Friday, November 3, 2017

Reality Check Please

Coming in December!
As regular viewers know, I had a very different plan for this year.

Following last year's skimpy (and largely experimental) spate of late autumn releases, I had intended to come back with a slew of long-promised sequels or installments, such as Blind Side, next book in the Dangerous Ground series and The Ghost Had an Early Check-Out (sequel to The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks).

But real life has a way of elbowing its way into the best laid plans. Starting with the SO's stroke (God, has it really been a year?!) things just didn't roll out as anticipated for 2017. I feel like I've gone on enough about this stuff, so I won't rehash, but in the words of the philosopher known as Siri... Recalculating.

I've got two months left and I need to be realistic. I HATE THAT. But still.

Right now I'm working on the rewrite of Murder Takes the High Road, a standalone cozy mystery novel for Carina Press due out next April-ish. For reasons that have zero to do with the book, it's taking me a hella long time to finish this story. This project has to take precedence over anything else.

Once it's done, I'll begin The Ghost Had an Early Check-Out. Why this book and not the much-delayed Blind Side? Because, simply, I ran expensive print ads on it in mainstream mystery mags.

That pushes Blind Side back again--this time all the way back to next spring because I'd rather be slightly late on the two remaining projects than hugely late on everything for the next four months, which is what happens if I try to force Blind Side out.

It's complicated, my friends.

Advertising, narrators, editors, translators are lined up for these projects, and missing deadlines, switching things up, have consequences for others as well as myself.
Coming in April 2018

That said, here's what I promised in September:

"Halloween is Murder" (a short story)
Murder Takes the High Road (although it doesn't come out until next spring)
Blind Side (now pushed back to May 31st)
The Italian translation of The Monet Murders
The Ghost Had an Early Check-Out (sequel to The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks) 
In Other Words...Murder (the fourth Holmes & Moriarity)
So This is Christmas audio book (narrated by Kale Williams)
If Only in My Dreams - print collection of all my Christmas novellas

So far the only thing being seriously shoved back is Blind Side. The rest of that happened, is still on track, or is only delayed by a few months.

I feel confident enough, that I'm going to go ahead and list TGHaEC-O and IOM on Smashwords (which includes Kobo, B&N and iBooks) for pre-orders. No Amazon pre-orders because Amazon took my pre-order privileges away for a year due to missing the date on The Monet Murders. *snort* Not sure how punishing readers by not allowing them to take part in pre-order pricing is teaching me a lesson, but whatever, Zon.

Still on track for next year are The Magician Murders (Book III in the Art of Murder series) and Haunted Heart: Spring. But (along with Blind Side) that might be it for next year. The SO and I have our non-fiction project to work on, and that's going to take several months, so...next year might not see a lot of new work from me.

There. I've said it.

I feel like it would be better to under-promise and over-deliver rather than give in to my normal optimism. Then maybe we'll all be happily surprised. Or not. But at least I won't be creating unnecessary stress for myself by setting up a terrifying gauntlet of deadlines.

I know it's risky in these days of multiple monthly releases, but oh well. I didn't become a writer so I could make a quick and easy buck. I want to tell stories that entertain, engage and, yeah, maybe to some small extent educate. I want--need--to enjoy writing them as much as I want readers to enjoy reading them. That's been my goal from the beginning--and I don't see that changing.

59 comments:

  1. What's that saying about life is what happens when you're busy making other plans...I would much rather wait for a book than never have it at all. I'll be here waiting with my 1-click whenever you're ready. BTW, I really enjoyed Halloween is Murder.

    With the holidays coming up, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Enjoy! I will.

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    1. Thanks, Lori. And you've kind of nailed it. I didn't want to become self-employed to be a slave to deadlines and stress. The idea was to truly be in control, and here's where I try to make that happen. ;-)

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  2. Just do what you can comfortably get done. Don’t make yourself crazy cause we’re here and ready to buy.

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    1. But you say that to all the crazy writers! :-D :-D :-D

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  3. You know, nobody wants Blind Side more than me, but I surely do understand that taking a backseat to all the craziness going on in your life. You need to do what's best for you. I'm happy reading and rereading because let's face it, a few hours after Blind Side comes out, I'll be wanting more. I am an instant gratification type gal. But you come first. Take the time, do what you need to do, I'll be here waiting. For Blind Side, just in case you forget. <3

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    1. Aw. No lie, M. When I had to shove Blind Side back, you were the first person I thought of. But not trying to force it out between two huge and complicated other projects will make for a better book--and a saner me.

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    2. I'll still love you even if it never gets written. You are more to me than Will and Taylor. Whew!! I think I just had a moment. ;-)

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  4. Much appreciated ... I love your books and it makes me gleefully giddy to know new ones are on their way ... I don't mind waiting if that is what you need ... I'm just so grateful to have a bunch of your books to look forward to in 2018! All the best ...

