Introducing Myself
By Allison Winn Scotch | October 30, 2014 |
Hi. I’m Allison. I’m introducing myself. I’m a writer.
It’s an odd choice for the title of this blog and the intro because, well, I’ve been writing here for a while, and a few of you may know me. Also because this is actually my final post here on Writer Unboxed. But it’s also not so odd because this was the title of my very first post, written seven and a half years ago here on Writer Unboxed. Yes, after a very, very long time (ions in our industry), I’m hanging up my blogging hat. I’ve already done so on my website, and after much thought, I’m doing so here.
Why stop now?
Well, though it feels impossible, I’ve run out of things to say. These days, there are so many wise voices out there imparting excellent advice and experience that I trust that readers are in great hands. Since my first post here, I’ve written five books, published at three different houses, had four different editors, and ultimately, opted to self-publish. I’ve shared the roller-coaster and when I could, offered ways that readers could do as I had (or in a few cases, not do as I had!). But sometimes, as in all things in life, it’s best to know when it’s time to shut up and reflect, and I guess I’ve reached that point. That point where I’m ready to be a listener and apply this quiet space to my writing. I’d never have imagined it but the quiet space is comforting now: I gravitate less to Twitter, away from chatter and blogs and comment sections, totally content not to document every last thing. (When and why have we become a society who documents every last thing? As if we don’t document it, it didn’t actually happen.) To instead, save some of that for me. My characters. My writing. My home life.
Which is why I started this post with the same way that I started my very first post: introducing myself.
It’s pretty damn amazing to look back on my seven-year path from debut novelist to, well, I guess I’m allowed to call myself a veteran writer now. My career has taken on so many different shapes, and I truly mean it when I say I never could have anticipated the best of times, nor my lowest moments. And I offer that notion because as writers, we often define ourselves by our latest project: how did our last book sell?; did any agents say yes?; did any publishers bite? But ultimately, we should define ourselves by a wider span, by who we start as and who we evolve into and who we’ll be when we get to wherever we end up. Will I be a novelist forever? Gosh, I don’t know. Maybe? Does it matter? Maybe I’ll read this post in seven years and think: wow! Look how far I’ve come. I hope I will. If I don’t, I’m doing something wrong.
So yes, hi, I’m Allison. I’ve written five books and am halfway done my sixth. My sixth novel! I’d never have imagined. I mean it. But I’ll keep going, keep writing, keep doing what feels right – whether it’s popping by WU to say hi every once in a while or just sitting back and observing, which is equally as important – and hopefully, my reinvention will continue long after the next seven years. I hope yours does too.
Thanks for having me for so long. I’ve loved my time here and loved the comments and the insights and the support and even the occasional scuffles. :) I’m often on Twitter at @aswinn (though a little less these days) and Facebook on my author page, so come on over and say hi there.
Keep writing, everyone. This career is about so much more than just one moment. It’s about a lifetime.
Allison Winn Scotch is the bestselling author of six novels, including IN TWENTY YEARS, THE THEORY OF OPPOSITES, and TIME OF MY LIFE. Her seventh novel, BETWEEN ME AND YOU, will be released on January 9th, 2018. In addition to fiction, she pens celebrity profiles for a variety of magazines, which justifies her pop culture obsession and occasionally lends to awesome Facebook status updates. She lives in Los Angeles with her family. For more about her and her books, go to allisonwinn.com or follow her on Twitter at @aswinn.
Allison-
No!
And yes. “We should define ourselves by a wider span, by who we start as and who we evolve into and who we’ll be when we get to wherever we end up.”
That’s wisdom. Not how did my novel do but how did I do? Am I happy with the writer I am? Do I have faith in the writer I will become? To be a great writer is first of all to be a great human being.
I will miss your posts. I respect your choice. I only disagree with one thing you’ve said here: “I’ve run out of things to say.”
Baloney. We’ll just be reading what you have to say in your novels, that’s all. We’ll see it in your life and treasure it in your legacy.
Thank you. Journey well. See you on the road. (And Twitter.)
Donald – sincere thanks. I’m sure I’ll be back now and then! I’ve always appreciated your comments and insights, and frankly, looked forward to them. I’m off to find you on Twitter. Thanks again for your kind words.
Such a graceful farewell. No surprise. You’ve been a graceful part of the weft and weave of what makes WU a very special place, Allison! Thank you, for all the wonderful essays, and for sharing your journey, and for inspiring us.
