Journey Into The Locket
There's just something about "firsts." First days, first experiences, first kisses. And for me, there was no better day in my life than the day I got to hold my first published book for the very first time. I will always be so proud of The Green Locket and the positive messages that it delivered to my readers. If you didn't know, I wrote it when I was teaching middle school and some of the very kids that sat in my classes each day inspired the traits, the stories and the characterization of the book's young heroes and heroines. I even chose to do 13 stories because the kids I was teaching were 13 years old that year. :)
These days those kiddos are off in college living their own adventures, and it's a beautiful thing to see. And just as they've grown and evolved, so have I... and my writing has as well. Guys, I cannot tell you all how excited I am for The American Locket to come out. I'm working hard on the writing, revising, editing and art that is going into it, and I can say with full confidence that it is my best work. I've given out a few sneak peeks to some of my friends and family, and the response has been really encouraging. It's incredible to be able to have the chance to do something like this.
There is so much of "me" peppered into these stories and these characters. The story of my own life can be found within the pages if you just look close enough. And there are other stories in there, too. I find that some people have been such powerful sources of inspiration in my life that it's difficult to keep their influence out of my writing. That's not to say they're all influential in the most basic sense of the word. Some of my hardest days and biggest heartbreaks are portrayed in these pages through the characters' journeys. Some of my most joyful moments and greatest blessings are, too. I really hope this book manifests as a catalyst for reflection with you. I also hope it makes you laugh and cry and think really hard about the things in life that are really important. Mostly, I hope it helps you appreciate your own journey to where ever you are- the happiness and hardships and the people who sacrificed for you. We all have a list of ancestors a mile long and they fought and scraped and survived so that you could be alive today and able to live your life and fulfill your own dreams. The American Locket is my imagining of all the colorful characters that have come together to make me who I am. And I hope when you read it, it makes you imagine yours. Your ancestors. The faces whose photos are kept inside your own locket. All the pieces of your heart.
If you want more details about The American Locket, click on the CONTACT tab and drop me a line. I'm excited to bring you along on my journey. Thank you all for your amazing support. -KMD