Choice

by Kennedy, Allison J.

  I would say the most important thing about a relationship is to remain open and vulnerable. Being vulnerable is hard; I can attest to that. But it’s so worth it. I wanted to show that in Alex and May’s relationship.

  Teryn: Why did Addison have to die? Why?

  Allison: Because you’re having that reaction. And because sometimes one storm comes after the other, and while we’re in it, all we can do is hang on and hope our ship doesn’t overturn. In May’s case, she had to swim for years until finding the shore. But even in the midst of that, she found the strength to choose to heal. No matter what, you can choose life.

  We’ve all made mistakes we regret. We’ve all had hard choices thrust upon us by the evil of others. At the end of the book, May chose to let go of the past. Have you ever had to make that choice? What does letting go and flying into freedom look like?

  I’ve absolutely had to make that choice. Letting go looks different for everyone, I think. Sometimes it’s as simple as waking up one day and deciding not to let your past rule you. Other times it’s a process; slow moving and painful, like trudging through a forest of thorny vines in hopes that you’ll find freedom on the other side. I think in May’s case, she will always be healing. But the important part is that we begin.

  Teryn: You’ve written three books so far! Wow! What’s your writing process?

  Allison: Well, I don’t outline, even though I probably should. An idea sparks in my mind and I dive in headfirst. This book was different, I’ll admit. I actually wrote it entirely one time before and scrapped it because it wasn’t honest enough. But most of the time, the story unfolds over the course of a few months and takes me by surprise in the process.

  After my first draft is finalized, I do a series of rewrites before sending it to a few test readers. Based on their feedback, I make corrections and change things I feel need to be changed. After that, it goes off to be copy-edited and formatted for publication! Voila!

  Teryn: So what do you plan to write next (or what are you currently working on)? Can you give us any details?

  Allison: My next project is another that is based off of personal experience. I will be co-writing it with a dear author friend, and hopefully it will appeal to YA and New Adult audiences! I don’t want to give anything away, but a few hints are: lies, betrayal, and love. Oh, and a guy who never really existed.

  Teryn: Coffee or tea?

  Allison: Coffee in the morning and relaxing tea at night.

  Teryn: Cats or dogs?

  Allison: Cats. Hands down.

  Teryn: Cold weather or hot?

  Allison: Cold. I enjoy winter clothing. Scarves . . . boots . . . (sighs longingly). Summer and I don’t get along too well. I’m prone to heat exhaustion.

  Teryn: Name your top five fiction books that have influenced your own writing.

  Allison:

  Little Women by Lousia May Alcott

  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

  The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

  The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

  The Hero of Lesser Causes by Julie Johnston

  Teryn: Those are all amazing books! Allison, thanks so much for this opportunity to peer into your mind as the author of The Choice. And thanks for being willing to tackle so difficult a topic. You’re so inspiring. Good luck on your next book!

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  Discover more books and learn about our new approach to publishing at www.booktrope.com.