I won a publishing contest. Indeed, the day has finally come when I can share those words PUBLICLY. Thank goodness–I was about to explode.
You may be wondering, how did you go about doing that, Fiona? You probably aren’t, but just in case, here’s the full story of BELOW: book one in my dystopian romance trilogy that was given a three book deal!
June 2024
I began writing BELOW after being inspired by one of my favourite authortubers saying the word “Fall”. I know, isn’t it crazy how one word can birth an entire world? Anyway, I wrote the premise in my notes app and the rest is history. I worked at a summer camp that year (HELL) and was constantly looking up at the forest-surrounded sky to picture people Falling from it.
November 2024
Welcome to NaNoWriMo 2024! This was when I wrote the bulk of BELOW: book 1 in my trilogy. I vlogged the process over on YouTube too (which now, looking back, I am SO grateful for).
July 2025
While watched another one of my favourite authortube creators, I noticed she was talking about a book from Lost Island Press. Of course, this resurrected YEARS of memories for me (which I’ll likely dive into in another post, or you can check out my FAQ page). I did a deep dive on what they’d been up to lately and found out they had JUST posted their 2025 writing contest video. The rest is history (lol).
October 2025
I spent most of “preptober” of 2025 revising BELOW for beta and alpha readers. A lot of this was also done in September and during the summer, but October was when the real magic happened. With the help of my amazing beta and alpha readers (I LOVE YOU) I was able to get BELOW through draft 3–the one I would submit to the publishing contest.
December 2025
After writing ABOVE (book 2) during NaNoWriMo a month before, on the second last day of the year (and the day before the submission deadline) I submitted my manuscript and application for BELOW to Lost Island. Of course, I also filmed this entire process over one YouTube (again, so so grateful for past me). I was nervous, but ready to begin querying in the start of 2026 so that I quote, “didn’t put all my eggs in one basket”. Little did I know.
January 2026
New year, new publishing news! No but actually. I was SHOCKED when I began receiving emails from Lost Island not long after the submission…it was surreal! After a few weeks of awaiting news in MENTAL AGONY and a few virtual meetings…I waited a little bit more.
February 2026
On February 6th, 2026, I had the meeting that changed my life! (Okay this is becoming really cringe I’m so sorry). I also filmed this entire “finding out” process on YouTube! It was the most surreal thing that’s ever happened to me, with so many massive emotions to process. Immediately, I dove into joining meetings, website building, newsletter creation, and tons of other fun author tasks! I’m so grateful for Mel’s guidance through the entire month of February.
Now (Spring 2026)
Currently, I’m preparing for the news to be public, and for me to make WAY too big of a deal about it. But really, how often do you get to share that all your life’s dreams have come true? Obviously there’s still a longggg road ahead, but I can’t wait for the journey down it.
I really hope you enjoyed reading my first blog post. Stay tuned and happy writing!