How I Got Here (And Why I'm Not Leaving)
My writing origin story.
I’ve been writing since I was nine, but I didn’t start telling the truth until much later.
✍️The First Spark
I was always an avid reader growing up, but I never knew that I would find the best stories by looking internally. That is, until I met a friend that sparked a few ideas. We started writing a book together, and I was immediately sucked in. It was the only thing that I could think about. Not because it was original or anything (because it was practically a knock off of Dork Diaries). I just loved brainstorming plot twists and character motivations. I loved learning the rules—and then how to break them. But most of all, I was addicted to that feeling you get when someone reads your work, looks you dead in the eyes, and says:
“This is good.”
I quickly realized I had a calling that had been quietly waiting. I like to think I might have figured it out eventually, but that one friend really did open doors for me.
💭When Writing Became Breathing
As I grew older, writing became less of a hobby and more of a necessity—like breathing. You can hold your breath, but the more you do, the harder you need it. I quickly realized that I had a gift, and I intended on using it to the best of my abilities. I branched off and did my own projects, finding characters within myself and worlds that were missing on bookshelves. I found urgency in the craft of writing. A sense of belonging.
Then in eighth grade, I started writing my first novel. I had written “books” before, but had always lost interest in them half way through. They never really sat right with me because they had always been imitations of media I was consuming. I didn’t know how to pull a story from within me yet, so I made different versions of stories I had already been told.
And when I finally pulled from within, it changed my life.
At first, the premise was very simple and that was its downfall. It consisted of cliche after cliche—but what I felt was potential. I felt like what I had could be something influential if only I could expand it.
I started really looking into how monarchies function, and who the most important people are within them. This is when the whole mission was reborn.
I’ll never forget the moment it was.
👑 Meeting Tobias
I was sitting on my bed, surrounded by notebooks with my computer in my lap. I had a Prime Minister, Martis Dougherty. I had a king. A prince. A defense minister. But a very prominent spot was empty— Lord of the House of Lords. I decided to make this person Martis’s son, Tobias Dougherty.
And it was like this real person pulled open a curtain in the back of my mind and took center stage. Visions of mountains and waterfalls flashed across my vision (or at least that’s what it felt like) as I saw this person for the first time. He felt fully developed, like he was just waiting for the perfect opportunity to reveal himself. He made everything work, and suddenly I had a novel that excited me. I felt a sense of belonging in my story. I felt urgency. Like I was now obligated to share this world to the best of my abilities.
Now, three years later, I’ve completed a novel. A lot has changed since that a-ha moment, but it's the best version of the story yet. Sitting at 120,000 words, The Heirs of Kalistar is the most honest thing I’ve ever created. It’s dark and messy, and beautiful in ways that I couldn’t have imagined whenever I first started writing it.
It’s the story that I’ve been trying to find my entire life, and I’m so excited to start sharing it with all of you.
Here’s a quick synopsis of the story:
The heirs of Kalistar didn't inherit a mess-- they were born into ruins.
Tobias Rhysan Dougherty was raised to rule, bred for politics, and groomed to manipulate. As the Prime Minister’s son and prince’s closest friend, he’s grown used to the extravagant lifestyle of First Castle— and the power that comes with it.
But one night can change everything.
When he gets word of a mysterious delivery to First and discovers a tortured girl, everything he thought he knew begins to crumble. With destruction on the horizon, Tobias and the other heirs must uncover the twisted motives and long-buried secrets that have shaped their bloodlines — before history repeats itself.
In a kingdom built on secrets, survival doesn’t come from power. It comes from knowing when to break the rules — and when to burn them.
The kingdom is rotting. And Tobias is running out of time.
I know. It’s awesome.
And one day, I hope to publish it. I think this day is closer than I care to imagine, but I want to share it here first. I’m still polishing the story, but I want to start getting my writing out there. I want to hear a variety of people’s opinions on the story, and how it can be improved. Writing is a very solitary craft, and I’m hoping this newsletter can change that.
To everyone that has joined my writing journey so far, especially Connie, Dakkota, and Summer… thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me that people want to hear my words— even the ones that aren't perfect yet.
I hope to post weekly, so on Monday I’ll be posting the first chapter of my book, along with some thoughts from me that go with it. I will eventually have the entire novel posted here for you guys to read.
To all the writers and readers… I hope you decide to stay. This is going to be an unforgettable story to be a part of.
Don’t be afraid to comment and let me know what you think. I read every one. I’d love to know what your writing origin story is!
The Writing Life. Fiction, feeling, process.
With all the words.
—Chloe
