I’m not entirely sure what drives a person to undertake epic-length projects. But it must be some kind of carnal instinct because I don’t know who in their right mind willingly goes on the emotional
rollercoaster mind-fudgery that is book publishing.
But people do. I did. And today, I published the result: Keepers.
Which means the dreams of a little nine-year-old girl who hid in a cupboard because she was bullied, come true. Twenty-one years ago, I had an idea, her name was Eden East and she controlled the elements.
You’d think most characters would get the message after a few years of their story not being written. But not Eden. A right stubborn whatsit she is. No idea where she gets that from…
Five years ago, almost to the day, I relented and decided over a glass (or five) of wine, that I would, in fact, do something about Eden’s nagging. It was getting annoying.
Three years ago, after plotting myself scared, I actually picked up the proverbial pen realizing no amount of plotting would put words on the page. Thus, I wrote the first draft… of utter shite.
Two years ago, I threw said shite in the bin and wrote another version – which I gave to beta readers.
One year ago, I got beta feedback and promptly threw that draft in the bin too because it was only mildly better than the shiter draft from a year ago. Then I re-wrote the story and finally… It gleamed like a sparkly magical fairy unicorn.
A couple of days ago, I pressed publish…
After 237,000 words of THREE different first drafts, after not hundreds but thousands of hours of editing, learning, reading and studying the craft of writing, FINALLY, Keepers is finished.There are no words to explain the overwhelming Molotov cocktail of emotions I feel. For a girl that frequently claims to be dead on the inside, today, I am anything but.
I’ve shared my journey, the lessons I’ve learned and the mess ups I’ve made with you on a number of occasions:
There’s a lot of things I could share about the craft, about mindset, or a plethora of other lessons. But there’s only one lesson I will share:
Perseverance.
There is a finish line.
Nobody said it was easy to reach, but you can reach it. Even in the depths of despair, after realizing and accepting I had to rewrite the sodding book for the third time, I held on to the finish line. There are times when you think it will never end. When you absolutely cannot read your bloody book again. When you’re exhausted and seeing the inky black of midnight for the seventh time this week… Know that there is a finish line.
Know that the moment you hold that first copy really is like pixie dust.
You just have to keep typing, one key after the next, and one day, suddenly, your book will drop through the letterbox box, and it will all have been worth it.
To the book:
Keepers is the first in my YA fantasy series: The Eden East Novels.
Book Blurb
Eden’s life is balanced…
…until her soul is bound to her enemy.
When her parents are murdered, the realm of Trutinor is threatened. Then a mysterious human arrives and changes everything.
As Eden’s world spirals out of control, she doesn’t need a charismatic Siren from her past returning to complicate life.
Now, saving Trutinor is the last thing on Eden’s mind.
Three boys.
Two murdered parents.
One deadly choice.
You can get the book from here. It will redirect you to your most frequently visited store.
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If you’d like to hear more about the release of the sequels as well as get regular CogMail updates you can do so here.
You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads
Congrats and well done and FABULOUS. GO YOU !!!!!!!!
Thank you dear Geoffle 🙂 so pleased it’s done and thank you for all the support along the way 😍💖
A big big congratulations to you, dear Sacha Black.
Thank you so much I appreciate the support 😍
So many congratulations on finally getting there! After all your hard work and dedication, Keepers deserves to soar like a bird all the way to the top of the best sellers chart…
I have a feeling it is on the way!
Wouldn’t that be amazing! I’m not sure it will but if it does it will be a dream come true 💖😍 thank you so much for all the support
Congratulations, enjoy this very special day!!!
Ahhh thank you Suzanne I appreciate the support 💖
Many congratulations, Sacha. Well done in reaching that finishing line. I hope Keepers will be a fantastic success for you. And now. on with the next one! 🙂
Thank you so much Mary I really appreciate it, and all the support you’ve given me 😍💖 you’re a total superstar, and hell yeah, where’s my laptop onwards!!
