As I get closer to the (self)publishing date of my first book, I’ve been thinking a fair bit about the story: where it started, how far it’s come, and all the many pieces of the writing process. Something that makes this story so special to me (other than the fact that I wrote it) is the fact that wrote so much of myself into it.
I sometimes wonder how other authors approach their novels—do they draw inspiration from themselves, from those around them, or create entirely new characters from the depth of their imagination? I suppose it’s different for everyone, and I expect it’s a mix of all three; I know it is for me. But I wonder how often the journey of the author is reflected in their work of fiction.
As I’ve mentioned before, I started writing The Key when I was 10 years old, adding bits and pieces to it over the years. But it wasn’t until I moved to Nashville in 2013 that I wrote the bulk of the story. It is so interesting to me how I created a character (who 10 year old Kristen based on an idealized version of herself) who left home and went on a journey to find herself. When I put it that way, I suppose that is the basis for so many of the stories we know and love; I don’t imagine anyone would want to read a story in which there is no character growth. But as I finished writing it, I realized that so much of me and my journey were mirrored in the story. I moved to Nashville with no job, no friends, and no real plan. All I had was a calling and a determination that I would figure it out. My calling looks a bit different these days than it did at the time, but I still found it here in Tennessee.
At the start of the book, I wrote what I thought at 10 years old to be a strong and impressive character in Emberlynn. In hindsight, I see so much weakness and naivety in her as she starts out on her journey. But as I grew, so did Emberlynn. As I found my footing and my confidence, so did she. As I figured out who I was and who I wanted to be, so did she. As I found love but was terrified and unsure how to process it, so was she. As I found a new place and made it my home, so did she. But none of that was on purpose.
I am both surprised and genuinely amused that what started as a child’s avenue to show all the best sides of her, ended up revealing so many parts of me I would rather hide. But I also kind of love that. I love that Emberlynn and I got to grow up together. I love that I was able to use a fantasy story to be honest and vulnerable about my real life. And I love that I get to share all of those parts, the good and the bad, with all of you.
As I started writing the sequel, House of the Stars, I found myself repeating this pattern, this time in the character of Sierra. At the time, I was starting counseling and reevaluating things I thought I knew about myself and my past. As I grew in this way, I noticed Sierra becoming more aware of the things around her and more equipped to handle them. As she matures, she is able to reconcile the differences between her story and the stories of the people close to her. It is surprisingly therapeutic to explore themes in your writing that you are wrestling with in real life. Not only does it help you process your own feelings and experiences, it also makes the story more real and tangible. They always say to write what you know, but I have developed a love of writing what I am learning.
So here’s to who we’ve been, who we are, and who we are becoming. And here’s to sharing our stories—the good, the bad, and the character development. I can’t wait to share mine with you!
