I think most people know I’ve been struggling like mad with my writing. I haven’t released a book this year. Not one. Usually I’m like 5 books a year or so… Last year I struggled as well but I still managed to put out content that I was proud of. I’ve started several books and put them all down.
Somewhere along the way I’ve gotten lost.
And I’ll be 100% transparent about where / how I got lost because honestly, I never really put it all out there. The struggle inside my own head. I never want to sound whiny. Or annoying… ungrateful, or even egotistical. I mean we all have struggles, right? So why get online and complain about mine? Sometimes though I guess you just have to say it. I probably will come across as all of those things I said above at some point (I hope not). But maybe, just maybe I’ll also come across as real. Identifiable. Maybe someone else needs to hear the personal struggle because they also have the same.
I’m discouraged because after 9 years I still feel like I’m not where I want to be. I always told myself back in the day I had to “pay my dues” as an author and learn the ropes. Learn the business. Learn how it’s all done. So I did. I read blog after blog. Article after article. I wrote movie reviews for a small publishing website. I wrote book reviews, and I had an old blog where I wrote all kinds of stuff from TV show stuff to recipes. I even co-hosted an old blog talk radio show where we interviewed authors about their work and craft every week. I was an admin to a Goodreads reader/ writer group. That was back before Goodreads was frankly a place I would rather vomit than visit.
I also took a couple free lectures at the local college on publishing, on promotion. Heck, even before doing all that I took some writing for children course that was all done from home and I would send my pages and writings to an instructor/editor and get feedback. I actually have a middle grade novel from that course that I wrote that has never seen the light of day.
I wandered the aisles at BN, dreamed of seeing my book on the shelf there. That was probably my biggest dream, imaging that someone could browse the shelf pick up my book and say, “this looks so good” and then take it home and get lost in the pages.
I got well over 100 rejections. Publishers. Agents. You name it, I was rejected by them. Mostly it was form rejections. Some places never replied at all (imagine how many rejections I’d have if they did!). This was back when they still liked snail mail. Ha! I’d even bought nice, pricey paper to print out my queries on so they looked more professional.
Turns out the kind of paper you use doesn’t matter. Lol.
I got a few non-form rejections. Someone told me my book would probably sell but they didn’t feel like selling it. One told me I needed a lot of work and my openings were too abrupt (which is fair). I still to this day don’t understand that because I was always taught that you had to grab a reader immediately. Grip their attention instantly. So what’s more attention grabbing: “I killed someone when I was ten” or “It was a dark, rainy night and the heavy rain pelted the glass on the bedroom window giving the night an ominous sound…”
I mean, okay, both of those openings have their place. The agent was likely right and my openings are probably still abrupt. Lol.
I digress. (My husband hates that word).
I think my favorite rejection was from an agent who told me no one wanted to read a book from the male POV.
My first 4 book werewolf series were written in a male POV. It is still unpublished. And it was mostly what was rejected. Though, Masquerade – my first published novel got rejected a lot too.
Odd because now it seems like lots of people want to read male POV….
I got to the point where it didn’t matter how many rejections I got. I was going to prove everyone wrong. I was going to prove it didn’t matter if I had no name, no agent, no fame… people would read my books anyway. All hail the Taurus in me…. Stubborn to the core!
It took a long time to build up an audience and I worked hard. I worked endlessly. Tirelessly.
I’ve never hit a list. No NY Times bestseller. No USA Today bestseller. Wait. An anthology I was in hit USA today. So technically I am… but I’m not fool and I realize a lot of people don’t consider that actually hitting a list. I don’t personally consider it (for myself) either bc its something I’ve wanted to be able to do on my own.
I’ve never had my books in BN. Well, a couple local BN’s here and there would stock them once in a while but I mean you can’t walk into any BN and see one of my titles. Know what I mean?
I’ve been in amazon top 100…. A couple of times. Honestly? I can only recall it one time, with TEXT. Though I know I’ve probably gotten down there with some sales but I honestly don’t recall which books.
Trying to get anything into TV / Film has been difficult. Again, more rejections.