Hello, and hello, Allison. At the end of the day, we have to do what feels right for us as individuals. There are only so many hours we’re given – spend them wisely. And know, when you need friends, we’re still out here, waiting to give you a hug.
Denise Willson
Author of A Keeper’s Truth, and GOT
I’m sorry that you’re going, but very glad that you’re brave enough to honor that quiet space that deserves nurturing and attention. A wise choice, and as Donald said, I look forward to reading what you still have to say when I buy your next book(s). All best.
Best with your new direction!
Have to say, Allison, you gut me every time you hang up your hat! (Here, and on your own blog.) Your guidance — although you may not have known it — has been so critical on my writing journey, and I hope it will continue to be, because I’m just getting started, and as you said, you, my friend, are a veteran.
Oh Sona, thank you. I really mean it and appreciate it so much.
You know already how I feel, Allison, but it’s worth repeating: There is an open door here, and you are welcome back any time. Thank you for all you’ve given to WU through the years. You will be missed!
Momma Tee! Close and lock the door before she leaves, and then, we don’t have to worry about her coming back. *smile*
Hi Alison,
I must say that I have been following you around for sometime now. No, not as a stalker but seeing what you have done and where you are going is a constant reminder for me to get moving on a book idea I have had since college. So just wanted to say thanks for keeping that fire inside to get me moving on my book.
Jim
WHAT!
NO!
I DON’T THINK SO. AL….LI…..SON.
I’m sorry, but there’s no leaving. EVER! The only freedom you have at Writer Unboxed is writing.
You are free to express yourself by gingerly stroking the keys of the digital character creation machine, but you (Muahahahaa) may never leave.
It’s not possible.
We are (I am) too selfish to let you go. SELFISH! Selfish, I say.
Your brain still works. We (I) haven’t sucked you dry, yet.
You still have knowledge to share. You can either share it voluntarily or………muahahahaha
I’m sorry that Therese and Kathleen never told you that you’re stuck here forever.
Muahahaha! Okay maybe not.
Bye, bye, bye, Allisonnnnnnnnn *sob*
Hey! Make sure you fill your free time with relaxing stillness.
You will be missed.
UNTIL WE DECIDE TO BRING YOU BACK AS THE ONLY BOXED WRITER. YOU KNOW, SO YOU DON’T LEAVE AGAIN *smile*
Ha ha ha ha ha, Brian! Okay, I promise that I won’t throw in the towel completely. (Not that you’d let me.) ;)
I’m fairly new, so I didn’t get to see the evolution, but I wish you all the best. I understand the need to step away and focus on yourself, your writing, and other things away from the blogs and the webs and the many voices.
Happy writing!
I have so enjoyed reading your posts over the years, both here and on your own website. Thank you, thank you for devoting so much time and effort to sharing your thoughts. Please know how many of us they’ve both helped and inspired! Wishing you the best of luck with novel #6. As always, I look forward to reading it. Your words and insights never fail to leave a lasting imprint on me! :)
xoxo, Shari!
I always admire people who seek out the quiet. All the best, Allison. Will see you around, I’m sure.
The path of life takes many turns and we must follow our intuition. I wish you the best on your journey ahead, Allison, on books seven and eight and nine and ten, and look forward to seeing you here in the comments. Thank you for your commitment and contribution to WU.
Allison, upon reading your post, I thought of when I worked in corporate positions and someone I liked would quit and I would immediately get a visceral, “I should do that too!” (And not being all that rational, I acted on that feeling a couple of times.)
Anyway, I think that old adage of a closing door opening another is true—and besides, as stated in the comments, you’re not really allowed to fully close the door here anyway. So you have two open doors, and you can always run away and join the circus too.
Thank you for your good work here, and best to your good work to come.
Good for you! It isn’t easy to remove yourself from the whirlwind of this social media world. Thank you for sharing. Be brave and kick some more butt, enjoy more quiet time, and experience life.
Allison,
It’s great that you made the decision to move on. New activities will provide new characters and situations. Being a new blogger, and my first time leaving a comment on WU, I’ll remember you as the writer who retired from the blogosphere so I can find a space. I hope I’ll be half as successful as you’ve been. Nice meeting you.
I always admire your work and your generosity in guiding other writers. This was a great way to end your time at WU. Will be eagerly awaiting book #6!