So as most of you who’ve been reading the blog know already, I’ve been having a rough time while pregnant, with sharply limited energy and brainpower. (Sadly. I walked into Panera the other day, gave the lady at the counter my Kroger card, forgot to pay her, and then ran into a wall. True story.) I’m learning to roll with the punches, and do what I can, when I can, but I’m falling more and more behind the goals I set for myself as far as the writing goes. Sigh. I keep getting up, and I keep writing, but it’s slow, and that’s the reality right now.
This week I finally realized that, while I might be able to get something out for Book Five by December, at this rate there’s no way it will be the quality that I’d like it to be. And there’s no way that I will release something low quality–you guys deserve better! And frankly so do I. Feeling bad or no, I’m not going to skimp on quality, especially now that I’m self-publishing and have the control (and the time) to do it right. So I’ve decided instead to change the milepost.
I’m sending the new novella off to the formatter today, and it will be out soon (within a couple of weeks!). I had always designed this novella to have a companion story from Cherabino’s point of view–she’s busy with her own tasks while Adam is working with the police in his case. And I thought, why not do that companion novella now? It’ll be another 20k, as opposed to 40k+ to finish the novel, and will be proportionally faster to revise, edit, and get out there. Plus my cover designer already has some great ideas! Plus we’ll all get a glimpse into Cherabino’s head right now, which will be incredibly fun after all this time with Adam.
So that’s what I’m going to do. Novella now, second novella December or so, and then Book Five will get pushed (so I can revise and re-work) until April or so next year. I’ll still get a draft or most of a draft done before maternity leave so I have it, and come back in late February or so with a revision on my desk. Rachel Aaron, who gave me some lovely advice on writing with a small child in the house, recommends starting back with a revision anyway, and she says it’s more interruptable. So there’s a plan. 🙂
I appreciate you guys being so supportive and encouraging during this time, and I’m looking forward to sharing the shorter works with you soon!
Awesome I would love to read a Novella from Cherabino’s point of view. I almost can´t wait to the book 5 hits the shelves
I’m pretty sure the baby ought to come first. And, oh yeah, quality of quantity. Good luck!
Hang in there! Although I have not experienced it, I have seen pregnancy brain and it is not pretty. It does get better. I am happy to wait until you can write a book you are proud of.
Thanks for the update! And I think this sounds like a sensible that actually makes everyone happy. After all, *we’re* still getting a novella now (amazingly), and we’re still getting a story in December – a bonus! Very excited to read a story from Cherabino’s pov. And we still get a whole novel in the near future. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Good luck with baby-brain. I have not experienced the baby thing, but my sister’s been proving it’s real for years. Hope all goes well in the coming months.
It sounds to me like you’ve made some excellent decisions AND managed to satisfy everyone! We get some tasty new bitesize morsels, including a luxury portion of Cherabino (I can’t tell you how pleased I am to hear this!) and still the promise of the next big chapter in the Mindverse! I am sooooo excited! 🙂
As someone who has lived through the oatmeal my brain turns into during pregnancy, I can feel your pain and frustration. Don’t worry. 1: It does in fact get better and 2: We love your writing. You take care of yourself and the baby first.
I absolutely love the novella’s! Look forward to the Cherabino POV. Take care of yourself and family first. Will still be here when you get back. Peace.
Alex,
Get that baby thing done first! I enjoyed Fluid very much and as others have commented, a look into the taut mind of Cherabino should make a great follow-up novella. Linda and I really have enjoyed all the books. (Full disclosure to others: Alex is my “favorite niece-in-law, once removed” but I hasten to assure you that I am completely unbiased.) We look forward to whatever stories you can comfortably get out on whatever schedule works for you and Pip.
Happy Late Turkey Day!
Justin