Friday, July 11, 2014

Update on the Series...

Wow. Long time. I haven't written an actual blog post in forever. Many of you are wondering why Suppressed took so long to be released. Well, it wasn't writer's block or lack of motivation. It wasn't because I got bored of the series or gave up. It was a case of letting the critics get to me. Letting other people tell me that I should end the series or focus more on this part or that part.


Some readers didn't get the point of Oppressed and why it was written. I let that get to me. Others said enough with the history already. I let that get to me too. Being an indie author is not easy. We don't have a huge team behind us to get us through times when we feel like giving up.

I got soooo focused on trying to make every single person happy that I forgot how much I love the series. I forgot how much I loved discovering the spirits, NOLA history, the characters. Finally with the help of some amazing friends, J and Rhonda, as well as my amazing readers who love the series for what it is, I was able to cast away self doubt.

Thank you guys! I love that you love getting spirited away.

I am planning 2-3 more books in the series and hope to have book 6 out before next year.



This advice from Anne Rice is now my new motto



I'm asked every day for pointers on fiction writing. Here goes: the first thing you have to do as a writer is write. You become the writer of your dreams by writing. Write, write, write. You aren't a writer until you write, and all the pondering, considering, asking for career advice doesn't matter until you actually write. Write what interests you, what obsesses you, and not what you think might interest or obsess some one else. Protect your own voice, your own vision, your own characters, your own stories. Go where the pain is; go where the pleasure is. Create the book you want to read, the book you want to live in; the book you love. And then be stubborn. Never cave to rejection or criticism. Just keep going until you find those who "get" what you are doing; and make yourself into the writer you want to be. Ponder the absolute value of individual imagination, individual eccentricity, individual discovery and surprise. And remember: the world needs you. If you don't write the classics of tomorrow, we won't have any.



21 comments:

  1. Just wanted to send a little encouragement your way. .Keep on with your vision for this extraordinary tale and all other works in the future..You are a magnificent writer/storyteller and there is nowhere to go but up!!!!

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  2. I have already finished book 5 and can't wait for book 6. I absolutely love this series! I love being swept away by the history and it take my imagination to another level. Don't let the haters get you down, be like Arelia and be focused and stay on your own corse. After all having critics and haters means you are doing something right!!

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  3. Guys, thank you times a million. I appreciate all of your advice and support.

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  4. There is no way to please everyone! It is their loss! There will always be those of us that will get lost in your literary world! I found you by through books in my nook and they had 1-4 together then I looked at what is it was about and I got sucked in!

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    1. Sorry about the missing words. On a not so good phone. But you get the point. Thanks

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  5. Just got done with book 5 it was great, and I will be waiting on the next book. You are a great writer an I love this series can not wait for the next book

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  6. I can't believe this has happened!!!!! I just finished book 5 because I wanted to reread the other books first. I feel like I've been holding my breath all this time. To say I loved it would be an understatement..My only sadness is I have to wait for the next book, but hopefully the torture won't be too long. :)

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  7. Just finished Suppressed! Loved it!! I am really sad to see people downing the history and legends! That is one of my favorite parts. Because of this series I found something fascinating that I previously would not been interested in!! So, from this fan thank you. I am so excited about another couple of books in this series!!

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  8. There is something so magical about the world you have created that I can't help but find myself completely lost in it. I stumbled upon your series and from the first page of Bound to the last page of Suppressed I was whisked away into another world. Please continue the series for as long as you can. I cannot wait for the 6th book to be released and am awaiting it anxiously. I recommend you to everyone looking for an amazing series to fall in love with. Thank you!!

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  9. So excited for book 6! I just discovered the series a few weeks ago and I am completely enthralled by it! Keep up the amazing writing! You have an amazing gift for storytelling and I just cant wait for the next book so I can continue on this adventure with Arelia! You have opened up a whole new world anf and I can't wait to jump back into it! Thank you!

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  10. I love & adore all that you do!!!

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  11. I love your books! Your an awesome writer im 26 and I cant wait till the 6th book! Thank you for giving us your story!!

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  13. When is book 6 coming out I have to reed it. And how many more are there going to be after book 6. None? If so all good. One? Please hurry. Getting anxious. ����

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  14. Just discovered these last week, I am halfway through Suppressed now. Loving them! I thought all of the history was interesting as well. It would be fun to see these made into movies.

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  15. I agree! Movies would be awesome!

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  16. I finished all of the books in a matter of days. I could not put them down. I love history. I love VooDoo. I think I may have some ties to it in past lives because my fascination with it is unexplainable lol. Your books are amazing. If I have to say anything constructive it is that there are a few grammatical errors here and there, but nothing too extreme. I love your writing style and I love Arelia's character development! Keep at it! I can't wait for book 6!!

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  17. When will we find out when your new boo is being released. The anticipation is killing me.

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  18. I need book 6. I love this. I hope you're not despairing again as I don't want you to give up.

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  19. I need book 6. I love this. I hope you're not despairing again as I don't want you to give up.

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  20. I just finished book 5 and I need book 6
    I am totally hooked on this series and can't wait to read more
    keepn up the good work

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