~~UPDATE~~

My project has reached 100% funding!  But don't let that stop you from becoming a backer!  You can still help me build a better book for everyone and secure some great rewards in the process.  New goal: $750?  Let's see if we can do it!

AND: I'll be able to publish in both e-book formats (E-pub and PDF) so you'll be able to read it no matter what type of e-reader you have!  Yay!  

The Reality

It took me a long time to tell this story.  Nine years, actually.  I started writing this book several times, but something was always in the way.  Until now.

I lived in South Korea for a year as an undergraduate studying abroad.  It was an amazing experience that not only stuck with me, it changed me.  The food, the culture, but mostly importantly, the people I met.  I recently saw one of my old friends and I decided it was time.  I finally knew how to end the story, and from there, I could begin the story.  I pulled out a year’s worth of journals that I’d diligently taken care of for almost a decade and started reading.  And started writing.  Now I have a 241-page book that I'm proud to share with you.

The Synopsis

“Adventures of the Seoul” is somewhere between fact and fiction, based on the true story of my year studying abroad in Korea. The main character, Leila, is from a small town in Tennessee and is young and naïve about the world, even though she desperately wants to get away from home.  She certainly isn't prepared for the very curious cultural differences she'll face.

Leila also meets some very interesting people while in Seoul.  She makes friends with international students and Koreans, but one girl from Minnesota becomes her partner in crime.  They enjoy all that city life has to offer until one night changes their lives. 

Here's what people are saying about "Adventures of the Seoul":

• "LOVING it..."
• "Get people to feel your emotions and you've got a great book; and you've definitely done that."
• "It really is an excellent book.  It's wonderfully written and I had trouble putting it down."

Backing the Book

The goal of this book is not for me to publish one copy and let it collect dust on a shelf somewhere.  I want you to have it.  You can laugh at all the stupid stuff exchange students do (including some of my own failures) and maybe even cry with me.  There should be plenty of opportunities.

This is my second try at getting funding, but with your help I can get this manuscript into print.  Here's how the new goal breaks down:

• First print run for 50 books: $450
• Cover design: $150 
• Marketing: $100
• Kickstarter/Amazon fees: 5% each--> around $50

Grand Total: $750.  As you can see, I set my original budget below that total.  The more backers I get, the more I'll be able to pay my cover artist, create marketing materials, and make a nicer book for you to enjoy!

You can find more information and see pictures from my trip on my blog: http://lmaguigan.blogspot.com/

Thanks for your support!