JUST RELEASED BOOK 1, SO WHEN IS BOOK 2?
That’s exactly what’s happening right at this moment. I just released the first-ever book I’ve finished into the world. It’s overwhelming, and it’s the first time I’ve sat down in a very long time. Today (well, actually yesterday, since it’s 5 a.m. as I write this), I received the great news that my book finally made it to the Google Play Store. I wasn’t sure it would be approved, especially since I also almost applied for Amazon. But after thinking long and hard about whether that was the best route for me, and with the final step just being to hit that submit button, I didn’t give in. I chose the harder path—the one where I wouldn’t have to give the rights to my book to a multimillion-dollar company that doesn’t guarantee visibility or success.
I know it could help—they’re successful for a reason. But I had to pause and really take it in. I’m the kind of person who sits down, stares at the blinking cursor on the screen, and takes my time thinking about whether a decision is truly right for me. I was so scared, because Eyes See You is my baby. And I know I’m not the only one who’s had to make this kind of tough call. Some went through with it. Some didn’t. And for that reason, I had to call on the One who knows everything—God.
I really wasn’t sure. These kinds of decisions… no one really knows what you’re going through. I come from a humble family. We have nothing to our names. It’s easy to think we’ve got nothing to lose, and that making it in life would be a blessing. But deep in my heart, I knew this book—I wrote it with the same passion I had when I was 10 years old, scribbling stories in my yellow notebook. If that counts, I’ve already written hundreds of short stories. Some of my classmates enjoyed them. Some even gave me five pesos per story. And now I realize—that same little girl is still here, typing this.
I know I wouldn’t be happy just earning from my hard work. It helps, sure—but money isn’t everything. So I wouldn’t let it be the reason behind my choices. I want to find the right people who will enjoy my art. Because this story? I birthed it with my pain, my sorrow, and my love for storytelling. I want to inspire younger Christines out there to dream. The truth is—I want to win for them. So they don’t give up.
To be honest, I’m enjoying every second of this dream. Even though not many people have seen my work, just being appreciated for what I’ve done is the best kind of payment I could ever ask for. And if God allows this to succeed, I want to help others write. Because that’s what I did when I had nothing. I just kept talking on the page—even when no one seemed to be listening. But it’s not true. Someone up there always was.
I hope whoever reads this receives all the desires of their heart. That they never get lost in the sauce, and that they keep going—especially when the road gets tough. I’m actually crying as I write this, because while I created a fictional story, the real one is right here. And she made it. She did what most people doubt they could ever do.
Sorry, I know I’ve been rambling. But now that Book 1 is finally out, maybe you’re wondering…
When is Book 2 coming?
The answer is: next year. It’s all here in my heart—finished. All that’s left is for me to put it on paper. Like always.
To my real-life Juni—I love you.
Thank you for inspiring me to write again. Losing you was the most painful thing, but I know if you were here, you’d be the first to proofread everything. This book is for you.
See you when the time comes for me too.
Love,
Christine
Looking forward to book 2 and beyond <3