Author Connie Suttle

Author Connie Suttle:
Urban Fantasy/ Young Adult

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Fact and Fiction

In July 2007, when I left my job at Borders, I fully intended to search for a desk job the following January. Life has a way of pointing out the amusement it feels for any human-made plans. "Why January?" you ask? Good question. You see, after working eleven Christmases in retail, with absolutely no time allowed for family during the holidays, well, I intended to have a nice holiday that year.

Big mistake. My husband was rushed to the hospital two days before Thanksgiving, after a routine outpatient procedure that went as bad as it could go. He almost died. I can't begin to tell you what it feels like to have a doctor, a nurse and the hospital chaplain come to you and tell you that your husband is bleeding internally and if surgery is required, he won't make it. And then listen as the nurse explains that when they call the code in the CAT scan lab (not if, when) to go ahead and go in—they'd allow it. (They had to do the scan to determine where the bleeding originated)

Against all odds (insert a miracle or two, here) my husband lived over all that. We spent six weeks in intensive care—my husband unconscious and breathing on a vent—me wagging my spiral notebook around, watching machines register his vital signs, listening for regular breathing patterns and writing my first book. I kept writing after that, in doctor's waiting rooms, during dialysis treatments and while waiting for my husband to finish rehab/physical therapy.

That first book—then titled Hope and Vengeance helped get me through those dark days. There will always be a special place in my heart for Adam Chessman, because the book was about him and Kiarra. (Warning—if you haven't read Blood Domination, you won't know who I'm talking about) In the following months, I wrote twelve or thirteen books about the Saa Thalarr. (Hope and Vengeance is the English translation of Saa Thalarr, by the way) They were a mix of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy and Science Fiction. And the reason I say twelve or thirteen books is that one of them was so long (more than 150,000 words) that I split it in half. Lately, I've considered rejoining those halves—especially since nobody except me and a couple of good friends may ever read them. They're all too long, all need to be rewritten (I was cutting my writing teeth on those novels) and have way too much sex in them.

I came up with the idea for Blood Wager while attempting to write a punchline for a joke to insert in one of those first novels. The joke? Two vampires walk into a bar. I never did come up with anything particularly funny to go along with it. But it did send me down Lissa's path—what if there really were two vampires in a bar, with more nefarious plans? What if they played games with people's lives, betting on how long it would take them to become vampire? Obviously, they wouldn't pick the healthiest or the youngest—those were easy guesses. No, they'd go after the older, sick or infirm. They'd kill their victims afterward, of course—those hapless targets had outlived their usefulness after the bet was collected.

I wrote those first notes on a scrap of paper and slipped it inside a notebook. I didn't get back to it until seven months later. In March, 2009, after writing twelve or thirteen other books, I pulled out my scrap of paper and sat down to write Lissa's story. The first draft was finished in ten days. After two years of rewrites, edits and more books written (and after a lengthy bout of double pneumonia last February) I decided to self-publish. Yes, I sent out queries for Blood Wager—six, in fact. Nobody seemed to be interested. I know six rejections isn't a lot—I read horror stories all the time about successful authors who were rejected many more times than that. And honestly, I didn't expect Blood Wager to do very well. But it and the books following it were just sitting there, and I'd devoted four years of my life to writing. Time to do something.

After making the decision to self-publish, I did as much research as I could. I'm still not an expert, and I cringe at a bad review. I can only hope some of those things are easier for traditionally published authors—the ones with agents and publishers to back them and reassure them when the road gets bumpy. I don't have that backup system. I have me. Honestly, I've had to work my way through marketing, cover design, book giveaways, advertising—everything. I am thankful that I have an amazing cover artist and a handful of good friends who've gotten behind me and helped push this bus to get it started.

And now, a few fans have jumped in to provide moral support. (Thank you!) I have four books available that are experiencing decent sales—especially for an indie author. What worries me, though, is this: These books are already written. When I sat down to write Lissa's story, I never intended the series to go in the same direction other published series have gone. And there are things that have happened (and will happen) that are certainly outside the norm. I have read suggestions from readers already that I should kill off this character or that, because they're just not needed. That actually frightens me. What I want to say is this: I can't change my vision to fit everybody's vision. If you have hopes and dreams of Lissa having a traditional marriage someday, I beg you to stop reading the series now. You will be disappointed. If you want this or that character dead and gone, I beg you to stop reading now. If any character lives or dies, there is a purpose in it and I cannot rewrite the remaining books to suit one or two people.

