by K. Michelle
Those icy blues slowly track their way over to my brown ones, and I don’t look away. I couldn’t if I wanted to, she has me frozen in place. Her eyes slightly widen as if she’s been invisible for years, and someone can finally see her. I can’t tear my stare from her, and it's not the color making it impossible for me to look anywhere else, it's the emotion—the pain. I squint as if I can't see enough of her. I need to see more. My legs take over, and I step towards her, my body taking me to where my mind wants to be. Knowing I need to be near her, I grab hold of the bars, trying to make my way down the crowded train car, but suddenly it stops. Everyone stands and pushes their way out and into the car. As people yell and shove, I try to keep my eyes on her, but it's nearly impossible when she ducks out of sight. Forcing my way through the nearest exit, I frantically search for her, whipping around in circles. Where are you? My heart races and my palms sweat at the mere thought of not being near her or finding her—of not learning her name, hearing it roll off her tongue and onto mine. I whip my head in every direction, but she's gone. Like a figment of my imagination, I wonder if she was ever even there.
But I know she was.
Because her pain called to mine, and that's a feeling that doesn't leave your soul.
I’m beyond grateful every day that I have the privilege to sit down and create these stories. I’m even more grateful that you took the time to read my words. So, thank you. I had so much fun bringing Dessa, Cohen, and Evan to life, and I am riveted to bring you Asylum (that prologue though).
This wouldn’t have happened without help though. From friends helping me push through the roadblocks, to helping me with the name, to the smallest of details, my thankfulness feels immeasurable. To every person who has helped me so I could take the time to sit and put these words down, I’m grateful.
Nicole. Girl. You are superwoman, of that I’m convinced. Between beta and edits, I’ve learned so much from you, and you helped piece Sanctum together just how I envisioned it. Thank you for the late nights, and all of your hard work–especially during the NOYE crunch time. It did not go unnoticed, and I’m so thankful. I have nothing but love for you, and I look up to you immensely.
Thank You.
I go by Karlee. I was born and raised in Michigan, but now live in Southern California. I’m horrible at “About Me’s,” so bear with me. ;)
I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. When I picked up A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks in sixth grade, that was the moment romance hooked me for life. Until recently, I never realized how much writing played a role in my life. I’ve always had a hard time verbally communicating my feelings. I remember my mom telling me to write them down. And occasionally I would. But as I grew older, that was the only way I could express how I felt without feeling overwhelmed.
When I moved to California, I worked at a gym and met the most beautiful soul, Trini. Our friendship was instant–we just clicked. Trini had Stage 4 Colon Cancer and was taken from us way too soon. No matter how much you think you’re prepared for something like this, when it finally happens, it feels catastrophic and devastating.
Trini inspired my very first book, Sooner Than You Think. The idea came to me shortly after she passed, and the idea of writing a book was daunting. Self-doubt set in, and I never even tried. Fast forward to May of 2019. After twenty-seven years of never really knowing what my purpose is, what I should do, or what I was meant for, I sat on my bed after putting my son to sleep and felt lost. My eyes kept looking at my computer until I grabbed it, opened Word, and thought, “let’s just see what happens.”
Well, in less than a year this is now my third book, and let me tell you, I love doing this.
This is it. I’ve found my passion and I love connecting with you readers. I’ve met the most amazing people throughout this journey, and I’ve never been so glad I pushed fear away and took the leap.
I will always keep writing.
Even if.
STAY CONNECTED
www.amazon.com/author/kmichelle
www.bookbub.com/profile/k-michelle
https://www.instagram.com/kmichelleauthor
www.facebook.com/kmichellebooks
Facebook Reader Group
Goodreads