Writing My First Romcom Novel

Hello, lovely people! I know I haven't uploaded a blog post in a while. But, I have a very good reason for that. Many of you that have been following this blog for some time, know the little fun fact that I'm an Author. Yet, not long ago, I wrote and published my very first Romcom novel!!

When it comes to say that "beyond excited" is a great and immense understatement. And I just had to share the wonderful news with you all!

Keep reading for the special free first chapter of my Romcom novel,

A Mystical Romance

About the book: When American bestselling author, Amber LaMay, gets word that one of her books is being turned into a major motion picture, she finds her life take a huge turn both romantic and career wise. Especially when an unexpected run in occurs with Miles Cantin, a famous British actor, who has the lead male role in her movie. While in New York City, a filming snafu arises, and the two are forced to work together to see the production through. This is easier said than done, with both being complete opposites and already on each other's nerves. Yet, Miles has feelings for the stubborn young woman. And if she doesn't want to admit it, not even to herself, Amber does for him too. Will their love go up in flames? Or does a happier ending await?

That depends on whether you believe in the Red String of Fate!

Before the Book, there was The Writer

Much like any good story, one must start from the beginning of one's own life, first and foremost.

I've always enjoyed the Romcom genre and even more so wondered to myself what it might be like to perhaps write one of my own.

All of a sudden, I found myself watching more romcoms than normal. Nearly going through the entire lot of movies that had been my favorite for years. To name a couple, there is "While you were sleeping" and "How to lose a guy in 10 days"

Also, miraculously, I started to allow myself to believe once again in the world of romance, love and fate.

Be as it may, having someone by your side, going through life together is truly wonderful and can become a bit magical, if you will it to be so. With saying that, I also simultaneously believe that neither I, or anyone needs to be in a relationship to feel whole. To be truly whole, all you need is you. Because if you do go about your life needing other people to make you feel whole or worthy, then that could possibly set you up for failure later down the road. Because you could be chasing and needing other people to validate you and your worth, instead of doing that yourself and that can be damaging, either in the short or long haul.

We should all feel worthy, seen, valued and happy in our own lives already. And to see that now, instead of waiting around for others to see it, is just wasting precious time and energy. And sadly, sometimes people don't see it until it's too late.

I can't speak for everyone, only for myself, as I just give my opinions on here and nothing more, so you can take what you want or leave what you want, it is up to you.

With that, I do feel that life is so much sweeter with those that truly care about you and you care for them. The kind of people who take their precious time to spend their lives with you and give nothing short of their entire heart and soul. And if you do happen to find such wonderful people, never let them go. Because in the end, we all need people to love and to be loved. The world needs as much as it can get, in these times.

The Writing Process

Once I began writing the first page, it was nearly impossible for me to stop my fingers flying over the keyboard! And when I didn't have that on me, It was a nearly already full notebook and pen.

I was absolutely amazed by how much work I was able to do within a few months.

I'm talking writing an entire book, editing said book, publishing book and marketing it on socials. All. Within. A. Few. Months!

Being completely honest, it was A LOT OF HARD WORK AND DEDICATION. But was SO VERY WORTH IT.

I pushed myself and my boundaries to see just how much I could do in a short timeframe. And I knew deep down, like with all of my books, if I keep them in the "writing stage" for too long before publishing, my perfectionism, will start to pick and poke unnecessary holes in the story, tearing it apart. And I definitely couldn't have any of that happening.

The story, the characters, the entire mini world that I was creating from air, began to weave together like a beautiful tapestry of ink and paper.

Free Chapter 1. Read!

A Mystical Romance by Astria Jade Mikaelson

Chapter 1. Look Both Ways

“If you have ever been to the Big Apple, then you should know that in the summer it’s precisely how one world expects it to be. New York City is one sweltering, sticky mess of a jungle. And no matter how hard you try to escape it, there’s no way out. Species against species, fighting for survival. Either for the nearest parking spot, or potential romances. I’m Amber LaMay, and this is my story.” 

The city raged on as she typed away. 

“That is, unless you leave without so much as looking back. Because if you do end up looking back, you’ll want to stay. As most do. But not me. No sir. After this month, the last of the filming will be wrapped up and my written work will soon be turned into its very own movie! 

