Dear readers and writers,
It was around age thirty that I decided I was going to start writing a novel for real. If not now, when? I also resolved that I would try to have a book contract by forty. Historically, my self-imposed writing deadlines were, shall we say, less than realistic. “Novel published by age sixteen” was never going to come to fruition the way I wanted it to, not in the 90’s. So giving myself a decade to write a novel and get it picked up by a publisher seemed eminently reasonable. Gratuitous, even.
For those who have been following for a while now, you know that goal seemed close enough to touch, in 2019. I had a finished manuscript, an enthusiastic agent, and my book was on sub. That was the same year I decided to start this newsletter.
Then the pandemic hit. The publishing landscape changed. Publishers went radio silent. My agent’s ability to show up for me disintegrated. And my ability to write in the same nose-to-the-grindstone way felt more and more futile. This newsletter was a life line, a place where I could show up, write a little something, and help writers connect with each other and the industry. But that dream of a book-before-forty seemed impossible. I had run a good part of the publishing gauntlet and been sent back to the starting line. I wasn’t sure I could make it the rest of the way, especially not by the big 4 - 0.
Then last fall, at age 39, one of my new Viable Paradise friends floated the idea: what if we put together an anthology?
So turns out I did get to publish a book just as I enter this new decade, but it doesn’t look like how I thought it would. It’s not a novel and it’s not traditionally published. It didn’t require an agent, only a team of enthusiastic, invested writers with enough know-how and try-hard energy to figure out how to publish it ourselves. But it is the gift that keeps on giving — allowing me to bring all my publishing and marketing-know-how to bear on a project I care about; to write a short story that may be one of the best things I’ve written; to get the courage to write and publish elsewhere; to feel like a meaningful member of my writing groups again. To realize that all these years of developing community and professional relationships does pay off. And that I get to share a table of contents will some pretty brilliant writers.
My friends, it’s finally here: New Year, New You is officially available to order pretty much where ever you like to buy your books. If you backed our Kickstarter waaaaay back in February, you should be getting your rewards soon, if you haven’t already.
So in honor of my big birthday and this book’s big birthday AND this newsletter’s birthday, I’ve got some gifts:
Free, for you, right now:
Of course, I definitely see this story as my gift to the world. If you haven’t read it yet, enjoy!
Check out the exclusive audio excerpt (above) of the opening pages of my anthology story, “All the Time in the World and None at All.” Subscribers who supported New Year, New You during its inception received the full version! If you too supported the book (backed the kickstarter! pre-ordered! shared on socials! added to your Goodreads TBR!) but just forgot to send me proof (or to subscribe!) I still want to send the full audio your way, so please reach out! In the meantime, enjoy this taste of what my story (and the collection) have in store.
Giveaways
I’m giving away a FREE New Year, New You care package, including the custom jellyfish bookmark and calendar that were only available to Kickstarter backers, plus some other goodies. Comment on this post with how your new year resolutions are going (no matter how gentle) or what ones you plan to make in 2025 to be entered in the random drawing for book + swag!
Finally, because this is a big birthday, I am giving away one 90-minute small group session. You can choose from several different publishing topics (Voice, Audience, Paths to Publishing) or craft topics (Spec Fic v. Lit Fic, Worldbuilding, Language) and I’ll teach you and seven of your closest bookish buddies all about it, along with exercises and discussion. If you’re interested, please fill out this quick form. Don’t self reject! There’s never as many people who enter these things as you think!
Want to give me a gift?
Share about the anthology: add it to your Goodreads, request it be added to your local library, recommend it to a friend or on social media, and/or, if you love it, be sure to leave a review (Goodreads | Amazon)
Refer a friend to this newsletter
Donate to Hurricane Helene & Hurricane Milton relief efforts.
Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, just to say hi.
Read a poem that fills you up (some faves: Fall | I Saw Myself | The Quiet World)
Take care of yourself <3
Hope you’re able to give yourself the gift of a little TLC this week. Thanks for being here.
~Allison
Writer & Marketing Coach
Keep Writing, Keep Connecting! Substack | Facebook | Website | BlueSky | Anthology
Like what you read? Thanks so much for your support! Continue to show the love by hitting that heart button, subscribing, leaving a comment, and/or passing it along!
Share this post