Hello everyone and Happy Mother’s Day!
“Wait, who is that,” you ask? Ani who? Ani-the-seemingly-nice-author-who-dropped-off-the-face-of-the-earth-and-left-us-with-no-story? That bitch! Yep, it’s me. Really me and not the zombie-like creature that I practically became for quite a while. A hideously long while. I know it has been forever since I have posted here and, after you yell at me some more, I hope you say “ok, fine, welcome back! We sort of missed you, too.” Because I really missed you . . . And because I think my news will make you happy.
Half-jokes aside, I wanted to thank every single one of you who dropped me a line during this absence, and checked in on me, Aiden, and Elisa. All your messages meant a lot to me during a very hard personal time. I won’t bore you or waste your time with the gory details (nor do I really want to revisit them) but I promise I had good reasons, which kept piling up in what appeared to be some sick joke. I’ll be honest (and really embarrassed) to admit that I gave up on quite a few things, and dreams—like writing is for me—have a way of being the first ones to go. And the most painful ones to hold on to. I don’t know why that is, but I now know how to get past it: with friends and family and actually learning to accept some goddamn help! It sounds cheesy and simple but it’s the truth. So slowly but surely, things got better. A lot better! And now, I know what to do next time the universe plots a merciless shitstorm on me or anyone I love. 🙂 Some day, I may even write about it. But—as Elisa would say—not today. Today is only about happy news! And—aside from my family—I can’t imagine anyone else who would be as excited about this as you will be. Drumroll please . . .
THIRTY NIGHTS HAS FOUND ITS HOME! Yep, that’s right!!!! After months of editing and revising, preparing things like “book jackets,” writing synopses (eek!), taking author photos (double eek!), dealing with submissions, surviving rejections, rejoicing from offers, and learning about terms like “trade edition rights,” I have a deal for its publication with a great U.S. publisher and an awesome, kick-ass editor that loves Elisa and Aiden as much as I do (and that’s a lot!). Although I can’t share a lot of these details until we get closer to publication date (currently slated for Fall 2015!!) I’m very happy with it. Actually, “happy” does not begin to describe it! In the words of Elizabeth Bennet, it’s “incandescently happy.” I feel like it’s the reward, the gratitude, and the joy for everything that happened this past year and a reminder to never, ever, ever give up on your dreams! Take breaks from them, have some distance when they get painful, but keep writing until your little fingers fall on that keyboard from typing, ignore all the naysayers, especially yourself, and listen only to those who see your potential!! Because they are right! And trust me, some day, after rock-bottom, your dream happens! Not at all the way you thought it would (at least not for me) but it does come!! So at the risk of sounding like the movie “Pretty Woman,” keep on dreaming!! 🙂
NOW, the fun details… at least those that I can share. 1) The picture below is just for fun, we don’t know what the cover will look like yet. 🙂 2) Yes, my new pen name is “Ani Keating” (Surnois is really hard to spell… my fault, I thought I was being clever but why should any reader have to scratch their heads to find me?); 3) The published novel will involve scenes, dates and chapters you have not seen before, some of my secret twists and turns that I had always envisioned and hoped I could share with you but thought I’d never get a chance to (plus, if people will buy copies, I want them to get something new too :-)); 4) But it will be a bit shorter—those things you hear about word count maximums, etc.—they are all true. When the book goes to print, there is a huge cost to publishers so some things (as much as it wrenches my heart right out of my chest) have to come out. But they will be on my website after publication, so you’ll have lots and lots of materials to play with; 5) This novel—the story I had always wanted to tell—is the first of a series. Yep, a series. “The American Beauty” Series—I gotta admit, I have a soft spot for that name; 6) I am now a blubbering mess.
So again, thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope you are all as excited about this as I am. I can’t wait for all of you to finally hold the book in your hands, and who knows . . . maybe meet some of you too!!
In the meantime, I’ll be around. Although 30N and 90D material will be limited due to contract restrictions, I will have new things for you, new stories, and of course, the trials and tribulations of publication. Thank you for following me in this journey every step of the way, even during my absence, and thank you for the faith and loyalty you have given to me and my story!! Here it starts!!
