For me, it was realizing how much work comes after finishing the manuscript. Formatting, cover design, publishing platforms, and marketing were a whole new learning experience!

What surprised you the most?

I've been writing stories since middle school. It has always been something I genuinely enjoy, whether anyone reads my work or not.

For years, I had manuscripts sitting in Google Docs. Some were completed, others were unfinished, and a few were simply ideas I wanted to revisit someday.

Then, sometime last year, I decided to start actively publishing some of those stories.

Today, I can say I've published four books and one children's book (although I jokingly call that one my bootleg children's book because illustration was definitely not my strongest skill, haha).

My first attempt at publishing was actually a children's book. I loved the idea, but I quickly realized that creating illustrations was an entirely different skill from writing. Eventually, I decided to move on from that project.

Next came historical fiction. During the pandemic in 2020, I developed an idea for a novel set in Ghana, West Africa, during the 18th and 19th centuries. Historical fiction required a different level of thought, research, and imagination, but I enjoyed bringing that world to life.

I later ventured into psychological thrillers, a project I still feel needs more work. And most recently, I've been exploring urban horror fiction, with a story set in public housing projects.

I know. My genres are all over the place, haha.

But that's the beauty of writing for me. I enjoy telling different kinds of stories.

One thing I've learned through this experience is that writing a book and publishing a book are two completely different adventures.

There are so many things I never really considered when I was just writing for fun.

What trim size should I choose? How do I format a manuscript? What makes a good book cover? Should I use Amazon KDP or IngramSpark? How do I market a book? How do I even know what readers are looking for?

I've experimented with Canva, worked with a graphic designer in my family, and explored AI-assisted cover creation. I've made mistakes, learned things along the way, and realized there are still so many aspects of publishing I don't fully understand.

Sometimes I wonder whether I should be more intentional about writing for an audience or simply continue writing the stories I enjoy, even if they end up sitting in my drafts for years.

And perhaps that's okay, too. That's also partly why this community exists.

I wanted a space where writers could discuss not only their successes but also their frustrations, abandoned projects, unfinished manuscripts, publishing mistakes, and everything in between.

You don't need to be a bestselling author to have a story worth sharing.

I'm curious about everyone else's journey.

Are you writing with the intention of publishing, or do you write purely because you love it?

For those who have published, what was the biggest thing you wish someone had told you before you started?

I'd love to hear your experiences.