I'm writing two books right now: The sequel to Sadie's Mountain, Sadie Survived, from which I posted the first chapter on my blog. Although this is hyperbole, two people read it. (It was slightly a higher number).
But, that book is extremely difficult to write, and so I've made a decision. I need to get my mojo back. I loved, loved, loved writing Sadie's Mountain. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The sequel feels like work. It feels like I'm trying too hard. It feels like a mistake, although I know, when it does release into the world, it'll help a lot of people come to terms with their grief and anger issues. For me, it's too much to handle, considering Sadie's Mountain has, basically, flopped.
I've tried so hard to promote it. I feel like I've been begging for readers, and maybe, just maybe, that's not the book that will be my break-out novel, like I'd hoped. It's my baby. I put so much of me in it. The real stuff almost outweighs the fiction. And writing a sequel for a book that got good reviews, but didn't find an audience, may not be a good choice for me at this point.
If Sadie Survived flopped, too, I don't know, to be honest, if I could continue on writing. Publishing Sadie's Mountain nearly crushed me. The blog tour, promo, and review reading brought me nearly to the breaking point, because of how much it meant to me. I've taken it too personal, and I need a serious break.
So the other day, an idea was inspired within me for a new book about a girl who tries out for a singing competition and falls for the hottie rock star coaching her. The idea alone just felt light. It felt fun, and like it would be so much easier for me to write.
I'm writing a female character who is not at all like me, although she has universal feelings that even brought me to tears on the way to work the other day. She seem real, and has a tremendous back story that makes her even more human to me.
She is a diversion from the emotional story I've created in the Appalachian mountains, and the words are just flowing like crazy. It reminds me of why I love to write.
I won't give up on my sequel, but this new book should help me feel better about putting my work out there in the future. Just thought I'd share. I know there are a few of you who I'm letting down. Thanks for cheering me on. I just need some good news for a while.
Take care,
Shelby
But, that book is extremely difficult to write, and so I've made a decision. I need to get my mojo back. I loved, loved, loved writing Sadie's Mountain. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The sequel feels like work. It feels like I'm trying too hard. It feels like a mistake, although I know, when it does release into the world, it'll help a lot of people come to terms with their grief and anger issues. For me, it's too much to handle, considering Sadie's Mountain has, basically, flopped.
I've tried so hard to promote it. I feel like I've been begging for readers, and maybe, just maybe, that's not the book that will be my break-out novel, like I'd hoped. It's my baby. I put so much of me in it. The real stuff almost outweighs the fiction. And writing a sequel for a book that got good reviews, but didn't find an audience, may not be a good choice for me at this point.
If Sadie Survived flopped, too, I don't know, to be honest, if I could continue on writing. Publishing Sadie's Mountain nearly crushed me. The blog tour, promo, and review reading brought me nearly to the breaking point, because of how much it meant to me. I've taken it too personal, and I need a serious break.
So the other day, an idea was inspired within me for a new book about a girl who tries out for a singing competition and falls for the hottie rock star coaching her. The idea alone just felt light. It felt fun, and like it would be so much easier for me to write.
I'm writing a female character who is not at all like me, although she has universal feelings that even brought me to tears on the way to work the other day. She seem real, and has a tremendous back story that makes her even more human to me.
She is a diversion from the emotional story I've created in the Appalachian mountains, and the words are just flowing like crazy. It reminds me of why I love to write.
I won't give up on my sequel, but this new book should help me feel better about putting my work out there in the future. Just thought I'd share. I know there are a few of you who I'm letting down. Thanks for cheering me on. I just need some good news for a while.
Take care,
Shelby