Audio book… something I’m asked for constantly. Also, something I struggle to get into production. Fact is I can’t really afford to produce my backlist into audio right now and no one wants to produce backlist titles- at least not mine. I’ve been told I don’t sell enough and don’t have a big enough name for anyone to want to pick up my audio. I’ve also been told they aren’t interested in backlist titles only new books (which is fair enough).
I’ve been in kindle unlimited, out of kindle unlimited. I’ve had a rep at Amazon (something authors sometimes get) and then got dropped when my sales weren’t stellar enough. (Amazon might say something different about this but I’m telling you how I see it and felt it from my perspective – and I’m not trying to drag the ‘Zon here. I’m just stating my journey).
I’ve been turned down by foreign markets for foreign translation deals. Note: France has been very good to me on that regard. I am so grateful to both my French publishers and all my French readers.
Basically? I feel like I’ve worked myself into exhaustion and still get told no constantly – which I understand is the nature of the business. That I’m not good enough yet. That it doesn’t matter how long or how hard I work.
I feel stuck. I feel tired. Sometimes I feel alone.
I also personally feel like I’ve gone as far as I can take myself on my own and that I know no one else is willing to really help me because I’m not a big enough name. I’m not a “guaranteed sale” I ask myself why that is all the time.
What have I done wrong? What didn’t I do for all these years? Why do people say if you work hard enough for it then you will achieve it? Does that mean I haven’t worked hard enough because good god, I am exhausted. What else do I have to do to prove myself?
And another 100% honest inner thought: When I see newer authors racing up the charts with a lot less titles than me. I wonder why. What do they have that I don’t? Does my writing just suck and no one wants to tell me?
But then I remind myself I don’t know what dues other people have paid. I don’t know where they started. And I remind myself that comparing my journey to other people’s is pointless and not what we are supposed to do.
I do it anyway.
I think we all do.
(side note: I am not trying to take away from anyone’s success. I truly am happy for anyone who achieves their goals and dreams, etc. again just talking about my own inner thoughts)
Getting on social media has become overwhelming. It’s a constant barrage of reveals, releases and people hitting it out of the park. And then here I am sitting at my laptop staring into space with a heating pad on my neck wondering why I even try and keep up.
I also wonder if my best books have already been written. If anyone will ever love another book of mine like they do #Nerd. I wonder if anyone cares if I write anything not related to a hashtag.
I wonder when its time to give up on a dream. If dreams have expiration dates. Because let’s be real…. After 50+ titles if I can’t hit a list then I probably never will.
I tell myself it doesn’t matter if I hit a list. And honestly, I know it truly doesn’t. I know that rationally. But still part of me still feels like I’m not good enough.
I feel as though I’m starting over. That my 9 years of experience doesn’t matter at all. The market changes, publishing is so different than what it used to be. I have to relearn everything. And at the same time, I have to create. Sometimes I wonder how I did it all back in the day, hahaha. Like am I that old now? Back in my day…. Lord, granny. Put the stories away.
So I did something almost 2 months ago. I put down the writing(which I had already been struggling with for months) and I stepped away. I told myself I would NOT nag my own brain about my lack of writing. That I would NOT tell myself I was lazy and needed to work. I wouldn’t tell myself that I was a failure for not forcing myself to sit at the laptop and work.
I thought the creativity would come back. The worlds and voices inside my mind. I thought I would miss writing and want to feel that passion again.
2 months later…. Do I? Was I right? And what the hell have I been doing for two months?
Yes and no. Yes, I’ve been having some ideas come to me. A few voices telling me some things. I feel the passion of a story inside me sometimes and instead of feeling excited about it… I feel relief. Because honestly the loss of those words…. I think I didn’t realize (I actually realize this as I sit here typing out my soul) how much THAT affected me. I thought I didn’t like writing anymore. I thought my own self doubt and struggle killed it.
But I realize I miss writing. Its everything else I don’t miss. The pressure. The constant discouraging mindset. The feeling of never being good enough. The feeling that nothing I write ever again will be as good as something I’ve already done.
