authors Out of This World Ball. This was
my debut, and I was honored she was there to share that
experience with me. She saw me in action, interacting
with readers and signing books for the very first time.
Midway through the evening, she sent a text that said,
“Mommy I am so proud of you.” The overwhelming
feeling of pride and accomplishment I felt at that
moment, I will cherish forever. Sierra witnessed the
hard work first hand, and she had the opportunity to see
how diligence, perseverance, and staying on task, even
when things aren’t easy, paid off.
No matter what your dreams are, realize that everything
happens when it’s supposed to happen, not when we
believe they should. Keep pressing forward and get
yours. And when you have a moment, be sure to … get
mine.