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  5. Bummed to hear about some books being delayed, but I would wait years to get a new book/novelette or anything from you. Enjoy the upcoming holidays and spend time with your SO and your loyal readers will be here waiting with bated breath as always.

    I do have a question, no C. Patton to read the last Adrien book? I love his voice for Adrien and Jake. Just wondering...

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  6. Bummed to hear about some books being delayed, but I would wait years to get a new book/novelette or anything from you. Enjoy the upcoming holidays and spend time with your SO and your loyal readers will be here waiting with bated breath as always.

    I do have a question, no C. Patton to read the last Adrien book? I love his voice for Adrien and Jake. Just wondering...

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    1. I loved Chris's take on the AE books, but it just didn't work out for the final book -- which has now been contracted to Kale Williams (who I also really, really love -- he does the Art of Murder series).

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  7. I love your writing and your mysteries. No matter how long it takes to get things out, fans will wait! Just think of all the fabulous writing we have to look forward to! Try to enjoy the holidays, as the end of the year will fly by.

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    1. This is the truth! These last two months will pass in a blink, and I want to enjoy that blink. ;-)

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  8. Hey, you're preaching to the choir. I've always been willing to wait for a good book, and you're reliable in always delivering something worth waiting for. I wish there was an equivalent writers saying for "happy wife, happy life", but you get the sentiment. Be well, and enjoy doing what you do!

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  9. Take a deep breath. Let it out.
    There. Now, feel better and try not to worry. You are a wonderful writer, and when the time is right to begin or finish a book, then it will happen. :) Enjoy your holidays and you SO and your little rescue pal and just let it happen when it will. I, for one, will gladly welcome your next book whenever it comes out.

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    1. Words. Of. Wisdom.

      I do want to make the most of, well, every day. And I want the work to be good. And I want to be happy in my work.

      And, yes, this does seem the best way to make those things happen.

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  10. Thank you for the update. It sucks the Blind Side got delayed, but I'm super excited about the Art of Murder book 3 and the Ghost sequel (time to re-read!), and of course, the return of Kit!!!

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    1. Aw. I know. It kills me to shove Blind Side back yet again. Will and Taylor are always getting short changed! But it's not for lack of love.

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  11. You are taking care of you, have achieved a refreshed strategy, and are ready to take on the world! Or at least that bottle of bourbon I see on the sidboard. ;-) We have a slew of great stories from you to look forward to and will be here when they are ready. What the what Amazon? Their little snit over preorders (and so many other things) just sent me to Smashwords again.

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    1. Thanks so much, Dianne.

      Yeah, the preorders thing is just petulant. Punitive. I've done about eight preorders without issue, so you'd think they'd allow for one tiny misstep. Whatever. It's their loss.

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  12. That is still an INCREDIBLY ambitious year! I can't wait to read ALL of them.

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    1. :-D In all honesty, I'll be running full out for the next three months to hit all these deadlines, but at least it's now do-able.

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  13. I want a good book and an happy author. I am looking forward to read them all! It is from my viewpoint a lot of books. And I can't wait for your non-fiction project.

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    1. Thanks so much, Sabine. <3 I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to simply sitting down and writing a bunch of essays. It sounds like heaven.

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  14. A new Holmes and Moriarity? I can forgive anything. :) Kidding aside, I really don't mind waiting because I know it will be worth the wait.

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  15. I will wait as long as it takes for your books.

    I am particularly looking forward to Haunted Heart: Spring 😍

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  16. Dear Josh,

    It all sounds great, and I'm thrilled to bits your non-fiction project is back in the mix. Creativity cannot be forced nor real life ignored. You know I am a true devotee and that isn't about to change. But with all this said (and meant), allow me to leave you with two words: Slay Ride. :-)

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    1. December 28 as of this minute, but I'm not putting it officially into the list because it is, frankly, expendable as these things go. I want it to happen, but if the holidays get away from me, it will have to be cut.

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  17. I am so grateful for all you have accomplished already this year!

    Although I was counting the days and weeks until Ghost Had an Early Checkout was released, I understand life has a way of interfering with plans. So I will continue to work my way through your audiobooks and happily anticipate 2018.

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    1. of everything, that has the best chance of happening right on its newly revised date. Fingers crossed!

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  18. All good :) Personally, I just like getting updated on where things are -that projects are delayed isn't an issues, total silence from an author though makes me wary of investing in their work :( Delays happen, life happens, it's all good, I think readers should understand.

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    1. Thanks, Katherine. As a reader, I want to know what's coming and what's delayed--as you say, life has a way of getting in the way of the best laid plans--but I'm trying not to over-promise in the future. Life is just really unpredictable these days. ;-)

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  19. As my dad always said, "It is what it is". We all know are SO comes first (two yrs of health issues for me!). Besides, I ALWAYS re-read the series for a new sequel release for continuity, I'm never bored or missing You! Breathe, enjoy, love, and create. We will be patiently waiting!

