Five years ago, 142 Ostriches made its way into the world. It still feels surreal.
Writing and publishing a novel was something I dreamed about for years – through early morning writing sessions, rejections, rewrites, and self-doubt. And now, five years later, I’m still learning from the journey. To celebrate 142 Ostriches turning five, here are five lessons I’ve learned along the way – about writing, perseverance, and what it really means to bring a book to life.
1. The Story You Start Isn’t Always the Story You Finish
When I first started writing 142 Ostriches, I thought it was about one thing. A simple idea: a young woman inherits an ostrich ranch and has to decide what to do with it.
But as I wrote, the story deepened. The characters became more complicated. Themes of family, resilience, and belonging emerged in ways I hadn’t expected. I realized I wasn’t just writing about an inheritance – I was writing about identity, legacy, and choice.
That’s the beauty of writing. You don’t always know exactly where the story will take you, but you have to be open to the journey.
2. Writing the Book is Hard. Publishing It Is Harder.
I spent years crafting 142 Ostriches, refining the plot, rewriting sections, and getting feedback. But I wasn’t prepared for how challenging the publishing process would be.
There were rejections, long waits, and self-doubt. But every successful writer I know has been through the same thing. The difference between a published author and an unpublished one? The published one kept going.
If you’re in the middle of querying agents or debating self-publishing, keep going. Publishing is tough, but if you believe in your story, it’s worth it.
Knowing the right strategies can make all the difference in finishing your manuscript and seeing it through to publication. That’s why I work with writers to help them develop a clear plan, stay motivated, and take the necessary steps toward getting their book into the world. If you’re feeling stuck, seeking guidance can be the key to pushing through and making your publishing dreams a reality.
3. You Never Know How a Book Will Resonate
When 142 Ostriches was released, I was thrilled to see it in bookstores. But what truly amazed me were the emails, social media messages, and book club discussions with readers.
People connected with Tallulah’s journey in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Some related to her struggles with family, others to her desire for independence, and a few even reached out to say the book inspired them to chase their own dreams.
This experience reminded me that once you release a book, it no longer belongs to just you. Readers bring their own experiences to your story, and that’s part of the magic. And now, something truly incredible is happening – 142 Ostriches is being adapted into a movie! The film will be set in Australia, and I just finished reading the Australian version of the book, which brings a fresh perspective to the story. Casting is already underway, and I couldn’t be more excited to see how this next chapter unfolds.
4. The Writing Community is Everything
Publishing a book is exciting, but writing is often lonely. What kept me going wasn’t just my own determination. It was the community I found along the way.
Critique partners, fellow authors, my agent, my editor, and even the readers who engaged with the book – they all played a role in making this journey fulfilling.If you’re a writer, find your people. Join a writing community, attend workshops, or even just connect with other writers online. Writing may be solitary, but you don’t have to do it alone.
5. The Journey Never Really Ends
I used to think that publishing my first novel would feel like the finish line. But if anything, it was just the beginning.
142 Ostriches opened doors I never expected. It led to winning the WILLA Literary Award, and being recognized as a standout debut novel. These honors have been humbling and reaffirming, but the biggest reward has been seeing my book find its readers.
Five years later, I’m still learning, still growing, and still writing.
Looking Ahead
If I could go back and tell myself anything at the start of this journey, it would be this: Keep going. Keep writing. The story matters, and so do you.
And if you’re working on a book of your own, know this – you are capable of doing this, too. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it.
If you haven’t yet read 142 Ostriches, you can grab a copy on Amazon and experience the story that started it all.Here’s to five years of 142 Ostriches – and to many more stories ahead.
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