Is that the question? I recently read a blog article where the author indicated that writing one book a year wasn't sufficient to meet reader demand. While I agree with the sentiment, I also don't think readers enjoy "cookie-cutter" romances or "by-the-book" thrillers. With the number of free books being offered on Amazon for the Kindle, I know I won't run out of reading material for a long, long time. In addition, I am purchasing books whenever my wallet will allow. So, I'm not sure killing myself, as an author, will make my readers any happier. I currently have three works in progress (WIPs). Four, if my sequel to Mortal Illusions actually remains two separate books as it is now. I wanted to get four or five books out by the end of the year, with one out in March. Well, that didn't happen. Still hasn't. So, where did the time go?
Unfortunately, both my sequel to Mortal Illusions and my follow-up book to Arrested by Love required more revisions than I anticipated, so they are both still in the editing process right now. I'm not happy about it, but I'd rather they be good than just published. The past few weeks, I've been getting ready for a conference I'm attending the first weekend of June, so my writing time is suffering. And, as a result, my blogging has suffered as well. Sigh.
As for reading, I limit my reading time to just before bedtime (around 1 or 2 AM). If I'm still wired after reading for an hour or so, I will listen to one of my books on tape (I subscribe to Audible). That usually takes me to 3, sometimes 4 in the morning. During the day, when I'm not "creating" swag, I try to spend my time writing or editing my current WIP.
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| Example of a Book Thong |
I also want to stay on top of my e-mail and writing lists, learn new things, and communicate with other readers and writers. So, given there are only so many hours in the day, and I do not function well without sleep, I'm trying to decide where my time is best spent. I'm not sure all the time I'm spending creating "book thongs" for the conference is what I should be doing, but it meets a creative need, and I like giving away new "toys" to my readers. So, I'll continue with my current plan. As for my two blogs, well I'll need to beg your indulgence for a little while longer.
I will get back on schedule, but probably not until mid-June. Until then, I'll try to post if I come across anything I feel I should share, however, I would be interested in your opinions regarding the number of books a year you think an author should publish. One, two, four? Inquiring minds want to know.
My release schedule seems to be one book every two years. I am a slow writer and would rather it be good than fast and error-riddled.
ReplyDeleteSandra, I so agree with you. I'm not precisely a fast writer myself. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI always prefer writers who take their time and produce a good story rather than assembly line, cookie cutter drivel.
ReplyDeleteI mean, God bless writers like Nora Roberts who recently published her 200th novel. But she puts out what? One every two to three months? They're all the same if you ask me. But obviously some people keep buying them.
Mathias, you're right. Nora Roberts is an automatic "buy" for some readers, so she must be doing something right. Thanks for commenting.
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