Wow, guys. As I sit here rambling, I realize I miss writing. The relief of that realization is almost shocking.
So what even prompted me sit here and write all this out?
I had some thoughts. Lol. Clearly, I am a very thoughtful person. You should feel bad for my husband.
Instead of all the thoughts I penned above, today I thought “boo-hoo get over yourself.”
Yeah, I might never hit a list. I might never see my books at BN on shelves. I might not have a full library of audio or a TV/movie deal. Hell, I might have been around for a long time, but clearly it doesn’t matter. WHO CARES? ßThat’s the stuff I was thinking today.
Then a voice in my head whispered (like a bratty brat I might add) I care.
Maybe I should stop caring so much. Embrace it all and just keep going anyway. Just write and hope people read it… and be okay if they don’t. Isn’t that how I started out? I didn’t start out because I wanted a list, an audio book, fame or even fortune. I started out because I had a dream that wouldn’t leave me alone and I wanted to write a story about a werewolf. Lol. And because my husband was deployed to Iraq and I was bored. (hey, I’m being honest, here).
Maybe I should find a new definition of success.
Honestly? I have no idea what that would be because success to me is all the stuff I listed above. I mean YES having people enjoy my writing, be sucked in and maybe even impacting someone with my writing is something I strive for. But on another side of me the other stuff is important too. I know its not supposed to be, but again, I’m being honest here.
So yeah. I was thinking who cares. Get over yourself. And if you wait for a rush of inspiring passion to send you rushing to the keyboard you probably won’t write again. Frankly, I’ve considered stopping but giving up something I’ve worked so hard for is really hard too.
So that brings me back to maybe just changing my idea of success and what I want out of my chosen profession.
I don’t know what that is.
But maybe I’ll just start with trying to finish one of these started books I have. Maybe finishing a new book would be success enough for the moment. Maybe success is a bunch of small steps that you take along your journey. Maybe success isn’t the destination. Because really, once you achieve success then what? There’s always something more, right?
So maybe I’ll just tell myself writing a book and being happy with that book is all the success I need right now.
Frankly, putting my ass in the chair and writing would be a damn miracle at this point.
So maybe… if I can’t have “success” I can have a miracle instead.
On an end note, I’d really like to thank anyone who read this far, and anyone who reads any of my work. I truly am grateful for anyone who supports my writing and offers encouragement (even if its silent encouragement). Thank you for reading my inner ramblings here and I hope that you will wait a little to see if I can pull off a small miracle of my own by writing something new that I’m proud of.
On another note…. Tell me even if you aren’t an author, what is success to you?
Unfortunately I feel like many, many talented folks have fallen through the cracks of the ‘fame’ of the indie publishing industry. Know that you’re absolutely revered by fans worldwide and so many of us are proud to call you friend. You’ve fought longer and harder than so many out there and I can’t wait to see your name in lights, friend. Keep on keeping on!
thank you Ethan, I appreciate you.
I have a Masters degree in theology and bachelor’s degree in engineering, I haven’t work a “real” job a day in my life. Life is a shit storm most days, but at the end of the day I have an amazing husband that I share everything with and a family that I never thought was possible. If my life journey has help just one other person I have been successful.
“No man is a failure who has friends.” “It’s a Wonderful Life
Awesome ❤
Hey,
1. I adore your books! They are on my shelf along with Nora Roberts, JR Ward, Harlan Coben and Harry Potter. That’s a success right there!
2. I’ve always felt an injustice on your part. I dont know why you haven’t made a list yet and you bloody should have! (Release books on a Tuesday… it works for most other authors!)
3. Success to me— good reviews, engagement from readers. If one person loves my books then I’ve done something right.
You’re a very strong woman, and probably stubborn like me lol. Keep publishing books that we love!
Thank you so much Keeley!
If it helps at all, please know that I am a huge fan of you and your books. I adore the characters you have created and the stories you have written for them. Your books allow all of us fans to be transported to another world and be enthralled for a little while.
