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Long time no see!
As some of you know, I took a bit of a hiatus from author activities. In that time, I've started college, learned a lot about myself, and spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy! With schoolwork, internships, and all other kinds of new experiences, creative writing took a back burner. Now I'm back with all kinds of fun plans, and I'm so excited to share them with you here!!
Writing has always been a passion of mine. Since I was seven years old, I've been jotting down stories and concocting wild fantasies (even if the earliest of these were picture books). Entering college, my goal was to pursue a degree that would allow me to write not just for myself, but as a career. I've loved my two years studying journalism and mass communications. Telling the stories of others and interviewing them has pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to think differently. I love it almost as much as I love writing novels, and that's saying something.
Likewise, my semester abroad forced me to learn all sorts of new skills. It was a dream come true, one I'll happily yap about to no end. To spare you, I'll settle for sharing some of the pictures here. Above is a picture of my trip to Siena, which may have been one of my favorite stops. The historic city was gorgeous, full of artistry, yet small enough to feel intimate. Added to this, it's the birthplace of my namesake, which made it extra special.
I'll attach some highlights here: Paris, which was as magical as everyone says; Athens, which my middle school self would have done ANYTHING to visit (PJO fans, you understand); Rome, full of epic monuments; and Florence, my home away from home.
So, what's next?
Well, I'm still in college. I'll be returning as a junior this fall. It'll be a busy semester, one in which I'll wear a lot of hats: student, intern reporter, indie author, roommate, friend, and sister. There will be a lot to balance, but I'm far more equipped to handle it than I was as a wide-eyed freshman.
As far as author business goes, the plan is to release a new, 2nd edition of my debut novel Exodus in the fall. The original version was written and published by my sixteen year old self, and while it's a lot of fun, I knew the story could be more. Now, thanks to some very special friends and lessons learned, Exodus will be re-released as a story far closer to it's full potential. If you read and enjoyed the first version, thank you so much!! But you no doubt know what I mean when I say there was room for improvement. Now, Exodus will reach a new audience and lay a strong foundation for the trilogy to come.
That's right— the trilogy is coming!! I've never shared this before, but book 2 is fully drafted. I'll be editing it throughout the semester, and hopefully have it ready to publish by summer of 2025. Book 3 is in the outlining stages, and I have a clear idea now of where the story needs to go. Trust me when I say it's epic, and I cannot WAIT for you to have all three books.
If you're still with me after that long hiatus, I thank you. Your support means more to me than you can know.
Lots of big things are on the way. I can't wait to share all of them with you.
For now, lots of love,
CJ
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