Behind the Scenes: Writing Shades of Purple: A Boy's Journey Between the Lines

 When I first sat down to write Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines, I had no idea just how much of myself I’d be pouring into those pages. Writing has never been my favorite activity, to be honest. It’s always felt more like a chore than a creative outlet. But with this book, I knew it was something I needed to do—not just for myself, but for anyone out there who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite belong.

The Exhaustion of Recalling Memories

The process of digging through my memories was both exhausting and cathartic. Some moments were joyful, like reliving the summer nights with my childhood friends or hearing Grandma Gayle’s comforting words in my mind. But others—like the pain of losing my dad—were like reopening a wound that I thought had scarred over. Writing forced me to sit with those feelings, to confront parts of my past that I’d spent years trying to forget or push aside. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Each word felt like a piece of my soul being shared with the world.

Dreading the Writing Process

If you know me, you know I’m not someone who wakes up every morning eager to put pen to paper. Writing Shades of Purple was a test of discipline and willpower. There were days I stared at my computer screen, overwhelmed by the task ahead, wondering why I ever thought I could pull this off. But then, I’d think about the purpose behind the book: to share my story, to inspire others, and to honor the people who shaped me. That purpose kept me going, even when I dreaded every keystroke.

The Publishing Marathon

And then there’s the publishing process. Let me tell you—writing the book was just the beginning. Editing, revising, formatting, designing the cover, and building excitement for the release have been an entirely different kind of challenge. It’s still ongoing, and at times, it feels never-ending. But each step brings me closer to the moment I’ve been dreaming of: holding the finished book in my hands and sharing it with all of you.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been transformative. Shades of Purple is more than just a memoir—it’s a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of storytelling. I’m beyond grateful for everyone who’s supported me along the way, whether it was by encouraging me to keep writing, donating to the GoFundMe, or just sharing in my excitement.

To those of you who’ve been following along on this journey: thank you. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait for you to read this story that’s so close to my heart.

Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come. 💜


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