The Thrilling Journey of Crafting My Book From Idea to Amazon Preorder Magic

Writing a book is one of the most exhilarating journeys one can embark upon. It goes beyond simply putting words on a page; it’s about breathing life into ideas and sharing pieces of your soul with the world. When I first thought about writing my current book, I had no idea of the epic adventure that lay ahead.

Leaving the Capitol, home of the White House after seven years; I felt like I was fleeing moving to Gary, Indiana, aka Steel Town. Selling my house in Arlington, VA after years of DIY was bittersweet, now I am in a new house which also needs a load of DIY. To cope with the chaos, I began to write. I have always loved writing and found the writing process cathartic and healing, sense-making, creating a future world of heartache and possibilities.

Join me as I share my experience, from the initial idea to seeing my book available for preorder on Amazon.

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The Spark of Inspiration

It all began with a simple idea, a vibrant concept circling in my mind. I was inspired by the uniqueness of a Facebook post and I most apologize to the original poster, as I was drunk doom scrolling and had no idea it would fuel my imagination and lead to many sleepless nights. The poster said that her boyfriend called her "A Book Whore" because she continuously fell asleep reading books. Instead of being ashamed by the name, she embraced it. I love women embracing and owning it when people try to shame them. I too am a Book Whore!

Initially, I spent countless hours writing and brainstorming. I let my imagination roam free, typing anything that came to mind, saving tabs, messaging friends, reading current events. That initial spark was ethereal, yet it blossomed into a fierce desire to write. For example, I was influenced by the myriad of heartbreaking stories of my friends forced out of the federal workforce, overcoming adversity, which fueled my determination to share similar personal triumphs within my narrative.

Once I had a clearer picture of what I wanted to convey, I embarked deeper into my research journey. I discovered the depth and breadth of the subject I sought to tackle. This involved sifting through numerous books, articles, and studies — immersing myself in valuable information that not only cultivated my creativity but provided a strong foundation for my narrative.

Immersing Myself in Research

Research is often an underappreciated step in writing; however, it was an exhilarating phase for me. I explored various genres, drawing insights from history, psychology, and philosophy to enrich the layers of my book. I used Notebook LM and Gemini advanced research modes to leverage AI. I listened to podcasts and crowdsourced information in Reddit. I read books in my bed until I fell asleep, embracing the book whore lifestyle.

Historical anecdotes added depth while psychological insights enhanced character relatability. For instance, I spent hours reading about the psychological principles of storytelling, which helped me craft more believable characters. I visited libraries and spent countless evenings online, scouring resources that lent authenticity to my story. The thrill of discovering new perspectives and engaging with experts through interviews was invigorating and opened doors I hadn’t anticipated.

Imagine my surprise that the National Museum of the American Indian, part of the Smithsonian Complex, was built on top of the Mary Ann Hall brothel. This was perfect for my story arc that brothels are legalized in 2055 and adds a historical element. I like to keep my story grounded in truths of this reality, but it is fiction, not prediction.

I took copious notes and organized my findings meticulously, which helped me distill the important bits while allowing creativity to flow into the writing process. I created a "Parking Lot" for future books and potential short stories.

The Writing Process

Armed with research and a solid outline, I dove into the writing process. The thrill of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, in my case) was unparalleled. Each chapter felt like a mini-celebration, as I lovingly crafted vivid narratives and characters. On average, I spent about 80 hours a week writing. I was obsessed, my sister and friends were good sports and listened to my mad ramblings of character story arcs. My dog woke me up and demanded potty breaks, while the cats demanded to be fed, I tried to walk to the beach on most days.

Experts identify two types of fiction writing: genre-driven, which emphasizes the plot, and literary fiction, where characters largely steer the narrative. I combined these styles, making sure to address essential plot points while giving the characters a voice. Sometimes a key element, like the final scene at the ball would wake me up in the middle of the night and I would have to crawl of out of bed, cranky and needed coffee, to capture the scene before it disappeared.

I wanted to explore using generative AI ethically for this new book and creative writing. I used three primary LLMs, ChatGPT (Chase), Gemini (Gem), and CoPilot (Coop). I used them as on demand alpha readers, something I would never be able to afford in real life. Getting three different views on the title for example: Translucent, Transparent, Invisible, which was best to capture the essence of my work? How to handle the coming of age of a teenage character with dignity and respect. Ensuring character consistency; at one point Gem called me out and I had to write three more chapters on part of the story arc. I did not let the AI write for me, I let the AI provide feedback every step of the way, getting multiple viewpoints. I am teaching a workshop on July 24th on using AI as a virtual writer's circle.

