This is a work in progress, much like myself. 
Last update: August 16, 2011
Basic info: My name is Alayne, I’m 28, married, and live outside of Boston, Massachusetts. My beautiful bookworm-in-the-making was born on June 9, 2011. I have a BA from Emerson College in Media Arts with a minor in Fiction. I also have a Certificate of Achievement in Literary Publishing from Emerson College which I received in July 2010.
Why this: I adore books. I love reading and reviewing them on this website, I love seeing trends rise and fall, I love finding out about new books and discovering old ones. I read most types of fiction, and pick my next book based on what I have to review, and wherever my fancy takes me.
I think I’m unnaturally fond of my books and my bookshelves. I sometimes become very anxious thinking about everything I want to read and re-read, because I know I’d have to live to be a billion to get to them all, that or someone needs to stop publishing books so I can catch up. Either scenario is unlikely, so I can only hope to read as many darn books as possible in my lifetime.
What’s next: I’m currently writing a book, but it’s a long way from being finished. In the meantime I’ve launched an independent press. Rozlyn Press is a small press for female fiction novelists. Our first novel was released this summer, and our next novel is scheduled for early 2012. You can find Rozlyn here on Facebook and at www.rozlynpress.com.
Additional: I offer freelance editorial advice for interested authors with fiction manuscripts. All specifications and compensation are negotiable; I’m happy to do as little or as much editing as you ask. Feel free to email me at Alayne@thecrowdedleaf.com if you have any questions. References available on request.
Alayne, that was like reading my own bio. If you ever do find a way to get paid for reading books let me know – I’d give up my job in a heartbeat to read and review for a living (can you imagine what bliss that would be).
I really understand the anxiety over reading books…there is so much out there I want to read but know I will never have the time!
wow! did you write my bio too?!?
I have a room FULL of books, most I’ve read, but a few I have not and it stresses me to no end!
By the way, I love your site but I cannot find anywhere to follow you in my google reader…am I missing it somewhere? My contacts are somewhat covered in yellow due to the extremely HIGH pollen count here in North GA! =]
Alayne, you sound like a woman after my own heart. I live for books and there is never enough time, and always too many to read, so I hopelessly collect too many, but enjoy every minute of it. Looking forward to reading your reviews.
The stress of too many books and too little time is what made me quit a job at Waldenbooks back in college. Shelving books would take too long as I found myself reading every single dustjacket and ending up with anxiety as I realized there would never be enough time to read them all, no matter how many lists I made.
I like you Alayne
you sound like me. My books and my stocked bookshelves are my most precious possessions.