To my loyal, dear readers out there, who have been here since day one, you know all about the current buzz, this busy bee has been up to lately. 

But for those who are new, allow me to fill you in.” 

Amber let her dainty porcelain fingers fly over the silvery laptop keys, teeter-tottering the small device on her lap, while taking a sip of her once hot cup of coffee, in the other hand. Submerged in her head, that seemed to be more cluttered than most days, to get an article out on time for her blog. 

She took a moment before writing any further, debating the rest. Amber sat on the freshly painted, white wrought iron balcony of the temporary apartment she had been occupying during her stay in the concrete jungle. 

Her head lightly rested against the red-bricked building, copper red hair nearly camouflaged, and hazel eyes closed. The sun kindly shined down warm rays, kissing her freckled cheeks and possibly creating a few more spots. The preheating of the day had begun. 

Occasionally, she would peer over the side railing to get a better look at the noisy passerby. A car’s alarm sounded off down the street for the entire tri-state area to hear its screeching melody. Waking up anyone who dared to sleep in. The ones who would be, must have had to work the night shift, or possibly psychopaths. As it was nearly an impossible task. 

There was a couple on the sidewalk across the way, that seemed to be in a heated debate about something revolving around expenses. 

The woman went so far as to throw her cup of whatever she had been sipping, right onto the man, yelling, “There! You paid for that too!” 

In which the man responded with an equal yell, “What the hell! This was a seven-thousand-dollar suit, Marsha!” 

“I rest my case.” Marsha retorted, leaving him dripping all over the walkway as she strutted away. 

“Huh, young love.” Amber amusingly thought to herself, and glad that she wasn’t one of them either. Now that that was over, except for the car alarm still going off, it looked like it just might be a peaceful day. Well… as peaceful as New York can get. 

A yawn escaped her, as she began typing away once again. 

“As this story is a bit of a long one, I will try my best to keep it short. 

I woke up one fine morning like any other. Only this time I was jolted from my peaceful slumber by my phone on my bedside table. Half asleep and half awake, I stumbled over my feet to the kitchen to retrieve my coffee in order to have anything close to a decent conversation. 

Flipping it open, yes, you read that right. I own an ancient flip phone. Anyways, my publishing agent was on the other end and told me the biggest news that I had ever received in my entire life. 

“You won’t believe this!” She squealed with joy, blasting my eardrums at the same time. Obviously more awake than I, at the moment. 

“Good morning to you too.” I managed to say. 

Ignoring the groggy response, she continued. “There is going to be a hot new romance hitting theaters! And do you know what that is?” 

My interest peaked, but I didn’t give it much thought. “Well, it must be one heck of a show if you’re calling to tell me at four in the morning.” 

“It’s a quarter to five in the morning, actually. But that’s beside the point. ‘A Wee Bit Irish’ is being turned into a movie!” 

“No way!” I squealed back, now awake more than ever. I absentmindedly sent a few splashes of golden drops of java to the floor, whilst doing a happy dance. Meanwhile, my ever so confused and even more beautiful mother walks in during this time. 

Needless to say, I filled her in on what recently became over her levelheaded… most of the time, only child. In which she joined in this happiest of dances. Next thing I know I’m meeting with film producers, casting agents and everyone in between. My book had hit a record in selling worldwide and the people wanted a movie. So, that is precisely what they are about to get. 

And for those who have read the book, don’t worry. About eighty-five percent is filmed in Ireland and the other fifteen percent is captured in the States. I made sure of it. It’s important to me and the story to stay close to the plot line and details, as much as possible. As I’m sure it is for you, the readers. 

I can’t wait to see and experience the final finish, while sharing this special moment with everyone! 

After the wrap up, I will then be heading back to my little inland seaside hometown. And good riddance for that. While vacationing here is all and good fun, I miss my predictable life back in Holland Michigan. Which is one of the more laid-back sorts of neighboring towns compared to most larger ones. 

In fact, I sincerely couldn't be any happier with how everything is working out. Although, for the time being I’m afraid I must go. Because there is a delicious smelling bakery across the way, beckoning me to try one of their buttery, fluffy croissants and otherworldly famous coffee. 

Have a beautiful day, Loves. - Amber.” 