Beta Readers, I love my friends and family for doing this for me. A special thank you to Chris, Teri, Michelle, Maria, and my Sister Barb. Once the story had evolved into solid chapters and parts, I shared with friends and family. The feedback was wonderful, like adding more sensory details to Washington DC spring such as cherry blossoms. Questions about the characters and consistency, I wanted to ensure the characters are complex and not one-dimensional or cartoonish.

Coop, Gem, and Chase

Editing: A Necessary Labor of Love

With the first draft completed, editing was the next monumental task. Initially daunting, I soon appreciated this crucial stage. Editing is akin to sculpting; you're carefully chipping away to reveal a refined version of your manuscript. Often it can be helpful to read your work backwards for spelling errors. Editing is grueling and terrible, I know very few writers who enjoy editing.

I processed various scenes using different AI models, requesting an emphasis on grammar and spelling. Interestingly, some AI models veered off course and concentrated on the story instead. It seems even AI finds the narrative more engaging than the editing. I did not want to put my work into any one AI model or large amounts in sequence.

I sought feedback from trusted friends and fellow writers, whose insights proved invaluable. I reread my work multiple times, making adjustments to ensure my unique voice shone through while maintaining clarity. For example in the Reader's Choice section, did my word use lead readers to the conclusion I wanted for the character? The word scared verses scarred, when either would actually work, a scarred scared women.

The Road to Publication

In my previous two books I have used Free Agent Press and I did not hesitate to reach out to James Woosley again. His work is fabulous and we collaborate well, bringing out the best in each other. His ability to create graphics from my words is exceptional.

I enlisted professionals for cover design and formatting, and each decision felt pivotal. Ultimately, I chose a cover design that encapsulated the essence of my book. In survey data, 80% of readers state that cover design influences their purchasing decision, so this choice was significant.

The finish line was near, and excitement surged through me.

The Final Countdown

After submitting my book for distribution, I eagerly awaited confirmation of its availability for preorder. When I refreshed the screen and found that my book was live, I felt an overwhelming rush of joy!

Seeing my book in the digital space of Amazon, ready for eager readers, was surreal. I envisioned potential readers clicking the preorder button and stepping into the world I had created.

In that moment, all the long nights, research, revisions, and edits culminated in something real and tangible. Words could hardly express the pride swelling in my chest.

Spreading the Word

With a preorder slot secured, I am dedicating my energy to spreading the word. This presents a different kind of challenge. I am crafting social media posts, creating a newsletter, and reaching out to my network, inviting everyone to join me on this thrilling journey.

Engagement with potential readers is rewarding. I am sharing snippets of my writing, insights from my research, and anecdotes from my journey. The enthusiasm I have received so far from friends and connections is heartwarming; seeing them rally behind my work encourages me immensely.

On August 9th, I will hold a virtual Book Fair "24 Authors in 12 Hours" an author helping author event. I hope to see you there.

Reflecting on the Journey

As I reflect on this journey, I am amazed at how every stage, from the initial idea to releasing my book on Amazon, has been transformative. The hurdles I faced and overcame shaped not just the book, but my growth as a writer. This has been such a turbulent time and the writing has been my therapy.

I learned the value of perseverance, creativity, and the power of community. Writing a book is not merely a personal journey; it becomes an extension of oneself, creating a bridge to share with others.

Embracing the Adventure

Crafting my book has been an adventure filled with laughter, frustration, learning, and immense reward. The journey from idea to preorder on Amazon is a memorable one that I look forward to sharing with readers worldwide.

For aspiring authors, I encourage you to embrace the process and cherish every moment—the research, writing, revisions, and the exhilarating reveal of your work to the world. Each step is part of a beautiful puzzle that forms the tapestry of your unique story. Now that mine is out in the world, I am excited to see how it resonates with others as they step into the realm I’ve created.

I can't wait to share more about my book and continue this exhilarating journey, book two is over halfway written with plenty of room for the Reader's Choice voting story arc! Remember to embrace your creativity, believe in your story, and understand that the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.

Every story deserves to be told—go share yours!