Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Change of Plans, A Contest and Hiatus

Okay a couple of things.

I’ve decided not to write The Way to Forever. That was the vacation story, part of the Postcards From Paradise series. It just wasn’t working. I hated the idea of abandoning the story, but when even changing the location of the vacation didn’t lead to inspiration for me I decided it was time to throw in the towel. I contacted the Editorial Director at AQ and he was just as nice as can be about my failure. I think my problem is I said yes to writing this story before I actually had any ideas in mind. So from now on, if I can’t think of an appropriate idea BEFORE volunteering, I won’t.

So the good news is I can use the name Billy for another story down the line. I’m working on other stories that I feel much more warm and fuzzy regarding.

Now for the other. I’m going to be busy for the next few weeks with real life issues pressing in on me. I'm going on hiatus. So, here’s what I am going to leave you with.

I’m having a contest. Just an ordinary comment one. Make a comment from now until I return to posting probably April 25th. I’m going to choose FIVE random winners to win their choice of anything off my backlist (including my two paperbacks if desired) or they can choose one of my upcoming releases, Galaxy’s Heart (Sutter’s Bay 3) coming in May or Becoming His coming in June.

So, comment away. Which can just be "I want to enter".  And Good luck.

27 comments:

  1. Good for you! Far better to stop writing it than force yourself and submit something that your heart isn't in - I just read a book like that and it was depressing. :(

    Hopefully your hiatus isn't too stressful!

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  2. Very good decision to stop with the story :) You should have a good feeling about the book you write! And it wasn't for nothing, you have learned you would rather have inspiration first :)

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  3. Thank you for not torturing your muse. *mwah* Better to move on to something you are excited about writing. Chris is right, it shows through either way.

    Miss you already! Hugs, me

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  4. Thanks ladies. It was a hard decision but I tbink it was for the best.

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  5. Taking a break to write is always good for us. Love the books and can't wait for the next release.

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  6. Good luck with your RL issues. Hope the hiatus works out!

    Oh, and I want to enter too. :)

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  7. Laura Aleman StriplinApril 7, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Confucius says: Man who keeps feet firmly planted on the ground will have trouble putting on his pants.

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  8. Its better to stop when struggling and just give it a rest. :)

    ~smooches~

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  9. I agree with everyone here. If you cant write, dont write until your inspiration on this story comes back.

    It is not easy to let it go and that I applaud to you.

    I am sure your muse will come back soon.

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  10. I've read Accidentally His recently and really enjoyed it, so I would love to read another of your books.

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  11. Take your time, Shawn :)

    I want to enter, of course!

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  12. I have been waiting for Galaxy's Heart to come out. So of course I want to enter your contest.

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  13. Me, I would like to enter.

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  14. Good luck with your real life issues. And thanks for the contest :-)

    smaccall @ comcast.net

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  15. That was a good decision on your part to stop. You shouldn't have to fight with yourself over a storyline.

    We'll be waiting breathlessly for your return and I hope your hiatus isn't too stressful.

    joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

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  16. I'm keeping you and yours in my thoughts while you're dealing with your real life issues.

    We'll be here, waiting for you.

    Take care,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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  17. Sounds like it will be a relief to move on, good for you for making that tough decision.

    caity_mack at yahoo dot com

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  18. hi Shawn! sometimes throwing in the towel isn't a sign of defeat. as long as you keep on writing and love what you do and make other people happy - that's more important i guess.

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  19. Have a great hiatus. Sometimes we all need to stop and focus our energies elsewhere.
    jepebATverizonDOTnet

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  20. Shawn, sorry to hear the story didn't come together for you. I think it's better to use your energy on something that doesn't fight you.

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  21. Hope you take care of your RL issues and can come back to us with your muse raring to go.

    I'm looking forward to Galaxy's Heart.

    lincat56@hotmail.com

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  22. I'd like to have a go please!

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  23. I think what you did was great for you. No use in stressing yourself out over writing it:-) I would love to be entered into your contest please:-)

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  24. Yes, of course I want to enter--have read your other stories and love them.

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  25. Can't wait to read Galaxy’s Heart!!! Love your Sutter's Bay series.

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  26. BTW, I hope that your hiatus isn't too stressful.

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