Author’s Reflection.
313 Words
Writing this book has been an incredible journey—one I never imagined I’d take on, especially as my first short novel. When I started, I wasn’t sure if I could fully bring Lilly and Ethan to life, or if their story would feel real enough to resonate. But as I wrote, they surprised me. They became more than characters on a page—they became friends, confidants, and mirrors to the parts of myself I sometimes keep hidden.
This story isn’t perfect, and that’s okay. There are moments I wish I could refine, sentences I’d polish differently, or scenes I’d expand even more. But in its imperfection lies its heart. Every late-night writing session, every word I agonized over, was worth it to see Lilly grow, to watch her navigate the messiness of responsibility, love, and self-discovery. And Ethan… well, he taught me about restraint, honesty, and the quiet ways people reveal themselves when they least expect it.
What I loved most about writing this book was exploring the gray areas—the things that can’t be neatly categorized. Love isn’t always convenient. Life isn’t always fair. And sometimes, the choices we make for others also shape who we are for ourselves. Lilly’s story is about balance, courage, and the messy beauty of being human.
I hope readers who pick up this book feel the joy, the tension, the awkwardness, and the excitement that Lilly and Ethan experience. I hope it reminds them that first steps—whether in love, life, or creativity—are worth taking, even if we stumble along the way.
And as for me? This is only the beginning. I’ve learned so much about storytelling, about patience, and about trusting the characters to find their own path. I can’t wait to see where the next story takes me… and who I’ll meet along the way.
—Maddy Lein
- Writer