As for my definition of success, besides having an amazing husband and friends, my definition of success is you! You are a role model to me, and you have inspired me to take up writing again, which is something I was terrified of doing, since I always thought I would not be good enough. So thank you, for being someone to look up to, and for the hard work and dedication you put into all of your lovely stories!
Thank you so much!! I appreciate you taking time to say that and I’m cheering you on with your own writing!!
You deserve to hear how much we love your books and what an inspiration you are! And thank you so much <3
Hey babe! You know I love your stuff, and I miss your books but do what you need to do. That said, I hope you keep pubbing (maybe more rockstar books 😉 😉 😉 )
haha thank you!
Success for me has definitely changed as I aged. When I was a young professional (Occupational therapist) I thought I had to fix everyone and make my boss happy at all costs. But as I’ve aged my goals have changed…20 yrs later I still want my patients to get better. I don’t mind working hard to make that happen, but for me to feel like a success I’ve worked hard for other things. I want my kids to be nice, kind and hard workers. I want to do things that I thought I can’t…like hike the Grand Canyon.l I got to be honest with you it shocks me that you don’t think of yourself as a success. So many of us list you amongst our favorites…I mean when I’m having a bad day I read your scenes. That’s true even though you aren’t on any list 😘😘😘
thank you! i like your definition of success!
Thank you for your honesty. You are an amazing author and have written fantastic books that I keep coming back to time and again. I read as an escape and often run through a lot of books, I also tend to move often so don’t buy many hard copies of books – bit yours I have on my book self! I love your character’s and like to visit them often 🙂. Thank you for your creativity and all of the hard work that it has taken for you share that work with us.
Success is a difficult thing to define, it is often wrapped up in others thoughts about our efforts and choices. I know that I would like to say that it is an internal feeling based on the work you have put in, but that is just aspirational. Having something that you worked hard at, and are proud of I would say is a really great place to start, whatever your field is.
thank you so much for your support. I like your definition of success and I do think that no matter your field having something you are proud of is definitely something to be considered successful
Honestly, burnout happens to all of us. Even when you love what you do. ESPECIALLY when you pour a part of your heart and soul into what you create. Comparing your journey to others will only leave you disheartened. In my journey Ive had to realize that I have value and worth. If I’ve helped ONE person, just one, then my purpose is fulfilled. It doesn’t matter if that help is something HUGE, or just making someone smile when they are having a crappy day.
That being said, YOU have made me laugh, cry, cringe, gasp and fall in love (who cares if they’re fictional, right?) with the characters you created and the stories and journeys you have led us all on. YOU have fulfilled a purpose in my life. YOU created all those emotions with words! I wish you could realize how amazing and successful we (your fans) believe you to be.
Do what you need to, we will be here whenever you wish to take us on another journey. We love you 😘 ❤️
(Btw, I NEVER contact authors that I love. You’re popping my cherry 😜)
Haha! well I’m honored you left a comment. I appreciate it so much! and Thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot to me.
Im going to be 38 this year and i dont think i know what success is to me. Not yet. I dont know if ill ever know.
I hope you keep finding inspiration and continue to write. I hope you write whatever you want. I want to let you know that your stories make me so happy. They are heartwarming, lovely and well written so i hope you never stop. Most of all i hope you always find joy in what you do. Maybe thats success.
I’ll be 39 in May so we are close in age. I think that finding joy in what you do is a form of success and honestly I don’t know why that never occurred to me. Being joyful about things is definitely a success and probably more important than anything else because when you are truly happy and joyful it shines out of you from the inside. Thank you.
