Last weekend, I wrote a shameful post talking about how I was going to cancel Shining Tomorrow. I thought I was making a hard-edged business decision — “killing your darlings” and all that jazz — but the truth was that I was just feeling down.
But my readers weren’t having it. They saw my cowardice for what it was and told me to get back in the fight. At first, I dismissed them, but then I thought about what I was doing.
And then it hit me. And once it did, I got back in the saddle with a renewed fire. Thus, the full Shining Tomorrow quadrilogy is on the slate once again.
But how will I aporoach it?
The solution is simple: before releasing anything else, draft every remaining volume. This will allow me to focus all of my energies on polishing the work and marketing it, since the central story will be complete. To make matters better, I know how I want the rest of the story to play out — I’m completing Irma Kaneyasu’s arc as she goes from girl to woman. I’m showing how the North American Federation changes her and is changed by her. I’ll have a series that I can point to and say, “I wrote THAT.”
Plus, I want to do a crossover with Brian Niemeier’s Combat Frame Xseed, as well as Bradford C. Walker’s Star Knight Saga. Can’t do that without a full series.
Publishing is a war with yourself, and the only way to win is to not only play, but play like it’s the last thing you’ll ever do. That was the real sign from God — get back up and fight! People are hungry for new, fresh voices, and I must make mine heard.
And now, I will. Thank you for reminding me of what’s important, everyone.
Rawle
Crossovers? YES. HERE’S THE PASSWORD TO MY BANK ACCOUNT
Seriously I have to save up money so I can but your books and many others that I want to read.
One suggestion when you publish all 4 books could you consider a box/bundle set?
A a voracious reader I prefer them. It allows me to immerse myself without interruption.
xavier
I’m definitely open to doing a box set.
So glad to hear this. It’s all about ups and downs. The good thing is that nothing lasts forever, not even the downs. It’s a war with yourself, all right, but I know you. I know you’ve got the skill and the motivation to get this done. I can’t wait until the entire Shining Tomorrow saga is complete. And I know it will be.
Thank you for having faith in me.
Yeah! Perseverance is the way.
I am sorry if my comment contributed to the discouragement.
No need to apologize. You gave your honest opinion, and I can’t fault you for that.
However, as I told another reader, Volume 2 will have a couple of subplots focusing on male characters.
Rawle,
I’m glad you’re still committed to the series. I’m sure it’ll be a success and the readers will enjoy it.
xavier
Thank you.
I’ve been meaning to review for months now. Sorry. 🙁 Reviews are always good encouragement. Unless they’re mean and negative, obviously but those are usually by keyboard warrior jerks or just not the intended audience.
Any review would be appreciated.