All Student Success Letters

Aidan Rowley

Dear Gotham,

I am thrilled to let you know that I recently published my first novel, Life After Yes (HarperCollins/Avon). To date, my book-an honest tale of love and loss in post-9/11 Manhattan-has received some wonderful praise from fellow authors (including #1 NYT Bestseller, Gretchen Rubin) as well as a very positive Booklist review.

Over the past several years, I have participated in Gotham's online courses. Most notably, I worked with instructor Russell Rowland in the context of multiple fiction and novel writing classes. Russell, whom I deem my “Montana mentorâ€? and thank for his keen insight and guidance in the acknowledgments of my debut effort, held my shaky hand, page by page, until my story was complete and compelling. I hope very much to work with Russell to complete my second novel.

I have told many friends and blog readers as much, but Gotham truly got me from dream of writing to reality of publication. In working with your incomparable teachers and fellow students, I was able to find my voice and hone my craft-all while raising my two young girls. I would never discount my education in this existential equation, but I am very much indebted to your wonderful institution.

Thank you so much for your help in getting me here. I am indeed living my dream!

Aidan Donnelley Rowley
ivyleagueinsecurities.com