Contemplating...

My plans were to be super-laser-like focused right after graduation, but I found that I have been completely wishy-washy in what I want to work on. Don't get me wrong, the laser-focus is in full effect for marketing my current books, but for writing, I can't seem to stick with any one project.

First I was working on my zombie book. I was really into it, but then I reached a point where I wasn't into it. At all. I'm the kind of writer that feels that a reader can sense whether or not a writer is passionate about what they're writing. I can tell when I'm reading books, so I figure everyone else can too. So, if I'm not "feeling" a book, I feel obligated to stop working on it.

The second book I started working on was a new YA series, but again, after the first 5,000 words, it was like a passionless brick wall.

The third book I started working on was the sequel to Alexis Tappendorf. Now that's a book I'm into. I love the characters and I love writing adventure. But I'm finding that I can't seem to connect with my audience. The kids that have read it have loved it (thank goodness!) but it's actually really hard to get kids books into the hands of kids! Kids books have to be advertised to the parents not the kids because they are the ones who decide and purchase books for their children. In an indie market, this has been very difficult for me. So, the dilemma I'm in is: do I finish the second book, or do I work on another book that I know I can market?

The answer? I'm working on my sequel to Atlas next. I have all these ideas rolling around in my head and I'm really excited to get them all down on paper. For now, I'm going to continue to research for Alexis, but I'm starting book two of Atlas. I miss writing Kala! So here goes!

Gearing up for new book!

The wheels are turning and I'm excited to start a new series. 

I've been in constant "edit" mode, scouring my Atlas proof for the last two weeks, making sure it was ready to release.

But now I need a palate cleanser so that I can come back to the Atlas series with a fresh eye. So, I'm starting a new series called Recruits. It's going to be a lot of fun to write and Monday I hit the ground running!

A Day of Steampunk Sewing!

One time-lapsed day of a three day sewing spree with my friend Faith for making steampunk costumes for Halloween. I ended up making 2 corsets, 2 shirts, 2 pairs of bloomers and a skirt! Phew!

Zombies not homework!!

Getting excited...

Beginnings...

Riser Book Trailer

What's The Freakin' Hurry?

I don’t know if anyone else makes their lives completely manically crazy by imposing insane deadlines on themselves, but this seems to be a reoccurring problem with me. I mean, it’s not like there’s an editor breathing down my neck, waiting for the next book. I release my books on my own schedule, so why do I feel the need to constantly give myself guilt trips about not writing 3,000 words a day?

My problem is that I know I can write 3,000 words a day with no problem, so when I have school, or work, or life! and I don’t reach the 3,000 words I beat myself up and chastise myself for not living up to my potential. We’re our hardest critics, I guess. I just want to give myself a break. It’s exhausting making myself feel terrible about not reaching my daily word count, lol!

But more importantly, I always seem to be in a race to finish whatever project I’m working on because in my brain “this project will be the one!” What about all the other books I’ve already written? Have they disappeared? Have I given up on them? Have they lost their ability to be successful suddenly? It’s that part of my brain that says, “my other books will be more popular after I release this next series!” I have no idea if this is true, but it feels true and it makes me put a fire under my feet to finish whatever latest project I happen to be working on.

The bottom line is: being hard on yourself is a waste of time. Time that could be spent diving into the universe of your new book. Writing can be magical. I truly believe that readers can pick up on an author’s mood or personality when reading their books. It’s one of the reasons I have trouble with Dickens. I can tell that he was (and sorry if I offend anyone here) a little on the pretentious side. His stories are amazing, but his writing is dripping with condescension. Whereas, Dumas, even translated in old English (not at all how he intended it) it’s still full of fun, adventure and the joy of writing. (Even if he was paid by the word!)

I guess that’s why even if I give myself the biggest guilt trip on the planet, I’d rather write when I’m dying to get my story out than a forced word count. Maybe I don’t have to be upset with myself after all!