After a quick once overread of the article, the publish button was clicked and the young woman's mind was now filled with all the delectable choices that were about to grace her taste buds. 

Snapping the laptop closed, Amber stood up and went back through the window she had come from, that connected to the dining room area. 

Being greeted by her mother first thing. “Got the blog post done for the week?” Elizabeth asked, making her way to the coffee machine to grab her third cup for the morning. 

Amber smiled, leaning against the marble countertop. “Out and into the world. But that’s not nearly as interesting as the bakery down the street. I couldn’t help but smell the fresh baked goods nonstop while on the balcony.” 

Elizabeth’s eyes lit up. Indicating she fancied the idea as well. 

“I was thinking,” Amber continued, “maybe we could go check it out. Grab a bite to eat of a croissant and maybe a few muffins and then wash it all down with a fresh cup of coffee. Then, to top the day off, there’s the Riz-” 

“The Rizzoli bookstore,” her mother finished the sentence, while tucking a red curl, that had been lightened by the sun, behind her ear. Knowing this was her daughter's favorite place in the entire state of New York. 

“The one and only! Besides, Amelia might have mentioned a little package that’s to arrive any day now…” She went on. “And to have an even better excuse, they just rolled out a literal literate welcome wagon that's filled to the brim with books out front. 

What do ya say? Huh? Let’s live a little! No book buying bans or anything!” The last sentence had a more innocent, convincing tone to it on purpose. 

They always had been so close, usually doing everything together. Most things were not much fun without the other by their side. 

“You know I would love to, pumpkin pie,” 

 A nickname that Amber had since childhood.  

“But I have to get ahold of Drew and make sure the renovations to the shop are running smoothly. Then there's the paperwork that has been slowly piling up. Which is going to take most of the day to get through.” Elizabeth pointed towards a messy stack of papers that sat next to the couch. She sighed, hating to see her daughter, her best friend, disappointed. 

Of course, Amber didn’t even have to take a look at her mom, to know the tiniest of silences told her the look on her mothers face. She was her best friend, after all. 

“It’s alright, mom. We can check out the wagon some other time.” She gave another smile, trying to cheer her up. “We’ve both been so busy these last few months. I understand.” 

Elizabeth hugged her daughter tightly. “You're so amazing, you know that?” She hummed. “Later tonight coming back from our walk from the park, we might have time to stop by and have a look-see. Sounds good?” 

“That sounds great!” Amber exclaimed. “And I’ll run on over to the bakery, pick us up some much deserved fuel and help you, so we can get the job done quicker.” 

There was no chance she was missing out on some baked goods.  

Both of them could go off and adventure on their own, but neither wanted to. It was much more wonderful to spend the time together. 

Snatching up her purse, Amber was stopped by Elizabeth clearing her throat. She slowly turned around to face her. 

“Now, I know you’re almost twenty-four, but I’m still going to remind you to be careful out there.” Elizabeth quickly finished the last drop of her coffee. “You never know what might happen. It’s New York, after all.” 

“I will be the utmost careful.” She reassured. “If it makes you feel better, you can watch me from the balcony. I have my sparkly taser in my purse, and if I’m in any trouble, I’ll be sure to scream.” Amber tapped a finger to her chin, in thought. “I got it! Our code word will be STELLAAA!” 

Both burst into a fit of laughter. Amber even more so. 

It was a saying from one of the vintage movies that they had kindly mocked and laughed at. 

“Shhh!” Elizabeth wheezed. “Someone is going to call the cops, thinking something is wrong.” 

“Then that means it’s the perfect code word.” Amber joked. “And I’m sure they have heard a lot worse than that.” She said, with widened eyes to exaggerate the many possibilities. “I’ll be back in a flash, love ya!” 

While closing the door, Elizabeth rang out, surprising her and everyone else on the seventh floor. “I love you too. And don’t forget a blueberry muffin for me, STELLA!” 

Their laughter echoed from the room, bouncing down the hall, and ricocheting into a tiny elevator. In which a lanky sort of man stood in the middle of the metal box, looking the least bit amused about the whole ordeal. He clearly regretted taking the elevator in the first place and hopped off as quickly as it reopened its reflective door. 

Amber gave a wide smile anyway and let the joy carry her to the streets of Manhattan. 

