My Publishing Journey

Lessons in Loss, Love and Resilience

What a journey this has been—and I couldn’t be more excited to share that my book, Always November: Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience, will be available for presale starting November 1st.

I’ve received so many questions from friends and others—some eager to read the book, others inspired to begin writing their own. To anyone considering it, I can say this: writing a book is an incredible and deeply fulfilling experience. Telling our story—of losing Alaina in a mass shooting and somehow still finding hope, love, kindness, empathy, and forgiveness—may seem unimaginable to many, but it has become a source of healing and purpose for us.

It all began with a moment of surrender. Hannah invited me to a women-in-fiction book reading at a local winery, hosted by the Napa Valley Historical Society. I went to support her. There, I met author Kristin Harnisch, who introduced me to Holly Lynn Payne. Holly and I clicked immediately, and just like that, I had a writing coach.

I had tried to write before, but I kept getting stuck trying to begin at Chapter One. During our first conversation, Holly asked, “Arik, how does your brain work? Are you linear and organized, or are you a storyteller?” I laughed and said, “Definitely a storyteller.” She smiled and said, “Then tell me 30 short stories.” Four months later, we had the majority of the stories that would form the heart of the book—and many others that didn’t make the cut.

After countless revisions and creative sessions to shape the narrative, we finally began developing cover design concepts. That process came together naturally once Holly and our designer Tom saw the beautiful portraits of Alaina by Sarah Lane Photography.

I’m so close to the finish line, and for those who’ve asked: yes, there will be paperback options and kickoff events. More announcements will be coming soon. In the meantime, please feel free to share my website, arikhousley.com, or invite others to subscribe to this Substack.