She was born in a prison… Eugene Leigh’s “Part of Myself” is LIVE & we have an excerpt + fun facts!

Part of Myself: A Novel <— SHE WAS BORN IN A PRISON! A STORY OF GROWTH, THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS & EMBRACING ONE’S TRUE SELF… and the author is today’s newsletter sponsor! Eugene says:

“PART OF MYSELF is a 95,000-word young adult novel that follows the story of Carrie, a young girl born in prison who is now struggling to make ends meet—that is, until she meets a man who she thinks will change her life but ultimately devastates it.”

It took me three years to write it and everyone who has read it has said they really liked it. Some editors have said the story is ‘incredible’ and ‘powerful’.

So what’s it about?

In a world where the past can haunt us, “Part of Myself” weaves a compelling narrative that explores the power of family secrets, the trials of adversity, and the enduring human spirit. Join author Eugene Leigh on an emotional journey through the life of Carrie, a woman whose early years in Texas were marked by tragedy and isolation.

From the very beginning, Carrie’s life is a puzzle, a heartbreaking enigma that she longs to solve.

Born to a murderer father and a mother who took her own life, she’s raised in a group home, yearning for an adoption that never comes due to her parents’ dark histories. The hatred she feels for her parents clashes with an undeniable longing to understand them, and the past she can never truly escape.

Carrie’s quest for a better life takes her to Irvine, California, where she begins as a waitress and dreams of returning to school. Just when it seems her life is taking a turn for the better, a mysterious letter arrives, bearing news of her ailing grandmother in Portland, Oregon. What unfolds is a series of unexpected events that could change the course of Carrie’s life forever.

From a legal battle over her grandmother’s assets to unexpected encounters with old acquaintances and new relationships, Carrie’s story is a rollercoaster of emotions. Betrayal, heartbreak, hope, and resilience are woven into the fabric of her journey. As she navigates the challenges life throws at her, readers will be captivated by her tenacity and strength.

Eugene Leigh’s “Part of Myself” is a poignant novel that delves into the complexities of human nature, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of embracing one’s true self. With each page, you’ll be drawn deeper into Carrie’s world, rooting for her as she confronts her past and shapes her future.

Get ready to be transported to a world of intrigue and emotion in this thought-provoking and unforgettable novel. Discover the depths of Carrie’s inner turmoil and follow her path to redemption in “Part of Myself.”

Facts about the book:

1. Combination of John Grisham + Jane Austin + Charles Dickens
2. A book about Americans who are underrepresented in literature these days(My opinion)
3. An Amazon#1 top new seller for 8 days total (Teen & Young Adult Nonfiction on Girl’s & Women’s issues)
4. A great ending which surprised every beta-reader.
5. I wrote it for 3 years, writing 2 pages a day on the commute and in between work.
6. A variety of cast of Characters (by my editor).
7. A story with twists and turns that never failed to disappoint. (by my editor)

Song: Backstreet Boys’ ‘As long as you love me‘

The pros of the novel by my editor:

· This poor girl! She had to endure so much, but she met it all with perseverance and a loving spirit.

· You handled a large cast of characters very well. They all had individual, unique personalities and there was never any confusion as to who was speaking, etc.

· The twists and surprises in this book were super incredible! I totally anticipated it going in so many different ways. You never failed to disappoint.

· Your writing is so strong. Your words were very poetic and almost lyrical in places. It really made it a pleasure to read.

· Your description was so good throughout that it really allowed me to “see” this world and become so immersed, it was like I was really there.

· I really felt like I was hearing a close friend recount her life story. As a social worker for many years, some of it spent working for an agency that had group homes for children, this was of special interest to me, and I thought you really nailed it.