A Different Version of Events (2)

by stagepageandscreen

What if the 1832 June Rebellion never took place? It's now late in 1834 and Julien Enjolras is losing faith in his cause and the loyalty of his friends. But then the unexpected appearance of a young woman has an irreversible effect on not only his life, but on the lives of the Amis. She is not a cause, but a trigger, a trigger that will set off a very different version of events.

49. Chapter 49

It's been many, many years since I last logged on here, yet this story remains one of my greatest achievements as an author. Because, dear readers, I am an author. Like, a professional one. I make a living as a freelance editor and writer, a life which all started because of this fanfic.

This story started when I was about 16 and I lost myself in it for two years. It was the first novel I'd ever really written. The warm response, excited reviews, and overwhelmingly encouraging response I received to a story that was, at the time, a niche genre of the Les Miserables fanfiction world, slowly began to convince me that I was actually good at this writing thing.

So, instead of finishing my A-levels and becoming a painter/decorator as I'd planned, I applied to study Creative Writing at university. And I got in. And I learned to write. And I got a First Class BA Hons degree.

I went on to complete an MSc in Publishing and then struck off on my own as a freelance editor. But the writing called me back. I began to offer it as one of my services. I became a successful ghostwriter. Then, after a few standalone books, I was put in charge of developing and writing a seven-book series. It was cosy crime, and I had a blast.

I turned 26 this month (March 2022), bringing it to roughly ten years since I first started writing A Different Version of Events. Last week, I signed a contract with a publisher to write a trilogy. A trilogy that I get to put my name on. A trilogy that will be printed and turned into audiobooks and be translated into other languages.

And I have this story – this wild, rambling, story of occasionally dubious quality and questionable usage of the French language – to thank for that. I have you, the reviewers and readers, to thank for that.

I would not be where I am without this book. Thank you for reading. Thank you for believing in me.

All my love, mes amis,

Elizabeth xx