Today, a little black-and-white hourglass arrived on my doorstep. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “It’s just an hourglass, calm down.” But this hourglass? This is no ordinary purchase. This is the very first item I’ve checked off my Amazon wish list for the Marked by Fate launch party. It’s the first tangible step—something I can hold in my hands—that’s bringing this dream to life.

Let’s be honest, planning this launch party has felt a bit like staring at a blank page, knowing you have an entire novel to write. There’s the vision of what you want it to be, the excitement of it all, and then the reality of actually making it happen. Buying this hourglass might seem like a small thing, but to me, it feels like a huge leap forward.

Why an hourglass, you ask? Well, if you’ve read the prologue or even watched the trailer, you’ll know that time is a central theme in Marked by Fate. The countdown marks, the tension of seconds slipping away—it all ties back to the concept of time. This hourglass will be a perfect decorative piece at the launch party, a nod to the story and a symbol of everything it represents.

A Moment to Reflect

As I unpacked the hourglass and set it on my desk, I couldn’t help but think about how far I’ve come in less than seven months. Seven months ago, Marked by Fate was just a first draft, a chaotic blend of ideas, emotions, and plot twists that only made sense to me. It was messy, raw, and full of potential. Now, it’s a polished novel with a prologue live for the world to read, a book trailer to set the tone, and a launch party in the works.

Seven months ago, the idea of people reading my words felt distant, like something that might happen someday. Now, “someday” is racing toward me like a countdown clock, and it’s both exhilarating and terrifying. This hourglass, with its tiny grains of sand slipping through the glass, feels like a reminder of everything that’s led me here and everything that’s still to come.

The First of Many

This is just the first item on a long list of things I’ll need to bring this launch party to life. Between now and the big day, I’ll be picking up items here and there, one by one, until the vision in my head becomes a reality. Each purchase will feel like another step closer to that moment when I get to celebrate Marked by Fate with all of you.

But this hourglass? It’s special. It’s the first thing I can see and touch, something that takes this event out of the abstract and makes it real. And it’s not just about the party—it’s about the journey. The countless hours spent writing and revising, the moments of doubt and the sparks of inspiration, the thrill of seeing my characters come to life on the page.

The Countdown Begins

Unpacking that hourglass today reminded me of why I started this journey in the first place: to share a story that means the world to me. To create something that resonates with readers, something that sparks conversations and emotions. This launch party isn’t just a celebration of the book—it’s a celebration of the process, the people who’ve supported me, and the journey that got me here.

So, here’s to hourglasses, first steps, and the excitement of turning dreams into reality. I can’t wait to see this all come together and share it with you. The countdown has begun—one grain of sand, one small step at a time.