My definition of success is constantly changing and I think about it often. Especially now. I read a quote on a target dollar section classroom decoration, that said – don’t measure yourself by someone else’s ruler. So more than anything I try to not make my sense of success dependent on the success of others. I think this post was beautiful and if you write it we will read it and share it ❤️
Target is a wise place. They can always tell us what we need to know. I miss target. Thank you for reading my post and leaving a comment and success is constantly changing maybe thats why it also feels so hard to grasp sometimes, because it isn’t any one thing… and we all do have our own ruler. 🙂
I am 39 and have no idea what success means yet. My kids are happy, healthy and if I can brag a little bit..accomplished. That makes me proud and I feel successful in that area but I don’t feel successful in myself yet and I’m not sure why. I do in home daycare and I have had 59 kids pass through my doors over the years and most I’m still involved in their lives. That sounds like a success but it doesn’t feel like it to me anyways. It’s so hit and miss in my job with people appreciating me, or at least showing it. So I have no help in that area but I can tell you in all honesty you are tied for 1st place in my list of favorite authors. I have never not loved a book you wrote and I mean LOVED! I hear what you are saying though and I understand it. All I can say is that you have an amazing gift and you clearly have an awesome following, you have been a ticketed author for goodness sakes!!! I will wait 10 years for a next book from you if that’s what happens and if you never write again, I will just continue to re-read everything you have written and be thankful for the wonderful and beautiful words you have already given us.
thank you so much for taking the time to read this post and leave a note. I truly appreciate it and thank you for reading my books as well.
I hear ya, Cambria! But I’ve always looked at you as the success. You’re the one I’m trying to be like. I understand the lack of motivation because I’m dealing with it myself. But don’t quit what you do! Your writing is stupendous. You write the books I enjoy reading. It was your writing that helped me decide to write a M/M romance. You showed me that such a story can be all about the emotion and not about what goes where. Hang in there, girlfriend! We have you! And when the going gets tough? Reach out! I’m always here for you!
thank you so much, girl!! you know I love ya!
You’re a brave woman, Cambria. It takes courage to write what we’re truly thinking or feeling. And not once did I ever think you were being whiny or egotistical. You were being real! No matter how pure our hopes and well wishes for others’ successes are, we’re still human and allowed to feel things for ourselves too.
I know you weren’t fishing for compliments or asking for reassurance from anyone, but I think you should know that simply having what it takes to get one entire book out on paper (or computer, lol) is a huge victory in itself. Much less 50+!! I think success comes in many forms, but one of my personal goals is to be able to say I finally wrote a book. Just one would be enough. Because lord, no one tells you how hard it is to write a book until you actually try for yourself. I’ve taken classes and gone to writing conferences, but always manage to let life get in the way and become a convenient reason to stop trying. It’s been years now since I first came up with this world in my head, and maybe one day I’ll be able to finish the story I want to tell without simply rewriting the same chapters over and over…BUT the reason I bring it all up is because my dream to write a book one day led me to volunteering at a book signing event in Roanoke VA where you were at several years ago (maybe 4 or 5 years ago? I have a toddler now so the idea of time is abstract at this point, lol) But I was in awe at how beautiful your #Nerd display was and how professional and real it all was. To me, you were what being in the big leagues looked like. And at one point when I was standing near your booth, some distracted person kind of ran into your stand then kept on walking like nothing happened. Granted, it only jostled it a bit and nothing really broke, but all I could think was, “Do they seriously not realize how hard she’s worked for all this?” You may not even remember this happening, but I wanted you to know that even without knowing you personally, I knew what it all meant to you. And for what it’s worth, I shot them a dirty look, haha.
But back to your definition of success – I think the idea of success is completely relevant. For myself, it’s finding joy and purpose in what I do. I don’t think success comes from climbing some ladder and working your way to the top of something, if along the way you lose your joy or perspective of what’s important. Try not to let the pressure of society’s version of success rob you of your joy for writing.
wow thank you so much! i really appreciate your words. I remember the Va signing, that was a great time! It means a lot that you knew how much it meant to me that day (and any day really) bc it does. I guess thats why I feel all this so deep. I hope you get to finish your book sometime, I’m cheering you on. It is hard, but just take it a little at a time and write it for YOU as something you want to read and I think you will be happy with the results!
