And now comes disquiet.
It’s an odd feeling putting a series to bed. The long build of excitement reaches a peak then fades leaving disquiet in its wake.
The excitement of the launch lifts you up: holding the physical copy of the final book, smelling the pages as if they were a new puppy, reading the early reviews, attending book signings, planning the big farewell party.
But after the final book’s release, disquiet sucks you under: bidding farewell to characters you know better than your family leaves you hollow, your next book’s characters are still strangers who can’t begin to fill the gap; not knowing if your readers will give a hoot about your next distant book provokes loneliness.
Thankfully, time doesn’t let you linger in either state for long. It ticks away, oblivious to the petty fears of mere writers, nudging you along on your way.
And so it goes
The $0.99 launch price for Lover Betrayed, a Gift Legacy Companion book, ends tomorrow. If you’re missing this book in the series, now’s your chance to get it for launch pricing. After tomorrow, it returns to its regular price of $5.99. You can read an excerpt here.
Every day, the disquiet lifts a bit. Yesterday, I broke 32K words in my new book. It’s about a young woman who was born with an unfortunate birthmark. The woman believes her birthmark is a disfiguring curse. She doesn’t know the real curse is that her birthmark is disappearing.
Next month
Next month, I’m excited to be participating in a new adventure with writers who may be new to you, but who are far from unknown. I’m teaming up with a dozen fabulous writers, many of them A-list best sellers, to bring you new books at terrific prices along with bonus prizes. I’ll provide details shortly.
As always, I’d love to hear your feedback. Just hit reply or contact me via the social media buttons.
Secret Sky is the book that started it all. Get your copy of Secret Sky from Kindle with one click right here. And if ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options, or just click on the covers below.
Secret Sky was formerly titled The Gift: Awakening
Hidden Enemy was formerly titled The Gift: Revelation
Burning Lies was formerly titled The Gift: Redemption
Lethal Waters was formerly titled The Gift: Penance
Lover Betrayed was formerly titled The Gift: Betrayal
End and beginning. They always go hand in hand.
It must be fantastic: to see and know how much you have accomplished.
It looks like you have busy spring and summer ahead.
Everything is great in your life, I think you should be very happy!
Most likely, deep inside you have already the feeling that something new will be started.
A lot of effort can result in guhe happiness and satisfaction. Good luck with your plans!
Thanks, Inese. End and beginning pretty much sums it up.
I’m familiar with that disquieting sensation, and you’re doing exactly what I’ve done. Start another book and start planning ahead. Congratulations on relaunching your series. It’s very exciting to see that you’re teaming up with other authors as well!!
Thanks, Debra. I jumped at the opportunity to team up with these writers. Looking forward to returning their support.
I get sad when I finish READING a series, and it must be so much worse if you actually gave birth to these characters! Anyway, I’m sure it won’t be long before you are completely wrapped up in the new book . . . I look forward to seeing what you come up with next!
Thanks, Elinor. It’s fun getting to know some new characters.
You did a fantastic job on these Jo-Anne. There are so many books I want to read. I look at my stack of maybe 20 to 25 books yet to read but Secrey Sky calls to me. I am placing anothef order to Amazon shortly and it will be on the list. Looking forward to it.
Thanks, Allan. I too have a towering stack of books to read. Hope you enjoy Secret Sky when you get to it. Cheers!
I read your last book “Lover Betrayed” – and like usual, it was a page-turner. For some reason, it did not leave me breathless. Maybe I knew too much already about your heroine, maybe also about the surrounding characters? And that made MY imagination run away… I do think that your decision to make it the last book in the series is right. I understand your feeling of “Disquiet”, almost of “loss” of the people in your books. It is hard to let them go or you stepping away. You have an incredible imagination; from the start, I have admired you greatly, and I look forward to your next creations!
But I really want to thank you for opening my eyes to this genre as before I have always read history or historical fiction based on truth. Your books felt so “REAL” that I almost believed that there are people who can fly.
Thanks so much, Giselle. Your praise means a lot to me. I’m so glad to have been able to introduce you to a new genre – now we can enjoy it together!
Your series looks so great. I love your writing because you weave a good story. Every since I first met Jackson, I was intrigued by his character. Interesting that you chose to end with his voice. I just clicked and took advantage of your generous offer on Kindle. I’m looking forward to reading it when I get home and can access my e-reader.
As for your feelings about ending the series, I get that. Especially since you’ve created such compelling characters who’ve been with you so long. But having read that bit about the disappearing birthmark, I imagine you’ll get hooked again and so will your readers.
Thanks, Diana. Every day’s writing moves me closer to this new character. I love being back in writing mode. Hope you enjoy Lover Betrayed.