Last year around January, I began writing my first novel ever. I have tried to write other novels prior to it but majority of them ended up in the recycling bin and I honestly thought Looking Up would end up the same way. After a year of committing to it though and making time to write every day, my hard work finally paid off because my first novel is now published.
So for todays post, after a year of waiting, I can finally open up about what my book is about and why it inspired me. For anyone who is trying to publish their first book, hopefully my experience will encourage you to keep striving to meet your goals because they're worth it no many how much time it takes for them to manifest. Even if you may doubts about your credentials as a writer, we all have a story to tell and truthfully-trying is far better than not knowing at all.
Also, I would suggest reading my book first before reading this article since there are some spoilers. If you would like to read it, you can do so on Amazon now and it's available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover.
Looking Up by Sarah Lucas
I was inspired to write Looking Up after I found myself going through a very dark period. The pain and frustration was so immense for me that I longed to have a story of my own that could take me to a place that made me happy; for me that was England. Before I had started writing, I remember sitting on the couch in my livingroom feeling defeated by life and lost. I was also missing my mom who had passed away in 2020.
Initially, the book was going to revolve around the life I would have loved to have had with my mom if she were still alive today; the experiences we would have had together, the memories we would have created, and the bond we shared. It wasn't until after I finished the first chapter of the book that I wanted it to be more centered around self-discovery and finding ones passion.
I can very much relate to the main character in Looking Up, Melody, since she represents a side of me that was, and still is today, afraid of the unknown. The fear of failure and living a life that has no meaning is a very real fear of mine that pushes me to be ambitious. So Looking Up ultimately stems from that fear while also bringing to life everything else that I love as well; traveling, being creative, spending time with those I love, and having fun.
Looking Up is also about living your best life without holding yourself hostage to your own mind. It's about going out of your comfort zone and trusting that each step you take will be taken with intent. Life can be cruel at times and unpredictable, but even then is it important to keep paving a path for yourself should one close up on you.
Since self-development is very important to me, I knew it was only necessary to write a novel that encouraged readers to overcome their fears. In Melody's case, the main character, she decides to start a new life for herself in a new country after overworking herself. It was from that point on that she developed an interest in finding her passions which only opened up more opportunities for her.
As for the title of the book, I decided to stick with Looking Up since the message of the book is to focus on the brighter side of life. Looking Up seemed fitting and, believe it or not, it was only until midway through working on the book that I discovered that I had written a poem two years ago that was also called Looking Up. I naturally took this as a sign to stick with this title.
So, after a year of writing and a roller coaster of emotions, I am happy to finally be able to share my first book with you all. I hope this special work of mine will bring you happiness and encouragement the way it has for me.
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