ainsleyjames

My *first ever* monthly newsletter goes out tomorrow! If you'd like to sign up, you can do so at www.ainsley-james.com .

ainsleyjames

102K on Fated to the Vampire Prince?! WHAT?!  Can we just take a second to freak out together?! When I started writing this story over a year ago, I never imagined it would receive so much love and support. This milestone is a dream I didn't have, and I’m so grateful for every single one of you who’s been part of this journey.
          
          First, I want to give a massive thank you to my amazing editor, @KatieMcLean_. Seriously, you believed in this story from day one—even though it wasn’t the one we were originally working on together—and became its biggest cheerleader. The success of Fated is a direct result of our brainstorming sessions, your incredible advice, and constant support. Katie, you’re a literal gem. 
          
          A huge shoutout also goes to @HicksScribbles, who has been there to hype me up every time I feel like I’m drowning and whose comments always light up my day. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you, boo! You’re the best! (Also, huge props for helping me wrangle the 300th draft of Kingdom of Broken Dreams as I work toward my self-publishing goals! Superhero status for real.  Go check out his work—Wolf and Witch is a must-read, thank me later!)
          
          And of course, I have to thank YOU—my incredible readers. Your comments, votes, and constant encouragement keep me motivated to write more and bring Bastien and Claire’s story to life. Claire’s journey of self-acceptance, despite her fears, means the world to me.
          
          Writing can be a tough, lonely gig, but Claire reminds me every day that even when the path seems uncertain, it’s worth moving forward, taking risks, and opening your heart. We might not be the same person, but a piece of me lives in Claire—and I know she lives in you, too. 
          
          SO, I'll stop blathering about my book and get back to writing. 
          
          But from the bottom of my heart, thank you! ✨

ainsleyjames

@KirbyRenee thank you Kirby!!! You have been such a light, I so appreciate you!!!!
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KirbyRenee

You deserve every read! Your work is amazing!
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Misteryangel333

@ ainsleyjames   <3
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ainsleyjames

Once upon a time, I read a book, and it had a profound impact on me. To this day, it remains one of my favorite books of all time. 
          
          And that book is called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In in, Dumbledore told me, "It is important to fight and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then can evil be kept at bay though never quite eradicated."
          
          Later, in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, again, Albus Dumbledore told me that, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” 
          
          Later in life, I read a book called Six of Crows, where I read this exchange: 
          
          “Inej had once offered to teach him how to fall. "The trick is not getting knocked down," he'd told her with a laugh. "No, Kaz," she'd said, "the trick is in getting back up.”
          
          And while I am sick and sad and slightly terrified, I refuse to let it consume me. 
          
          Which is why I'm proud to say I finally opened Ainsley James Books, LLC. I want to keep writing stories with the hopes of bringing a little light back into the world. 
          
          xx
          AJ

ainsleyjames

@LNRoberts1 <3 <3
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LNRoberts1

❤️ good quotes to remember this week
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ainsleyjames

@WeepingConstance thank you!!! <3
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miladwrites

What is your advice to young authors/writers?

miladwrites

@ainsleyjames Thank you! This will really help me. :)
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ainsleyjames

@miladwrites this is a great question! Thanks you for asking! 
            
            I’ll try to be as coherent as possible in my response (lol)
            
            1. Focus on learning your craft and finding your niche. What’s the genre that draws you in? What do you love to read? Then practice, practice, practice! Your first book doesn’t have to be an overwhelming success, or perfect, it just needs to exist. 
            
            2. Surround yourself with cheerleaders. If no one is hyping you up or if they don’t believe in you, then reach out to the established communities here, like @writersconnx @bootcampmentors @dreamlandcommunity and make friends. 
            
            3. Accept feedback. Yes, your first crack at writing won’t be perfect, but we learn more from stumbling than from winning gold. Keep going. One day, it won’t be as hard and the stumbles won’t hurt so bad. See point 2 and commiserate with friends.
            
            4. Everyone’s writing journey is different. Your friends may get more followers than you, or win Wattys, or get book deals before you, but that is their path. You’re on your path. No one is as happy as you think they are—even successful people. 
            
            5. Define what success looks like for you. Is it to finish a book? Make money? Have an engaged following? You’ll never know if you’ve achieved your goals if you don’t define them. 
            
            6. Lastly, don’t be afraid to be you. Tell what makes you happy. If you can learn to do it in a commercial way that makes you money, then cool. If not, then at least you’re enjoying the process! 
            
            Best of luck!
            
            AJ
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