​The year 2020 was difficult. Despite its many challenges, writer Alicia Jones made the most of it.

A conversational storyteller, AJ casually builds relatable scenes using genuine emotions and unforced humor. Readers immerse themselves in her never-ending thoughts on AJsDiary.com.

AJ also uses her outlet to introduce her audience to accomplished writers from across the country with her “In The Writers Den” interview series. In addition, admirers can read more of her tales in Groov Magazine.

AJ shared some of her time with us by answering THIS questionnaire about her life in 2020 and what to expect from her in 2021.
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How would you summarize 2020?
The year reminded me of an ex who just wouldn’t go away. We had our time, it wasn’t great, so please just go on and leave my life to never return.  Just when I thought he was gone, there he was staring at me from around the corner. [Laughs] Honestly it was my year of great revelations. In the beginning I was doubtful, towards the middle of the year I was thankful, and by the end I realized I had tapped into an entirely new part of who I am and what I’m all about. The year was exactly what I needed.

Have you ever looked back on your life and wondered how you arrived at the place you are in today?  What if you had taken a left versus a right?  Did you make the absolute best possible choices for your life, or could you have done better?  So many questions, with very few answers.  At some point in time, most adults ponder over all of these things and even more before determining what course their lives will take.

Growing up, I was insanely shy, almost to my detriment.  I rarely spoke up for myself, my head hung low, and my voice was so light you could barely hear anything I had to say.  Being teased quite often in grade school didn't help with overcoming my meek personality.   From the way I walked, the way I dressed, to my face's shape, I constantly felt like I was fighting an uphill battle while going in reverse.  Many years after graduating from high school, I sensed a change in my demeanor.  Although still very shy, I began to embrace who I was as a young woman.  Looking back on the kids who teased me in school, I now realize it was necessary for my growth as a woman.  
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