Celebrating One Year as a Published Author

What I've learned about creativity, courage, and the journey from aspiring to published writer

Confronting the "Not Creative Enough" Myth

Getting here meant confronting a lot of old beliefs, particularly the persistent voice that told me I wasn't creative enough to be a real writer. For years, I desperately wanted to write but didn't think I had the ability to create something people would actually want to read.

That limiting belief kept me stuck in the "someday" mindset for far longer than it should have.

Now, I'm an international bestselling author working on the third book in my series. The journey still amazes me—not because the writing suddenly became easy, but because I finally understood that creativity isn't something you either have or don't have. It's something you develop by doing the work.

What the First Year Taught Me

The first year of being a published author taught me that the gap between wanting and achieving isn't filled with some magical shift where doubt disappears. Instead, it's filled with consistent action despite uncertainty.

Every published author I know has moments of wondering if their work matters, if anyone will connect with their stories, if they're "real" writers. The difference is they write anyway.

I've learned that showing up for your story, trusting your instincts, and believing your work matters is what makes the difference—not some innate talent that others lack.

What This Means for Your Creative Goals

Whether you're considering writing a book, starting a creative project, or pursuing any artistic endeavor, that uncertainty you're feeling is completely normal. That voice questioning your abilities? Everyone hears it.

You never know how beautiful and wonderful it could all turn out if you refuse to give up before you try. The creative work that seems impossible today might be exactly what the world needs from you.

Want to see what happens when you refuse to let fear win? Check out my Chronicles of The Otherworld series here to see where that first leap of faith led.