Welcome to my New Website
Whew! This has been a long time coming.
The internet screams at us, telling us that we NEED TO HAVE AN AUTHOR BRAND and WHO ARE YOU? and WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? A big part of me resists this because I am so much more than one thing. I don’t want to be reduced to “a brand.” Gross.
But I also recognize the necessity of having a home base where curious readers (Hi! 👋) can get to know the author part of me a little better.
What is my brand? Ha! It’s just me. And because I like to write stories that tend to lean a little darker, I’m letting this website lean a little darker. Not brooding, but… thoughtful? A little cold (hence my photos in the snow) but also introspective and just a touch romantic (in a slightly tragic way). Because I want readers to know what kind of tone they can expect if they pick up one of my books. (Please pick up one of my books!)
In my professional life I have branded myself as cheerful, approachable, gentle, warm. And that is all true on a very deep level. But tucked in under all that sunshine is the place where the angsty poetry of Leonard Cohen and the angry politics of Joni Mitchell and the dark night of Stephen King’s soul dwells. This is where my writing is born.
Alanna the Publisher vs. Alanna the Author
My first foray into sharing my writing publicly began in 2010 when I started a blog as a way to exercise my writing muscles. That blog still exists, but became a place I rarely posted when I started leaning into my publishing career. I won’t shut it down because I think it stands as a living testament to my evolution as a writer. Yes, I read some of the early posts and cringe, but I also think that’s kind of beautiful. I wouldn’t be where I am today without giving myself that space to explore who I am and I’m going to celebrate it no matter how embarrassing some of it may be.
If I had to whittle my purpose down to one fine point it would be this: literary citizenship. I believe story is the most powerful tool we have and my ability to share stories—both my own and others—is why I am here. What I hope to do through my writing is inspire deep thoughts, ask deep questions, stir deep emotions, and entertain along the way. I am trying to capture the impossible. I am trying to define what it means to be human. And if you want to join me on the journey, I will welcome you with an open heart.
Now, take a little time to explore this place I’ve built. I hope your curiosity is piqued and I truly hope you’ll participate in some of the challenges I’ve scattered around the site. At the very least, please consider joining my email list so I can keep you in the loop about my next book. If you do nothing else, take a quick gander and learn what it’s all about.
