How Very Un-A-Musing

Corny, I know, but so appropriate to my topic. Other names I considered for this blog post were: Hi, I’m Christy Reece and I’m a writer in denial. Or: How to say goodbye to a successful series and start a new one in 1,557 tries.

When I first learned that SWEET REWARD, my December 2011 release, would be the last book in my Last Chance Rescue series, I was almost (not quite, because I’m the cautious sort) excited. New characters, new plots, new everything! A whole vista of opportunities awaited me in my fictional world. I thought my muse would be onboard, overjoyed and raring to light up with a multitude of fabulous ideas.

But then reality set in. The characters I’ve lived with and adored since I starting writing RESCUE ME, the first book in my LCR series, would no longer be around to talk to me. They would now only exist in the happy-ever-after state of bliss I had created for them, never to be heard from again. No! These weren’t just fictional characters to me! They were real, living, breathing, three-dimensional people. In the years I’ve known them, they’ve made me laugh, cry, angry, sad, exuberant and joyful. I love them with every fiber of my being. I couldn’t let them go! No, no, no! Okay, I admit it, I went overboard. I grieved.

Then, the inevitable bargaining took place. Maybe I didn’t have to say goodbye to all of them. There were still a few characters that were due their own story. Why couldn’t I just carry them over into stories for this new series? It’s been done before. Why couldn’t I do it, too?

Much to my dismay, I learned this wasn’t going to happen. Why not, the over-emotional writer in me cried out? These are great characters. Readers have asked for their stories. Why couldn’t this be done?

If I had bothered to discuss this concept with my muse beforehand, it would have saved me much angst and heartache. When I finally chased her down, I confronted her with my brilliant idea. Here’s how the conversation went:

Lowly Writer (Me): “Guess what, Agatha! I’m writing a new series.”

(Yes, my muse’s name is Agatha because, well, my name is Christy and that’s how my brain works.)

Agatha: (Who actually prefers to be called Superior Being): “You’re writing a new series?”

Me: “Excuse me. We’re writing a new series.”

Agatha, nodding haughtily. “That’s better. Now, what’s this new series about?”

Me: “It’s a blend of murder/mystery and romantic suspense about three sisters who return home to their small Alabama town to solve their parents’ murders.”

Agatha: “Hmm. Sounds interesting. But what about our LCR series?”

Me, sure of my brilliance: “Well, I was thinking we could use some of the characters from the LCR series and carry them over to the new one.”

Agatha, looking more superior by the minute: “Seriously?”

Me, swallowing nervously: “Yes…You don’t think that’s a good idea?”

Agatha, not even bothering to hide her sarcastic glee: “You want to take your globe-trotting, kick-butt characters who thrive on danger, excitement and intrigue and put them in a small southern town?”

Me, feeling more inferior by the minute: “Well, yes. But there’s danger and intrigue in the town.”

Agatha, shaking her head and rolling her eyes, didn’t even bother to respond.

Me: You don’t think that’ll work?”

Agatha: “Nope.”

Me: “But I…Are you sure? Why not?”

Agatha: “Because I’m the one who inspires and breathes life into these characters and I won’t work that way.”

Me, bewildered and close to tears: “But we could work together. I’m sure we could pull it off.”

Agatha, with an oh so superior sniff: “Either create new characters or I’m out of here.”

Me, walking sadly away, scratching my head and mumbling incoherent curses.

So, the idea of spring-boarding characters from one series to another wasn’t one my muse wanted and my publisher went along with her. So that left me in a dilemma. How to create a different type series but keep the kind of characters I love to write about.

Since the above conversation took place, there have been numerous discussions with my un-amused Muse and myself. We’ve argued the plot, debated the characterizations and thrown verbal insults with alarming regularity. A few weeks ago, in the midst of yet another battle, we came to a mutually satisfying agreement. I will create the small town atmosphere, the plot, and the behind the scenes machinations of the villain. Agatha, er…excuse me, Superior Being, will inspire the kind of characters we both love: strong, resilient heroines readers can identify with and dangerous, sexy, to-die-for heroes that readers, and myself, can fall in love with.

And, because neither of us can let go of Last Chance Rescue and the characters we adore, we’re excited about self-publishing future LCR eBook originals some time in the future. A happy ever after ending that even my stubborn muse can get behind.

Author’s Note: The first book in the, as yet, untitled, small town murder-mystery, sexy romantic suspense series will be released in May 2013. Agatha and I sincerely hope you look forward to the new series.

***

RU Crew, how have you handled the moving-from-one-series-to-the-next challenge? Have you ever worked on two series simultaneously? Don’t forget: Christy is generously giving away a Last Chance Rescue book (winner’s choice) to two lucky commenters!

Be sure to join us Monday when Katie Lane is here to talk about crafting the small town romance (my favorites!). 

