This is long and drawn out, so apologies up front. You don't have to read it, but you might want to.
I get extremely nervous when I'm about to do something I have never done before. The first time I posted a chapter up to Twilighted (and then later FFN) I was a nervous wreck - couldn't hardly push the button. I don't care for change much, and certain things are more difficult to alter than others. Of course, now posting to either place is second nature. Otherwise Alone was basically ready for six months before I actually put it up on Amazon, but I think the next one will be a lot easier.
Obviously changing jobs, deciding to have a child, getting married, getting divorced - all of those are huge life change things, and we expect to be nervous about them - with good reason. I don't mean that kind of stuff, but I don't mean changing the sheets, either.
So, I'm about to do something I haven't done before. I'm going to pull two stories from FFN to publish them. I know some people are not going to like this - they have their reasons and they're entitled to their opinions. Ultimately, I have to do what feels right for me. Is it right? Is it a mistake? I don't know. I won't know until I do it.
I guess that's what makes me nervous.
One story is probably obvious - Surviving Bella has always been my personal favorite. I've already rewritten it, and Surviving Raine is in the editing phases now, working on the cover art and all that. It will be the next thing out. So many people have asked about the sequel...well, like Otherwise Alone, it's going to depend on how it is received. I have always planned on doing on, and would definitely like to do it, and I think I've had enough distance from those characters that I'm about ready to start writing them again. Otherwise Alone was well received, and a sequel is coming, so I have hopes for Surviving Raine as well.
The other is maybe not so obvious - Transcendence. Part of the reason is because the damn thing is so full of typos it drives me nuts. I also think if I rewrote it there is a lot of potential, but it's going to take some work. Yeah - like I need another project. Ehd was also a lot of fun to play with, I must admit. It will be much more of a rewrite, though Surviving Raine does have a few marked differences from Surviving Bella.
I don't plan on removing any others right now, so don't panic or anything. Hell, it took me two years to decide to remove SB. I still plan on finishing Caged, Not What She Seems, and I have another quick fic in mind for when those are done. I want to keep writing fanfic - I love doing it. I love playing in SM's world. Heck, maybe I'll write some more Star Wars stuff while I'm at it!
I hope no one is too upset with this decision. I wanted to tell everyone first because I consider those who read my blog (via the blog itself, Facebook or Twitter) to be the most supportive of what I do, and I appreciate that. For the most part, I'm just going to quietly remove them without any fanfare on March 1st. I did shut off FFN PMs for a variety of reasons (mostly I just can't keep up), but I'll have a new avenue to contact me on a new website soon anyway. I know I'll get a lot of inquiries and opinions when they're removed, and I'll take those as they come.
I've got a lot of change coming in the form of Otherwise Alone sequels, other new characters and stories, a new website, etc. This is just a part of it. It all makes me nervous, but I also know it's time to take a step into the deep end.
I get extremely nervous when I'm about to do something I have never done before. The first time I posted a chapter up to Twilighted (and then later FFN) I was a nervous wreck - couldn't hardly push the button. I don't care for change much, and certain things are more difficult to alter than others. Of course, now posting to either place is second nature. Otherwise Alone was basically ready for six months before I actually put it up on Amazon, but I think the next one will be a lot easier.
Obviously changing jobs, deciding to have a child, getting married, getting divorced - all of those are huge life change things, and we expect to be nervous about them - with good reason. I don't mean that kind of stuff, but I don't mean changing the sheets, either.
So, I'm about to do something I haven't done before. I'm going to pull two stories from FFN to publish them. I know some people are not going to like this - they have their reasons and they're entitled to their opinions. Ultimately, I have to do what feels right for me. Is it right? Is it a mistake? I don't know. I won't know until I do it.
I guess that's what makes me nervous.
One story is probably obvious - Surviving Bella has always been my personal favorite. I've already rewritten it, and Surviving Raine is in the editing phases now, working on the cover art and all that. It will be the next thing out. So many people have asked about the sequel...well, like Otherwise Alone, it's going to depend on how it is received. I have always planned on doing on, and would definitely like to do it, and I think I've had enough distance from those characters that I'm about ready to start writing them again. Otherwise Alone was well received, and a sequel is coming, so I have hopes for Surviving Raine as well.
The other is maybe not so obvious - Transcendence. Part of the reason is because the damn thing is so full of typos it drives me nuts. I also think if I rewrote it there is a lot of potential, but it's going to take some work. Yeah - like I need another project. Ehd was also a lot of fun to play with, I must admit. It will be much more of a rewrite, though Surviving Raine does have a few marked differences from Surviving Bella.
I don't plan on removing any others right now, so don't panic or anything. Hell, it took me two years to decide to remove SB. I still plan on finishing Caged, Not What She Seems, and I have another quick fic in mind for when those are done. I want to keep writing fanfic - I love doing it. I love playing in SM's world. Heck, maybe I'll write some more Star Wars stuff while I'm at it!
I hope no one is too upset with this decision. I wanted to tell everyone first because I consider those who read my blog (via the blog itself, Facebook or Twitter) to be the most supportive of what I do, and I appreciate that. For the most part, I'm just going to quietly remove them without any fanfare on March 1st. I did shut off FFN PMs for a variety of reasons (mostly I just can't keep up), but I'll have a new avenue to contact me on a new website soon anyway. I know I'll get a lot of inquiries and opinions when they're removed, and I'll take those as they come.
I've got a lot of change coming in the form of Otherwise Alone sequels, other new characters and stories, a new website, etc. This is just a part of it. It all makes me nervous, but I also know it's time to take a step into the deep end.
Hope you'll be there with me - I might need a life preserver!
Fingers crossed, feet together...jump!
Fingers crossed, feet together...jump!
I brought Otherwise Alone, loved it, just as I love all you write. I totally agree with you publishing your stories, they're yours, we love them, you shared them. You've got a fan base honey just do it. I and many others support you all the way. xxx
ReplyDeleteSay Im so excited for you!!! Can't wait to read these again!! You and you work are fabulous and its amazing to have the privilege to see in to the worlds you create!! So heres to new adventures..
ReplyDeleteOh that is exciting news! I can't wait to get my copies of Surviving Raine (and the sequel bc I know the book will be well received). I'm so anxious to get my hands on the Otherwise Alone sequel too. I can see great things with Transcendence already, so I'm happy to know you're going to rework it as well.
ReplyDeleteI wish you lots of luck with these books. I already know they're going to be amazing.
Surviving Bella has been one of my favs, an I must say I always wanted to read the sequel with ExB pn it. But I am so happy you are giving it a go and share the story with more people outside FF. Hopefully, this will get me the sequel sooner lol. As for Transcendence, I found it refreshing, as is a completely different kind of story that will always makes you love it. I will be supporting you all the way a always and no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI am happy for you! Changes in life are often good, and I'm sure this will be big for you. I will support you, just let your fans know where you are!
ReplyDeletexoxoSus
Go for it, Shay! Hell, I'm living through you. Change is good and you have my support.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan and i know whatever you do, i'll want to read it. Pull up your big girl panties and be proud. You are a hot writer with a following. Lead us. We'll be there. daphne061763
ReplyDeleteI love transcendence! Publish it and maybe movie is next :) I would love to see caveward on the big screen HOH
ReplyDeleteGiod luck with it all! I guess I should start with surviving Bella next... Just finished soccerward :)
Just finished Otherwise Alone.... it was fantastic! Please write a sequel, I'm begging you! New fan here, just dowloaded your book from Amazon yesterday.
ReplyDeleteWill you make transcendence into an original fiction or repost on ff?
ReplyDelete