Never thought of myself as a butterfly before, but beyond a doubt for the last few months I’ve been inside my own special cocoon, reshaping and reinventing myself. Does that mean I was formally a caterpillar? Hmm…not one of my favorite creatures. Maybe I didn’t think this metaphor through properly. However….
Beyond a doubt, for the past several months, since the release of RECKLESSLY YOURS, I’ve undergone something of a transformation, or maybe an evolution. First I got word that my publisher had decided not to continue with my series, Her Majesty’s Secret Servants, meaning Willow would not be having her own story – which is why Recklessly Yours ended the way it did, rather than with Victoria asking her to embark on a mission. Now, before you feel sorry for me – and Willow – there are two things to remember: 1) this is a common theme in the publishing industry. It’s not the first time this has happened, and it certainly won’t be the last. And 2) there are so many publishing options nowadays that when the mood strikes me, I will write Willow’s story and get it out to readers.
In the meantime, as part of my reinvent I’m trying my hand at writing an American-set historical mystery. Despite always calling myself a “closet mystery writer” (anyone who has read my books will get this), writing a pure mystery has not been easy! I had to learn so many new plotting techniques – in fact I’m still learning. The book isn’t finished yet, but I’ve been enjoying every step of the journey. We’ll see what happens….
But even more profound a change for me has been taking on the position of acquisitions editor for Silver Publishing. Silver is going on two years old now and I joined them after they’d been up and running only a few months. They’ve grown, and continue to grow by leaps and bounds, and I feel fortunate to be part of that. I have to say, I love my job – I love reading submissions, helping authors strengthen their work, and the fact that even when I have to say no (which is always so difficult!), I can still offer insight into what worked and what didn’t, and why.
And if all that weren’t enough, I’ve also taken on the board position of Member-At-Large for my writing chapter, the Florida Romance Writers.
So the temporary end of Her Majesty’s Secret Servants (oh, I doubt those ladies can be held down for long) has meant new beginnings and exciting challenges for me. I’m still very much a part of the publishing industry, still learning, still growing as an author and an editor, still looking forward to whatever surprises the future will bring.
Have you ever had to reinvent? Was it difficult, or did you spread those wings and let the wind carry you where it will? And did you reemerge better than before?
To say that I’m disappointed we won’t get Williow’s story in an understatement but I’m sure we will see it in the very near future.
Lately, I’ve started to delve into the world of Regency England with two books I’m working on. Talk about a change from the contemporary mysteries I write. I’m finding writing them an interesting challenge but as with my current series these will also features collies in the stories. I just haven’t decided to what level they will appear in the regencies.
Reinventing is not easy, but you are doing a good job. I’m sure the sisters will resurface again when you get around to telling more of their stories.
Dear Allison,
You are an amazing writer. I love reading all of your books. The are wonderful. I’m salad you are doing so many things in the publishing world. I can’t wait to read whatever you write. You are the best.
Deena
Thank you so much, all of you. I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed, but I wasn’t all that surprised or particularly devastated. Sometimes you need to end something before something even better can begin. Anyway, I’m happy with what I’m doing, happy to be part of publishing where I’ve met so many amazing people, so I consider myself lucky!