Well... I've hit a writing dilemma. Haven't hit one of those in a while :-\
This one is kind of a big one.
There has been something niggling at me about Sneak Thievery (Fade #2) for a while now. Every time I've tried to go back to it I've been stuck... and really unhappy with what I've written so far. I've finally come to the conclusion that the direction I was taking Sneak Thievery in actually ruins what I think made Slumber so enjoyable for you guys who loved it. The whole concept behind Slumber began with the fairytale Sleeping Beauty. And what is so great about fairytales? They're beautifully simplistic. Slumber was drawn in the same way. I gave some worldbuilding, but not enough to detract from the mystery of it and overly complicate what in its essence was a romantic adventure. With Sneak Thievery, I was creating this complex world and history, and not only did it begin to bother me that this world hadn't been touched upon in Slumber, but it bothered me how much it took away from the simplicity that set Slumber apart from my other worlds. Worse still, this world and plot I'd created had begun to change the characters - in particular L and Haydyn. They were nothing like who they'd been in Slumber and that just doesn't work for me!
So... I'm afraid the book I've been writing has been thrown aside in frustration. Scrapped. Deleted.
But not to worry... because I still feel like L, Haydyn and Kir's stories needs to be told. I'm working on an idea that follows the same kind of adventure that Rogan went through in Slumber. It will hopefully follow L, her childhood friend Fane, Haydyn and Kir a few months after Slumber ended, and I want it to tie up their parts in this story that began with Rogan's.
Unfortunately, this means going back to the very beginning... and that means I have no idea when it will be finished. At the moment, I think it might be better to finish out the Fire Spirits series before picking this one up. I'll know more as I start writing it.
I'm sorry if I've let any of my readers down. I know quite a few of you are looking forward to this next installment. But from the feedback I've gotten from Slumber it seems to be one of the most loved of all my books, and I feel writing something that I'm anything less than happy with is a disservice to myself and most importantly to you guys.
I will keep you updated on the progress of the story. And I promise... there will be one :-)
Sam x
I'd rather it be a good story and take longer than you be unhappy with the final product. If you are unhappy with it, chances are we the reader won't like it either. I loved Slumber and have every confidence that you will make Sneak Theivery just as good. I also love Fire Spirits so I'm not unhappy that we'll be getting to finish that series in the meantime. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Sam! A wonderful writer knows when she's not staying true to her characters. If you say that your mastery was not befitting Slumber, then I say we wait!
ReplyDeleteAnd who knows, perhaps the not sequel you had worked on can end up being something else to delight us in the future!
With all my fan-girl love,
Ambyr
And that's why we love you Sam! I love Slumber and I'm happy you take the time to make you work perfect, even if it means I have to wait longer to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteDont feel like you have let us down! Though we are waiting patiently (or at least trying to be) for the next installment, im sure all of your readers would prefer something you are happy and proud of, than something you are not satisfied with!
ReplyDeleteHopefully, it will be completed SUPER soon!!!
Thanks so much for writing these amazing books!
I agree. I would rather it wait longer and have it be something that you are happy with. Take your time. I'll be looking forward to reading it when it's done.
ReplyDeleteNo disappointment! If you're not telling the right story then it's better to have you take the time to write it and make it the right one than to rush to press with one you're not happy with.
ReplyDeleteBecause, if a writer isn't happy with her story then the readers won't be.
Of course I can't wait to read another story in this world of the Fade, but I'll just have to. :) And I'm sure it will be worth the wait!
Wow, you guys are amazing! Thank you so much. You have no idea how worried I was about telling everyone about the change of plans, but you've made me feel so much better about my decision.
ReplyDeleteMuch love
xx
Oh yeah, no worries! I would rather have you publish something you are proud of than something you hate just to keep a deadline. We all love you and your books for a reason. If we have to wait for a great book from you, don't worry...we will! It will actually give me more time to re-read Slumber once or twice ;-p
ReplyDeleteNow not to put the pessure on or anything but I only have 1 or 2 of your books left to read I think. I have just booked a 2 week holiday for late summer so if you could make sure you have the next fire spirits done and any others so I have some fab reading material for the beach I would be ever so grateful ;)
ReplyDeleteAll joking aside I think it is great that you listen to your characters and if your writing takes them places they dont want to go then you recognise that....more power to you!!!
