Music to an Author’s Ears: “I Couldn’t Put It Down”

Creative people enjoy the creative process. Getting stuck at any point in that process tends to erode creativity. That’s why neophyte artists and writers often dabble with one idea then another before finding their niche—and as soon as that niche becomes a rut, they’re ready to move on.

Unfortunately, readers and art lovers appreciate ruts. They want to recognize a favorite author’s latest book by its cover, its title, the story setting, and the characters who populate the story. They want to recognize a favorite painter’s style by the color palette, subject matter, and method of applying paint. As a fan of other artists and authors, I’m no different.

As both artist and author, however, I’m constantly challenged with the niche vs rut dilemma. I love exploring new ideas. Where would my art or my writing be today if I didn’t? Nevertheless, I also want to please the fans who buy my books and my paintings—I mean, who doesn’t want to be appreciated?

Thus I found myself dancing a jig these past weeks when I heard from various readers, “I couldn’t put it down.” One reader was referring to the fourth installment in my Dixie Flannigan suspense series, Slice of Life, others to my latest novel, Emissary, which deviates from my former niche in several ways.

The first deviation readers will note is that Emissary straddles the genre delineation from mystery suspense to science fiction. Anyone who has read my short stories, which fall into many genres, will catch on quickly. Dixie Flannigan followers, however, might feel a little out of place for the first few pages.

So this blog is dedicated not only to everyone who responded to Emissary with, “I couldn’t put it down,” but also to every reader willing to take that next step with me into a new niche. Writing this book was a lot of fun, and I hope readers enjoy the journey as much as I did.

Pre-Order Emissary Now at Amazon.com or at ChartHousePress.com/books-emissary/