From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief: Why I Finally Published An Irish Mystery
Today, I want to share the unexpected journey that led me to publish my debut novel, An Irish Mystery. Like most creative pursuits, it wasn’t a straight path — it took a mix of inspiration, hesitation, and a leap of faith.
💥 The Spark
It all started, funnily enough, with reading.
At the end of last year, I found myself devouring adventure, treasure hunt, and mystery novels — the kinds of stories that pull you into puzzles and hidden truths.
Somewhere along the way, a surprising thought crept in:
“I think my stories are better than these.”
Now, I know how that sounds. It wasn’t ego. It was about trusting my own storytelling voice. If I didn’t believe in it, how could I ever expect readers to?
👉 Curious? Read An Irish Mystery here
🕴 Taking the Leap
My goal wasn’t fame, sales, or even a large audience. I just wanted to get the story out there.
So I sent my manuscript to a professional self-publishing editor (after a lot of research) with a mix of nerves and hope.
The response floored me. To hear a professional editor speak positively about my work was surreal. That email was the turning point — the moment I thought:
“Yes. I can actually do this.”
😷 The Lockdown Origin
Looking back, the very first seeds of An Irish Mystery were planted during the COVID lockdowns.
At the time, I was working one day a week in a school that stayed open for the children of frontline workers. The rest of the time? I was at home.
And like many people, boredom sparked creativity.
It all began with a single, oddly specific question:
“If Hans is getting out of jail, how does that process work in America?”
That research started in Arizona… led me through different state systems… and before I knew it, the story began to grow.
❓ From One Question to a Whole World
That initial spark grew into An Irish Mystery — a layered tale of puzzles, people, and purpose, featuring characters like Daniela Fischer and Cedric Newman.
I never set out to write a book during a global pandemic. But in a strange way, the story helped me make sense of that time — and reminded me that creativity often shows up when you least expect it.
💌 Want More?
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Thanks for being part of this journey — whether you’ve been following since the beginning or just discovered me now. Here’s to more adventures ahead!
If you enjoy these behind-the-scenes posts, don’t miss out on my newsletters, join Against The Current where I share research rabbit holes, sneak peeks at upcoming books, and exclusive extras.
Enjoyed the ride? 📖
I balance my writing life with a full-time day job, which means covers, research, and advertising all come out of my own pocket. If you’d like to see these books reach more readers—and help me stay caffeinated while I write them—you can support my work here. Your help keeps the "Stream" flowing and the books coming.
📚 The Newman Adventures
An Irish Mystery A fast-paced historical adventure about stolen treasures, hidden histories, and the cost of obsession. The story that started it all.
An American Treasure The journey continues! Cedric Newman returns in a high-stakes hunt for the lost riches of Mosby's Rangers. Action, mystery, and a new enemy await.
Available in Ebook, Kindle Unlimited, Paperback & Hardcover
📱 Let’s Connect
You can also find me on Instagram, Bluesky, X, and Facebook, where I share writing updates, research snippets, and behind-the-scenes moments from the school building and the writing desk.
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