Well, this is it. We've reached the end of this journey.
It took me a little more than ten months to finish Stealing the Groom (I was inspired to write a story focusing around a wedding because my sister was getting married), and I'm so glad I kept at it. This is the first book I've ever completed, and that's saying a lot because I've been writing since I was maybe eight years old. I'm so proud of everything I've done with this story, not only with the plot and characters but with all the fans I've recruited along the way.
You guys were the real reason for why I kept going until the end. It was your immense support and understanding that pushed me to write even when I hit a rut or fell into a writer's block. For that I thank you. For every comment and every vote, I thank you and dedicate this story to those that have followed me from the very beginning until the last word.
For those of you that don't know, it's in my plans to write a sequel. I've already begun to brainstorm, and there will be five stories in The Wedding Party series. The first was told in the voice of Elle, second is Cole's story, in the third we finally get to find out where Simone's run off to, and the fourth is told through Dante's point of view. The fifth, because she was such a well received character in Stealing the Groom, is Hannah's story once she's all grown up.
I don't know when all these projects will be completed, but I vow to try my best to write as often as I can. I'm really excited for all of these next few stories, but probably the most for Simone's because no one really sympathized with her. I've said it before and I'll say it again: there's more to Simone Mercer than just a pretty face. We'll just have to wait and find out!
Finally, many of you have suggested that I get Stealing the Groom published. As of now, that's a very distant dream. I'm only seventeen years old, and not until I'm an adult and have completely edited and transformed STG will I consider seeking a publisher. I write because I love it, and no other reason. But if I were to one day see my books in Barnes & Noble or something, let's just say I'd have no one to thank but you guys because you got me started.
I just wanted to take the time to again thank everyone. I really hope you are as in love with Max and Elle as I am, and enjoyed reading Stealing the Groom half as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Best of luck,
Stephany James
P.S: Comment and let me know which future story you're most excited for!