Writing novels as a career is an odd thing. I never gave it much thought the first several years I was doing it, because no one was knocking at my door to offer me a publishing contract—the old “don’t call us, we’ll call you.” But they didn’t. Call me, I mean. Once I got an agent, she said, “Just keep on writing.” So I did. I finished one book and went on to the next. Then I finished that one and started a third. It wasn’t until that third book was done (years after) that I met with my publisher, Sandy Barela from Celebrate Lit. I’d spent the previous few years working for my husband, so I kind of lost the writing muscle memory and no longer had my agent.
Now, here I am with my first book published, my second book at the publishers for editorial review and the third one still needing some tweaking from me. Sounds simple enough, right? I’d heard about the horrors of marketing from published authors—that it takes so much time, there’s little of it left to spend on actual writing. To be honest, that had me rethinking the whole writing-as-a-career thing. Fortunately, I’m not in charge of this journey—God is. And because He knew I’d struggle with this, He didn’t allow me to get published until I had three (almost) completed novels under my belt.
The downside to all of this is that I have the cast of characters from three books needing attention—make that four. I’m starting on a new series which will take place in Tennessee, rather than California, and the characters are just starting to take shape in my mind. All of these people are clamoring for attention, and I’m beginning to feel a little schizophrenic (not to make light of those who truly suffer from this mental condition). And let me tell you, they aren’t always very cooperative, either.
Do I sound like I’m complaining? Well, I’m not. Okay, maybe just a little. I’m excited to start on the new book because that means I get to meet new people. I know the characters aren’t real (most of the time) but I have to say, they become so ingrained in my heart, it’s difficult to let them go when the book is finished—like saying good-bye to old friends.
Surrendered will still be the focus for the next several weeks, but starting in September, you’ll meet the team for my next novel, Illusions. I’ll miss Tess, Jake and Katie, but it’ll be good to clear a little of the clutter from my head to make room for the new series—and I can always revisit them in my mind. I hope you’ll stick with me through the journey.
Comments 4
Since you were 11 or 12, everything I have read that you have written, I really enjoyed the story. I will be with you until you write your last book. I know writing is not easy, but you have what it takes.
Author
Thanks, sweet sis. You’ve encouraged me my whole life. I appreciate you more than you can know!
Oh how those characters take up head space. They come alive and beckon you into their world, don’t they? That makes for a good story.
I am enjoying your first novel Surrendered very much. Tess, Katie and Jake allow me to leave my world and enter theirs. Well done. Keep writing because you have the gift.
Author
Thank you for sharing this journey with me, my friend!