Letting Go, Starting Over, and Returning to the Book That Wouldn’t Let Me Go

In this episode, they talk about a lot about AI and the possibilities of the future. They talk about the importance of creativity and innovation. Of having something homemade and imperfect.

It got me thinking about how unique it is when someone stays with a creative practice regardless of financial reward.

It made me think about my novel series and how desperate I felt to reach a young teenage audience growing up in this crazy-ass world.

This was back in my 30s after I broke up with my boyfriend at the time and lost almost all of my connections that were tied to him.

I had to start from scratch.

I had to grieve.

I had to rebuild my business.

I moved from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.

After recreating my life, writing everyday, and going all in on my novel series, I had a panic attack.

I was obsessed with my novel and not in a good way. It became everything to me. I couldn't see anything without it.

Fast forward to now, a decade later, I can feel how powerful this book will be when I go back to it.

When I was in Santa Cruz I couldn’t figure out what year to start the novel in. Time and I were in a battle. I was losing. I thought I might go mad.

So I let it go.

And guess what!

After listening to this episode I now know when it's time to go back in and edit the novel series, the first book will begin in 1998, which is when I became a freshman in high school.

Children growing up in these upcoming decades need to know what it was like before the internet.

Before AI.

Before this world they are growing up in came about. I feel excited again about the book and look forward to sharing it with my kids when they are older too.

Love always,

Danielle Mallett