For those of you who are art fans, I know you'll recognize the name Georgia O'Keeffe. I once watched a documentary on her life and work, and she said in it (I'm paraphrasing, because I can't find the actual words) that in her early work, she did certain paintings to please one person, and other paintings to please someone else. And then she realized she hadn't done anything to please herself. That's when she started doing the works she is truly known for. One of her quotes, however, I love: "I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life—and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do." While I'm not that brave, I want to be. My books will remain intact, because they are the things I did to please myself, probably for the only time in my life. I wrote what I wanted to read.

"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."—Toni Morrison.

I hope you stay with me. I hope you understand the vision—at least a little—when all the books are published and available. If not, I'll understand. After all, not every book is for every person. Thanks for reading so far—Connie

59 comments:

  1. Congratulations to you! Keep writing for you! I wouldn't change anything about any of the characters I've read about! You're the author, not your fans, so just keep trucking along doing what you want to do in your books. And I would love to read any of your other books about Saa Thalarr and Adam and Kiarra. I can't wait for the next book to come out! I've already read the fourth book 5 times and the others more than that! I can't seem to put them down for some other book! Love your work and appreciate everything you're doing!!! Sarah Holcomb Searcy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, Sarah! I always knew when I wrote about Lissa that the two worlds would intersect. Just recently, I sat down and started the rewrite of Hope and Vengeance, under a different title. It, and the sequel (the sequel is about Justin, Adam and Kiarra's son), I feel are worthy of a rewrite. How about this--I'll send you rough drafts when I get them finished, and you can tell me what you think? I warn you, it may take a while :) I'm bogged down in line edits for Blood Royal, right now.
    Thanks again!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree with Sarah! I love your books exactly the way they are, and if there are surprises along the way, all the better. I love that your books are not predictable.
    And I would love to read your rewrite of Hope and Vengeance, too. That sounds good!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cool--thanks, Erin! I'll start a list.
    :D
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Connie, what a story about your writing. I'm one of those people who believes everything must happen for a reason. It doesn't necessarily make bad things easier to handle, it's just there must be some other plan in the works.
    To this day I can't remember how I came across your first book but I am very thankful that I did. I am a disabled veteran, wife and mother. I lost my Mom 11 years ago and still miss her like you wouldn't believe. When she died, I went through a very bad depression. I quit reading!! I've read all my life. Mostly I read historical romance with a bit of this and that thrown in. We live out in the sticks of Tennessee and love it. I don't get out very often, especially by myself. I'm a computer shopper extraordinaire.
    Sorry, just rambling. Due to the depression, I felt like I lost 5 years of my life. Then, one week, my husband and sons had to take an unexpected family trip. I was bored but couldn't face another happy ever after romance, so I went book shopping on the computer. For my new reading experience I started with books by Kerri Arthur and went from there. I found paranormal/urban fantasy. Yay!! I read very quickly and couldn't find enough books to fill my time. So, I spread out a bit. Now, I am back to reading and enjoying it again immensely. (I still find it very hard to read an historical romance, lol)
    Last year for our anniversary (32 at the time), my husband surprised me with a Kindle. Oh My Gosh, another avenue of reading opened up. (I think he had an ulterior motive thinking I wouldn't keep filling our bookshelves.)
    I really didn't mean this to be a life story. Anyway, having read so many books, I know what I like. Your books are wonderful. I think what makes them so wonderful is that YOU ARE WRITING FOR YOU. I have no idea where the stories will go and really don't care, I love the story itself. Don't worry about any negative reviews, please. If they don't like it then they should stop reading it. I write very few reviews and would never presume to say anything negative about an author's "vision". Those who can't write, read. So who are the readers to point fingers?
    I, too, would be willing to read any books you would like an humble opinion on.
    I do talk about your books to my friends and have posted recommendations on my facebook page.
    All the best to you in your continuing journey and I can't wait for the 15th of November.
    A fan always,
    Dolly

