This post is a lot later today than I’d intended because…well…on the day when I only have one slot, I also have so, so much to say.
One thing I’m grateful for: my family who always cares.
One thing that makes me proud: that I finished this book–even when I thought I couldn’t/wouldn’t/shouldn’t ever write again.
One thing that worries me: wondering if anyone will like it as much as they liked the first one, and…if they do…how can I make the next one even better?
One thing that excites me: the look on any reader’s face when they see a book they’ve been waiting for.
One thing that scares me: snakes.
One thing that haunts me: the very real possibility that this has all been an elaborate hoax and someday someone’s going to tell me that all this is supposed to be happening to some other Ally Carter.
One thing about Cross My Heart I absolutely love: the Mall scenes.
One thing about Cross My Heart I absolutely hate: that it took me sooooo long to find the truest fiction possible.
One thing I’ll never do again: fight–instead of follow–the story.
One thing this year has taught me: following your dreams isn’t for wusses.
One thing I wish everyone knew about me: when I say thank you for buying my books, I really, really, really, really mean it.
One thing that makes me sad: when people write off books by and about women and call them fluff. Personally, I think LYKY is about predestination and who we would be if we could make up our own identities versus living the lives other people have set for us. But it’s got pink on the cover, so of course it can’t be about all that.
One thing I really miss: Veronica Mars.
One thing no one knows about this series (yet): where the Gallagher Girls have been is no comparison to where the Gallagher Girls are going.
One thing I’m going to do more of in the future: laugh.
One thing I’m going to do less of: eat.
One thing I hope I never forget how to do: play.
One thing I can’t say enough: I have the best editors and agent in the world.
One thing I say too much: I can’t do this.
One thing I should never forget: I get paid to do this. I’m the luckiest person in the world.
One thing I hope everyone does tomorrow: honor the Gallagher Girls by being a Gallagher Girl–tell your friends you love them; thank your mom for being your hero; hug your dad; listen to your teachers…and spy on some boy.
One thing that took a year and a half of my life and tested me, and stressed me, and enlightened me, and stretched me, and made me better, hopefully, in many, many ways:
One thing tomorrow means: my work with this book is finished.
One thing the day after tomorrow means: It’s time to start all over again.
Thanks, again, everyone for being so kind, supportive, funny, caring, and good. I hope to see you all at the official launch party tomorrow night (Oct. 2, 2007; 7:00; Barnes and Noble, 41st Street; Tulsa, Oklahoma).
In the meantime, good night! And happy reading!
Ally
ps…super big thanks to Kelly for sending me this awesome pic of Cross My Heart on shelves at her local Borders!