I just want you to know that I support you no matter what you do or what “success” you find. Your work means so much to me. The Hashtag series is one of my favorites of all time. You tell the most wonderful stories and create the most lovable characters. I found the New Adult/College genre because of #Nerd. I had no idea it even existed before that. I seldom reread novels because I have a hard time staying interested in something that I already know the outcome of, but I’ve reread #Nerd and some of your other novels at least three times. I’m a sophomore English major right now with no idea what to do with my life, but your story inspires me. Even if it isn’t your idea or the mainstream idea of successful, I see a woman who follows her passion and her dreams and enjoys what she does for a living which is all I have ever wanted. I took a creative writing class last semester, and let me tell you what I learned: Writing is hard. I am amazed at how much you write and the stories you tell. I hardly ever read Author’s Notes, but I read yours because I find your process so fascinating. I am enthralled with the way the characters speak to you and beg for their stories to be told. How you can look at a picture (like the one that’s now the cover of #Nerd) and tell its story. I don’t have any advice for you and as a teenager I will never tell you that what you’re “whining” about is irrelevant. God, I hate when adults do that to me. All I can tell you is that your writing means the world to me, and I think you are extremely talented. If the rest of the world doesn’t see that, fuck ’em. I wish you all the best with whatever comes next for you.
thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate that. Thank you for reading and appreciating my books!
I just wanted to tell you that your writing has been truly missed this year. I came to your website this morning hoping to find and update on a future book but found this blog instead. I hope that you know how much your books are loved and enjoyed; I have all of your Take it Off books and the hashtag series., but honestly my favorite are the BearPaw Resort. It would be a true loss to not have you continue your writing and provide a get away for your readers. I am truly sorry you are not where you want to be in your career and the truth is only you can measure your success, but as an avid reader of yours I hope you don’t give up and know your fans are here cheering you on.
thank you so much. I’m not giving up 🙂 I hope to have something for you all by fall….
Funny that I read your 4/20/20 post today. My two teen daughters and I were bingeing yet another ridiculously wild teen tv show from Netflix last night and after being highly disgruntled with what we were watching I said, “How in the world does this stuff get produced?” The girls and I then started discussing books we’d read recently and asked the same question. We happen to live in the same city as a current very popular teen author lives. This author has had books turned in to movies, has been on CBS Sunday morning, etc, etc and yet of the three of my household readers only one of us has ever finished any of this authors books. I’ve tried at least four of this authors books and not been able to finish a one of them. (I’ve finished an embarrassing number of your books, btw.) So, what’s my point? Success, commercial success as you are seeking, is arbitrary. It’s got to be. I’m an avid reader and try just a little bit of everything and yet, I can’t seem to finish one of these USA Today Bestselling Authors books? I can’t be that unusual or that unique? So, what the hey?
Moving on. Here is what I would like to bring to your attention . . . My most significant observation about your post is that you as a human being are able to and humble enough to pause, reflect, and reevaluate your previous definition of success. Let’s all sit and think about that for a hot second. How many people do any of these three significant steps in life? I’m betting you actually practice these steps regularly. If that isn’t impressive I really don’t know what is. If that’s not success or at least a pathway to finding your personal success, I don’t know what a better method would be.
Now, just to give you a friendly kick in the butt/compliment, I want you to know this . . .you are extremely talented. I really enjoy reading your books. They’ve made me feel a range of a emotions, think thoughts I haven’t thought before, ask questions I didn’t ask before, and put simply, your books have made me enjoy my time living. Take a deep breath, know that you are loved, and keep on keeping on. You’re moving and I think you’re moving in the right direction.
maybe you should be a writer (maybe you already are, lol) because I felt these words. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your ups and downs. I love your books. I have read most of them and will eventually read all of them. (Other authors I need to read as well :)) I think “Success” is being proud of what you have done, what you are doing, and what you will do. Options will come or they won’t. Sometimes it is nice to sit back and enjoy what you have done and think about what you want to do in the future. This doesn’t mean you are giving up or that you have to change direction. It just means you need “me time” to see where you are headed and making sure that you see it the way you want and not what others want to see. I hope to see more of your work in the future and hope that you continue to give us the stories that are in your head. THANKS!
thank you.
