Hey everyone,
Recently, a bunch of writer friends and I have been talking about writing anniversaries–or publiversaries as I’ve decided to call them. Mine, I just realized, is today.
Yes, six years ago TODAY my very first novel, CHEATING AT SOLITAIRE (which is now out of print and very difficult to find, I’m afraid) was released by Berkey.
Six years doesn’t seem that long, really. But then again it seems like a lifetime.
Everything was different then. Everything.
And, as I think about it, here are just a few particular ways.
WAYS WRITING/PUBLISHING IS DIFFERENT NOW THAN IT WAS SIX YEARS AGO
A list by Ally Carter
EBOOKS
This will be the one that everyone jumps to identify because ebooks are FAR more popular now, and that has given rise to a new wave of self-publishing, changing the very landscape of the business in many respects.
And yet those things don’t affect me in a way that I can concretely point to and identify on a daily basis. But I’m putting it on the list because this is the one thing that I think everyone under the sun would put on their lists.
FRIENDS
This is a change that impacts me on a daily basis. I distinctly remember, after I sold Solitaire, my agent asking what writers I knew so that we could go out and try soliciting a few blurbs for the book cover. My answer: I don’t have any writer friends. None. Nada. Zilch.
This is why I laugh whenever anyone talks about trying to “network” or “start a twitter to get their name out there” or anything else that gives the impression that this industry is driven by who you know. Because I knew no one. Literally.
Today, however, I’m packing my bags for a writing retreat with a bunch of writer friends. How did that happen? The same way that friendships always happen. Common interests, common goals, common parties and events and conferences and hotels and bus rides.
Of all the things that my career has afforded me, I must say the friendships are the things I find most precious.
ACCESSABILITY
In 2005 I had a blog and a website. Today I have a website, a blog, a Twitter, a Facebook, a CafePress store, a Tumblr (coming soon)–not to mention a whole host of publisher-hosted things that my US and foreign publishers have been kind enough to put together.
Authors are in an era where we live our lives more and more online.
Readers are in an era where they expect constant content, entertainment, and access.
Is this a good thing? I don’t know. But it’s a different thing. I know that much for certain.
GENRE SWINGS
When I sold CHEATING AT SOLITAIRE (in 2004) chick lit was red hot.
When CHEATING AT SOLITAIRE came out (in 2005) chick lit was ice cold.
When I sold LYKY (in 2005) YA was just starting to simmer.
When LYKY came out (in 2006) there were quite a few pink books on the shelves and YA deals were getting bigger while a little book called TWILIGHT was building quite the following.
And now at the end of 2011 those pink books are all but extinct and even the darker YAs are showing signs of slowing down as Middle Grade starts heating up.
The point being? This stuff changes. It changes all the time. Nothing in this business is constant, especially what is “hot” which is why trying to write to what’s “hot” is among the most foolish things we can try. (This, of course, coming from a person who’s pretty much been swimming against the genre current since 2007.)
WRITING
Believe it or not, the thing that I think has changed the most in the past six years is this: the writing has gotten harder.
Wait, you might say. That must be a typo! Surely after writing and rewriting and proofreading and publishing eight novels the actual creation of those novels has gotten easier?
Sadly, no.
With every book I write the stakes get higher and the list of territory I’ve already covered gets longer. So every time I must reinvent the wheel and make the wheel better and bigger and different than the wheel that came before it.
I still love writing and my job, don’t get me wrong! But when I think about writing those first books, I can’t help but realize that ignorance really is bliss. I had no idea what readers would say. I couldn’t hear my editor’s voice in my ear. I wasn’t worried about whether or not this was too similar to GG1 or if I should save that plot device for Heist 3. I was just in the moment with the characters and the world. And there was something very nice about that.
EXPERIENCE
My good friend Jennifer Lynn Barnes and I talk on the phone all the time, and I bet at least once a week one of us will say “publishing years are like dog years”.
It’s true.
As of today I’ve been a “published” author for six years–that’s two and half years less than I had my first day job; and yet it seems like I’ve been doing this for soooooo much longer. I think it’s because trends change and people turn over so quickly (I’ve had five different editors since I sold Solitaire).
