The TFC Anniversary party continues . . .

Wow, I can’t believe it’s actually been 3 years since I first started blogging here—it just flew by! And yet after reviewing my old 2007 date book (yep, I actually did that!) I was amazed at just how much was going on back then.

In short:

Fly Me to the Moon, Kiss & Blog, and Saving Zoë were all published that year, and I did book signings, library talks, school visits, gave a keynote speech, took part on a few different panels at various events, and continued to take classes, and learn as much as I could about this ever-changing industry.

I also continued writing Evermore on the side (I started it in 2006), and was heavily involved in researching Ever & Damen’s world—getting hypnotized, taking psychic development classes, reading lots and lots of books about ghosts, spirits, reincarnation, etc. But, since I was actually contracted to write Cruel Summer, and not Evermore, it was a while before I found the time to finish it.

And as good as this writing career has turned out to be, with 10 published novels, 2 anthologies, 2 novels in various stages of production, 9 more under contract—and hitting bestseller lists in a way I never imagined—I don’t want to give the impression that it’s been non-stop tulips and champagne swilling—because it hasn’t.

This business is tough. And the truth is, it’s just as tough to stay published, as it is to get published—maybe tougher! And all the challenges that come along have an uncanny way of feeling really personal, even when they aren't.

Since signing my first book contract back in 2004, I’ve had 3 agents (third one is the absolute charm!), 3 editors, 1 publishing house, and countless meltdowns.

There were days when I cried, threw things, threatened to give up, and thought for sure I was just days away from having no choice but to squeeze back into the fugly, navy blue, polyester dress and bunion-inducing heels of my former light attendant career because I just wasn’t made of the right stuff.

Luckily, my husband was there to talk me off the ledge and convince me to keep on keeping on.

And while I absolutely love what I do, and wouldn’t change it for the world, writing is a very solitary business, which is why being part of this awesome group of writers and readers here at The Café has definitely served as one of the bright spots!

So, as a way to say Thanks to all of you awesome readers, I am giving away a signed copy of Shadowland along with an “eternity” bracelet (pictured at the top) from one of my favorite places to indulge, Dogeared.

All you have to do is leave a comment, and a winner will be chosen at random and announced on March 15th!!

Thanks for 3 awesome years everyone!

:)

Alyson

Tweet