On a different note I have a presumptuous question which you can feel free to ignore. I was listening to an audio book (I wont tout the author;) and I realised how important the voice is - in fact when I read in my head I think each character gets a voice. If you could get anyone to read your books aloud - who would it be?
@Jennifer K - Big hugs! Thank you so much for being so understanding. You is awesome! xx
ReplyDelete@Nikki D - Lol! Well Borrowed Ember will definitely be out by then! :-) As for your question about Audio books... wow... that's a tough one. I've not been asked that before. I'm going to need time to think on that, because you're absolutely right. Choosing the right voice is essential. :-)
xx
If you do decide to jump into audio books, I would LOVE to have Kimberly Alexis (the chick that does the Anita Blake series) or the girl that did the Twilight series. Both women have such a range. With Alexis, she does the men's parts so well I forget I'm listening to one voice sometimes!
ReplyDeleteSometimes don't you wish you could just punch your manuscript in the face? Sorry you're frustrated now, but I feel certain that whatever you wrote will help you to become even more awesome in the end.
ReplyDelete@Ambyr - I'll need to check the audio out for those :-)
ReplyDelete@Tammy - I do, I do wish I could punch my manuscript in the face! Thanks Tammy :-). As you say, I've learned from this. Sometimes less is more! :-)
xx
SAM! You are KILLING me! But, like everyone else, I will wait...somewhat impatiently. ;) I'd also much rather read a book you were truly happy with. So again, waiting slightly impatiently. And I'd also love to see to the two stories blend in the end. It would just make sense. I love Rogan and Wolfe and honestly, I'd still love to see more of them. xx
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for Fire Spirits #3 I have no more of your books to read. It's killing me! :'(
ReplyDelete@Bella - :-) There will be more of Rogan and Wolfe in the story too :-p xx
ReplyDelete@Anonymous - Aw wow! Amazing. Well... Fire Spirits #3 is coming along nicely and should be out soon xx
Take your time! I rather have another AMAZING READ than a history lesson! LOL
ReplyDeleteI can beta read it for you ;-) hahah
@Damaris - Lol, thank you! :-D
ReplyDeletexx
No problema, ill be patient anything for the Fire Spirits ;)
ReplyDelete@Gisela - aw thank you! :-D xx
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what had happened to this book! I don't usually comment to *anything* online, but I wanted to chime in to let you know that I adored Slumber - it was really, really well done. As a supremely picky (and voracious) reader, I don't say that lightly, so I fully respect and appreciate that you're taking your time to write a worthy second installment. I hope once you do, it all comes back to you with ease, and hopefully, more than one follow-up!
ReplyDeleteI loved Slumber it was amazing and as much as it kills me to wait for the sequel I want it to be just as amazing so I will wait as long as it takes and then fall on it and gobble it up when it does come out. thanks a million for your dedication and keep up the excellent work!
ReplyDeleteregards Niamh
I'm glad you're still going to write it...because I have been waiting for it. =)
ReplyDeleteThere is something magically new with these characters and the world created... Sort if epic like game of thrones, earthly spiritual like elements in last airbender, and fantasy like middle earth... Yet the love element brings a whole new audience. Keep us posted and indulge in the writing process. I wanted 10 more of these books at the end. Missed the characters when I had to move on...
ReplyDeleteADORED slumber. DYING to read the next one. You're awesome Samantha! :)
ReplyDeleteOH, it kinda sucks but I'm standing behind your decision 100%.... I appreciate your honesty,if you don't feel it don't go for it, I'll rather wait but PLEASE don't get rid of Rogan or Wolfe Stovia, we all need to know what's in for them too...Poor Wolfe, she was driving us both insane. AHHH...I loved it, every line!
ReplyDelete