Update

 I've got some significant progress to report, guys! 

I think I'm finally (x 1,000) wrapping up the story arcs for Radhesh and Audra. I've faced so much dilemmas with regards to both their stories, and it's been really tough figuring everything out. But I think I've finally sorted out most issues by now. 

And and and... 

I think I've also decided on the ending paragraphs for this novel. It's a little different from the original way I'd concluded things in the version I submitted to Fixi Novo in the past, but I think I'm happier with this new version because: 

1. It has hope in it, and this has always been a major theme that I feel strongly about. You will see it peeking out from nearly everything I write. 
   
   
2. It contains some reflection in the narration, and ideally, that's what I'd like to direct my readers to do.
   
   
3. It rounds up the theme of memories nicely, which is the main topic that this novel is zooming in on. 

I feel extra excited now that this is in place. I can't wait to let you read it. 

There's still plenty more to add/remove/review/revise for this novel, but it feels like more things are taking shape lately, and I'm glad. 

On another note, I noticed lately a fellow contender of mine from the Fixi Novo contest has already gotten his novel published. I am so envious! But of course, I'm sure it's a huge accomplishment for the author concerned and he deserves every bit of the success that he can now enjoy. 

I only hope that I will get to the same point too, and hopefully soon!

Just yesterday, I saw a post on one of the Facebook writers' groups that I'm in where someone posted about her book appearing in the shelves of Staff Picks in a bookstore next to other famous authors and how she felt about it. Such a huge moment for an author. 

I wish that I could reach this point too. 

But I know that even when I do, it's another thing altogether whether anyone will actually pick my book off the shelf at all. And that will be another source of anxiety in itself.

Nevertheless, just the chance of getting published, and having a novel to my name is such a thrilling thought. 

An old friend of mine asked me in the past once whether I like sharing my writing with others. I do sometimes, and yet, I also don't. So I'm still afraid you're all going to hate my novel, but well, I'm still at it. 

And hopefully someone, some of you, somewhere, will like it.