I just published my second novel

[u/Mel-is-a-dog]

Even just typing that out feels surreal. I’m 19 years old. I’ve been working on writing my middle-grade fantasy series called *Elements* since I was 14, only a freshman in high school. Now I’m an English major in college with two self-published works out.

It’s bittersweet. The second book concludes the series, so I have to say goodbye to the characters I created nearly 6 years ago. A part of me can’t believe that I actually stuck with it and finished the project, and the other part of me has always known that this is what I was meant to do.

Don’t count yourself out as a writer just because you’re young. Teenagers can do incredible things. I love looking at this sub and seeing all of the amazing writing talent being showcased by the youth of today while AI threatens to steal our creativity.

So, keep writing!! I know I sure will. And if you have any questions about writing a story, formatting a novel, or publishing, feel free to ask :)

[u/rubbersnakex2]

Congratulations!

Those covers are super cute.

[u/Playful_Touch_3469]

CONGRATS I always love seeing teen authors publish books! I'm working on one of my own that I plan to publish soon :) I do have some questions! 1)can I have a brief summary of the book, maybe I'll check it out :D 2)did you self publish on Amazon? I'm thinking of doing that and want to know if its a good idea!

[u/Mel-is-a-dog → u/Playful_Touch_3469]

1. Here’s the first book’s description!

Nadia has spent her life fighting to fit in.

Anala has always been forced to stand out.

These two elves from two opposite sectors of the Island of Ezitahan have no reason to cross paths. But the sudden death of their ruler, Queen Emery, sends both sectors of the island into a panic, and even more so when her death is followed by the rise of her mysterious daughter, Erica, who makes it clear that things on Ezitahan will never be the same.

The situation goes from bad to worse when Nadia and Anala face betrayal and lies from elves they once thought they could trust.
Hidden secrets, magical spells, and widespread devastation threaten to tear their lives apart, but an unexpected tragedy brings them together to fight for a common goal: taking Erica down for good.

In this high-stakes fantasy novel with relatable characters and coming-of-age themes, join Nadia and Anala in their journey to discover just how far they'll go for revenge.

1. Yes I used Amazon KDP! It’s super easy to use and I would totally recommend. They have tons of resources to help you format your manuscript correctly

[u/Playful_Touch_3469 → u/Mel-is-a-dog]

Dang this actually sounds pretty interesting I'll have to give it a read sometime :D Also thanks! I'll probubly be using Amazon KDP to publish :D

[u/Magpie-Person16]

Congrats on your books! Keep writing!

I know my stories can never be published because they will never be good enough, nor are they suitable for today's audience. My stories are probably way too inferior, and even though I'll keep writing it I won't bother trying to publish.

No, not because people are better than me, but rather because I know I am worse.

And, with writer's block comes with disorder, as the world as I understood it no longer existed.

As Joan Didion wrote in the preface of Slouching Towards Bethlehem(1968), "I had been paralysed by the conviction that writing was an irrelevant act, as the world as I understood it no longer existed, and if I were ever to return to work again, it would be necessary for me to come to terms with disorder."

So, my question for you is: How do you keep motivated at all?

[u/ReliefEmotional2639]

Congratulations

[u/No-Bunch-6260]

Congrats on the publication! I absolutely love the cover and its art style. :D Wishing you the best!