Sue Ann Jaffarian guest blogs for me today on Inkspot. As you can see she's been busy...
Sue Ann:
Since I left my regular posting duties on Inkspot a lot of things have changed in my writing career. Some were my decisions, others not. When Darrell James and I switched blogging duties this month (he’ll be guest blogging at Criminal Minds on August 28th), I decided this would be a great time to bring Inkspot readers up-to-date.
First of all, I reached a milestone in June when my 6th Odelia Grey novel, TWICE AS DEAD, was released. I have 12 contracts total for Odelia with Midnight Ink, so I’m half way through them and currently working on Odelia #7.
Next, I decided to throw my hat into the e-book self-publishing ring with my new Holidays From Hell series. Holidays From Hell is a collection of short stories featuring Zelda Bowen, an average, single woman of thirty surrounded by a very dysfunctional family. Through the individual short stories, we follow Zelda as she maneuvers each crazy family holiday like a field laced with mines and booby traps. The first two stories, THE RABBIT DIED and PULL MY PAW, are available for both Kindle and Nook for $0.99 each and are doing very well. In the next month or so they will be joined by WHERE’S YOUR DADDY? and ROCKETS’ RED GLARE.
In the past several months, my agent and I decided to seek a new publisher for my Ghost of Granny Apples books. The third book in the series, GEM OF A GHOST, will be released in February 2012 by Midnight Ink. If another publisher does not want subsequent books, or offers are not to my liking, I will consider self-publishing them. But I can assure you, the series will not end with GEM OF A GHOST. I am already researching book #4, GHOST OF A GAMBLE.
There are also changes on the horizon for my Madison Rose Vampire Mysteries. BAITED BLOOD, the 2nd book in the series, was just released and the early reviews have rocked. However, Midnight Ink decided to cancel the contract for the 3rd book. Not to worry, Madison Rose fans, the 3rd book, BETRAYED BY BLOOD, is in the works and, like Granny, will be self-published if a suitable home is not found for it. These days authors have many publishing options and I intend to explore every opportunity available to me.
I also have ideas for other books and series bubbling around in my head. With only one book a year under contract now instead of three, I may have time to set some of those other ideas to paper. More “me time” is also on the agenda, and I’ve decided to curtail travel in 2012. Between my paralegal career, writing and book promotion, I’ve been hitting it hard for several years now and, I won’t kid you, it’s been a killer.
One of the lines I often tell audiences when I give motivational speeches is: If you don’t challenge yourself, you’ll never really know what you’re made of and how much you can accomplish.
I’m ready to put my own words into action and pen the next chapter in my writing career.
11 comments:
Good to hear from you, Sue Ann. And good for you for continuing to discover new opportunities! I look forward to reading some of your coming stories.
I applaud all you've accomplished, Sue Ann, as well as your drive to do more. It's obvious you love to write and loving what you do is key to success:)
Sue Ann, I am sure that you will find a home for all your books. There are so many places out there today. You are such a gifted author, they would have to be brain dead not to want you.
Your career and determination are inspiring, Sue Ann!
Thanks for the update, Sue Ann. I'm sorry to hear the MI didn't pick up BETRAYED BY BLOOD, and I'm hoping you find a new home for it soon. I've been watching your e-short-story publications with interest, and I think that's a very savvy way to find new readers for your books. You're definitely working smart in this rapidly-changing publishing business!
Excellent post, Sue Ann! So many stories to tell, so little time!
Sounds like you're doing ok. MI sure likes to cancel contracts. Maybe if they paid larger advances they'd be less likely to throw money away.
Best of luck to you, Sue Ann. You're such a dynamo. You certainly deserve some "me" time. Hope you make the most of it.
Thanks, everyone, for the warm welcome. For those of you interested in the e-book short story market, I can tell you that between Kindle and Nook, I sell at least a couple hundred short stories a month, including the months I don't put out a new story. It's a wonderful way to keep your existing readers in the loop and to find new readers.
As they say, when one door closes another opens. Sounds great, Sue Ann. Your career is sure on an up-and-to-the-right trajactory. And as you know, I'm pretty pleased with how my experiment has gone in publishing Drop By Drop as an ebook original.
When you're ready to self-publish, get in touch if you need a hand: luckybatbooks.com
It's a whole new world for publishing and authors.
HUGS!
Jules
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