After 5 years, it's still a secret
It's time to tell the world, unhidden.
I've read all my life.
From fantasy to science fiction, from East Asian studies to English literature, from mysteries to the classics, and yes... romance novels too. And yet, after decades of reading, and years of (post secondary) literature study, I find my greatest creative writing outlet with MM romance. It begs the question: why?
It's a genre that is fraught with controversy from 'both ends of the table' as a female writer, taboo for its explicit content, and frowned upon by many. These reasons (and more) are why I use a pen name. The worry of judgement, like a persistent cloud above my head, waiting to rain scorn and silent disapproval from colleagues, friends... family.
What began as a casual and musing hobby in fan fiction writing is now, more recently, a serious attempt at a profession. When I made my mind up to publish my works, I plunged head first, soul-deep, recklessly drenched in author delirium, hyper-focused on the writing, the book launch timing, and the nauseating need for driving attention and awareness for my projects.
It wasn't a surprise to see the wall that loomed ahead.
Although I've seen some 'take' from my fan fiction audience and website subscribers, I've come to a crossroads. I can continue this way in the shadows, or I can take a bolder step - a braver step - into the open.
For years people would ask me what I was writing. My answer was always cryptic... my work was hidden behind a veil, cloaked by the stealthy words of non-specificity. My writing world was separated from the real one.
And I can continue this way: an unknown author in the dark.
But one small tickle of annoyance keeps pricking the back of my mind: Can I truly call myself an author if I remain hidden?
As I fully commit to this genre, I find myself intoxicated with creation and writing. New ideas, new ideals, and new worlds. Characters take on their own shape, their own identities, and their own decisions. The challenge of becoming an author is immense and, at times, overwhelming.
To overcome it, I know I have to take the first step.
Today I will tell my friends and family what I write, and that I have published a (second) novel. I can no longer worry about what they might say or whether they will accept it. It is time to peel back the shade of darkness. For the first time, I believe I’m ready to tell the world... unhidden.
Thank you for being here with me in this moment. Your love and support mean more than I can say.
❤️ JJ
If you're read this far, thank you. This was tough to get out. But it needed to be done if I am to take the first step as an author.
For those interested more about Synergism, the novel features some familiar elements that should resonate with readers:
- Slow-burn novel
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Hurt, comfort
- Found family
- Protective main characters
- Forbidden Love
Synergism is now ready for reading, free on Kindle Unlimited.
This now tallies my officially published works to two, with 'long after You left Me' published back in 2024.
What else is happening?
I recently released Chapter 5 for 'The Silence That Lives Between Us". This story needs another chapter or two before it concludes. Vermillion also continues... and both are available free on the website:
- The Silence That Lives Between Us. (available here: https://www.sinagami.com/the-silence-that-lives-between-us/)
- Vermillion (available here: https://www.sinagami.com/vermillion-1/)
What's next?
2026 is packed with more writing projects. But recently I had an epiphany in the shower (don't we all?). One of my boldest stories I've ever written could be next. And I think I realized that this is the set of stories that needs to be polished for publication.
Synergism took four years to get to this one day… 🥹
I don’t know who will find it, but I hope it finds the people that need it.