JIHAD

FROM ME TO YOU (nah, it's not giveaway 🤭)

Asalaam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh, everyone.

Hello. Hi.

AUTHOR'S INFORMAL LETTER OF APOLOGY

Well, this is the edited version of my original letter of apology. I've decided to add and remove a few words, sentences, points. So, here we go:

There's this issue I have with updating my book. I'm not sure if anyone else can relate to it. The thing is; once I upload a chapter, I relax, and I may not begin to really and truly start on the next chapter until weeks later. Hence, the several days/weeks gaps between my updates.

Of course, I can try disciplining myself, force myself to write a chapter within a period of time, but unfortunately, I struggle with anxiety. And deadlines is one of my biggest triggers. I started off Jihad with the intention to update once a week, as stated in the now trashed first author's note. And I stuck to the plan for about two, three weeks, but not without profound anxiety attacks.

Writing naturally makes me nervous. Writing with a deadline in mind makes me a thousand times more nervous. When I realized this, I decided to stop the once-a-week update and just go with the flow. My mental/psychological reaction to writing changed drastically after that. For the better. The only downside was, and still is, the issue I mentioned up up.

Fast forward to November; I was supposed to have dropped a new chapter by then, and trust me, I was working on it. But boy, was I slow. So, I decided to give Nanowrimo a try. I don't remember starting with that much seriousness. I'm a very spontaneous person; I usually do things without thinking, and with just a ounce of seriousness.

Anyway, I signed up for Nanowrimo, albeit, not the general one. I gave myself a goal of 20,000 words; it felt like a very achievable goal, and once I started on it, I out my heart to reaching and surpassing the goal.

I wrote about 13,000 words within three weeks.

I would have uploaded each chapter as I finished them, but I thought of that up up issue and thought better of it. If I had uploaded one chapter as I finished it, there's a zero point eight probability that I won't write another chapter until January.

That explains my long long absence. With these few words of mine, I hope I've been able to coax you into forgiving me.

AUTHOR'S BRIEF NOTE OF APPRECIATION

But for my less than bad memory, I would have mentioned names. But you all know yourselves; my loyal readers; my once upon a time readers; silent readers, and all the other categories of Wattpad readers I don't know of.

I really really, a million times really, appreciate your immense support for me and for my book. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you 😘😘.

AUTHOR'S INFORMAL REQUEST FOR HONEST REVIEWS

JIHAD is haphazardly structured. That's very much expected since I don't have a written outline or plan for the story. I only have a storyline, and the plot forms, a chapter at a time, as I write, in my head.

In other words, I'm a pantser. So it's possible there are plot holes, plot gaps, plot trenches, plot whatever nonsense in the book. It's also possible that the pace of the story may be off, as well as its structure, like I stated above.

So, this review I request is not the 'praise' review. It's the honest and brutal kind. The kind I deeply appreciate.

Do you see anything wrong with the story? Which area do you think I should improve on? Does the story drag on and on? Do you think the pace is okay? What about the characters? In what aspects do you think they can be better? Are they great the way they are?

I seriously need your answer to these questions. It'll mean a mountain lot to me if you answered them, or at least, critique any aspect of the book for me.

Even if you end up trolling, I don't mind. As long as your words have truth in them. It's the honesty I need. Whichever way you put it is absolutely your business.

Thanks in advance.

AUTHOR'S REQUEST TO ENGAGE BEYOND WATTPAD

My Instagram account is as bland as paper. I mainly use it to stalk celebrities. I don't post pictures, or what have you. So if you follow me @08_Umm_Waraqah, well, don't expect anything fun. There's a second account, which is actually the main account, but I can't remember its password, so...

Facebook? The only reason you'll find posts on my timeline is because some people tag me to their posts. Facebook is pretty much bland as well.

WhatsApp? Now, we're talking. My status is pretty much always engaged, except there's something wrong with me. I usually post personal views, religious stuff, stupid stuff and completely random stuff. If you really want to know me, look out for my WhatsApp status. I'm still working on how to stop myself from typing personal stuff.

Plus, I am now ready to talk more about my book, and I don't have enough readers or writers viewing my statuses, so...

Just to be clear, this isn't a campaign for more views. I just feel the need to engage more with you guys beyond Wattpad.

And here's my number: 09060293853

Plus, I'm an awkward conversationalist, but that doesn't mean I can't manage a few words. So, of course, you can always chat me up.

Well, that's all. I look forward to your forgiveness, honest reviews, presence in my life, and more support.

Bye. Ciao. Asalaam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh 😘