Yay, I’m so happy for you Ani! I will definitely be one clicking this and will suggest the followers on my blog do the same! I’m so excited!
Thank you so much Kelmal! I appreciate all your help and good wishes. It was quite a journey and I couldn’t have made it without readers like you. xo
I just loved it! I really missed your writting. I even went back and re-read the whole story again. I cannot wait for the book to come out. It is going to be fantastic! Keep your head up, it will only get better
I missed you too darling 🙁 I’m excited for you to get the book – I have a feeling you will like it. xoxo
So happy your back you won’t believe how happy. Any way thanks for the coming back to us, we missed you 🙂
I missed you too!! So happy to be back and with good news too. Now working on sequel 🙂
Yay! I’m so happy you are back!! I’m going to have to re-read the whole book just to know where this falls in it.
Ha ha – I had a feeling you would do that. Let me know where you think… 🙂 Thanks for posting! xo
So glad you are back and cannot wait until your book is published!!!!
Counting the days with you 🙂
Oh my God Ani I am so thrilled for you – such fantastic news. I don’t think any of us ever doubted that you would get published – as was often said from the very beginning your writing is captivating and beyond standards of those already published. Well done Ani and very very well deserved. And I haven’t even read this excerpt yet – that will be left until I can sit in silence and cherish every word that you write.
Ms. Karbla, thank you so so much for these kind words. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my readers like you, who have always been there with a comment, a like, or just sheer faith. It means a lot. Thanks! xoxo
OH MY GOD!!!
Ani!
First, of course, big gratulations on the deal, I’ve seen your amazing work with this story and its finally being appreciated as it should be.
I remember when you posted it on FF and I couldn’t wait for the Sundays to come because I loved it so much…
Of course I’m going to buy your book! Your writing it’s so good, just the right amount of words and perfect vocabulary, I know that you have a life but please keep writing!!! I give you all my support, you’re doing it great!
I love the name “Javiera!” Thank you so much for your support and faith in me. I’m working on the sequel now — and feeling back in my jive. xo
Well knock me over with a feather!! I couldn’t believe it when I got a notification from you!! So extremely happy and excited for you on your publishing deal….should be no great surprise though. I know I’ll be just one of many you will be anxiously awaiting that day when we can purchase your masterpiece 🙂 wish you nothing but the best. Hope everything in your personal life has settled too. I really missed you during the last season of SOA! 😉
Haven’t read the excerpt yet, was too excited to write to you first…..getting on it now 🙂
Holly
Ha ha, Holly! I had missed your messages and our SOA madness. One good thing that came from my dark ages is that I couldn’t get tortured by SOA in the last season. What did you think? Should I go back an review it? I saw the main three moments of our torment: she-who-must-not-be-named’s death, Vagemma’s demise, and Jaxass’s fall. I had no idea how they happened but it felt good (especially the first two). Anyway, how are you? I’ve missed our chats. lots of love, xoxo
OMG!!!! Congratulations!!!! This is absolutely the best news. I can’t think of another writer who deserves this more. From the moment I read 30 Night, I knew I was reading something special. Something just utterly beautiful and moving. I’m so glad that others feel the same way too. And now, so many people will get to meet Elisa, Aiden, and Javier and fall in love with them too. Congratulations, Ani!!! I can’t wait to read the new stuff. from the excerpt you gave us, I see they are as beautiful as in the original version. By the way, I wish I were as limber as Elisa. Truly, I have missed Elisa and Aiden. Thank you for the excerpt and the new Aiden chapter. I hate to rush the time, but Fall 2015 cannot get here any faster.
My darling, you already know how much I appreciate you. Thank you for everything!! And I want you to write again. 🙂 And come and share our Gandy madness on FB.
Looking forward to the book, so glad you are able to continue again,keep well
Thank you Sally!! I’m on it. xoxo
Best. News. Ever!! Dreams do come true and prayers do get answered. Trying to decide if I’m happier for you or happier for us? Everyone wins this time around. I know Aiden, Elisa and Javier are completely thrilled.
