Becoming an Author

By Allison Keeton

My debut novel, Blaze Orange, came out in January through Level Best Books. Truly, a dream come true, and I couldn’t be more grateful. After years of writing and submitting multiple manuscripts to agents and publishers—I wrote about this saga in a previous blog on this site—I finally had a manuscript that became a reality.
 
As I reflect back on these past ten months as a newly minted author and realize how many aspects of my life have changed, I am struck by both the highs and the lows.
 
There are many more positive facets, with the drawbacks few and far between, and instead of saving the best for last, so to speak—you may not read that far, anyway—I want you to know the honor upfront.
 
Below are just a few of the experiences for which I’m amazed and grateful.
 

• Getting to know the Maine writing community. The support I’ve received has been remarkable—invitations to events, welcomed into the fold, tips on improving sales, sharing of contacts—one of my best advocates is a fellow Bestie, Matt Cost, but note, Matt was good to me BEFORE either of us were a Bestie. I met him six years ago at a writers’ conference. That’s how you know someone is genuine!
• Being able to finally wear the Author badge. I’ve been writing since I was seven. Having a published work is a validation I craved.
• Knowing that future ideas actually have a home. I find I’m now writing future books in the series with more purpose than simply writing “in the dark” and hoping someone will read them one day.
• Having confidence in additional projects. Besides having my first six novels still sitting “in a drawer,” unsold, waiting for possible rewrites, I also have outlines for completely new works too that I’m excited to start. Being published has only increased my ideas.
• Realizing I can juggle more than I thought. I do still have another “day” job along with writing Book Three and other works, and marketing Book One and the upcoming Book Two. It’s a good problem to have, and who needs sleep anyway?
• Seeing the excitement on friends’ and family’s faces and hearing their kind words. I’m especially awed by friends, both local and away, who have championed my book, securing speaking arrangements and book club invitations, and approaching libraries and bookstores on my behalf. One said to me, “I knew you when you were just ‘Allie.’”  I am still just Allie. I’m grateful they are as enthusiastic for me as I am.
• Having incredible experiences with readers. One person came to an event and whipped my book out of her bag. “I saw in the ad you’d be here. I read it, and loved it. Will you sign it for me?” I was touched. Others have come to speaking events to hear more about my writing process. Without readers, I would be nowhere. I know now more than ever people have to be extra careful on how they spend their money. To everyone who has purchased or read my book, a boatload of gratitude to you all.
• Being asked to be a subject matter expert. I’m now a contributor on a writers’ blog that I’ve admired for years as well as a participant in other events to give writing advice. Yes, I guess I’ve learned much along the way, and I’m happy to pass along what I can. Writing is a craft that can be taught. Patience, tenacity, and the joy of editing also have to be groomed.

 
Now to address the downside of this new author experience. It’s hard to believe there would be any lows, but sadly, some folks have vanished from my life since Blaze Orange came out. Yes, I considered some of these folks my friends. It’s hard to believe that some people actually didn’t want me to succeed. Perhaps they had me pegged to play a certain role in their own life, or they’re not seeing changes for themselves, and thus, they can’t witness someone else’s change. I need to point out that none of these people are fellow writers. All of the writers I know have been amazing.
 
The last note to add, although it’s not a deep low, does gnaw at me. Most people only see the end product. They may not know the struggle to write a novel, and submit it, and then to have it actually be accepted for publication, and then to appear on a bookshelf.  It may look to some like I’m an “overnight” success when it has taken decades of work to get to this place.
 
Overall, however, I am happy with this year beyond words. Thank you, Level Best Books, for being the home that you are for me and many other writers.  I look forward to next year “on the circuit” with two published books, more to juggle, and more ideas to bring to life.
 
 Allison Keeton lives in Maine with her muse, Tom, and their two dogs. 
She has twice been accepted into Rutger University’s invitation-only writers’ conference and is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. Additionally, she received an MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University.
Besides writing mysteries, she has written numerous business articles and published a book on job hunting called Ace that Interview. She also writes a creative non-fiction blog, Largest Ball of Twine.    
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