Update

Now that my second novel is out, and the nice, new version on my first novel is out, there comes the usual melancholy. Being an introvert (and one with emotional issues), I get burnt out from all the work and feelings that correspond with a book release. And it's not over yet. Now it's the marketing and trying to get people to give my books a chance when I am not Patricia Wrede, Robin McKinley, Shannon Hale, or Gail Carson Levine (let alone Emily Bronte or Jane Austen). But for now, I have to give myself permission to sit back and just write for a little while.

My next novel "Engaging Helen" already has a rough draft (emphasis on rough), so now it's the (also emotional) and draining editing process. Looking back, I see the flaws in my first novel so clearly, even though it was professionally edited over seven times! But I am a perfectionist and every perceived flaw is hard. My next novel "Unmasking Cassandra" has also been meticulously edited over seven times. But there comes a point where you have to stop editing and let it out. My hope is that I can get better with each book and that each book will resonate with someone in a way that makes it worth it. I don't understand people who write to make money, either. All the hours and years I have spent on these books is a labor of love. For me, the characters demand to be heard and I'm not making anything to compensate for the time I give them! So while I am in my melancholy state and wondering why I allowed my book babies to leave the safety of my nest, open to criticism and personal attacks, I also carry the hope that someone will love my books and maybe even reach out to let me know. There's always hope.