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi, Dolly. So sorry about your mother--that can be such a hard blow to take. Someday, I would love to hear about your military career--If you feel up to it, that is. I grew up in rural Oklahoma and I still miss it--it is a separate and generally peaceful place to be. I promise to keep you posted on the rewrites of those early works, but it will likely take a while. I've been too terrified to sit down and write out a schedule for myself for 2012--so many things need to happen, and I really want to take January off and just write. I've been editing so long, now, I worry my brain has turned to mush. Thanks so much for posting, your notes are always a bright spot in my day.
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  7. I just finished your 4th book today and I can tell you that all 4 of your books have been causing me so much trouble. I haven't gotten a thing done this week b/c I couldn't put down the series! Loved all four of them! I really appreciated the lengths of the books too. I hate when I read a good book and then it ends all too quickly. Your character development was wonderful and I liked reading about all the different characters. Glad you won't be killing too many of them off anytime soon :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks, Denise! So happy you like them. Sorry about keeping you from other things, though :)
    Have a wonderful day!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  9. Connie, I want to say too to ignore negative reviews. Not every book is for every person, and you can't please everyone. I was tempted to write a scathing reply to one of your negative reviews on Amazon, but I removed it and said to myself, that person's feelings and views are not my own and if that is what they believe, then more power to them. I love this Series. They are the only joy I have found since I first began the series with Blood Wager. I am currently raising my two nephews and always have to think of them first, but when it comes to your books I never have second thoughts about Buying them even if I only have a $1 left in my bank account.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Maria--thank you. I hope things are going well for you and your nephews and I appreciate your support in every way. I am truly honored that you would think so much of my books. All my best to you and have a wonderful evening.
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  11. Just a note: Some of you have already contacted me through my author email address: connie@subtledemon.com
    You're welcome to send a private message any time.
    Thanks!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  12. I agree with Sarah. :) She is the one that introduced me to your books and I love them! If possible, you can put my name on the list to send rough drafts to. :)

    I almost wrote a reply to the bad review on Amazon. They are reading fiction and should expect the author to take them places they've never been. They should also be able to open their mind and accept the book for the fiction that it is intended for, whether they agree with the character's life choices or not. You created the characters and the path that their story travels, not the path that the reader wishes it to go. Stay strong and keep writing the characters' stories out exactly how YOU want them to go. I was hooked with Blood Wager and will be a faithful follower of your series. Would also like to read anything else you write. I'm always looking for a good series. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks, Julie! I appreciate that :) Will definitely keep you in mind if I finish that rewrite. There is some good in the old manuscript, I just have to find time to resurrect it completely. I promise to keep everyone advised.
    Thanks again and have a great night!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  14. The Blood Destiny series is awesome and I applaud you for sticking to your vision instead of giving into pressure from outside sources. I am and will remain a loyal reader of your books. Keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete
  15. You know, I am an avid reader, and I have never been one to try to second guess the author. This is your vision and story that you are sharing with us. If someone else thinks their vision is better, well, maybe they should spend 4 years writing it, then self-publish it, and we call an go critique it! I like your books. Sure, there are always things someone would change, but what I like was that they are fresh and that you did not compromise your story for an editor. Call me crazy, but that is what makes them enjoyable.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks, Katie :) I really appreciate that!
    Have a wonderful evening.
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  17. Re: unidentified post: Thank you so much--I'm really glad you like the series :)
    Have a great night!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  18. I found your books while taking care of my mom after she had a really bad fall and spent several weeks in the hospital. It helped the time pass while keeping my mind occupied and not worrying so much. I am glad you self-published and didn't give up because it's one of the most original and unique plots I've read in a while and hope you continue to publish Lissa's stories and others. I await your next one on pins and needles.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi, Ashley! Hope your mother is doing better. So glad you like the books :) Thanks for posting and have a great evening!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would love to read anything you want to send to me whenever you get around to it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. To begin with let me just say that maybe you don't see yourself clearly enough. You are much braver than a lot of people out there. It takes special courage to do what we want and not want we or others think we should do. And it takes bravery to stick to your vision.I think you are an amazing writer and better human being than most for having the courage to do what u want and self publish.
    As someone already said all books are not for everyone.
    I think reading books is like meeting new people.Sometimes u like them sometimes u hate them. But when u like them it often happens that there are some surprising things that u learn take in your stride.
    I love reading series because i get to see characters develop. Just as i keep an open mind with people i keep an open mind with characters. They are free to make their decisions and they will not always be people i expected them to be. But that doesn't change why i like them.
    This is why i like lissa and all the other characters. They continues to surprise me and challenge my expectations. Since they are your brain child you know them best . And that's why i think that whatever you write about them will better depict them than what i probably wanted written.Which is why i love the series.
    Also I would love to read whatever you have written if you ever decide to publish all your works( specially about the Saa Thalarr ). Just know that you have a loyal reader out there.
    Have a good day!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you so much, Yashika! You've made my morning much brighter and I appreciate your support more than I can say :)
    Thanks again!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  23. Connie: just finished the 4th book in this series and came to read your blog. As a voracious reader - I read 3/4 books a week - finding a new author is to me like winning the lottery. AND I LOVED ALL OF YOUR BOOKS!