***

SWEET REWARD

A Last Chance Rescue Novel

WHEN RISK IS THE REWARD—LET THE DANGER BEGIN

Adrenaline junkie Jared Livingston has found the perfect blend of exhilaration and danger in his new job at Last Chance Rescue. Raised to depend only on himself, Jared tried marriage, but the end of the relationship renewed his belief that he was meant to be a loner. Now a desperate plea from his ex-wife puts Jared in the unique position of using the skills she despised to rescue her missing daughter. The case brings Jared face-to-face with Mia Ryker, the only agent ever fired from LCR—for playing too far outside the box. Now Mia’s back, and as a team, they’re as compatible as fuel and fire—blowing off tension in each other’s arms, blowing open the secret life of a wealthy philanthropist and his shameful dealings. Their search for the innocent child takes them to places neither have been before—to the edge of danger and to the edge of their hearts.

Bio: Christy Reece is the NYT bestselling author of dark romantic suspense. She lives in Alabama with her husband, five adorable canines, and one very shy turtle. When she’s not writing, reading or laughing at her husband’s weird sense of humor, she can be found feeding, walking and playing with her fur-kids. Find Christy at:

http://christyreece.com

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChristyReece

https://www.facebook.com/LastChanceRescuebooksbychristyreece

Christy, thank you for taking time out of your incredibly busy schedule to be with us today!

Hi Kelsey, it’s great to be with you today. Thanks for asking me back.

Kelsey: Christy, would you explain back-to-back book releases for our readers who might not be familiar with the concept?

Christy: The books are released in a short time span, usually one a month. My first trilogy was released April, May and June 2009. The second one will be released February, March and April 2010. 

Kelsey: How was the decision made to release your first trilogy back-to-back?

Christy: When I pitched to my agent, I had one book completed and had started on the second. Since the backdrop of the books is an organization, Last Chance Rescue, she saw the potential for a series. When she submitted to editors, she pitched it as a trilogy. Ballantine has been enormously successful with introducing debut authors with back-to-back trilogies. I was fortunate that they made the offer for three books and wanted to release them back-to-back.

Kelsey: How much time were you given to complete the first series? Subsequent series? And did you have any input in the time frame? 

Christy: For the first trilogy, I had a lot of time. I sold in July 2007, but the first book, RESCUE ME, wasn’t released until April 2009. When I sold, I was almost finished with RETURN TO ME, so I turned it in early. That gave me almost a year to write RUN TO ME.

The second trilogy was a much shorter time frame. I contracted for the books in December 2008 and the due dates were June, August and October 2009.

I won’t say it was easy, because it wasn’t. But Ballantine wanted me to have six books come out within a twelve-month timeframe. I was thrilled with their support and never considered saying no.

Kelsey: Can you give us a feel for your start to finish timeline with each book and how that overlaps with other books? For example, marketing the first book and writing the third while editing the second.

Christy: Ninety percent of my time is spent on writing and only about ten percent on marketing. Other than my website, which I blog on twice a week, the only other thing I’m active with is Facebook. I have a special page, Dark Romantic Suspense by Christy Reece, I use for special announcements such as contests and new releases.

For the first trilogy, I did no advertising or promotion. With this new trilogy, I am doing some advertising and a blog tour, but most of my focus must still be the writing. Since I don’t always know when copy edits and page proofs will arrive, taking advantage of open time is especially important.

Start-to-finish timelines depend upon the book. Each story has its own personality and depending on how the story comes to me, that’s the amount of time it takes to write it. Of course, I have to pay attention to the deadline of each one, but I love to finish a book a few weeks before deadline so I can let it sit. Going back a few weeks after finishing and reading it again can give such a differently fresh perspective. However, it’s been a while since I’ve had that luxury. There is a definite overlap of writing one book and having to stop because copy edits or page proofs arrive on another book. But that’s the nature of the job. You shift gears and do what you have to do.

Kelsey: You mentioned in your first interview with us that you completed Rescue Me in two weeks by using Candace Haven’s fast draft method. Do you use that method for drafting all your books?

Christy: Oh, I wish I could. I’ve learned that each book has its own process. RESCUE ME was in my head for months, so when Candy’s class came along, I was ready to write it and it came quickly. RETURN TO ME took about five months to write and RUN TO ME took more than nine months.

In my new trilogy, NO CHANCE took only about seven weeks and that included two revisions my editor suggested, but SECOND CHANCE took a year. I wrote LAST CHANCE in about ten weeks, which included one revision. So, for me, it really depends upon the story itself. How well do I know it and the characters? Is the story headed in the direction of my vision for it? It’s all about the individual’s story process and not so much about my writing process.

Kelsey: How do you keep track of your characters and storylines while working on more than one book?