Congratulations well done! Amazing x
Thanks Rachael really appreciate it 🙂
I am just SO proud of you babe! It’s like seeing my lil sis achieve something mahoosive! 🤗😙😍
Awww what a lovely thing to say 💖😍 thank you Ritu your support means everything to me 😍💖
😚😚😚💜💜💜
Congrats!! You did it and you did well! 🙂
Thank you Rachel it’s been well worth the wait! 😍💖
Congratulations! Love the introduction and build up. Let’s see what’s been going on in that head of yours haha
Aww thank you Jermaine, one day it will be your book 😍 thank you for the support 🙂
Yay! You did it, Sacha! I got my copy and can’t wait to read. 🙂
Awwwww thank you so much Diana 😍💖😍💖 I hope you enjoy it – nervous now.
No need to be nervous! My goal is to finish my first draft… probably mid December, and then enjoy some reading through the new year. 🙂
Ooh yes, I want to blitz some books over the xmas period too I’m not that many from my year goal and I’ll be gutted if I miss it!
Congratulations to the 100th degree. I am so proud of you.
And I am so grateful to you for everything, each and every ass kicking included 😂😂😍😍💖💖
I am delighted, excited and thrilled for you. What an inspiration you are; so many would have given up at the first hurdle but you kept going, overcoming more and more hurdles and obstacles in your way. However , YOU DID IT!!!! Congratulations!! 💖💖🍾🍾
Awww what a lovely comment thank you Judy 💖😍 I did overcome one or two! It’s been a pain in the butt but I’m grateful for every second of the journey I almost can’t believe I’m here! Thank you for all your support you’re a superstar 💖
Woohoo! You are relentless, Sacha! You don’t your teeth into an epic work and now get to share the results! Congratulations!
Thank you so much Charli, it’s been SUCH a long road but I’m so so so glad I stuck with it, it’s been worth every single second 😍💖 thank you for your support along the way
A wonderful, wonderful, arse-kicking piece. Well done, Sacha! By the way, I thought it was only us Glaswegians who think things are “shite”.
Bahahah! I’m notorious for the overuse of bad words! 😳 can’t help it. Oops! Thank you so much for your comment it made me smile 😍😂
No worries. I love a good bad word. It was just the e on shite. It’s unusual for other nationalities to use it. Unless you’re Scottish too?
Nope, English :p
Gosh, you really do have perseverance, Sacha. Well done.
Thank you so much Robbie and for the support along the way 😍
Fantastic to see this launched Sacha – I can’t wait to get my hands on it and explore those pages! 🙂
argh! I hope you enjoy it 😍💖 thank you for the support
I’m sure it’s going to be amazing! ☺️❤️
celebrating your every success
Thank you so much Annette 😍💖
Take a bow, Sacha — for taking a dream and turning it into drive! Can’t wait to be one of the first to read what I hope will be a successful franchise!
So do I! 😂😂 fingers crossed. I think the hard work has only just begun 😱😂
Congratulations! Good luck with the launch! And give yourself a well deserved pat on the back!
Thank you so much my lovely I am exhausted but will definitely give myself a pat!
Congratulations!!! Been waiting for this day. Wow. So happy for you, Sacha. Love and hugs and all that stuff. 💖💖💖
Waiting forever! You and me both 😂😂 thank goodness I made it. Thank you so much for all the support you’ve given me along the way 💖
Sooo excited for you! I hope you sell a gajillion copies 🙂
Ahh gosh, thank you so much Becca 😀 😀 so excited it’s FINALLY launch day!
What a wonderful, wonderful, (and occasionally traumatic) journey!!! … Huge congratulations. 🙂
hahahah I laughed out loud at your traumatic comment – totally right, including launch day when my laptop died! suffice to say, I made it! Roll on the next one 😀 Thank you so much for supporting me 😀
Super proud of you Sach! Just like a rockstar I always said you were!!!!! <3 <3
Ahhh you did actually thank you for always having faith in me, you’re an inspiration Debby 😍💖
Aw thanks Sach. I’ve followed your journey for so long I’m so proud of you.! <3 I told you good things were coming, long ago! <3 xx
You did! That’s true. Fingers crossed you see me through to quitting Work too haha! 💖😍 thank you for everything my lovely 💖
You know I’m rooting for you girlfriend! <3 Hugs! xxx