By Julie D’Aloiso
I’m excited to share some personal news with the Nordonia Hills community: I’ve just published my first novel, “Zzino’s Pathway,” available now on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats.
The journey started in February of last year when I began writing what was then called “Shadows of the Keeper.” Some of you might remember reading the chapters as I posted them on the Nordonia Hills News website. What started as a weekly serial has evolved into something much bigger.
Over the past 11 months, I took those original chapters, enhanced them, rewrote significant portions, changed the ending, added new chapters, and even changed character names, etc. The transformation from web serial to polished novel required countless revisions and refinements.
I worked with AI writing tools like Claude and Abacus throughout the process, but not in the way some might think. I wrote every chapter myself, then used these programs as collaborative partners, similar to working with another writer. They’d make suggestions, I’d push back, and that dialogue would spark new ideas. The most valuable help came at the end when the software caught consistency issues, like tracking whether a character was called grandfather versus grandpa.
The biggest obstacle wasn’t the writing itself, it was me. I kept changing the title, refining passages, and second-guessing decisions. At one point, I considered adding many more chapters, but ultimately decided to launch this book as the first in a series. There’s plenty more story to tell in future installments.
In fact, I started outlining the second book while writing the first. The notes are already compiled, and I’m ready to begin. I’m hoping the second book will come easier now that I understand the publishing process, though I know writing always involves pain, anguish, and yes, some tears. This time around, I’ll approach it with more confidence and less self-doubt.
Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, structured intentionally like a television episode. While my immediate goal isn’t to make a million dollars, I’m being strategic about the bigger picture. My dream is to see this series adapted for Netflix, Disney, Hulu, or any platform interested in bringing these stories to the screen. Future books will follow the same episodic structure.
Beyond my own publishing journey, I want to inspire others bring their stories to life. If you’ve been carrying ideas in your head, wondering if you should write that book, consider this your encouragement. The self-publishing process on Amazon is accessible, and free!
To support fellow authors, I’m launching a books section on NEO Ohio.news to promote local writers. If you’ve published a book and want exposure, send me your information and I’ll feature it on the site (send email to juliedaloiso@gmail.com).
“Zzino’s Pathway” is available now on Amazon. I’m grateful to the Nordonia Hills community for following along during the writing process, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of the finished product.
If you are interested in following along with my journey, I have a Facebook group for you.
Book Summary: “Zzino’s Pathway”
On her eighteenth birthday, lighthouse keeper Ali Blacksmith discovers that everything she thought she knew about her family—and herself—has been carefully hidden.
For generations, the Blacksmiths have maintained the beacon on remote Peacock Island, guiding ships safely through New England’s treacherous waters. Ali has grown up expecting to continue this tradition, surrounded by close friends and the rhythms of island life.
But when strange shadows begin appearing around the island and her father’s six-month absence turns out to be something other than the job he claimed, Ali realizes that some family legacies run much deeper than lighthouse keeping.
With her friends, Ali learns that the lighthouse has always been more than a beacon for ships.
Perfect for readers who love atmospheric coastal mysteries, coming-of-age adventures, and stories where the most extraordinary secrets hide in the most ordinary places.
