I’m begging you to keep going. Knowing the direction (more personal) you chose to go for your book makes me WANT to read it. Whether it’s self publishing or another publisher the world needs your voice. Your book deserves to be read.

There are SOOOOO many people who publicly win and never publicly show their setbacks. I honestly believe that incredible people like you make a difference through your transparency. You're helping to normalize the realities of 'going for it' in life. It's not all smooth roads. But the through line of incredible people like you is that you all KEEP GOING. You keep pushing, you keep dreaming. It's just who you are. I am so inspired by you. Every step of the way. Thank you for being you and sharing your journey with us.

Oh Cece. No path is linear. You are so smart and full of passion for reaching this milestone that I know you will figure it out! I am on my own journey to purpose/career satisfaction and it is HARD.. but I look back and realize that I’ve come a long way

Don't give up on that book, self-publish it.

your drafts are not wasted, they’re simply waiting for a good fit!!!! ❤

It takes so much courage to share not just the "downs" but the real and raw emotions that go along with it. You've put so much work in to date and good things will happen. Many of us are here for you.

Silent long-time watcher and ex-Big Law writer. You so easily could have stayed quiet until you sold your book again and it is so brave and real and cool that you didn't. That authenticity and generosity will get you far. Not to mention your stunning wits. I remain so excited to read it and I know it will find a great second home.  This is just the beginning. <3

Your vulnerability is so powerful. I had a dream internship when I was 21 blindside me and tell me I wasn’t good enough for a full time offer, another internship, or a referral to another department and it crushed me at the time. I remember feeling so many of the emotions you described. I know there are other people watching who have gone through something similar who feel less alone because you shared your story. I look forward to reading your book one day. I think you’re so brave for taking public risks, and that’s something no one can ever take from you. Virtual hug from me ❤️

I'm so so sorry to hear this. I'm still very excited to read your book when it eventually comes out, because I know it WILL come out eventually. We'll be here when it finds a home.

As a silent watcher for a while I just want to say that your journey is inspiring to me (the ups and the downs). I also am in a period of rejection as I'm looking for a new corporate job and facing SO MANY rejection emails. I hope you continue sharing your journey through professional life in all of its beauty and ugliness. Your perspective is valuable

Truly respect the candor of a video like this.  All of this is a part of the process.  

I’m sure for someone such as yourself, who is used to being able achieve impossibly challenging things, this is devastating. But this is how this path is experienced for many.  

Take the time you need to grieve this loss.  Happy to hear you are already looking ahead to what is next.  
Someday you may look back at this moment and actually be thankful.  

In times like this we truly test our character.  And you appear to be of very high character, with grit and determination.  Everyone is rooting for you.

Don't underestimate how big your community is and will grow to be! As a person in the process of transitioning out of career as a software developer in Big Tech myself, your story is one that has helped me make sense of my own life. It's a narrative that is real and relatable, that people need to hear.

I'm genuinely not worried about you. I know you'll succeed and nail another book deal. Excited for your future!

It takes a lot of courage to share something like this, much respect. I think people in our era respond much more kindly to authenticity and realness than authority and overproduction. It’s hard to think of a better example of authenticity in a YT video than what you shared here. You alluded to it towards the start of the video, but it really is about the journey, and not the destination that makes us who we are. You got this!

I dropped out of grad school. I know the stench of failure. Anyways I say that as a preface to this: the reason it hurts is that you identified with being “a writer soon to be published.” You sunk your personhood into that identity. That’s like women who identify themselves as “John’s wife” and what happens to them after they get a divorce. So this divorce analogy is apt. Do you think you have a tendency to do that to yourself? I find that you portray yourself as “lawyer” or “failed grad” or “girl searching for herself”. And when you basically monkeybranch from identity to identity, you are in fact attaching your value to an outcome even when you don’t think you are. I’m 30 years older than you. That’s my observation about you. Fact. My opinion about it is that it’s very unhealthy. I mean it’s levels of meta belly button gazing. Writers write because they have a story to tell. Regardless of whether anyone is there to read it. For the same reason artists produce art. If you were going to identify as a writer, then write for the right reasons. I’m a lawyer because I love the idea of laws. I do it when people pay, when they don’t pay, I like it. I read about it, I think about it, even when I don’t have to. But that’s not my identity. Avoid putting your value into what you do that depends on other people for validation.

Cece, this is not a failure on your end. There are so many factors that go into these decisions that have nothing to do with the writing itself. You should be so proud of yourself for your courage and immense hard work and dedication. Don't give up – you'll get to where you want to be. Sending hugs ❤

I really admire your courage Cece. You are brilliant and have so much more blessings coming for you. Have you considered self publishing? I want to read your book!!! Your audience loves you writing so why do t you take a chance on us? Sending you love and light. Excited for your success 💕💕

Oh my goodness I teared up listening to you Cece. I swear your stories and writing is 1000% going to blow everyone away. Your writing deserves to be published and way more. Keep going! Idk what I can do to support but u have my number! I love the way you speak, the way you write, the way you see the world and express it to us through your online work. Your voice is meaningful and strong. You will make it. It’s not a matter of if but when!! Sending love!!! ❤❤❤

As a fellow perfectionist, I truly empathize. Having followed your journey from afar, I believe you'll emerge from this deep pain wiser. The blanket of shame tethering you right now is heavy—but that weight means the slow, deliberate process of removing it will make you stronger. I hate for this to sound like toxic positivity, because that isn't my intent. You've already done so many extraordinary things. Surrendering control over the outcome of your project—and confronting your own human fallibility—is daunting. But it's also inherent to the creative process. And it makes me respect you even more for having the courage and grace to share this part of your story ❤

You are so strong cece, its okay. Your book deserves to be read, and it will be read. Dont worry.

Hi Cece. From the deepest part of my heart, I want to say that I think you are wonderful. We’re all a little afraid of ourselves because we’re all afraid of rejection. There are parts of me that I also can’t face. You have done what so many wish they had the courage to do. You inspired me to face the truth that I didn’t really want to be a lawyer. I’m still trying to reach my dreams, and I’m so happy I didn’t go to law school. Please do not quit. Rejection is NORMAL. Just flip your hair and KEEP GOING! I would totally buy your book.