Happy Wednesday.
So I've learned recently that success can pose problems.
Some of you know that, aside from writing urban and epic fantasy, I also write in a very different genre under a pen name. While reviews and reader feedback for "Dis" and "City of Dis" have been great, sales have been terrible (after the initial surge put "Dis" on three Amazon Top 100 lists). Meanwhile, sales under my pen name have shot up significantly.
So now I have a decision to make. Take time away from the writing that is popular (and profitable!) to write a novel--The Norn Convergence--that I think some of you would really enjoy, but which would very likely see only a handful of sales (until I have several novels out, at least)...or...put The Norn Convergence on the back burner while I continue to release vast quantities of work under the pen name, opening up the very real possibility of me being able to quit my job to write full time in the near future. At which point I would have the time for both kinds of writing.
My decision is pretty much made. Over the next few months, I will continue to work on short stories in the Urban Midgard world, with the goal of releasing one fantasy or urban fantasy short per month. The next Urban Midgard release will probably be the short story "The Shriver", which many of you enjoyed when you read the excerpt up at Urban Psychopomp. My November release, however, will probably be fantasy rather than urban fantasy.
I have no fear I won't be able to keep up. My October word count was 52,000 words, and I'm aiming to go higher this month. Nothing motivates like success.
So that's the scoop. I'm not abandoning my fantasy, but I can't let this opportunity to establish myself as a full-time writer pass me by.
I'll close this post by sharing a video of one of my favorite bands. I didn't even realize they had new music out (I'm a bad bad fan). The lyrics on this one have a lot of significance to things I'm seeing in my life, aspects I'm freeing myself of after many years. I do not believe the success coming to me now is a coincidence. Sometimes we just have to get away from certain patterns and people. Anyway, here's Sound of Winter by Bush. (I <3 Gavin Rossdale. LOL)
Well, I know money motivates. I have no idea what other writing you're doing, but, hey, if it will pay the bills and make you happy then you gotta go with it. I'm sure you can probably do both anyway, if you're hitting 52k words a month. ;)
ReplyDeleteI remember reading about well-known SF authors who began their careers writing for romance mills under pseudonyms. That was decades ago. So you are following a tried and true path to becoming a full-time author.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your UF or F novels, though :)
Hey, it's your business. As you say, this will give you more time in the long run, while letting you do what you want to do.
ReplyDeleteNothing like doing a job you love. :D
The chance to write full time is very tempting, so your choice makes sense, as long as you're happy writing the other genre. Good luck, Margo.
ReplyDeleteMargo, this is great news! :) I'm glad to hear the other genre, at least, is picking up. Also, 52k? Higher this month? Your on NaNo speed, you know. :P
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great problem to have! Congrats on all the success with your pen name books. And I highly agree with Claudie. 52K words a month? I'm impressed. In awe. Whatever it is, I'm in it with you. I can't wait to see where all your hard work takes you next!
ReplyDeleteHi, guys! Thanks for the supportive comments. They (and you) are all greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteHey, L.G.! It's been a nice bit of cash so far, but the most interesting thing is how relaxing it is, because I don't put the kind of pressure on myself that I do with fantasy.
Hi, Marie! I ran into a mention of a couple of my favorite authors cutting their teeth on this stuff. Donald Maass, too!
Carradee! I do have to admit I'm having a lot of fun. :)
Hiya, Matt! It's been hard, though, saying I'm going to put the fantasy on the back burner. I've been afraid people won't want to wait for the novel or that they'll think I won't come back to it (but I will).
Claudie! I'm really happy with myself about last month's word count. I'm going to make NaNo speed my normal speed! :P
Hey, Tricia! Thanks, I'm excited about where it will go, as well. I'm lucky in that I've hooked up with a few mentors. That's something that seems to keep happening to me in writing. I must look like a baby bird in need of a protective mama bird. LOL.
I'm happy to hear about your success! I don't think there is anything wrong with doing what is profitable first. Nothing wrong with that at all. (Though I love your fantasy so much!) :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sommer. Your support and well-wishes mean a lot to me.
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