Taking generous strides for her short stature, Amber was out of the lobby and on the sidewalk within minutes. Street meat smells of all kinds, wafted from a nearby vendor through the air. It seemed as if in a blink there was a crowd of people heading in the same direction. “Looks like everyone’s got the same idea.” She mumbled under her breath. 

Picking up her pace, Amber managed to make it front and center, waiting for the light to allow her to cross. 

“A few more seconds, and that bakery is mine.” She hungrily thought. “Any minute…” Amber whispered, as the light flicked green. Breathing a sigh, taking those first steps, she may have thought that the coast was clear. It most definitely wasn’t. 

Cutting her off, a sleek, grey motorized bike flew past. Knocking Amber to the warm asphalt, along with the remaining breath from her chest. Catching a glimpse of the first thing she saw, Amber yelled, “Pansy Ass!” It happened to be a gaudy; yellow and purple helmet placed on the rider’s head. In which he made a quick wrist flick with his gloved hand extended toward the sky, as if saying a brief greeting to a friend. 

“The nerve!” she huffed in frustration, hands shaking. 

The rest of the people didn’t so much as stop. Except for one lady who stayed behind. “You alright?” She asked. 

“Yeah, thanks.” Amber began dusting herself off, still flustered. 

“You know that jerk? Because it’s not right that he didn’t even stop to see if you didn’t become part of the pavement or not.” She went on shaking her head, causing her perfectly styled ringlet chocolate curls to bounce, that matched her warm skin tone perfectly, and gave her a few extra inches in height. 

“No, and I don't plan too either. Thanks for seeing if I was alright, by the way.” Amber gave a shaky smile. 

The lady nodded kindly. “No problem. Stay safe now, you hear.” She returned the smile and was off. 

Looking back to her left, Amber sighed to herself. The mysterious rider was nowhere in sight. She finished jogging the rest of the way, having a quick glance around her to make sure that there weren't going to be any more accidents for the day. 

It was only when Amber reached the front door to the bakery, she remembered that her mother must have seen the entire fiasco. Tilting her head towards the sky to get a better view of the balcony, she was right. 

Sure enough, Elizabeth was exactly as she had imagined. Eyes widened, holding the phone in one hand, who was more than likely talking to their friend, Drew, and with the other, had turned white knuckled, holding the rail for balance. Looking as if she was about to shimmy down the fire escape within seconds. 

“I’m alright!” Her daughter shouted. Fastly adding one last word before running into the bakery. “STELLA!” 

Upon walking inside, it was impossible to hear anything in the place, even one's mind. It was packed full of people eating or waiting on the understaffed to take their order. 

The bakery smelled like heaven but felt like hell. It had to be over ninety degrees. And there was barely any room to move around, and the people kept coming in. It was too overwhelming. 

Amber could feel her anxieties begin to grow. “Just get what you came here for and get out.” She kept telling herself. Turing her attention towards the rows of goodies in the display case. There were so many choices to choose from. And with the unbearable heat from the ovens, it was nearly impossible to think straight, with her mind still racing. The whole ‘almost getting run over’ part didn’t help much either. 

Scanning the oversized, over colorized wall menu, Amber was interrupted by a short man, who couldn’t be no more than four feet tall, behind the counter. 

“Are you purchasing today, or should I have to wait till next Thursday?” He pointed to a sign directly above him. “Can you read this? Because it’s very simple. And if you can’t, I can read it to you.” His condescendence was about as unbearable as the same hot air that kept circling around. He swatted the air with both hands, giving up on her and raging against the next poor person in line. 

Amber was about to lose her temper. 

The man pulled out a step stool next to his feet and climbed up. “All paying customers MUST be ready to order BEFORE getting in line.” 

A woman came in behind Amber, who was hand signing with a friend that came in with her. 

The man took notice but hardly cared.  

Be as it may, the woman knew what they wanted and tried to point at the menu of what they wanted. 

He shook his head, frustrated. “I don’t know what you’re trying to say. OK.” He twisted his hands in all kinds of shapes that meant nothing. “Learn my language and then come back. NEXT!” 

Amber had enough. “Is it national jerk wad day?” She blurted out. Then she turned around to give a quick smile to the ladies that he had just been yelled at. Amber had practiced American sign language since she was a kid. It always fascinated her, and she always wanted to connect with people to help bring others together. 

