This year has been explosive for me. I decided, end of last year, that this would be the year I finally get out there, and start building my author debut. That’s not to say I haven’t tried before. But this time, it was personal. Before, I would get despondent when no one phoned, or emailed, telling me about that big cheque they were going to send because I had made it the New York top selling list, or did I have time for an interview to be in the O magazine, as I was on Oprah’s Book Club list this year.
Some of these things might still happen. But for now, there is something very satisfying about finishing the book, and seeing it on Amazon. Or being able to go to Good Reads and link a book to my portfolio to say “I wrote that.”
Reflecting on this year, Lulu.com has probably been my own biggest obstacle. They got hammered by Amazon’s new distribution ruling, and for the better half of the year, got back logged with rechecking all the books to ensure they met the new requirements. Out of the three books I’ve written this year, only one was published on time. The second hanged, and hanged till eventually I wrote an email to them. The third one also hanged for more than what was necessary, but I’m happy to report that all three books are now available. My only compliant is that the glue Lulu.com uses just isn’t as ‘aromatic’ as some of the others at the bookshop. A small complaint, but there it is. The books are, though, in time for end of year sales and boosts. It would be hopeful to think one of my books could be sold, in the first year, without any paid marketing, or forced reviews. But maybe.
I’m expecting it only to really start moving after I’ve written my sixth or seventh book. With no budget, you have to simply, wait. All you have is time really. Time and luck.
But the best thing is to move away from the sales and order page, and leave that ‘refresh’ books alone and move on.
Which takes me to the fourth book.
Can you believe it? A forth book.
This one, Echoes of Emberwood, I have ventured into the concept of time. It’s a natural progression for a sci-fi writer to write at least one book about the concept of time and it’s follies and this will be mine.
There is a slight concern that I don’t have a fifth book concept yet, on my trello board. Up to now, I’ve had all types of ideas. I hope I don’t burn out before I reach the seventh book (which we know is the one that will make to the New York list!).
It will come.
Ideas are something I do have in excess. I must let it ferment at the back of my mind while I work on this one.
This one centres around a female lead, called Magnolia, who’s estranged father has sent her a puzzle box. There are actually a number of puzzle boxes in this story. She ultimately has to travel through various time loops to uncover where her father is gone, what happened to her mom that night she disappeared and why has she always felt ‘separate’ from society… sign up if you want to know more, or when I’m finished!
Fireborn Press 