Thank you for being persistent and coming out the other side. No one deserves it more!! Your book is already my favorite!! Well done, Ani!!
I.Love.Your.Messages! Thank you so much darling — I appreciate your faith and support so much. xoxo
Ani!! So very happy to hear from you and so delighted that you will be published! I look forward to buying it as soon as its available and hope you will have a best seller! If there is any justice in the world ( or taste) it will be a huge success!
Much love and excitement Cho (Linda)
Linda!!! I’d missed you!! Thank you so much for your message. I hope you like the book when it comes out. Can’t wait for everyone to read it. Even if it is not a huge success, it was just amazing to get it accepted. 🙂
Congratulations Ani! Am very happy for you.
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Thank you so much Glenda! Appreciate it. Give a hug to that one special lady we have in common.
Awesome news! I’m glad you were able to get back on track. You are probably so much wiser now! I am eager to read and re-read
Agh!! Well, thank goodness he was entering her world. Oh gosh! I love them so, and I am so happy that you have all found your rightful home. So, when you say series, do you mean a series of Aiden and Elisa stories? Or is it a series of interrelated stories. Oh well! Regardless, I will be there breathlessly waiting for every word.
OMG!!!! Congratulations!!! I am beyond ecstatic that 30 Nights has found it’s home. From the moment I read the first chapter of 30 Nights, I knew I was reading something special and beautiful. I am so glad that someone else believe in this story as much as you and your fans do. I don’t mean to rush the time, but the fall cannot come any faster. I cannot wait to see your book on the shelves of every bookstore. You deserve this! And thank you for the little preview and the new Aiden chapter. It will have to keep me satisfied until the fall. I’m so glad Aiden and Elisa are as beautiful and hot as ever. Jesus, do I wish my old joints could bend as easily as Elisa’s. Mr. Lulu would love that too! Truly, congratulations again, Ani!!
I can’t believe my eyes!. It’s so good to have you back!. I’ve missed you and I’m so excited and happy that all is well for you now. Thank goodness and all the positive spirits!
Thanks for being back with us.
Oh Ani Ani Ani!!!!!! I’m so excited for you! I had been checking back (stalking) just to see if things were ok. Welcome back and congratulations!
I’m glad to see you!! I have a question. Will you be continuing 90 days on here or will we have to wait until the book? I can’t wait to see a lovely little email or something posted here to tell us we can buy your first book!!!! I greatly anticipate it. 🙂
Welcome Back! 😃
Congratulations! Such wonderful news for you! Hurah! 🎉🎈🎊
Thank you, Ani, for giving this to us to read! Beautifully written as usual! 👌🏻
I really got excited when I saw your email. Congratulations on such wonderful news, glad that all seems better for you. Loved reading this.
Wow! Yes! I am soooo glad you are still alive and well and productive. I was so afraid something horrible happened to you and I kept checking every month is so for some update. Thank you for coming back. CONGRTULATIONS!
Wowm just wow, youre Ani, brilliant love Aidan and Isa, beautiful work yet again, congratulations
What a surprise and so much pleasure to hear from you again !!!! I’m so happy to know that you’re back 😉 Bon retour et merci !!!!
I just checked on your website last week hoping for something I may have missed. It always amazes me how in touch I am with the universe. Thank you for sharing.
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Congratulations Ani! I know you must be beyond happy with the news. I can not wait to purchase the book. I have missed the story so look forward to the publishing and of any new story you post on your website.
Kathy
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I’m so glad you’re back!! This was a wonderful surprise and I absolutely can’t wait for 30N to be published – I’ll buy an ebook and a hard copy! Please keep us updated and it is so good to have you back with us. I can’t even be mad, I’m so happy! Xxx
Wow Ani, was I pleasantly surprised to see your email! Welcome back, your have been sorely missed!!!!!
One of your faithful followers, Lori G.
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So glad to see you’re back and that you’ve overcome with such triumph! Looking forward to some great reading!
