4 min read

Where Is My Debut Novel?

Where Is My Debut Novel?
A mockup of Alexander Bentley’s forthcoming novel, She Called Me Night.

An Update on ‘She Called Me Night’


Dear Readers,

What does it take to turn life’s trials into a story that will resonate for generations?

For me, it starts with a love story. The story of Night and Luna.

These are the type of questions that have kept me inspired and motivated, and today, I want to give you an honest update.

The short update is this: She Called Me Night is still a work in progress.

This debut novel, named after the viral poem so many of you fell in love with, still remains a labor of love and dedication.

But the long update? That’s where things get interesting.

Life, Love, and Building a Foundation

When my dearest Luna and I welcomed our first child into the world—our son, who is now a spirited 2 ½ years old—life took a beautiful and challenging turn.

I still remember holding him for the first time in the hospital, feeling a surge of love so profound it reshaped my entire world. My priority as a husband and as a father became central to my life, ensuring my family had stability and security.

As much as I longed to dive fully into writing, I had to focus on a different kind of creation: building a thriving social media marketing business. Over the past two years, that business has not only kept a roof over our heads but has grown into something I’m deeply proud of.

Yet, through it all, the call of the pen never faded. Writing is my heart’s compass, and the story of She Called Me Night has remained a constant presence in my mind. Recently, I’ve returned to the manuscript with renewed energy, uncovering moments of inspiration that breathe new life into the story.

Rewriting nearly every scene has been like rediscovering the soul of the narrative.

One breakthrough moment came when I rewrote the scene where Luna and I first met, even if it was done virtually through a phone screen—capturing our magnetic connection and playful, flirtatious way that felt electric on the page.

Refining the roughly 70 chapters has reminded me why this tale is so important to tell. It’s been an exhilarating process, but there’s still work to do.

A Labor of Love

This novel isn’t just a story; it’s my life’s work.

It’s the first book in what will become a three-part series, and I want it to be more than a story you read—I want it to be a journey you live.

Through its pages, you’ll experience Luna’s humble yet vibrant world in the Philippines—where the scent of mango trees lingers in the air and the bustling markets teem with life—and my own transformative years in Phoenix, Arizona, a city of scorching sunrises and quiet desert nights that shaped my resilience and dreams.

Have you ever made a sacrifice so great it reshaped your very soul?

That’s the kind of love and transformation this story explores, inviting you to reflect on your own journeys.

Writing poetry feels as if the words flow effortlessly from the ether, capturing emotions in their purest form. But crafting a novel is a different beast altogether.

Writing a novel requires structure, pacing, and a deep understanding of the storytelling techniques that make a romance novel resonate. Every scene, every turning point must align with the timeless formulas that have defined the greatest love stories.

  • Romeo and Juliet
  • Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester
  • Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy
  • Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky
  • Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan
  • Odysseus and Penelope
  • Orpheus and Eurydice
  • Tristan and Isolde
  • Noah and Allie
  • Gus and Hazel

And yet, I want this story to remain uniquely ours. True to the real-life love that Luna and I continue to share today.

The Power of Memory

Some scenes in this manuscript have brought me to tears, serving as a reminder of the emotional depth and authenticity I strive to bring to this story.

One in particular stands out: the day I had to rehome my dogs, Jaynie and Laysie, as I prepared to leave the United States. This moment not only underscored the depth of the sacrifices I had to make for love but also became a lens through which I understood the story’s larger themes of letting go and embracing transformation.

Diving into this particular scene helped to re-shape my approach to writing about sacrifice, reminding me that true love often demands the courage to lose something precious in order to gain something greater.

It was one of the most heart-wrenching moments of my life, but also a pivotal one. That scene had to make it into the novel because it represents the sacrifices we make for love. The kind of sacrifices that define who we are, and ultimately, reveal the depths of our commitment to those we hold dear.

In this scene, the themes of loss, hope, and transformation come together, echoing throughout the story and shaping the journey of Night and Luna. Writing it brought back a flood of memories, reminding me of the truth in Shawn Coyne’s words:

Change, no matter how small, requires loss.

These deeply personal moments have made finishing the novel an emotional journey.

After all, the characters are real people from my life: my loving mother, my steadfast Luna, cherished friends, and even my old housemates. Translating their essence onto the page while maintaining their humanity has been both a challenge and a joy.

A Promise to My Readers

I’ll be honest—I won’t publish this book until it feels ready in my heart. 

She Called Me Night must stand as a testament to the trials of love, a masterpiece that resonates across generations. Each day of writing and refining brings me closer to sharing this story with you.

As I work on this novel, I’m reminded of one enduring truth: 

Love knows no distance. 

This story is not just mine—it’s shaped by the sacrifices, hopes, and transformations that connect us all. I want you to see your own journey reflected in the Night and Luna saga, and I hope our story inspires and moves you in ways that stay with you long after the final page.

In the coming months, I’ll share updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes insights into this deeply personal journey. When the time comes, I’ll invite you to help shape the final draft as beta readers. Hearing your thoughts and feedback will be invaluable in bringing this story to life.

Thank you for your patience and unwavering belief in me.

With love and gratitude,
Alexander Bentley