Prior to be hired by Brian Frons (along with Jack Smith) as a story consultant to AMC, Alden was the head and former co-head writer for The Y & R. She started writing for the show in 1974 and took over as head writer in 1998 when series creator William J. Bell stepped down from the position. During her tenure she won a dozen Daytime Emmy Awards.
Lynn Marie Latham became head writer for The Y & R In 2006. Jack Smith, the other co-head writer, was fired in September 2006 by Latham. Alden likewise was fired in late 2006.
