I sometimes REALLY regret taking a six year break from writing and only starting to seriously write at 26, but I realized the other day, I NEEDED that break. I grew so much and had so many experiences during those six years that have helped me a ton in my writing journey.

I really do not think I'd be able to deal with the rejection and critique and waiting of the publishing industry if I had tried to be serious about writing at 19/20. I know some people can, but I remember how I was at that age, and 19/20 year old Leta NEEDED to grow up first.

I think I'll still always regret it a little, especially when I see people years younger than me who are published and NYT bestsellers, but I had an amazing six years of growing and living abroad and traveling the world and getting tons of experiences and I need to remember that.