Wow, I cannot believe I actually finished this thing. I figured I'd install my final thoughts as a separate "chapter" cause I know that I have a lot to say about it. And if anyone cares enough to hear about my thoughts, then I thank you for that haha.
This story originally started out as a form of escapism from my ex (imagine that right?) for a lot more reasons than was posted in the story in the beginning. Kali as a character truly did start out as a self insert of my selfish, mistrustful, bitter 19 year old self. And despite the story showing as being published in 2019, I'm pretty sure I actually started it somewhere around 2012 where I wrote the first few chapters and then left it in my laptop for years.
I just finally got the guts to actually post it in 2019 after that ex was gone, I found it in my documents again and was like, "Man, I really sucked at writing - but this story was so fun."
Also, after doing research through some of my favorite author's websites on how to write an actual book - the number one piece of advice they all had to give collectively was finish your projects. So I sat down, took an hour to two hours to write every morning and sometimes in the evening to write this and now….it's finished. I feel both elated, and proud, but also sad that it's over because believe me I didn't want it to end LOL
This story allowed me the time to figure out how to work with character development, timelines, develop a system of magic (sort of), plot devices, romance tropes (though I will be the first to admit that I completely flopped on the love triangle thing. Kali as a character ended up going back and forth far too often imo, but it is what it is now I suppose haha lesson learned)
As a whole, this was only practice! And what an incredible time I had writing it. More than that, I discovered some of the huge flaws in my writing and was able to be more mindful of those flaws, and also discovered my ultimate goal when writing a story. I get a lot of satisfaction when I'm writing a story that really makes my readers feel something. I don't care if it's good or bad, angry, frustrated, sad, happy, or left in suspense - if you as a reader are feeling something then I am glad with how the story and the writing is going. *Laughs in evil author*
More than that, I discovered that I am capable of writing while going through actual major life events. Unfortunately, this year hasn't been the best so far when it comes to life events after receiving the news that my mother and step-father passed away within a span of 3 months of each other. And now my grandfather probably doesn't have long in his battle with cancer. Those events were traumatic, and I'll be the first to admit that I wrote my pain into the story at various points.
And Kali, though she started out as a self insert character, changed into someone completely different from myself. She is more hot-headed, more impulsive, daring, and far more dedicated to the hard work it takes to achieve a goal - though I do suppose her circumstances were more dire haha. It was such a weird feeling to pause in writing at one point and be like, this isn't even me anymore, I'd never do this. And then just keep on writing and letting her form as she wanted to - because characters really do take on a life of their own.
To explain why the love triangle went back and forth so much was simply because your dear author couldn't make up her damn mind haha. It started out as an aim for best friend to lover tropes, but then my brain said, put in a sexy Hylian OC who makes potions and I was like yeah that's a great idea. I mean...it wasn't awful haha but it wasn't the best.
Oh! I just realized…..Oh man this is going to kill me, and you maybe if you've read this far. I totally didn't have Link and Kali say the words "I love you." Ugh - I'm the worst haha. Maybe I'll do a one shot installment when I hit writer's block for my future projects if anyone shows an interest in that kind of thing haha
Speaking of future projects, my next goal is to write my actual book that I've been sort of planning for a while now in hopes of publishing. I don't intend on giving up fanfiction just yet though, so don't worry. I'll be focusing mainly on my actual book, but on the weekends when I'm not traveling I intend to start up a Harry Potter fanfiction next :) And it's featuring a Hufflepuff OC (surprise!) that is actually not a self insert this time haha. And as per my usual style, it shall be a drama/romance - and it may not be as intense as Pieces of Time. (At least it's not my intention, but you know...stories take on a life of their own) And it definitely is not going to be updated as often as Pieces of Time, but I do really hope you guys will stick around. :)
Again, thank you so much for reading my story and tolerating a silly old lady's thoughts. Love yall! See you soon.