Artistic Adventures with Victoria

We all navigate our sea of doubts, but just Sometimes, exceptional, magical things do happen…

From Procrastination to Publication

In my last post, I discussed the allure of new projects and the challenge they pose to our focus. I suggested that perhaps the wisest course would be to resist such distractions, emphasizing the importance of concentration.

But no, I embarked on a new project—and I’m just as excited about this one too. Why should exploring another path and continuing this story later be considered wrong? Why is efficiency deemed paramount? I took a little detour, but still, here we are!

The Last Lap: Navigating the Final Draft

This story has taken longer to develop than the previous ones and is now uploaded to Amazon and under review. Reflecting on why this journey was more arduous, I can’t help but feel I’m the one to blame—if one were to seek the guilty party

This book series actually began as a summer project. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always relished writing and devising stories. Yet, my tales were always fragments—never complete narratives. They were only ideas, often not written down, and definitely not published. Then, last summer, I stumbled upon a YouTube video about Amazon KDP. The video may have painted an overly optimistic picture of how easy it is to create and publish a book. However, it is indeed possible—this, I learned with the first book.

But then, something changed; a single book evolved into a series, and I must confess, I’ve grown quite fond of Alexia and Phoebe. Crafting their adventures, shaping the main story into a real book—complete with an ISBN—is incredibly fun. The story might be considered silly by some, but it has become very dear to me.

This book was different from its predecessors—not in content, but in process. I began to ponder more about future projects and how to integrate those considerations. Letting go of this story become nearly impossible.

The Adventure Behind the Scenes

Reflecting on the lessons embedded within my stories, I can’t help but wonder: Is this a subconscious tribute to the tales that enchanted me as a child? The stories we immerse ourselves in during our formative years often leave an indelible mark, shaping our values, dreams, and, ultimately, the stories we choose to tell. Let’s ponder this for a moment.

At their core, my books are adventure stories imbued with a magical twist, yet they delve into themes far richer and more profound. They explore the essence of friendship and family, suggesting that the most cherished individuals in our lives are far from guaranteed; they are treasures to be valued deeply. In my latest book, several new themes emerge: Phoebe’s attempt to mingle with zebras by altering her appearance serves as a conduit to discuss acceptance, self-identity, and the beauty of being true to oneself, even when faced with the temptation to conform. Alexia’s unwavering acceptance of Phoebe, a pink unicorn in her true form, reinforces the narrative’s celebration of individuality and friendship.

This story also touches on the significance of setting and pursuing goals, alongside the virtue of patience. Admittedly, I’ve woven a tapestry of themes into this book, sparking a concern that it may veer too close to being a didactic ensemble rather than an exploratory journey. Striking a balance between imparting lessons and crafting an engaging narrative is a nuanced art. Interestingly, Phoebe’s transformative endeavor didn’t start as a lesson in acceptance but as a playful visual experiment. Yet, it evolved into a meaningful exploration of self-doubt and the power of encouragement.

Could it be that even a mighty unicorn, emblematic of strength and magic, requires reassurance and support? This question invites us to reconsider the vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface of the extraordinary, reminding us that courage often coexists with doubt, and strength with the need for support.

Looking Ahead: Glimpses into Future Adventures

What comes next? Should I forge ahead with the story? In moments of contemplation, I’m reminded of a poignant scene from Tolkien’s work. Aragorn, shrouded in doubt, confesses, “My path is hidden from me,” only for Arwen to reassure him with, “It is already laid before your feet. You cannot falter now.”

This exchange between Aragorn and Arwen sparked a thought, offering a mirror to my own uncertainties. The path ahead, while it may seem clearly laid out, is anything but simple. It is steep, narrow, and fraught with challenges not unlike the epic quests of Middle-earth. In a way, navigating the world of publishing is my own battle against formidable odds. This realization brings with it a sense of irony: in my quest to share stories, I find myself facing a ‘Sauron’ of my own—navigating the complexities of bringing a book to life.

This analogy, though lighthearted, underscores the adventurous spirit required to venture forth into the uncertain terrain of publishing. It’s a journey that demands courage, resilience, and a readiness to face the unexpected. And so, with a nod to the epic tales that inspire us, I prepare to embark on this next adventure, fully aware of the challenges it entails, yet undeterred in my resolve.