Updated: June 10th, 2021 | Posted by: Grace Kim

Image of me holding a copy of my book, Basically.

Basically by: Grace Kim

Have you ever wanted something so badly in your life that you pushed yourself further than what you thought your limits could handle? No matter how high the storms rage, will you let anything in the way of turning your dreams into reality? What about pursuing your passion projects? Are you fulfilled by your day job, or are you stuck in an unwanted routine because the job pays the bills?

I challenged myself to meet a specific deadline and within a week, I wrote my very first book. This book speaks true about a young girl hustling her way through life, gets introduced to personal development and immediately gets hooked. Desperate to prove her worth, she grew up extremely hard on herself. On every project she’s ever worked on, she’s pushed herself further than what she thought she could handle.

If you couldn’t tell, that young girl is me! Who till this day, challenges to strive beyond comfort. Basically is a book that I DID NOT think I could finish writing within a week, but I made sure I didn’t let anything get in the way of meeting my deadlines.

I was invited to showcase my work for the very first time in my life at an Art Gallery in Los Angeles as a collaboration with Through Our Lens and LA Shooters. The concept of the event was to showcase creatives’ work outside of the digital world. Booking a one-way ticket to LA, I officially partook in the event.

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Basically book by gracefkim — (Photo Collaboration with Makito Umekita)

The Conversation That Saved Me

Initially, I had no idea what style of work I wanted to showcase at the gallery. This was the first time of my life that I was asked to share my work to the public, and I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do.

So I called Maku, my mentor, for suggestions. The conversation went like this:

Me: The art gallery is in one week and I have no idea what to present. I’ve been reaching out to companies to partner up with me but I’ve been getting rejected left and right.

Maku: Write a book.

Me: Again, I only have one week. I don’t have time to write a book.

Maku: Write a book.

Me: I hope you’re joking.

Maku: Write a book.

Me: Are you serious?

Make: Yes. Do it.

Me: Okay, fine I will.

If it Wasn’t For Direction and Guidance…

Then I don’t think I would’ve been able to complete writing Basically in a week. If he didn’t push me, I wouldn’t have even attempted to write it. He knew how hard I could hustle, believed in my work ethic, and pushed me to write.

Being the most obedient mentee that I possibly could be, I agreed to it. And I worked so hard. I’ve never pushed myself so hard in my life, but I made sure I completed the book in time. So in just one week, I wrote my very first book.

Oh, and if you would like a copy, here is the digital version of Basically. From wherever you are, thank you so much for supporting my journey. I appreciate each and every one of you guys. Happy travels, everybody!

Basically by: Grace Kim

Basically is a short story about a young girl who discovers her self worth through continuously venturing into the outdoors. The book goes through her journey and upbringings from childhood to adulthood. Eventually, she embarks on an ongoing journey, venturing off into the unknowns by following her gut and passion to solo travel.

If it wasn’t for everyone who told her no, she wouldn’t have been able to develop a strong work ethic, gain mental sanity, and a strong curiosity to life.

And as she continues to venture into passion driven pursuits, the rest is history…

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