    Please do NOT change any of your characters and/or plot lines to please a reader. Your talent speaks for itself through the tight plotting, fabulous characters, and excellent world(s) building that you have done.

    I'll soon do critiques for both Amazon and B&N for all 4 books; can't wait for the 5th.

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the many hours of enjoyment that you have given me through your books.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks, Carolyn! That really means a lot to me :) So glad you like the books, and I truly appreciate your willingness to post reviews. Thanks again and have a happy Friday!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  25. Connie,
    I just wanted to tell you how much I loved all 4 of the books you currently have out. My friend, Denise, loaned me book #1 and when I started reading it I couldn't put it down and just rushed through it. I loved it so much I didn't even wait to let her loan me the next 3. I hurried to Amazon and bought them all myself! lol
    I have 5 kids and you really made me be very tired last week since I read all 4 books in 2 days by staying up after the kids went to bed and devouring them. ha
    I'm dying to read Blood Royal. When is it going to be available?? Hurry, hurry write faster!!! Stacy H-W

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi, Stacy! Sorry about the sleep loss. Blood Royal is currently on track to hit a November 15th release date. So happy to hear you like the books, and I hope I don't cause too much fatigue in the future. Hope your weekend is a happy one :)
    Thanks for posting!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  27. For what it's worth, I'm totally hooked. Thanks fir offering up a solid bloodsucker series, it's a nice escape from the laundry. I'm just glad you didn't have an editor around to force any traditional changes. Starting book 4 tomorrow...

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi, Annie :)
    Thanks so much--glad you like the books. Laundry and housework sure had me tied up for a while today, but I managed to get some work done on #5 anyway. Hope the rest of your weekend is wonderful!
    Thanks again--
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am agreement with several of the posts. It was really difficult to put your books down and I enjoyed them very much. (okay I didn't put them down) I really like that I can't predict where you are going and the end results. I know where I would like it to go and and am looking forward to getting to know some of the other characters a little better. Lissa's love interests are very interesting right now and I have to say some I don't like at this moment but that is always subject to change. I do look forward to reading the next installment as well and hope you do re-write and release your 12 or 13 other books hint hint. Take care and God Bless.

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  30. I needed to add to these posts simply to add to the compliments posted here. I bought the first book because it was listed under "people who bought this book, bought. . ." I finished the first book quickly and stayed up until 2am last night reading into book 3. I finished book 4 tonight and can't wait to see where you go with book 5. My advice. . . ignore the people who tell you what your characters should do, etc. It's your vision, your talent and the characters live in your head so only you can tell their story even if it goes somewhere others wish it wouldn't. I think this series is fascinating and am truly looking forward to the next book.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi, Lisa! Sorry it took so long to get back with you. I'm so glad you like the books--thank you! And I will say I now have a healthy start on rewriting the first of the 12 or 13 :)

    Thank you so much for posting--hope your day is a happy one.
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hello Jeni! Thank you for your support in keeping the vision intact--that makes my day brighter. I'm glad you enjoyed the books as well; Blood Royal is coming along and is still on schedule to be released November 15th.

    Thanks for getting in touch, and have a great day :)
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Connie, I haven't been on the blog recently(got sick). You are a awesome author and better yet, a fantastic storyteller. That's why I intended to enjoy your books how you write them. Loved Blood Domination can't wait till Blood Royal!

