The Dark side of the moon

Behind the scene

Too much to say


My translation

My editor suggested translating my book almost two years ago because she thought that it would help me reach more readers than in French. I declined. First of all, it takes time or money. I was lacking both. I really still am. The second reason was that I was more eager to write the second volume than to start translating. My English is okay, but as my English teacher used to say, "That is another kind of beast to conquer."

So why? And why now ?
The answer might surprise you... Well, just because my little sister asked me to. She's Vietnamese and told me that she would love to read my work. Her learning French might take forever, so... so here I am trying to conquer that beast.

My motivations

I wrote a book because I love to write. I have always loved to write. Isn't love the core of everything?

I created a child with an extraordinary destiny, then put off writing his story. It seemed to me that what makes me who I am begins with my parents. So I started by writing a book about his origins: his parents, his conception... the desire to conceive him.

In this book, I sprinkled in little bits of my own story: encounters I've had, questions I have about our so-fast evolving world. In fact, the characters are inspired by exaggerated traits of people around me or my aspirations. Queen Claire and Princess Nyria are mixed race, as I am. The family relationships are as turbulent as mine... And the list goes on.

I wrote about my life experiences to create a real story in an imaginary world. Human relationships are at the core of this book. The fantasy universe brings a bit of magic. This is essential, as it represents the ultimate form of power.

One of the best comments I received from a beta reader that made me smile and pleased me was that the story is the opposite of the feeling I give. The story is cruel sometimes... often. Yet clinging to hope is what keeps us going.

I tried to create something that breaks away from the trademarks of “selling” fiction: sex, a black-and-white way to see good, and evil, and gore for gore's sake.
I wanted to offer something different from the umpteenth pre-chewed version of what I'm fed as a reader. So I hope to find an audience looking for a double meaning.

My experience

The easiest part of this project was writing! The most complex part was managing the team, chasing deadlines that were never met, and dealing with misunderstandings... often of my own making.
Learning how to do layout (SCRIBUS), learning how to edit drawings (GIMP) to add text, learning how to create videos, researching service providers, and so on. Looking back, everything that isn't part of an author's job...
And after several attempts, I delegated to my editor, who redid the layout, and lettering for the drawings...
I'm still managing all the advertising.

My advice to other aspiring authors

Stay true to yourself!
I chose to have my work proofread. You have to ask yourself what your expectations are before you start this process. The advice I didn't take was the advice that would have changed my writing style. The advice I did take was the kind that helped improve the understanding of a scene. Before I started, I allowed myself to say no. Looking back, I rewrote very little, and often rephrased things in my own way rather than following suggestions. The good side of having proofreaders is that they catch the last spelling, and grammar mistakes, etc.

Keep going !
When I started out, I had no idea how much work was involved in self-publishing. The number of public agencies you have to register with, and then register a second time, a third time... The forms I filled out online, only to print them out and send them by post... In France, we have the world championship title for making business hard to grow.

By dates

  • 2012: First draft of Moon
  • 2013: First feedback, first rewriting, giving up
  • 2022: Third version
  • 2023: First feedback and first rewriting
  • 2024: Launching of publication + crowdfunding 1
  • 2025: On sale + crowdfunding 2
  • 2025: First draft of Star
  • 2025: Translating Moon

First version of Moon

The essence of the story is the same as it is today. The book tells the story of Nyria and Claire. It was written from Nyria's point of view. I wrote over a hundred pages before submitting it to proofreaders. As I write, I self-correct at the same time. For my first attempt, I used Cordial.

Second version of Moon

From the feedback I got, something was missing. I lost my way. The book turned into a war story. I was heavily influenced by The Black Company. Between battles, Nyria was dragged into a never-ending quest. I wrote over 150 pages. I didn't have this version proofread. When I read it, I hated it. I threw it all away.

Third version of Moon 1.0

Life caught me off guard. Ten years after my first attempt, I found the time, and energy to write again. I set myself a goal to finish the first draft before my next birthday. I stuck to it. In the meantime, I discovered Game of Thrones. I loved how the story unfolds from the perspective of different characters. I didn't like the fact that there were too many characters, which made it difficult to keep track of my favorite ones. I kept the concept but with fewer characters.

I've always written poetry. I couldn't do anything else when I started this book. So all the chapters begin with a few lines of verse.

During the writing phase, the best advice I received was... (sorry, spoiler). The second best advice: draw! So I scribbled on a map of the world. I calculated travel times based on modes of transport. I drew maps of the palace and the furniture in some of the rooms. I imagined characters, placed them in scenes, and gave them names that you'll never know. Why? They don't add anything to the story to mention them specifically. They add everything to the story to make it realistic.

To ensure consistency, I created a first overall timeline with all the key events in this world. Then I created a second one that transcribes the major events day by day throughout the first volume.
To correct as I wrote, I used Antidote to ensure a minimum of consistency.

To sum it up, a year is both long and short, especially when you only have a few evenings a week and one morning a weekend to devote to it.

Third version of Moon 2.0

Several people proofread my work at the same time. My editor gives me the most challenging feedback: change the tense. I switch everything to the present tense. This step takes me two months. It definitely improves the story. My sister makes me rewrite the ending and all the dialogue. This step also takes me a few weeks.

Third version of Moon 3.0

My editor introduced me to online reading platforms. I hesitated. Finally, I stuck with my original idea: to have my book in my hands. She suggested several illustrators and proofreaders. I fell in love with Seiun art. I took the time to look at other illustrators, but my choice was made. If you take a look at his work, you'll understand why. For Charlotte, it's different. How do you choose a professional proofreader? They can make all the difference to the quality of the text. I did the usual thing and interviewed candidates. Not so usual in the end, because I'm new to this. Finally, I went with my gut rather than their CVs.

Moon in english

Right now, I'm looking for an online reading platform to serve the same purpose of translating. I do hope to publish it one day.

What's next?

Star is a work in progress. The editing phase will be quicker because I won't make the same mistakes again. The end (or the beginning?) is already written. Quasar is already taking shape in my mind. I know where the reaper's footsteps will lead him.

First draft of Star

For Star, I've chosen the main narrators. The prologue is already written and published. The first chapters have been written and rewritten. As with Moon, I'm about to create a detailed calendar with major events, look for clothing references, places, and objects, complete the world map, and sketch out the plans for the houses. Well, I'm enjoying this ongoing adventure.

The Dark side of the moon

Buy the original french first volume