Christy: Five of the six books I’ve written so far in the series were secondary characters in the books before them. So I know the characters well enough that I don’t get them confused. Noah McCall, the head of Last Chance Rescue, is the only reoccurring character. I’ve enjoyed watching him go from a hard, seemingly heartless man to the happily married husband and father he is now. But there’s still a steely streak he maintains to get the job done.

Though Last Chance Rescue is the backdrop, the characters and circumstances are varied and unique to the plot, making them distinctive enough that there’s no way to get them confused.

Kelsey: Do you have a specific system for managing your time each day? For example, writing new material at a certain time, working on promo activities at another time?

Christy: I wish I was a more organized writer, but my brain has a mind of its own. (smile) My routine is to check email, Facebook and blog comments before I start writing. Write for as long as the story flows, which could be ten minutes to two hours, take a break and then get back to it. Since Facebook is such a big promotional tool for me and I truly enjoy talking to people through it, I spend a lot of time on it, especially at night. Often, by nightfall, my mind is blurred so I can’t write. That’s when I do what little promotional things I do.

Kelsey: What do you like most about writing and releasing books in a back-to-back format?

Christy: I love the immediacy of pleasing readers. I understand getting invested or involved in a series and wanting the next book in my hands as soon as possible. It’s wonderful to be able to give them that.

With back-to-back books, the characters stay fresh in my mind, so I think that makes writing them a bit easier. And since new characters for the trilogy are introduced in the first or second book of each trilogy, I know them quite well.

Kelsey: How has your book release schedule impacted your personal life?

Christy: I’m fortunate to be able to write full time and my husband works long hours outside the house, so my focus can be on writing. When I started writing in 2001, other than working as a bookseller at Borders, it was my focus. In 2005, we relocated because of my husband’s career. I chose to not pursue another job for a while and concentrated fully on writing. When I sold, writing was already a full time job, I just wasn’t being paid for it.

Kelsey: Is it realistic to release three books a year on an ongoing basis?

Christy: I think it’s become much more common than one book a year. And some authors can write more than three. So far, three – four has been my limit. As long as I’m asked to write three a year and I can do it, then that’s what I plan to do. 

Kelsey: What advice do you have for other writers about back-to-back releases?

Christy: If you have the opportunity to have back-to-back releases, I think it can be a great boost to your career and garner attention you might not receive as a single release author.

However, it’s not for everyone and certainly not the only way to build a solid career. There is the added pressure of producing books faster than an author might want to write. You have to do what’s best for your lifestyle and what you want from your career.

Thanks so much for inviting me back again, Kelsey. I’ll be checking back frequently, in case anyone has questions. Feel free to ask me anything. And just a reminder that NO CHANCE, the first book in my new trilogy, comes out Tuesday, February 23.

RU crew, take this opportunity to pick Christy’s brain about back-to-back releases and her series. Don’t forget she’ll be giving away two copies of NO CHANCE and two copies of RESCUE ME to lucky commenters today!

Be sure to join me on Wednesday for a peek at men’s definitions of romance and how they’d like to be romanced by a woman!

Christy’s Bio:

Growing up in a tiny community in Alabama boasting only one stop sign and a gas station gave Christy ample opportunity to create daring adventures in her head. When she wasn’t thinking of her story characters, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys kept her entertained and out of trouble. Later came the chills of Stephen King and the thrills of John Grisham, but the romance genre always held a strong place in her heart.

After leaving her career with a major insurance company, the characters in her head came alive again and Christy decided to write her own stories. And now, she and her characters couldn’t be happier.

A member of Romance Writers’ of America, the Southern Magic RWA chapter, the KOD chapter, and International Thriller Writers, Christy lives in Alabama with her husband, two incredibly cute canines and one very shy turtle.

Christy has generously offered to give not one, but THREE signed copies of Rescue Me to lucky commenters.

Welcome, Christy!

Kelsey: Christy, when you sold your romantic suspense trilogy, how was the market for RS?

Christy: Better than it is today. Romantic Suspense is still selling well, but paranormal is probably hotter right now. However, I’m huge believer in writing what you love and enjoy, no matter the market. When I started writing romantic suspense, I did it for the story I wanted to tell…not what I thought would sell.

It’s true that you have to be aware of what’s selling, but if you’re just writing to the market, depending on how fast you can write, the market might well have changed by the time you’re ready to submit. Also, if it’s not what you love, it’ll show in your writing.

Kelsey: Would you share a little about your experience as a pre-published writer?

Christy: I’ve always had characters running around in my head and story ideas popping in my mind, but other than writing a chapter here or there, I didn’t pursue it. I had a successful career with a major insurance company, but after eighteen years there, I realized it wasn’t something I wanted to continue to do. It wasn’t my passion…it was a job. So I quit. It sounds simpler than it was. You don’t quit a well paying job without some regret…especially when your husband works for the same company and you have no idea what you’re going to do to earn an income.