    P.S. Your vision rocks!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi, Dare. Hope you are feeling better and that it wasn't anything serious. Thanks for posting (and for your support)--you always brighten my day :)
    Have a great Tuesday!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  35. Amazon has this really helpful habit of showing other books bought by people that bought the book you're reading. I found your series that way 2 days ago. I've been reading a lot of urban/fantasy over the past 10 years or so, and have started buying less and less of the books that are primarily about vampires. So I debated a bit before I bought Blood Wager, but what finally sold me was the price (come on - $.99? a deal!) and the reviewers' comments. I stayed up late finishing it and promptly went online and bought the other 3 and have now finished those. Wow! Am I glad I decided to try your books! I really enjoyed each of them - I like the characters (even Wlodek, sometimes) and I'm eagerly waiting to see what's next. SO happy to find that I only have to wait another couple of weeks! Any chance of you publishing your other 12 (or 13) books soon?

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thank you, Mary! I'm so happy to hear you like the books. Blood Royal is coming along, and the cover will likely be finished in a week or so--My cover artist is about to get started on it :)

    As far as the other 12 or 13--I have a healthy start on rewriting the first one (5,000 words) but I may not be able to devote serious time to it until the first part of 2012. So nothing will happen quickly on it, I'm afraid. I always shoot for 75,000 words in my adult books, with most being in the 80-85,000 range. I still have a way to go on that rewrite.

    Thank you for posting--you made a rainy Oklahoma morning a little brighter. Hope your day is a happy one--
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hot New Releases in Contemporary Fantasy
    The best-selling new & future releases in Contemporary Fantasy. (Learn more)
    Blood Domination (Blood Destiny #4)
    1. Blood Domination (Blood Destiny #4)
    Connie Suttle
    4.5 out of 5 stars (19)
    Release Date: October 10, 2011
    Kindle Edition
    Auto-delivered wirelessly

    And it's at #1!! Yay, and there was great rejoicing.
    Congrats!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Holy Cow! I never thought I'd be number 1 on any list. I'm not sure what to do. Maybe I should send a rough draft through the shredder and toss up confetti :D
    Thanks, Dolly!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh my Lordy...I found your first book last week...I just now, 5 minutes ago, read the last one. Kids have lived on PB&J's and the house needs a major cleaning while i've gobbled these writings up. Where in HADES have you been? I haven't read a book NOR a series this good since I gobbled up Lilith St Crow's Demon novels years ago when they first came out. I love how there are so many characters, so many things going on at the same time and yet it is still simple enough not to get lost or confused. You have taken these books to so many different levels and I have never read any other books like these. I found your first book because the cover grabbed me and it was so cheap. Last week I had a big bill to pay so I was a little strapped for cash so the low price grabbed me along with the cover. I normally detest paying bills but I have to tell you that I am GLAD that bill was made and due when it was. I have ben reading for a good 20 years from best selling authors to duds and I have to say that YOU are by far my most favor author. I can not wait for any other writings you decide to publish and PLEASE for the sake of all of us whom have stumbled across you, do NOT decide against NOT publishing any of your books!

    ReplyDelete
  40. PS...do you ever give away Arcs for reviews? If you do most def put me on that list!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi, Crystal. Wow, your post made me smile and blush a little! I still don't feel like a wonderful author, or even a good one. But I'm really glad you like the books and the characters, and I definitely appreciate your kind words. As far as ARCs go, I don't have anything in place yet, but if that changes, I'll be sure and post on this blog. I've met some great friends here, and all of you should have first shot at any advanced reading :)

