Good morning everyone, and Happy Day 11 in the countdown: It has been a week of great news in my world: First, Aestas Book Blog — yes, that Aestas, the Goddess of all Books–picked up Thirty nights in her to-be-read list. **Super-squeeeeeeeal** Second, I got my author copies in the mail!!!! 
There is no feeling like it in the world. Especially after a 15-hour long day at work. I can’t stop staring at them. And third, I did a guest post on NYT Bestselling Author and USA Today’s Bestselling Author, Delilah Devlin’s blog. I was a little star-struck for the whole process, but at least I managed to string two words together. 🙂 Please read it here, and let me know what you think. You’ll see one of your favorite excerpts there too. 🙂
ANI KEATING: From Fanfiction to Published Author—Five Things I Learned in the Process
When Delilah invited me to post on her blog, my first reaction was a fangirl squeal. My second reaction was a Carlton dance. And my third reaction was a complete, paralyzing writer’s block, which continued until last night. How the hell do I choose what to write on Delilah’s blog? This is Delilah! Everyone has been in bed with her, and I’m just popping my publishing cherry!! Oh, the stress.
But I have a generally-calm, down-to-earth, hold-your-hand-through-hell hubby who said, “That’s what you write about. Popping your cherry.” And he was right. With my first book only eleven days away, I haven’t taken a full moment to pause and articulate what I learned in this amazing process. It started out as a small story on Fanfiction, then it grew on my blog, and now, finally, it’s hitting the stands. It has been a beautiful whirlwind, filled with lessons. And because I’m a list person (blame my legal job), here are the top five:
READ MORE AT: Ani Keating: From Fanfiction to Published Author — Five Things I Learned In the Process (Contest)
I can’t imagine how taking out the eidetic memory in this story was seen as something positive. It drives the entire plot and makes Aiden even more fascinating. To us and to Elisa. Thank you for common sense and gut feelings 😉
Yeah, it felt like a real gutting of his character. I’m glad you agree. I can’t go back now anyway, but I think it was the right thing for Aiden. Thanks for your thoughts! xo
Really great post. It was a very revealing and earnest interview. I think for readers, we sometimes read the finished product of a book and not take the time to wonder about all the blood, sweat, and tears the writer had to expend to bring the story to life. I believe it’s a transformative experience; one that makes the writer question their talent, their sanity, and their instincts. How do you reconcile what you’ve imagined and planned for your characters with what you must change to make the story work? It’s a hard choice. It’s also a brave choice. It’s basically playing Roulette with your beloved story. Good for you for sticking to your guns. I agree with your other reader, where would your story go without Aiden’s Total Recall? It was one of the things that set him a part.
Thanks, babe! Sometimes you gotta follow your gut. I think it was the best decision for the story in my mind, so no matter who it turns out, I’m happy with it. It was a hard decision to make though, for sure!!!! xo