After Thought // Chance Sutton

Chapter Five

Three Years Later - 2017

'Lizzie Gold's novel is captivating the world one reader at a time. You fall in love with the characters, as you do with the writer.' - Zaya Bran, YA Author

'Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down. Such a good read.' -Brody Mark, Blogger

'I didn't know how truly beautiful a book could be until I read If I Fall. Love and life comes together in an amazing way.' -Yanelis Jackson, Author

    Staring at the screen blankly, I didn't have words. My agent, Amalee, put the reviews in front of me, and since I have been dumbfounded. People like my book, when I was so sure they'd think the opposite.

"You did it kid," Aunt Ronnie grinned, "you're momma would be so proud."

Wherever in the universe she is, I know she would be. During this process, when I thought quitting was the only option. I remember her words, "if you give up it means you never really wanted it to begin with." Now I carry that sentence with me everyday.

"Lizzie, we're so proud, everyone here is. We can't believe you're a best seller. And we have more good news for you," Amalee explained, "your youtube account has hit one million subscribers. Everything is falling into place little one. We have directors calling us left and right interested in getting this made into a movie. Everyone is stunned with your success, that our Los Angeles office would love to work with you on book 2."

I haven't been this overwhelmed with happiness in such a long time. One million in the span of two months is absolutely insane. "What're you saying Am? I'm moving to LA?" I asked.

"If you want too, yes. And don't think I won't be there with you, cause I will be. Headquarters thinks you have talent and we want to capitalize on that. I know you love New York, but LA has some of the best writers in the game. And if we can get this movie deal through, you'll be a multi-millionaire before you're 20," her words took a moment to sink in.

I do love New York.

I've been here for six months, what started as an internship ended with me as a published author, one of the fastest growing youtubers, and overall just a happier person. I met one of my best friend's, Dylan, and even my Aunt Ronnie followed me with her husband and baby in tow.

"I don't know what to say. It's such a big step-" I start, "but what the hell. Let's do it."

"Yes!" Amalee screamed happily. "Okay, I'll work on getting everything scheduled. We're thinking of doing a mini-book tour before that though. Just a few stops down the eastern seaboard. Then you'll have a little bit of a break before you need to start work in LA. Working on your youtube angle, you'll need to schedule a few collabs. Obviously with Dylan, but others would work as well-"

"Am, you're going a mile a minute. Give the girl a second to breathe." Ronnie spoke, placing a hand onto her back. "We'll get this all sorted in time. After tomorrows interview with Buzzfeed, we can meet up to discuss everything. Let's take the night off."

I smiled, knowing Dylan wanted to go out tonight. "Yes please!"

"Okay, okay. But I'll see you tomorrow at the interview. I'm sorry Lizzie, I forget that you're just an 18 year old girl and need to have fun. This is all so overwhelming."

"Soon to be nineteen," I remind her.

"Yeah, yeah. I remember, I love you sweetpea. I'll see you guys tomorrow," She said, placing a quick kiss to my forehead, and waving to Ronnie.

Throughout this whole experience, Amalee has been my guide into a world I knew nothing about. She's my agent, and my liaison to the Paradise Publishers, whom love everything I've done so far apparently.