So happy for you. Your hard work us now paying off. I was so excited to get this email. I have looked for updates for the past year and had wondered if something had happened. It did, all wonderful for you. 🙂 I hope to read more from you soon. I LOVE this story! 🙂
OMG! I am so glad that you are back! It occurred to me a day or two ago that I was missing your story and was going to go back and read what was available to be transported to the world that you so eloquently describe in your stories. I cannot wait for your book. I will be buying a copy as soon as its available and devour it in a few hours… and then repeat! Glad you stuck with it – life can suck at times and I’m just glad you back. 🙂
So very happy you are back! Congrats on your exciting news! No surprise you write brilliantly.
I’m really glad you’re back, Ani. I’ve missed you and your writing and look forward to what’s to come. Congratulations!
Mahalo/Thanks, so glad to hear you are moving forward & that Elisa and Aiden are not lost to all of us! Good job grabbing the dreams back up! gec Sent from my iPad
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I am so happy for you and so excited to be able to purchase a copy of your book when it’s published. I have definitely missed reading about Elisa and Aidan. Thanks for the bonus excerpt inside the mind of Aidan. Please keep us posted as every thing unfolds for you!
Ani!!! Welcome back! So happy you are back and congrats on the book! So excited! I have missed you, Elisa and Aiden. Can’t wait to hear more. Most importantly, you’ve returned to your dream and look at it now!
Ms. Ani Surnois Keating –
Thank you for the Mother’s Day gift to all the fans. Yes, I am one quiet follower of your writing. Your continued chapters on Aiden and Elisa is what we have been asking for all along. You were missed when you were gone and now you are back. All is right with the world.
How can we order your book?
Your faithful reader,
Karen Brugato
Quickly, my mind remembered how reading your words is such an all-consuming, sensual experience! Wow. Wow. Wow.
I never had a doubt that this day would come, knowing it was merely a test in the art of patience. My sincerest gratitude is yours for enduring such hardships to get to this point.
My hope is that this rest of this journey is paved with twinkling Christmas lights and colorful roses (and Baci, and tea, and steak, and skittles) as far as the eye can see.
Congratulations, Ani. I am truly happy for YOU.
xWendyx
Ani…Ani…Ani…So, many emotions stirring within me. I want to cry (actually, tears of joy) because what ever was keeping you in quicksand, you escaped, you grabbed on to something. You were empowered by hope, love strength to plow through. I am extremely happy because you did not forget your readers. You came back and gave us a baci of your own for Mother’s Day. I am jumping out of my skin, excited that soon…I will be holding a copy of your book in my hand. Look how far you have gotten. What started out of ff is 100% worth the roller coaster ride. Thank you for keeping in touch and God bless you.
Congratulation on your publication date. I can’t wait to see it out.
Omg ani, I am solo glad you are back!!!
Love love more love
LiLi
Thank you for the update. I’m looking forward to more
I never gave up hope that you would continue what you started. I love your stories, you are a brilliant writer and cannot wait for the first book. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long between the subsequent one(s). Good luck and God speed!
I’m really glad you’re back and thanks for this special update.
I’ve missed you and your writing. Looking forward to what’s to come.
A lots of love!
ICE
Ani
I am so happy you are back…..and with such great news……fall can’t come soon enough
Ana
Let me first say that I read this a couple of weeks ago while traveling in Leeds, UK, Vienna and Budapest! What a wonderful treat while away on business. No children to feed or get ready for school, so I engrossed myself in your update, numerous times!
Just thrilled to have you back! So many times this year I needed an escape and thought how I would like to reread 30N, but knew you took it down. So I await patiently with your other fans until the fall when I can fall in love with your intelligent story once again. I knew when you came back you would have a deal in hand…. Congrats to you on a hard earned success! One question will the American Beauty series be Aiden and Elisa stories only? Or are you expanding upon other characters? Don’t let them take too much from your story it is fabulous as is! EL James has a huge book, so can you!
Congrats!
~Tara
Hi,
I’ve read parts of your stories and they are lovely! However, I’m confused. Can you please clarify the order of the stories? Which should I read first? Which should I read on the website, versus what is being published?
Thanks.
Mary
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