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  20. ...Second try. I wrote a long comment and tried to preview it and it got deleted. Just another example of how this year seems to have progressed for everyone! And we thought last year was bad... anyway, when you first published your highly ambitious book list, I was completely stunned by how any person could possibly do something like this... well, turns out it wasn't possible, but I'm not disappointed at all :) because, you see, I'm also on the GRR Martin wait-club, so ANY book anywhere is just fine, even if it takes time. And we got The Monet Murders and a sequel next year, and the lovely Nick and Perry will be here soon, no complaints here!

    But I've been meaning to ask you, are you going to do a combilation book of the All's fair trilogy? It's getting to be the only one I haven't read, because my bookstore (the only one that seems to offer most of your work in my country, and not just a couple) doesn't carry e-books from you, but they do love those collections of yours (as do I!). It was the only way I could read the latest Will&Taylor, and I do wonder how I'm going to get my hands on Blind Side when it comes, but, I'll worry about that then...!

    Meri

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    1. Hi Meri!

      Yes, the funny thing is that I had planned to use this year to catch up LAST year. Now I know better. So next year has a whole lot of blank pages in the calendar which is probably more realistic.

      Because Carina holds the publishing rights to the All's Fair trilogy, I don't know what might happen as far as compilations. I'm guessing no, but still hoping things might change down the line.

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  21. Take your time, Josh. I'd much prefer a book well-written than one served badly just to meet a deadline. There are already more books out there than we have time to read. I'm sure your next book will be out before I even realize it (like the Halloween book I just downloaded :D).

    Savanna

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    1. Thank you, Savanna. I feel the same. I'm not a jukebox. I can't just spit story after story out. Because this is how I earn my living, I'd love to be more productive, but the truth is there are things more important than even a job.

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  22. Take your time. The longer the waiting, the sweeter the kiss... in this case the read.
    It's not that I like waiting, I'm much too eager. But I'm sure even Taylor and Will like you taking your time writing their story better than taking a rush ;)
    We all know how fast a year can run and you never disappoint us and deserve free time just as well.
    I’m looking forward to all your releases knowing I will enjoy them. And isn’t this the best way to learn patience as a reader? :)

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    1. Right? Thank you, Frauke. It's not like there's not plenty to read out there! We're not all sitting on desert islands with nothing to keep us entertained. My kindle TBR has about 500 books at this point.

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  23. No worries Josh, I'm sure we'd all love to see you happy and enjoying life and not stressing about keeping up to a tentative schedule. I'm more than willing to wait until you can enjoy being the wonderful writer you are than trying to frantically rush through your list. Take care of yourself.

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  24. Take all the time you need, especially given all that's been going on in RL. I hate that Amazon is being difficult but so long as I know release dates, I can jump right on there and get whatever you send. Your books are a gift, not an obligation. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

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    1. Thank you very much, ME. I'm trying to be better about keeping readers informed so there are fewer surprises (and fewer disappointments).

      I hope you have a lovely holiday season as well!

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  25. Good grief, I feel exhausted just looking at your schedule (I need to lie down with a large G & T)

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  26. Your work is always worth waiting for. Peace and love to you and your family

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  27. RL does have a way of ruining our plans...like the others I will also wait patiently for new releases...but I am over-the-moon for the long awaited TGWYS sequel, so VERY excited about that!!!! Please issue a PB and/or PDF!
    RDAFAN7

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    1. It will come out in print for sure -- and audio. :-)

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  29. OK, just having found your blog (I've been crazy with my own projects), I am salivating so heavily my cat thinks I've become a Sharpei. Just knowing that there *are* upcoming sequels to my firsts (Dangerous Ground) and faves (Holmes & Moriarity, anything else with your name on it) is enough. I've read and re-read and re-re-read your work and pretty much only your work except for a couple of authors who are in your FB bunch for a solid couple of years and though I am in no way tired of any of them, it will still be nice to see the "what next" instead of worrying myself silly that Will and Taylor have gotten themselves terribly injured or that Izzie has decided to arrest Christopher (because he's bound to be in the deep stuff again). Oh, be quiet, inner Emily Post, I'll fangirl all I want! Of course, now I'm going to use all this as my current NotWriting answer (which is entirely different from not writing): too busy bouncing in my chair with excitement to write. :-)
    Thank you!

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    1. Awww. Thank you so much. I promise there will be plenty of new stuff coming soon (fingers crossed and praying the crick don't rise). :-D

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  30. No Spain & Doyle in 2018 then? (No pressure, just checking.)
    I'm pretty excited that there is still a plan for there to be a "Haunted Heart: Spring" book, even if it gets pushed. :)
    I hope you have a fantastic rest of 2017 & an even better 2018.

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    1. I would *love* to do a Spain and Doyle in 2018, but I've learned my lesson and am only committing to what I absolutely know for sure. Thanks so much for the good wishes -- right back at you!

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