Well, you're not alone. As a full-time author, I too get overwhelmed. There's thorough research to be done, writing and editing deadlines to meet, and of course promo-- not to mention being a wife, and mother of two kids. It's tough to juggle it all and still stay afloat.
I've taken a good, hard look at my upcoming release/writing schedule for this year and I've started to panic. Mildly. Okay, moderately. But this isn't the first time it's happened to me.
Back in 2010 when I signed my first contract for Raeliksen, I actually signed for three books (the Emerald Isle Trilogy) to be published in that year and only one was written. To make matters worse for myself, I also signed another contract shortly after for a contemporary romance to release in between the other three full-length novels. Was I crazy or what?
Looking back, I was able to write, edit, and release all four books in a year and a half time span. I was up at all hours of the night to meet my deadlines, but I did what I'd promised.
Almost four years and six books later, I've come to that same crossroad again.
Check out my line-up for this year's release schedule:
- January 30, 2014 - UNFORGETTABLE HEROES Boxed Set
- March 17, 2014 - EMERALD ISLE TRILOGY Boxed Set
- April 2014 - THE ROAD TO SOMETHING BETTER (Jamett & Joseph series, Book 2)
- May 2014 - THE GIFT OF SOMETHING GRAND (Jamett & Joseph series, Book 3)
- June 2014 - JAMETT & JOSEPH SERIES Boxed Set
- July 2014 - WHERE THE WIND BLOWS
- late November 2014 - MISTLETOE AND TINSEL (A Christmas Novella)
- 2015 THE WARRIOR'S CAPTIVE - (Warrior Saga series, Book 2)
Am I freaking out, you ask? *EEEK* Yes. No. Well, maybe a little. (I won't lie to you.)
But I know I can do this because I've got the best support group in the world: my romance fans and fellow authors. Over the years, I've learned that romance readers and authors alike have one thing in common: they all want mind-blowing, adventurous, unforgettable, romance books. They want stories that move the soul and speak to the heart. Stories that stay with you long after one book is closed and another opened.
I've had the privilege of connecting with fans through my books, email correspondence, various social media outlets, and more. Because of their loyalty to me, they've voiced how much my books mean to them. They've taken the time to let me know how my stories have touched them deep inside; how my heroes have stolen their hearts with bold charm and daunting feats of bravery to save the heroine; how my plot-twisting endings have kept them guessing until the last page was read. (I've posted some on my website if you'd like to read what others have said.) That, in itself, is inspiration enough. And it's the one reason I will not fail my dedicated readers. I refuse to.
Despite that I may be stuck in a writing cave for the next 6 months, I'm motivated to meet this release schedule, come hell or high water. So, if you say to yourself, "Where's Renee Vincent?" -- Know that I'm not ignoring my romance fans or being unsociable. I'm plugging away at my keyboard, writing the next best seller.
You believe me, right? Or should I say "believe IN me?"
I've had the privilege of connecting with fans through my books, email correspondence, various social media outlets, and more. Because of their loyalty to me, they've voiced how much my books mean to them. They've taken the time to let me know how my stories have touched them deep inside; how my heroes have stolen their hearts with bold charm and daunting feats of bravery to save the heroine; how my plot-twisting endings have kept them guessing until the last page was read. (I've posted some on my website if you'd like to read what others have said.) That, in itself, is inspiration enough. And it's the one reason I will not fail my dedicated readers. I refuse to.
Despite that I may be stuck in a writing cave for the next 6 months, I'm motivated to meet this release schedule, come hell or high water. So, if you say to yourself, "Where's Renee Vincent?" -- Know that I'm not ignoring my romance fans or being unsociable. I'm plugging away at my keyboard, writing the next best seller.
You believe me, right? Or should I say "believe IN me?"
Author Bio:
I'm an author, a dreamer, a horse owner, and a medieval history buff. I'm also a fun-loving, mildly eccentric, free-spirited kind of girl with a passion for books. From an early age, I've always had scenes playing out in my head. Whether it was a story with a moral or a tale with a twist, those ideas have never let me sleep until I wrote them out. And considering I have an eclectic ensemble of stories swarming in my brain at any given time, I write under a couple pen names to accommodate the various genre categories.Renee Vincent
(Historical & Contemporary Adult Romance)
From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.
http://www.reneevincent.com/
also writing as
Gracie Lee Rose
(Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction/Chick Lit)
For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories (with a smidgen of spunk) that your mother, sisters, friends, and daughters can enjoy.
From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.
http://www.reneevincent.com/
also writing as
Gracie Lee Rose
(Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction/Chick Lit)
For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories (with a smidgen of spunk) that your mother, sisters, friends, and daughters can enjoy.
Connect with me at:
And get EXCLUSIVE access to all my giveaways by signing up for my author newsletter:
Wow, Renee, your schedule give me "agita." You're amazing that you can do all you do. All those releases! I'm sure your readers are happy. I wish you the best of luck. And congrats on your success and your books!
ReplyDeleteBusy lady...you'll be on schedule patrol for months. Lots of new books coming from you...how wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI think you've hit on the formula for success when it comes to publishing. Best of luck with all of your new projects!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cara! I've got my work cut out for me but I'm ready for the challenge. Best of luck in the t-shirt giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank Marianne! I will probably need a long vacation after this year is over ha!
Fingers crossed, Paris! I'm hoping this is the year!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I get sick to my stomach thinking of all you've got to do. You're amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou are a busy little beaver! Good for you! :)
ReplyDeleteSharing all over :)
I had nearly the same schedule the past two years! I know you can do it, just don't forget to get up and move every once in a while:) Best of luck to you sweetie, and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI'm exhausted just reading about your schedule....Wow! No wonder you're such a success...
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of books! Glad you are doing what you have always wanted to do. --Kimberly@sewfine.net
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought I was Busy! Best luck with the new project plans, Renee.
ReplyDeleteI am totally exausted just reading your list of books! LOL! You can tell I'm not an author who has deadlines...I avoid those by subbing the entire manuscript to my publisher.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a deadline to meet, you would find me in the ER under an oxygen mask!
Aww...thanks Sandy! After looking at that list, I too was a bit sick to my stomach. Nose to the grindstone, I say!
ReplyDeleteYou're the best, Nicole! Thanks for sharing all over the cyber world!
Thanks, Molly. Great advice!
Jean, your smiling face is just the best. I love seeing it every month. Thanks for the well wishes!
Kimberly, thanks for visiting my blog today and entering in the giveaway. Best of luck to you!
Thanks Rose! Much appreciated!
Oh, Fran, you kidder. I know you'd be able to do it too if you had to. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I don't know how you do it. I'm going crazy right now with my load and I'm having a hard time staying above water.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you'll give me inspiration to keep going!
Melissa, I know you can do it! And I do hope that I've given you (as you say) some inspiration. Best of luck to you, dear!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou keep writing them and I'll keep buying them! Princessinnorway at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteYou are so awesome, Viking Princess!!! I've missed you, woman! Where you been?
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing well!
Thanks for coming to my blog and poking in to see me.