11 Comments
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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Wow, Hoang! That’s an amazing achievement. And your description of the process is inspiring. I love how you talk about how you pushed through your doubts and just kept going, sticking to your goals. That’s how you will succeed.

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Hoang Samuelson's avatar

Thanks Ruth! Having done this, I don't think I'll do it again...unless one of two things happen: 1) my kids are out of the house and no longer needs me or 2) my husband tells me that he doesn't need me for anything. It is simply too hard to juggle it all at once, which is why I don't recommend that people do this unless they have certain "privileges" in their lives. That said, IF I write another book, I'll take a little bit longer than three months lol

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Probably a good idea for quality of life and product. But, still, you’ve done it and, as your husband said, most people just talk about it!😊

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Sarah Miller's avatar

Congrats on finish a novel, Hoang! That’s amazing. Good luck with all the work that comes next!

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Hoang Samuelson's avatar

Thanks!!!

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Marg Moon's avatar

Congratulations! You should be so proud of yourself. I loved this post and think you should definitely write about whatever you feel like writing about.

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Hoang Samuelson's avatar

Thanks Marg! Your kind words are much appreciated :)

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Sinù Fogarizzu's avatar

First of all, congratulations Hoang, what you've achieved is absolutely incredible and inspiring. I struggle to wake up at 5.45am twice a week for writing, I have no idea how you did it for 3 months with a 4am alarm! So much willpower and devotion to the craft... And yes to writing about whatever you feel like writing. Honestly, I'm here because I love seeing the world through your words. Be it food, culture, family stories, whatever, I believe your perspective is interesting and brings a lot of food for thought to the table. So, thank you for all the effort you put into this newsletter, it is so so much appreciated!

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Hoang Samuelson's avatar

Thanks Sinu! I think it had less to do with willpower and more to do with a sense of urgency. I had a story that needed to be told, and I feel like I'm the only one who could tell that story... and if I didn't do it, then it would escape my mind. And to be honest, I usually sat there staring off into space while drinking my coffee, so by the time I actually wrote anything it was almost 5 a.m. It takes me at least 30 minutes just to wake up! Lastly, I also wrote on my breaks and extra on the weekends. I think if you try, it's better than NOT trying. Don't beat yourself up if you can't do it all...we are humans, and we all need some rest!!

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David Terrell Ph. D.'s avatar

Yes, "it is the journey not destination" a cliché, but true.

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Hoang Samuelson's avatar

Agreed

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