Plus, every six months or so there is a new crop of debut novelists all sparkly and hopeful, looking at the industry with wide, innocent eyes while old hags like me just nod and say “welcome to the yard, meat.”
(Okay, I don’t call anyone meat. But I can never resist a Shawshank Redemption reference, so there you go.)
In fact, just last week I was talking to Jen. It went something like this.
Ally: I’m so jealous of *debut novelist*.
Jen: Why?
Ally: Because everything is so shiny and new for *debut novelist*. I miss that.
Jen: Yeah. You’re never going to be shiny and new again.
Yes, Jen really said that.
And yes, Jen was right.
Now, would I really trade place with a debut novelist? Probably not. I’m proud of my experience–my battle scars and war wounds. And I’m glad I won’t have to learn those lessons again.
But I do miss the freedom that I had in those early days. The possibilities. And mostly I mourn the fact that I will never get to be a debut again.
YOU GUYS
Ultimately, a lot has changed in six years. And I owe almost all of those personal changes to you guys. You supported the books. You told your friends about them. You got my sales to a level where I was able to quit my day job, write full time, and move closer to my family.
You are the reason I get to be one of the old hags on the yard–you keep me around.
And for that I’m exceedingly grateful.
So thanks to you.
And happy publiversary to me!
-Ally
Happy publiversary and many moreeeee *jazz hands*
Hey Ally! I am writing my own novel at the moment, and i am thinking of using submitting my query to your literary agent! I know I am only thirteen, but i have been practicing writing since i was eight, and have started at least ten different books, and with all of those i have lost interest. But with this one, i have been writing for at least two months, and i think this is the one!
-Bookworm
SIX years?!? That is awesome! Congrats! And FYI I think it’s better that your old and worn and not shinny and new. Stay Awesome.
Happy publiversary, Ally! It’s people like you that make me want to be an author someday.
Hey, I just realized that I have been reading your books since you were a pretty new writer. I started reading them when LYKY first came out. I remember really clearly how I found out about your books. I was standing in line at my favorite book store with probably five or six books. I started looking through the table with the book marks and stuff when I saw this book someone had left, that had a girl on the cover with the same school uniform as me. Of all the books I got that day (ones by Meg Cabot, Kate Brian and Sarah Dessen) LYKY was by far my favorite. You have been my favorite author ever since. All I can say is too bad for the person who decided, at the last minute, not to get LYKY.
Ally!
Happy Publiversary!
-Alexis
Yay Ally! Congrats! And worn and old is much better than shiny and new. My copy of LYKY has been read so much that the binding is beginning to come undone, but I like it better that way. It has character. Keep writing; we all love you!
Emily
I love the name you used! That made me laugh.
Wow, six years. Seems like yesterday you were hitting home runs in your day job. Now, you are a seasoned author setting the world on fire. Love it! Great reflection on what has changed. Thankfully, your talent is constant!
WOW happy publivarsery
Congrats!!.. hope you have many more
wow ally, that is so exiting!, anyways me and my best friend just got into a texting fight about who is better… hale or zach…it was a tie…just thought you would get a kick out of that!
Gabby
OMG. i have the same problem…even though im only twelve. I start writing one and every time i think ‘this is it. This will get me on Elen! (just kiding) and then i think of a brand spanking new idea and im like ‘yeah ill go back to that one later’ but i never really do
Wow! That’s such a cool story. The person who left the book definitely missed out! It’s better than mine. I saw someone on my bus reading LYKY and I asked her if I could borrow it. Ever since then, I’ve borrowed all the GG books from her, and bought both the HS
))
Happy Publiversary!!! liy ally!!!!! (oh, and i luv ur books 2 haha)
Happy Publiversary, Ally! I stuck with you since when LYKY was first published and I’ll stick with you till the end! I love and obsess over your books so much and I’m so happy that you get to do what you love now and you don;t have a day job right now! I supported you from the beginning and I’ll support you to the very end!Once a Gallagher Girl, always a Gallagher Girl! You’re books are so wonderful and you’re my role model; I hope one day I can write as well as you and I get to have my own publiversary
. Oh and you’re getting a tumblr! Yay! I kept thinking to myself that you should have one and soon you will! I’ll be the first one to follow you! I even have a gallagher girl and heist society fan blogs on tumblr!
