I am excited for you, and would have been even more excited had I realized that you intended to sell the story without ever coming close to finishing the rough draft you were writing online. The last I knew, you had no idea if you would ever update that story again, because your interests lay elsewhere. I don't know if you made a more generalized announcement, but I'm pretty sure that quite a few of us were left hanging after we began the story, only to have you start on your newest venture (as excellent as it is) without an explanation. As it is, it took me months to be willing to read your sci fi story, because I just didn't trust you to complete the project. I can deal with an entrepreneurial spirit. I just require some acknowledgement of my emotional and time investment in reading your material. Here's hoping I won't be disappointed again. To those of you who will choose to hate on me for this comment, save your breath. I won't be reading anything you have to say.
Anonymous, in Writing Feedback you shouldn't worry about getting a negative backlash...at least not from me. I WANT your comments and feedback and some don't believe that this includes negative as well as positive. This is what makes me a better writer. But I can't dictate what others may respond--and you shouldn't either. Everyone has an opinion; good or bad and if you write it, at least be a big girl and hear the responses.
With Seal, it began with a lot of power but then as my personal life became hectic the 'mojo' began to fizzle. At one point I was putting up chapters that were subpar and my fans let me know! I got comments that it didn't sound like me and that I could do better. And I agreed so I pulled those last few chapters and re-worked them. But the funny thing about an emotional writer (such as myself) I can't push a story out.
The stories I write are so ingrained in me that when I don't feel it anymore I just can't write it. This was unfortunate because I was at the end of Seal but after discussing it with my muse it was decided that I would not ruin a very good story by forcing the end. I put it on hiatus until I could get the vibe of the story again. I had no idea that it would take over a year. But I can state with all truthfulness that I will ALWAYS stop writing a story if I lose the flavor (This happened while writing WOS).
Writers block is to a writer like impotence is to a man--you can't even fake your way around it. You lose the voice of the characters and the story can't move forward. I smile that this story touched you. And feel for you because I've been following stories on Literotica for years that have no ending or the author makes promises that they can't keep.
Unfortunately, now that I am a published writer I do sale my stories. That's just the reality. But I will always post free reads...and I'm not talking just teaser stories to get you to buy a book. That I don't like doing and if I post a teaser I will always state that's what it is.
To explain why I start a new story before finishing the previous is because if I could do nothing but write that would be my life! I would write and eat (smile). Having a story unfold in your head is like a revelation. Maybe I get them a few times a month and I let them die because I'm just too busy--but then there are those persistent ideas that take root and sink in like claws and I become compelled to write it. Adaptation is just one such idea, as is the Mutant Chronicles and A Seal Upon Your Heart. CreepyRJ and I started a slave and Indian story that is out of this world but neither of us can move forward with it. I have a story called The Infinite Sadness that I stopped writing because I just had no time to finish. Does that mean that I must always ignore the ideas because I might lose time, energy, or the spark that brings the story to life? And if we've already explained that a good story can't be pushed once it stalls then there lies the problems that writers face.
I hope that answers some questions. This is just me doing the best that I can. Its not perfect but as long as you tell me what you need I will always keep that in my mind as I strive to get better.
I am so happy for you,and how inspiring you are.You are taking your talent to the top and letting us enjoy your rise. Go Girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you Van!
DeleteI anxiously wait on your next book. I buy your work as fast as you write them.
ReplyDeleteI must say I anticipate your next novel. Ive waited patiently. Thanks for your work. It truly reaches deep down. :) Mavis
ReplyDeleteI must say I anticipate your next novel. Ive waited patiently. Thanks for your work. It truly reaches deep down. :) Mavis
ReplyDeleteAt last!!!! When??? I have being waitng forever for it to be published. I hope it's out next week. Pleaaaase NK
ReplyDeletePlease respond, what will this novel be published?
ReplyDeleteJanuary, I can't be more specific because I don't have a precise date, but it will be this month
DeleteI can't wait to get me hands on it.
DeleteI'm super psyched about this!!!!! I have been waiting to see where the characters go.
ReplyDeleteI am excited for you, and would have been even more excited had I realized that you intended to sell the story without ever coming close to finishing the rough draft you were writing online. The last I knew, you had no idea if you would ever update that story again, because your interests lay elsewhere. I don't know if you made a more generalized announcement, but I'm pretty sure that quite a few of us were left hanging after we began the story, only to have you start on your newest venture (as excellent as it is) without an explanation. As it is, it took me months to be willing to read your sci fi story, because I just didn't trust you to complete the project. I can deal with an entrepreneurial spirit. I just require some acknowledgement of my emotional and time investment in reading your material. Here's hoping I won't be disappointed again. To those of you who will choose to hate on me for this comment, save your breath. I won't be reading anything you have to say.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, in Writing Feedback you shouldn't worry about getting a negative backlash...at least not from me. I WANT your comments and feedback and some don't believe that this includes negative as well as positive. This is what makes me a better writer. But I can't dictate what others may respond--and you shouldn't either. Everyone has an opinion; good or bad and if you write it, at least be a big girl and hear the responses.
DeleteWith Seal, it began with a lot of power but then as my personal life became hectic the 'mojo' began to fizzle. At one point I was putting up chapters that were subpar and my fans let me know! I got comments that it didn't sound like me and that I could do better. And I agreed so I pulled those last few chapters and re-worked them. But the funny thing about an emotional writer (such as myself) I can't push a story out.
The stories I write are so ingrained in me that when I don't feel it anymore I just can't write it. This was unfortunate because I was at the end of Seal but after discussing it with my muse it was decided that I would not ruin a very good story by forcing the end. I put it on hiatus until I could get the vibe of the story again. I had no idea that it would take over a year. But I can state with all truthfulness that I will ALWAYS stop writing a story if I lose the flavor (This happened while writing WOS).
Writers block is to a writer like impotence is to a man--you can't even fake your way around it. You lose the voice of the characters and the story can't move forward. I smile that this story touched you. And feel for you because I've been following stories on Literotica for years that have no ending or the author makes promises that they can't keep.
Unfortunately, now that I am a published writer I do sale my stories. That's just the reality. But I will always post free reads...and I'm not talking just teaser stories to get you to buy a book. That I don't like doing and if I post a teaser I will always state that's what it is.
To explain why I start a new story before finishing the previous is because if I could do nothing but write that would be my life! I would write and eat (smile). Having a story unfold in your head is like a revelation. Maybe I get them a few times a month and I let them die because I'm just too busy--but then there are those persistent ideas that take root and sink in like claws and I become compelled to write it. Adaptation is just one such idea, as is the Mutant Chronicles and A Seal Upon Your Heart. CreepyRJ and I started a slave and Indian story that is out of this world but neither of us can move forward with it. I have a story called The Infinite Sadness that I stopped writing because I just had no time to finish. Does that mean that I must always ignore the ideas because I might lose time, energy, or the spark that brings the story to life? And if we've already explained that a good story can't be pushed once it stalls then there lies the problems that writers face.
I hope that answers some questions. This is just me doing the best that I can. Its not perfect but as long as you tell me what you need I will always keep that in my mind as I strive to get better.