01-07-2010 – A Message from the Author
Hello everyone!
By now you’re wondering what the hell happened to Allison and why, why, why she dropped off the face of the planet. Did she die? Did her author suddenly suffer a blow to the head and forget all about the story? The answer is: None of the above!
So I have some exciting news and news that I hope excites all of you, too. If you’re still out there and still wondering what happens to Allison (which I sincerely hope you are), you’ll get a chance to read her story from beginning to end. There is a conclusion and I haven’t been withholding it just to torture you. I’ve had the amazing fortune of being contacted to turn Allison into a novel, and that only happened because of the readers, you out there, who spread the word about this blog. So first and foremost, a thank you from the bottom of my heart, your participation and reactions mean the world to me. I can honestly say that you’ve changed my life. How often does that happen?
The novel will include what is already here in the blog, but what you see here is only about half the content. The second half of the story will be available 2011 at a bookstore, internet, Kindle, Nook, reader, wherever, near you!
Now, I know you might think: “That sucks, I didn’t have to pay for the first half, why should I buy the book? You tricked me!” I can honestly tell you that the book will be more polished, more complete and, let’s be honest, a writer has to eat. I began the blog as an experiment because I love horror fiction and I’ve always had an interest in serial writing. I never expected to profit off of the writing I did here but I hope, because writing is my life’s passion, that you all can understand why I might want to.
And I hope you do buy the book, because select comments from the blog will be included as part of the story, your comments. The blog format will be intact and it should be a similar experience to what you’ve read here but with many new chapters and, obviously, an ending! You can also look super cool when you tell your friends: “I read the first half of that book before it was even published! I am ahead of my time, suckers!”
So there’s the reason for my (and Allison’s) absence. I apologize for not saying something sooner but it wasn’t really an option. I didn’t abandon you all for the hell of it. I understand if you need to hurl abuse, but try to understand that you made a dream of mine come true and that’s something I’ll always be thankful for. Please know that if you do decide to purchase the book, you’ll be supporting a very humbled young writer, not a scheming fat cat laughing maniacally behind a stainless-steel desk somewhere. Whatever you decide, sharing this experience with a bunch of generous strangers has been absolutely unforgettable.
I’ll be posting more in the future with updates, news and I’ll also be happy to respond to any questions you might have.
Allison’s story isn’t over. She’ll live in 2011 and I hope you’ll be there for the ride.
P.S. Oh right, there’s also a sequel.
Best,
Madeleine
January 7, 2010 at 6:57 pm
I read the first half of that book before it was even published! I am ahead of my time, suckers!
January 7, 2010 at 7:39 pm
You’re a beautiful man, Bruce. Don’t ever change.
January 13, 2010 at 4:42 am
Congratulations. I’ve always thought this blog was book worthy and I’m now glad to see I wasn’t wrong. I look forward to it. I have to admit one of my favorite parts of the blog was seeing the various interpretations of the folks commenting on posts. It gave a global perspective of what was happening and made for a more complete and satisfying read. Best wishes and cheers.
January 14, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Thanks, Chris. I never expected so many people to comment and add their piece of the story. I’m glad that global aspect will make it into the book and preserve the original feeling we had going here. :] Thanks for your comment.
January 14, 2010 at 6:43 pm
congratulations! i enjoyed reading the blog, and i’m glad that the story isn’t over yet. best of luck!
January 14, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Congrats, looking forward to the release!
January 15, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Congratulations! That’s really exciting – glad to hear you’re going to be able to take the story to the next level. I had always thought this would be a great framework for a graphic novel, but actually it’s even more exciting that it’s going to be in true novel format as it will likely mean more written content… lucky for us readers! It’s been a great ride so far, and I’m looking forward to snapping the book up as soon as it’s available!
January 21, 2010 at 3:35 pm
If I had any art skills of my own I’d illustrate it in a heartbeat! Thanks for your reply. I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated with the actual date of release.
January 18, 2010 at 4:45 am
I’m not surprised at all. This story absolutely deserved to be in print. I’ll always remember this experience as well, and I’ll always be a fan. Best of luck!
January 19, 2010 at 4:43 am
BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAINS
no really, I’m very happy to hear the good news. congratulations, you deserve it.
i for one, will be buying several copies.
January 19, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Thank you! Every bit of support helps and makes me feel seriously fuzzy on the inside. :]
January 19, 2010 at 10:02 pm
I just happened to look back here today because I was thinking about Allison. I used to check everyday, and then that became a little stalker-ish, so I toned it down. I was very disappointed when I kept coming back and nothing was new, but I still hoped that there was more to come. I’m so excited that you’re writing a book! I’ve never read a more engrossing story, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out! I will definitely be purchasing a copy, and I only wish it was coming out sooner!! Congratulations!
January 20, 2010 at 2:35 am
Thank you so much, Lauren. It’s hard to communicate just how difficult it was to leave you guys hanging for so long. I didn’t want to jump the gun and make an announcement before everything was set and official. I cannot wait to see what you guys think of the final product – especially the ending! Thanks for your warm note, it means a lot.
January 20, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Yay, i will wait eagerly for 2011 to buy your book as soon as it hits the shelves, t’internet etc.. Really really pleased for you, you are a very talented writer and you certainly had me gripped, good luck with all. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.
:):) and keep it up… 
oh and congratulations.
ps i also felt slightly like a stalker, i check quite often for updates, always with a heavy heart when there wasn’t one. It was fazed.net that put me on to you in the first place. God love it.
pps going to stop now before i start gushing!
January 21, 2010 at 12:12 am
It’s not stalking it’s… supporting! Haha, and I love it. Thank you for the kind words. I hope the book makes you happy and satisfies your Allison craving. :]
January 21, 2010 at 12:12 am
I will definitely be purchasing a copy of the book! I love the writings in the blog, and I have been hoping for more!! Congratulations on being published! (I am jealous!)
January 21, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Thanks, T. I feel so fortunate to get this opportunity, but really, without you guys spreading the word and leaving awesome comments I don’t think it would have ever gotten noticed. You all make this project better than I imagined it.
I can’t wait to see some reactions to the full text!
January 21, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Now we need to start taking bets on how long it takes to make it into a movie!
January 22, 2010 at 3:40 am
The only important question here, Ellen, is: Dream casting? Your thoughts?
January 25, 2010 at 4:32 am
I always viewed the comments on the posts from people all over the world to be one of the best parts of the blog format, because it allowed some of us to add our own little tales to the story. Of course none of that would have been possible for us to do if the original story itself weren’t so darn compelling. So, congrats on the book deal.
February 9, 2010 at 9:28 pm
I put a comment up a while ago saying if there was any justice in the world this would make you famous.
I like to think that I will be justified for making that comment.
Congratulations.