She signed to them. “Hello, my name is Amber. May I help you with your order.” And quickly added, “Sorry, this guy is a jerk.” 

They smiled and nodded, signing. “It’s nice to meet you. And yes, please.” While hurriedly giving her their orders. 

Raising a judgy finger at the guy, Amber sternly said, “Now, see here, you-” She read his name tag, “Ethan, you are going to give them one large caramel latte, one small americano, and two of your finest chocolate cake slices. And if you don’t, I will go so far as running your business into the ground, so that it will be closed by next Thursday! Do you understand that?” 

He was too stunned to speak. He silently collected the order and handed it to the ladies. 

They thanked Amber and went across the street to their high-end secretary jobs. 

There was a sudden uproar of applause from every customer in the joint, and a few of the workers joined in too. 

Amber smiled around the room. Not expecting the overall excitement. A few phone cameras flashed towards her to collect the moment forever. 

This didn’t make Ethan’s day in the slightest. “Alright, Miss. Prissy Pants. What’s your order?” 

“I’ll take a blueberry muffin, two croissants, and two small regular coffees to go. Please.” She watched him carefully make up the drinks, to make sure that he wasn’t the spiteful type to spit inside the cups. Because it wouldn’t have surprised her one bit, with the state of his face, that looked as if he were in physical pain. 

While one of the workers that clapped and applauded her kindness, filled a bag with the baked goods, along with adding a free chocolate muffin. He pressed a finger to his lips and gave a smile. 

Amber smiled along with a wink, giving him a gracious tip as he handed her the bag. 

Before Eathan handed her the rest of the order, he pulled out a pin from his pocket and arranged it on his chest. It read: Owner. 

“That’s forty-eight dollars and fifteen cents.” Amber slid a fifty-dollar bill across the counter. He gave the rest of the remaining amount, as she took the drinks. 

He smiled a wicked one, adding, “Have a nice day. And please, don’t come again. Seriously, you're banned.” 

In an instant, Ethan grabbed a camera next to the register, clicked a button, and a blinding flash temporarily created a light spot in Amber’s vision. A photo appeared at the bottom, he shook it and pinned it to a corkboard behind him, along with a dozen or so other people. A small sign hung above, reading, “Mug Shots” that was in the shape of a coffee cup, that also said, “Banned. DO NOT serve.” 

Amber heard a few “Boos” in his direction, as she exited the building, grinning to herself. Not before she too, grabbed the camera, took a selfie of herself with her proud achievement hanging behind her, along with an even more angry Ethan in the background, plucked the photo, gave the camera back and left with her head held high. It was too good of a memory and an opportunity to pass up. 

When stepping outside, the slightly cooler air felt as if it had taken all the weight off her shoulders that had built up over the course of the twenty-minute time span being in there. 

The only thing she wanted to enjoy more than the coffee at the moment was to get a glimpse at the tantalizing book wagon that was only a few paces down the walkway. 

Where to Purchase

To find out what happens next with Amber and Miles' fated romance, you can purchase my novel at many places! Both physical, Signed copies, as well as in e-book form.

I do receive more royalty profits from myself published website that I use, called Lulu bookstore, or my Etsy shop which helps me to further make being an Author one of my dream jobs. However, if you can't buy from there or prefer another place, there is Amazon, Books-A-Million or a lot of others. Sadly, those big names, such as Amazon, ect, just give pennies on the dollar to me and other hard-working authors out there, which I deem as unfair and quite greedy... Even though I can't change that fact, I can still enjoy writing my books with my whole being and pray that they reach the right people in this world that may need them.

The signed copies and e-book copies are available in my Etsy shop at Jades Eco-friendly Luxury.

Life Lately:

Despite finishing this last book, I'm already working on another... No surprise there. I'm not fully sure when it will be ready, but I do know that as long as I am writing, life is good.

It is currently summer, and the heat has been so sweltering this year, that it makes it more of an indoor season so far. Oh! and as for my small business, it has been growing very nicely. I even added some adorable mini beaded flower bouquets in the shop, as well as new bangle bracelets sets that I am over the moon about.

I do hope everyone is doing well and living life to the absolute fullest!

As always, have a beautiful day, lovelies! Xx.