Aligned Volume 2

Title: Aligned
Published On: Nov 30 2015
Pages: 96
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SYNOPSIS

My mind is a mess.
I can’t live this way anymore. He thinks I’ve told him the worst, but I’ve barely told him anything at all.
I can’t love Landon.
He just brings more confusion. I need to leave. Then I can break through the chaos that haunts me.
— —
My mind has never been so clear.
I’m writing new songs faster than ever before. I’m falling for her, even as the secret that I’ve kept hidden for years threatens to reveal itself.
I can’t love Alex.
Everyone will know I’m a monster. I’ll stay away. It’s the only way.
***Aligned: Volume 2 is the second novella in a four part contemporary romance series. Volumes 3 & 4 will be full length novels Coming Spring 2016. ***

“Let me help you,” he says.

“You can’t.” I turn away from Landon. If I keep looking at him, I’ll give in and destroy both of our lives. I can’t do that. I just need him gone, out of my life, so I can live my life — alone.

“Just go,” I say still not looking at him. I can feel his eyes on me; he wants to say more, but he doesn’t move.

I close my eyes tight to keep the tears at bay. How can I still need to cry after all the tears that have already fallen tonight? “Please,” I beg.

I hear Landon get up from the bed, but I don’t dare open my eyes and reveal my pain. I don’t dare look at Landon to see his pain. I just keep them closed trying not to think about how lonely I’m going to feel a few minutes from now. I feel his wet lips brush against my cheek.

“Good-bye, Alexa,” he says. I wince at the words. When I hear the door close, I open my eyes. He’s gone. Just like everyone else I have ever loved, but I don’t love Landon. I didn’t fall for him yet, so really, I’m preventing the pain before it starts. This pain is bearable. This pain I will get over. I let the tears come as I use the crutches Landon leaned against the bed next to me to find my purse on the counter in the kitchen. I ruffle through it until I find the little piece of green fabric. The only comfort I will have tonight. I carry it back to bed with me, taking deep breaths, trying to find his scent that still lingers on the silk. No matter how long I lie here breathing in his scent, it doesn’t bring back any new memories. Just the same painful memories of the accident I’m never going to escape.

Why did you decide to become a writer?

I loved reading every since I was a child and always dreamed of telling stories other people enjoyed reading. I worked for a school district as an occupational therapist and had a summer off and decided to spend it writing a book.

Who/what are your writing inspirations?

Other authors are what inspire me the most. My favorites are Colleen Hoover, Pepper Winters, Laurelin Paige, and JA Huss.

What are your favorite genres to read?

Anything that has a romance in it. Romance, suspense, young adult are my favorites.

Favorite writing food / snack?

I always have a cup of tea next to me and I love munching on strawberries.

What do you hope readers take away most from your writing?

I just hope they were able to escape into the world for just a little bit.

Who’s the favorite character of yours that you’ve written and why?

My favorite character to write so far has been Caroline. I liked writing a character that the readers hated but I hope by the end of the series will be able to understand her a little better and maybe even like her.

What is your writing style? Outliner/Planner or Seat of the Pantser?

I’m a planner and then when I sit down to write everything goes out the window and then I have to outline again.

If someone wanted to become a writer, what tips would you give to them?

Read as many books as you can in your genre. Listen to podcasts on writing there are a lot of great ones out there. And start writing now and keep writing until you accomplish your goals.

If you could collaborate with any other author (living, dead, or undead) who would that be and why?

Colleen Hoover because she’s amazing.

If you weren’t a writer, what would you do?

I would continue to work as a pediatric occupational therapist.

Is there a character that has the most “You” in them? Or the opposite of you?

I would say Kinsley in my latest book Maybe Yes has the most me in her. I used to be a very indecisive child and that is where the inspiration for her indecisiveness comes from. Although the rest of the character is the complete opposite of me. I’m not girly like she is. I didn’t grow up with lots of money. And I wasn’t nearly as naïve as she is.

Is Ella Miles a pen name? If so, why did you pick it?

Yes Ella Miles is a pen name. I chose Ella because my favorite book as a child was Ella Enchanted. And Miles is my husband’s first name.