The Pretty Ones Creation Story

Hello New Friend! It's so great to meet you. I'm happy you're here to share this journey with me. I couldn't be more excited to start this year off with a massive goal in progress. Before I dive into the end result, let me back things up a bit and tell

you how my big dream got started.

Four years ago, I was sitting at my kitchen table, talking with my husband. I was recapping a few of the books I read that month. I was intrigued by the writer Peter Swanson, and I binge-read three of his books. I additionally just finished Paula Hawkins, The Girl on the Train. I was also just now discovering Tana French and loved In the Woods. These three authors' writing inspired me, but other books I read that year left me hanging. I was a little disappointed and expected more. I won't say which books they were because they were still good; they just didn't reach my new level of intrigue and excitement that I craved in a novel. I was also disappointed with some of the TV shows and movies I watched that month and thought everything lacked or didn't quite hit the mark with the twist. As I recapped this with my husband, a lightbulb flickered in the back of my mind. I could complain about it more, or I could do something about it. I could write the story I want to read. My husband agreed with my crazy new revelation. We moved our conversation to a local brewery where I loosely plotted out an entire storyline over a PCT Porter and a Rooster Wrap. I was on fire, and the plot escaped out of me all while devouring lunch at Crux. I now believe the story was already inside me and waiting patiently for me to figure out it was there. Granted, the story has changed a lot since that lunch, but it's where my idea sprouted to life. The story had bones now, and the next day, Quinn, Jenny, and Charlie were born. Their story was flowing out of me faster than I could type.

The momentum ebbed and flowed, and I became inconsistent with my writing. I struggled with continuing and continuously questioned if this book was worth my time. I mean, who am I to write a novel. I'm pretty sure I shouted those exact words into the universe a few times as I pushed myself away from my keyboard in frustration.

Eventually, I gave in to some of my self-doubts and started letting people read my work in progress. To my surprise, everyone wanted more. I credit finishing my novel to my dear friend Tess. She rushed through the first half of my unfinished manuscript and asked for more chapters as she was dying to know what the end would produce. I would finish a chapter and send it to her just as I would type the last word. She saw The Pretty Ones in it's roughest form and still wanted more. Her enthusiasm for my book and love for my characters kept me going. I had one loyal reader, and now it was my duty not to disappoint her. If my story had an impact on one person, then my writing was worth continuing. After all, isn't that what every author wants? One person to truly enjoy their words.

Fast forward to September 2020, The Pretty Ones was near completion, and I was scared to type The End. Writing those two little words meant I had to figure out what was next. I had a hard time actually writing those words, and when I did, I deleted them just to type them again a few moments later. Then I cried for two reasons. Reason number 1, I actually finished an entire fricking novel. I did it! It took me a long time to get there, but I did it! Reason number 2, fear. What next?

Tears of happiness and anxiety engulfed me for about an hour.

Proof Copy for Self-Editing Purposes

As I heard back from my Beta Readers, the consensus was to keep going. The book was worth pursuing, and so I did. I edited based on feedback and then edited again and again and again. I secured a professional editor and cover designer, and here we are in January 2021. I'm currently awaiting my first round of professional edits from my Editor. I should have those back to me by the end of February. The editing process will continue until the end of May or earlier if things go smoothly.

While I play the waiting game, I've been working on my website and studying up on marketing and social media. Check out my Instagram in the link below.

Jamie Lee Fry 📚 (@author_jamieleefry) • Instagram photos and videos

Going back to my lightbulb moment, I'm not saying my book will be the next big thing the world needs, nor am I saying it will be the next Girl on the Train. I'm just saying it satisfied my need and desire to create something that I wanted to read, the hole I needed filled. Maybe my book can be the hole you need fulfilled in your entertainment space. Did I create that must-read book with all the twists and turns I've come to love? I hope so, but only time will tell. I know that I'm proud of myself for following through and continuing my journey. I thank you for your support and hope my book will bring you something special.

Stay tuned for a release date and cover reveal!