CONGRATS ally
hard work really does pay off!!! YOU DESERVE IT YOUR BOOKS ARE THE BOMB!!
(PPPSSSTTTTT MOLLY)
if you are reading this i think it would be cool on molly monday to ask us about how we found out about allys books! everyone has a different story id love to read them!)
-nat
You’re making a tumblr ? yay ! can’t wait to see it.(:
Thank YOU for writing such awesome books!
You know, I used to write since I was 6 but it was when I discovered YOU that I realized I want to be a writer.
I discovered your books in June 2009(When GG3 came out), I saw an ad for GG3 and got interested and it sent me to the GG official website and I immideately loved the series.
Happy Publiversary!!
Ally you are just like Cammie . Did you know that?
You are the best ally!!!!!! your bookks are amazzing
Ally, I’m so happy for you! Congradulations on everything! Honestly, it’s been a great time telling all my friends about your books. The books make us feel that even we can be spies, too! You’re a great role model for writers and so are your characters!
Happy Publiversary!(:
Oh yea! That would be cool! It is really cool to hear how other people found out about them. Plus saying how you found out is like writing a mini one paragraph story.
For Cheating at solitary go to Amazon. Right there really easy. Kinda want to read it. lol
Ally you’re awesome!
I know! And then you go back and read some of your old work and it’s all crap! And then you start to doubt yourself:( But i guess all you can do is get over the crap, and bring out….. well stuff that isn’t crap!
-bookworm
YAY Ally! Congratulations!
I’m so happy for you, but mostly for me. If you hadn’t started writing then I wouldn’t be here right now. Thank you Ally.
Love you and many more publiversarys!
That would be awesome! I would love 2 read them to Molly.
Guys, to get your first book, it shoudl take like a year. Sorry to be doubtful and everything but it’s true. The book I’ve been working on, six years and still in progress.
The best thing to do is FINISH your awesome book. Then put it away for a few months. Then re-write. And repeat. Untill it’s really really really good. THEN worry about querrying an agent. Seriously. Worrying about agents before finishing and rewriting is like buying skinny jeans before going on a diet.
I found your books when I was eleven, looking for something Meg Cabot-y. Best. Thing. Ever. I’m now sixteen and you’re still my favorite author and go-to recommendee. My baby sisters seriously can’t wait till they’re old enough to read your books. (Sister: Can I read LYKY yet??? Me: No. You’re seven. Sister: I’m never going to be old enough!! Me: Allie Finkle can tide you over. Sister: Allie Finkle isn’t as funny. And she’s not a spy. Me: facepalm.)
Hey happy publiversary I have to say your books are the best. You are my favorite writer I think you have wrote many well rounded books but i enjoy Heist Soceity the best books. I am currently working on my own novel and I have to say I don’t know how you do it. But good luck on the new Heist Soceity 3 book.
hehe thats funny
j
‘buying skinny jeans b4 going on a diet’
well you never know! It all depends on how much you push yourself, and how long your book is gonna be. I am sometimes able to pump out ten pages a day. it all depends on if your idea is hot in your mind, but sometimes you end up getting real bad writers block after! AHHH!
