TurtledoveJO

Hey everyone! 
          	My apologies for the radio silence over the last two weeks. I've been really unwell and have a major update: I seem to have an autoimmune disease. 
          	The whole thing began with awful joint pain that basically left me disabled.  I figured it was just overuse from my mouse, but after a string of doctors (neurologist, surgeon, family doctor, rheumatologist), the tests led to a suspected diagnosis of scleroderma.  
          	More tests are needed to confirm (blood work, scopes, chest X-rays), but the immune system issue is definitely there. 
          	Honestly, I was so disheartened that I totally avoided Wattpad—I think that disappointment is a normal reaction to an illness. 
          	I'm doing better on the treatment now, and I'm still holding out hope it's not actually scleroderma—it has to be something milder, right?  
          	I wrote a couple of chapters in Romanian before I got sick, so I'll be translating and posting the first English, first-person chapter this weekend.
          	 I’m back!  
          	Sending you all big hugs! ❤️

TurtledoveJO

Hey everyone! 
          My apologies for the radio silence over the last two weeks. I've been really unwell and have a major update: I seem to have an autoimmune disease. 
          The whole thing began with awful joint pain that basically left me disabled.  I figured it was just overuse from my mouse, but after a string of doctors (neurologist, surgeon, family doctor, rheumatologist), the tests led to a suspected diagnosis of scleroderma.  
          More tests are needed to confirm (blood work, scopes, chest X-rays), but the immune system issue is definitely there. 
          Honestly, I was so disheartened that I totally avoided Wattpad—I think that disappointment is a normal reaction to an illness. 
          I'm doing better on the treatment now, and I'm still holding out hope it's not actually scleroderma—it has to be something milder, right?  
          I wrote a couple of chapters in Romanian before I got sick, so I'll be translating and posting the first English, first-person chapter this weekend.
           I’m back!  
          Sending you all big hugs! ❤️

TurtledoveJO

Hey everyone! 
          
          As promised, even though we're just at the beginning, I've finished the song for the final part of the book.  
          
          The lyrics, which tell the story's main stages, are my own. 
          
          The music, however, was created by AI, based on the style and emotional cues I provided. 
          
          I couldn't send the link, so I created a book chapter titled: An Echo of the End.
          
          I really hope you enjoy the song! ❤️
          
          If not, please be gentle—this is my first time doing something like this. 
          
          Hugs, and let's get to it!

TurtledoveJO

Thank you for the kind thoughts. 
            Regarding Formula 1, it's a passion of mine from childhood. I used to watch the races when I was about 16 years old. Then I got caught up in the whirl of life and abandoned this hobby. In the last two years, I've started watching the races again, and I'm very fascinated by the mentality with which the drivers enter the race, the arduous preparation, the fight for every point, the importance of strategy and the team.
            I have read a lot about Lewis Hamilton, the only Black driver in Formula 1, who won 7 world championships, even though he was a victim of bullying in school and at karting races, he had financial difficulties—and in this sport, those without money don't have much of a chance—and yet, instead of giving up, he became determined to prove his talent. He is also a co-producer on *Formula 1 - The movie*.
            Here is the English translation:
            I will write a few lines about Lewis Hamilton in the book. 
            Hugs.
• Reply

AsianStorysketcher

@TurtledoveJO Oh yes, I have joined Wattpad with my stories with the mindset of possibly nobody reading it and that is exactly what happened for many, many months. Still, even if it doesn't give others joy, it gave you joy to creating something, right? If nothing else, do it for yourself and the joy that it brings you. The best part of Wattpad is that you can leave it published and eventually somebody will pass by and read and enjoy your work. I know, promotion is also hard work too, but I'm talking about the almost worse-case scenario. Also, a huge part of me wants to leave some type of legacy behind.
            
            Oo...I saw the movie a couple months ago,  "F1," and I'm absolutely inspired about the F1 racing world, though I probably need to watch a few more times because I didn't fully understand it the first time around. I'm a newbie on all this Formula 1 topic and I am also very inspired by this concept and world too. If you do write some type of racing story, let me know!
• Reply

TurtledoveJO

@AsianStorysketcher  Thanks for the honest feedback. I was down because it felt like my work was for nothing without more exposure and a following. I considered quitting. However, since this is purely a passion, I've decided the real win is the joy of creating, not the fame. I'm a big Formula 1 fan, and Lewis Hamilton’s famous quote, 'Dream big. Dream the impossible,' is my inspiration. I won't give up. Lots of love."
• Reply

TurtledoveJO

Hey everyone! 
          Just a heads-up: I've decided to make some big changes to my book. 
          I'm rewriting it in the first person to make the story more personal and powerful. 
          I'll be back as soon as I can with a new, more intense version for you. 
          Thanks for your patience!

TurtledoveJO

Hi everyone,
          Please tell me your thoughts on this first chapter, written from the depths of my soul. It really matters to me to know if my words resonate with you, or if it would be better to keep these emotions hidden in the dusty drawers of my heart.