My book is in Kinokuniya!

I walked into largest store in Singapore today and saw The Magic Crystal on the shelf. Front-facing, sitting quietly in the picture book section.

I stood there for a while, trying to take it in.

This is my first book. I’m a self-published author with no big team or traditional deal. Just me, figuring things out as I went, stumbling through fear, perfectionism, imposter syndrome and a whole lot of darkness.

To see it here, in a real bookstore, feels surreal in the softest, most quietly overwhelming way.

I wouldn’t have made it here without Substack.

It gave me the space to speak honestly, the kind people who sent me encouragement and the way they reminded me—just by being here—that self-published stories are still valid stories.

Thank you for walking with me. For holding space. For cheering me on even when I couldn’t see the light.

If you’re in a dark place right now, please know it doesn’t last forever. Sometimes, the light shows up quietly. Sometimes it looks like a book with a crystal on the cover, sitting patiently on a shelf, waiting to remind you that you made it.

With love,

Billie