A “Something Old, Something New” Writing Update
Today on the blog, I’m answering two great questions I’ve been asked over the past few days since revealing information about my upcoming release. 1) Are you still writing Christian romance? 2) Are you self-publishing Memory Lane?
If you’ve been following the blog, then you know I don’t typically recycle information here. I hope you’ll indulge me this time and allow me blog here the answers I first posted on Facebook. The community at Inspired by Life has been wonderful to me! I’m not sure how many of you see my Facebook posts and this information was information I wanted to share with you.
My answer to question 1: Yes, I’m still writing Christian romance. The truth is that I could probably sell more books if I switched to sweet contemporary romance because there are simply more people reading that genre. Sweet romances have such a valid spot in the fiction landscape. And, happily, there are already plenty of Christian authors writing in that space. I’m grateful for them because I thoroughly enjoy reading their books! But I, personally, have not felt the Lord leading me in that direction.
When I started writing my first Christian romance, My Stubborn Heart, I knew before I’d finished the first page that I’d found my niche. I recognized it as clearly as I’ve recognized anything. It was a goosebump moment for me. At that point in time I’d already spent years writing, succeeding, failing, burning-out… After all that, I’d at last found my very, very favorite thing to write. The discovery of this genre was a gift God gave me and I haven’t swerved from it since. I still love it the best.
My family, back when I started writing My Stubborn Heart. Our third child hadn’t even been born!The scenes in my books when God shows His love for my imperfect characters are the scenes that make me cry and that, in my opinion, pack the most power. So. Even though Memory Lane’s cover looks different than my previous covers, the story inside is exactly the type of story you’ve come to expect from me.
My family now. Our two oldest children are in college. SO many things have changed since I started writing My Stubborn Heart. But one thing hasn’t. I’m still writing Christian romance. My answer to question 2: Yes, I’m publishing this next series myself. I felt a tug to switch things up and see how this suits my creativity, my writing goals, my family life, my personality. I’m sure you’ve found in your own life that change is both exhilarating and scary. That’s how this has been for me so far. But I’m very glad I’m giving it a try. I have peace about it because I’m trusting God to do with this whatever He wills.
The fact that I’m indie-publishing the Sons of Scandal series explains why I’m running a Kickstarter project aimed at creating Memory Lane’s audiobook. Which, by the way, HIT ITS FUNDING GOAL just four days into the 10-day-long lifespan of the project. I have the best readers! Thank you! [By the way, there’s still time to check out my Kickstarter and/or purchase one of the rewards I’m offering if you’d like to do so.]
Me with a computer displaying my Kickstarter project. I’m proud of it because this platform was new to me. It took quite a bit of research and time to set it up!The indie-publishing route also explains why book 1 is releasing earlier than my usual May release date. Once Memory Lane was done, I was free to go ahead and make it available. Right now, you can only pre-order copies of the novel on Kickstarter. But in less than a week–when the Kickstarter closes–it will be available for pre-order at all the usual places. Memory Lane will be my Valentine’s Day gift to you!