-Bookworm
Hi Ally, happy publiversary! Thank you so much for becoming a writer and inspiring me with your writing. I’m only 16, but I know that your books, specifically the Gallagher Girls series, are going to be a lasting part of me. I remember reading LYKY and having it be one of those books where you think, “Yes, yes, EXACTLY.” It was one of THOSE books that makes you feel like you’ve gained something when you turn the last page. And one of THOSE books that makes you believe you’ve become best friends with the main character (: That series has really been life changing for me, and has helped me through some hard times and recently some i’ve-lost-who-i-thought-i-was-and-i-need-to-find-it-again periods. I’m writing this because I was thinking of a scene in OTGSY, and when I found it I wound up rereading the rest of the story until the end. I used to reread your series a lot until I made a bad decision (not illegal or anything, just personally) in my life to go along with something I wasn’t comfortable with, thinking it would be good for me, that gradually made me change who I was and left me dispassionate. This is the first time I’ve reread your series in around a year, and after rereading the deep life lessons and morals you have injected into your writing, along side of the humor and awkward teenage girl moments (:, I really felt something emotional again. Your writing made me remember that there is much much much more to a person that their outer appearance, and that life is full of great experiences that I need to go out there and find.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you SO much for putting happiness and hope back into my life with your words. Your wonderful writing style is inspirational and I’m excited for my sisters to get old enough to read your books. I’m super excited for Out of Sight, Out of Time’s release! I hope you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season! (:
Hello!
At my high school, I’m starting a writing club! This is so exciting for me, and it will be a lot of work. My goal is to present teens my age with information that they don’t already know about writting.
I remember a few years ago, I read a post on your blog about the difference between a storyline and an idea. The stoyline was called a Plot but I don’t remember the other word. It maybe started with a “p”?
Anyway…
Plot = events, the storyline
P…? = sort of the situation the character is in (EX. Cameron is a girl who goes to a boarding school for spies. Harry Potter is a boy who finds out he is a famous wizard. Bella is a girl who meets a vampire after transfering to a new school.)
I hope you know what I’m talking about!
Thanks!!
well, i feel so loved. But the sad thing about me being a BIG bookworm is that when i my BFFS recomeneded the Gallagher series, for example. She was in the 5th chapter of the first book, and then 2 days later after she recomended it i was finished with the book. I guess why she takes a long time reading is because she told me she doesnt want to finish the whole series too fast ’cause then she had to wait but i keep spilling / asking her on what she thinks whats going to happen. Then one day she said stop it ’cause i was driving her bonkers…ooops.
As long as you really keep your mind at it and keep the ideas flowing, youd be suprised at what you can do. And yeah, it does take a while, but do you really think you can write a book in a month? I wish! YES WRITERS BLOCK WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME.
OH ya! I wasn’t expecting to have my book done in like a month or anything! I just like to plan ahead with things! I just like to make sure that i know what the next step will be, before i hit a dead end!
YES YES of corse happy pubiversery day to you!!! you allways deserve every happy day any person can have in their life because you have devoted yours to making others happy through your books!!
Not to be nosy but I am super curious? what was ur day job?
Happy publiversary!
A FUTURE GALAGHER
Amy
Six years. Wowie! Congratulations. I remember the day when my sister, seven years my elder, came home with LYKY. She was so excited about it and kept reading the book jacket blurb aloud… Little did she know what she would end up doing to me with your books. (:
Happy publiversary to you!!!! I love your books so so so so so much!!!! and I Got my Best Friends to read them too!!!
Have a wonderful awesome amazing day
-Kay
Have a very happy publiversery day to you!!! Personally, i’d rather be old and worn, then shiny and new. Your books (my copies) will be very old and worn when i give them to my daughter (if i have one)or an adopted child, so Ally, no matter what condition u’r in, we always we love you!!! You ROCK!!!
<3 Primiss
Great post! I read LYKY five years ago, and as a fan, it has been really awesome to witness your success first-hand. Happy Publiversary, Ally!
Hav a bery happy publiversery ally! Great post!
-alexandra
p.s. quick quetion for the post like two below (the one of GG5) did anyone notice there was a girl named Mary? Sorry Ik i’m slow i just saw it yesterday
6 years? Wow. I feel like it’s been way shorter than that, maybe because the time between your books is such a blur and I just do not pay attention to those “between” months. And I love that you’ve been going against the genre current and doing a theme that is different from “What’s hot” right now. It’s refreshing and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next after GG and Heist.
Hey ally! I have read CHEATING AT SOLITAIRE and it is awesome. I got it from the library and my mom is the YA librarian where I live and she keeps the book hoping some day you will sing it and make it a collectors piece.
OMG! Your publiversary is on my birthday!! I love your books by the way!
Will you ever make a short story on how exactly kat and hale meet?