I am currently rereading your hashtag and gearshark series for the millionth time. Then I plan on reading my other favorite series of yours (like the public enemy series, the bearpaw series, and amnesia duet). I cant tell you why others aren’t grabbing your books up, but I can tell you what they’ve done for me. You have created world after world of these wonderful characters and stories. I constantly find myself called back and drawn in. You created relatable characters and stories that consume readers (at least for me anyway- I can never put them down). You’re books are like a safe place to land. I put on my alpha u hoodie to feel safe and read your books when I have had a bad day. Your books mean so much to me that I even named my dog rimmel (she is both small and fierce). Rejection is hard, but I just wanted to make sure you knew you have made a difference. Even if you never wrote another book again, you will always be my favorite author. You changed my life, so thank you.
P.S. if/ when you write another book, I will definitely be reading it
Thank you so much. Say hi to Rimmel for me ❤
Sorry that you are not receiving the recognition you deserve. The publishing industry is seriously messed up sometimes. I’m a relatively new fan, both of your writing and romance in general. I picked up #Junkie not too long ago and have been obsessed ever since. I just finished #Heart and #Holiday and OMG I loved them. You do this great thing of combining swoon-worthy romance with the feeling of hanging out with old friends. It’s addictive and wonderful. I’m sorry more people are not finding your books and wanted to let you know how very much I enjoy and appreciate them.
Thank you so much for reading!
I also am not where I thought I would be. I turned 30 this year and I was dreading it. I was constantly wanting to cry because my life is not where I wanted it to be. But when my bday came, surprisingly, I didn’t cry. I was happy. I realized I’m not where I thought I would be, but I’m happy. I realize I can always improve but I decided I’m going to keep being happy. I will have setbacks but I’m tired of thinking negatively ALL the time. It was stressful and it didn’t make me happy. So not sure if I really answered the question, but that’s how I feel.
Ps. I read your hashtag series a couple of years ago. Loved them! Started reading new genres like RH, bully, and dark romances. But recently decided I wanted something more light hearted and I thought of you. I’m excited to reread the ones I already read and to complete the Gearshark series.
I know it may not mean that much , but please let me tell you that you are a great writer. Nowadays most books are just MEH for me, its been a long time since i’ve felt strong emotions while reading a book.. but i’ve felt it with Amnesia, the story gripped me and made me remember why i love reading. It made me again experience the joy of being inside the book.. it may not mean much… But i thank you for that.
It means a lot! thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. and thank you for reading Amnesia 🙂
Success is finding the strength to forgive yourself when you fail or falter …
I was sorry to read your comments and, as many have commented, I have no idea why your books are not rated more highly or read more widely. You are one of my favourite authors and, for me, an automatic “buy” when you publish. On a par with Erin Watts; L A Cotton; Siobhan Davies; Meagan Brandy and Tijan for this genre.
Whilst I can only imagine how soul destroying it must be to be told time and time again that your work is not good enough I would say that if you enjoy writing please continue to do so as we readers would very much like to continue reading your works.
I genuinely do not understand how some of the books I’ve read through amazon have been published or had such high reviews whilst others are barely rated. Unfortunately appalling editing; close to illiterate writing and poor or “stolen” story lines lacking in depth and imagination are too frequent. This I was very surprised to read that your work is not regarded more highly.
Your last book, #Fate, was phenomenal. Prior to this set of books I had not read a “gay” storyline but Trent/Drew’s story has been written with such a strong emotion and depth of characters that I was completely pulled in. Rarely have I felt so “bought” in to fictional characters. Fantastic writing.
I confess to being a #Nerd fan and would very much like to read more but fully understand the need for you to evolve and create new and different stories. I would therefore be up for a new story arc with different characters just as long as you keep writing!
Whilst trite it is true that you “cannot please everyone” but please, if you still enjoy writing know that your books continue to make a lot of people very happy and allow a break from some tough times in an increasingly hard world.
I wish you much luck in finding your path
Thank you so much for taking time to write me. I really enjoyed reading your words and thank you so much for reading my books. I will have something new for everyone very soon!