Well... I guess Holly's gone and done it, as per usual!
'Fake it Till You Make It' has been wildly more popular than I ever expected, and for that I am eternally grateful to all of you who have read and commented on it. As we head toward the final chapter of the book, I have some news... and thoughts I would like to share with you, my wonderful readers.
First up, This end is not the end... The second installment has already begun to hit paper, tentatively titled 'Don't Fuck It Up.' Charting Holly Winters' journey as a private school girl with all the joy, tears and chaos it involves. Oh boy, this one is going to be a riot... I'm only a chapter in so far, and it already is careening off the tracks at the speed of a Dew-powered Racoon on rollerskates.
To think that 'Fake It' started as a short satirical first-person writing exercise that I never planned to post, it's become my longest work and most cherished. 212,490 words... bloody hell.
Will there be a third 'Fake It' book after DFIU? Technically yes, though it has no title... right now my mental framework for the Hollyverse (How am I writing a universe, wtf) is thus:
Book 1: Fake It Till You Make It - Alex's journey to coming out as Holly.
Book 2: Don't Fuck It Up - Holly's journey as a school girl in her Junior year. dealing with being transgender and all it entails.
Book 3: Untitled - Holly's Senior year, growth, the future, An as yet undecided shenanigans filled adventure...
Book 4: Untitled - Holly arrives at Medical School - Dealing with life where she's just seen as any other college girl and not transgender and all the brainworms that entails.
Will they aim to all be as funny and similarly tongue in cheek as Fake it? Yes.
What's next? Well, it will be a while before I start posting DFIU, but in the meanwhile, I have a couple of shorts I've been working on, including a short/novella to sit parallel to 'Fake It'... The journey from Doctor Veronica Winters' perspective... Yup. All those moments and scenes where you really wanted to know what Holly's Mom thought? You get to find out now, right from the horse's mouth! I'm excited to share this one, it adds some comedic context.
Well, I'm rambling and I've never actually posted one of these blogs before so I hope you enjoyed the brief little chat and what I have to come...
Thanks for reading this and thank you so much for the attention you've given 'Fake It' It's filled me with joy to see its reception and enjoyment. I think it's my best work yet and one I hope to surpass.
Alyssa.
Comments
Yay!!! More Holly!!!
Alyssa, I think you’re too modest. Fake It isn’t just “your best work yet,” it’s one of the best stories I’ve read here — up there with the very best. Your narrative style is fresh and original, your protagonist is fantastic, and the story moves effortlessly from funny-as-shit to touching and deep . . . and back again. As an enthusiastic fan, I’ve recommended this story to numerous friends and will be delighted to read more of the “Holliverse.” My only caution is to give yourself room, as well, to tell completely different stories, with other characters that have different issues and voices. It’ll keep you sane. :)
Emma
I certainly don’t plan to do
I certainly don’t plan to do things in a row! I have 3 other separate stories on the go currently that have great potential… I really struggle to not write thrillers!
Notably a novelisation of A Mother’s Love… it needs it… and it’s epic so far if I do say so myself!
As always thank you for your kind words, you’re too lovely Emma.
I like Turtles.