    Thanks for posting, you certainly made my morning!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  42. Fans!! We are growing in numbers. Keep smiling and take time to enjoy your success, Connie!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thanks, Dolly :)
    I'll work on that!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  44. Can't even remember how I stumbled across the Blood Destiny series on Amazon. However, it was the luckest find ever. These books are so worthy of being read over and over. Lissa grabs the reader's attention from the first page and never let's go. I cheer her on and wonder what in the world will she do next. I absolutely cannot decide which of her many suitors Lissa will end up with.
    Connie, thanks for a fantastic book series.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Good Morning, Pony :)
    Thank you for posting, and thank you for your support. You've helped start my day in a good place.
    Thanks again, and have a wonderful weekend!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  46. Connie,
    I am a full-time special ed teacher on fall break who is also working on obtaining my Master's Degree. Let me say that your series seriously impacted my ability to get to projects that I absolutely planned on finishing this week!
    I can see how your writing has grown just over these four books and am dying to get the next one. I am an avid reader (as in cigarettes:smokers as books:me) and I love your character development! I am so happy that you wrote your books all at once and are keeping them that way because things that may seem slightly insignificant now all comes around and plays into the plot again later.
    Thanks so much for creating such an exciting, unexpected world!
    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi, Sarah!
    Thank you! I'm glad you like the series--it has been nice to have control over all the books at once, so to speak, so I can drop clues and information here and there. Sorry to keep you from your projects--I accept full responsibility and extend my apologies to all involved :)
    Thanks for posting and have a wonderful evening!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  48. When I finished Blood Domination last night, I went right online and started searching for the "other books" that I must have missed. I read all four Blood Destiny books, but I just knew that the Saa Thalarr had to have their own series and I must have missed it somewhere along the way. I figured there must have been a dispute with a publisher or something. Surely, that would be the only reason why I couldn't find a trace of any previous books. You built such a rich world with characters that were so alive they practically leapt off of the page! How could they possibly be merely secondary characters? Now that I know there are other books, I am going to be constantly on the lookout for you to publish them. I can be patient - I love what you are writing now - but it's nice to know they're out there just waiting to be buffed, polished, and shared with the world!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Monica, I hope to spend January writing--I have a good start on rewriting the first book in the Saa Thalarr series. The title will likely change, too, and I'll keep everyone posted as things progress. Adam and Kiarra are great characters, and I want to do them justice the second time around. Thanks for posting and have a wonderful evening :)
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  50. I have just finished Blood Domination after reading all four, one after the other as I couldn't put them down. I feel a bit like a junkie without a fix now as I have nowhere to go for the next book, or any books that I can relate to these characters that I have come to know. Please tell me when Blood Royal will be released so I can Mark it some where so I won't forget!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. p.s. or any books that you publish, I find your characters fascinating. thank you so much for this bit of escapism, I totally loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Lesley, Blood Royal is scheduled to be out on November 15th, just a few short days away! No, I'm not the author, but I'm a BIG fan of her writing and am counting down the days along with everybody else!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi, Lesley!
    Sarah is absolutely correct--Blood Royal is still on schedule to be released November 15th. And--you heard it here first--Blood Queen is tentatively scheduled for release December 15th. I haven't written out my schedule for next year (that terrifies me, for some reason) but I would like to release Bumble sometime in early 2012. While I originally intended Bumble (Legend of the Ir'Indicti series) to be targeted toward young adults, there is something about the main character that transcends genres and age groups. Plus, there are crossover characters **cough** WINKLER **cough** :) Therefore, I hope some of Lissa's readers might be willing to take a chance on these books as well.

    I'm so glad you like the series, and thank you so much for posting. Have a wonderful weekend!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  54. As a new mother, the discovery of your books is not such a great timing. Though even with the further lack of sleep, I just can't help myself. Just want to say thank you for your creative mind and please keep me posted of anything new or spoilers you'd want to share. Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Good Morning, Ann :)
    Thank you--I'm glad you like the books! Congratulations to you on the birth of your child, and I send heartfelt apologies for my part in the sleep interruptions. As for teasers and spoilers, any of those that are forthcoming will be posted here :) When I got up this morning, I was actually thinking about my next blog post. I can't say how quickly that might appear, however :)

    Hope all is well with you and yours, and thank you so much for posting. Have a wonderful day!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hello, Connie.

    I keep writing a long post and losing it because something is up with my blogger account so I'm making this brief...

    I LOVE your books!
    Thank you for your honesty and transparency in this blog.
    "Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one."
    Thank you for only charging $1.99 for your sequels (on Kindle) so far, although I suspect the price will increase and will gladly pay it :).
    And finally, I play a game on my iPhone called Vampires Live and I named my vampire character Lissa :D.

    Thank you again, Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi, JenGwen!
    Thanks for posting--I really needed the encouragement today :) I'm glad you like the books; I'm hoping to get Blood Royal submitted to Amazon tonight (we'll see how that goes). And naming your vampire character Lissa is outstanding!
    Hope your day is a happy one--
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  58. Would love to read Hope and Vengeance and all the other books you wrote, no matter how flawed you think they may be (keep the sex in! - that's my vote!)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi, cushcalc!
    I am currently rewriting Hope and Vengeance, under the temporary title "Enforcer". I'm hoping to work on it after the release of Blood Queen. And I will do my best to keep the sex in :)

    Thanks for writing, and have a wonderful day!
    Connie

    ReplyDelete