I’ve always been an avid reader, but hadn’t had time to enjoy it as much as I would have liked during my career. So, after I left my job, I read a lot. Then one day, I issued myself the challenge of actually writing and finishing an entire book. An obsession was born. I finished my first manuscript in 2002, and started submitting. Of course the rejections flowed in, but I couldn’t quit. While I continued to write, I went to work for Borders as a bookseller. That was a blast. Everyone was so supportive of my writing career and I was the romance expert for the store. It was the second best job I’ve ever had. Writing being the first, of course.

Fast forward to 2006. My husband and I had move back to my home state of Alabama and I was seriously reevaluating my writing. Rejections were really wearing me down. So I decided to forget about writing for publication and just sit down and write a story that had been running through my mind. One that I never really planned to submit, but would love to read. I wrote three chapters and stopped because quite honestly it scared me. The story was in a completely different voice and writing style and I didn’t know what to do with it.

In January 2007, I took two online courses, one taught by Candace Havens and the other by Laurie Schnebly Campbell. These two classes changed everything for me. They helped me focus on the reasons I started writing in the first place and helped me identify why I wanted to pursue publication. Then, I took Candace Haven’s Fast Draft class and finished RESCUE ME in two weeks.

I attended the Southern Magic conference here in Birmingham in March and pitched RESCUE ME to my dream agent. She saw the potential for a series with the Last Chance Rescue organization as a backdrop. I sent her the full manuscript in May, she offered representation in June and sold the back-to-back trilogy to Ballantine in July. Though all of this happened rather quickly, it took over five years to get there. And then almost two years from selling to the actual publication.

Looking back, I’m glad I had that extra time. It helped me focus and think about what I wanted out of the incredible opportunity I’d been given.

Kelsey: You sold two years ago, with your first book released spring 2009. Would you take us through what happened between the time of the sale and the release date?

Christy: Since these were back-to-back-to back releases and I only had one of the manuscripts completed when I sold, I had to write the other two. Then came revisions, copy edits and page proofs for all three. In between those deadlines, I wrote blurbs for a new trilogy, as well as completing the first draft of another book. Since I sold a second back-to-back trilogy before my first book came out, I had plenty to keep me busy.

One particular day stands out. I was in the midst of revisions for RUN TO ME and looked out the window to see the Fed Ex man at my door with two packages. Page proofs for RESCUE ME and copy edits for RETURN TO ME. After a five minute panic attack, I dug in and actually had fun.

Kelsey: Could you tell us about the back-to-back release concept and what you see as the pros and cons of releasing three books in quick succession?

Christy: I think it’s an awesome way to introduce a debut author. I feel so fortunate to have had that opportunity. However, it does come with a bit of extra work, as in while writing one book, you get revisions, copy edits or galleys and have to stop and work on those.

The majority of emails I get from readers have mentioned how much they appreciate having three books come out so close together. Seems like back-to-backs are really catching on and not just for debut authors. As a reader, I love it too. Because, if I have to wait a year for the sequel of a book I’ve enjoyed, chances are I’ve forgotten what happened in the first book.

Probably the only con I can think of and it doesn’t apply to everyone, is the need to be able to write fast. With the first trilogy, I had two years from the time I sold to write the other two. Now that I have three more coming out early next year that are also back to back releases, my writing has to be kicked up several notches.

Kelsey: What do you wish you had known before moving from the ranks of the pre-published to published?

Christy: Oh my, that’s probably a book in itself. When I look back on it, it’s hard to say what I didn’t know that I wished I’d known. I do remember thinking that I was as prepared as anyone to be a published author, but I’m not sure you can be totally prepared.

A few vague things come to mind. Like verbiage I wasn’t familiar with, or the process of what happens when, such as when I turn in revisions…what happens next? Or when should I expect copy edits and then, once they’re done, when do page proofs arrive? What kind of input do I get with covers and titles? Should I use a pseudonym? Should I get a professional picture made to put in the back of the book with my bio? Lots and lots of those kinds of questions.

I also didn’t know how much publishing slows down in the summer until my agent started submitting. Though it was about a month from submission till I sold, it was in the middle of summer and things did seem to go in slow motion. Of course, when you’re sitting at home, waiting for that one call that can change your life, any amount of time feels like too much.

I now understand the importance of having an agent. And not just a good agent, but one that totally loves your work. It’s true that not everyone wants or needs an agent. Each writer must take his or her own path. For me, I would not want to do this without one. I feel so blessed to have mine. To know that she’s in my corner 100 percent is a great burden off me. And all those things I didn’t know…? Well, she does! I must have asked the dumbest questions but she was always so kind and didn’t once let on that my questions were stupid or silly. 

What did surprise me was that the worry and angst doesn’t go away. There are still problems and worries aplenty; they’re just different. I honestly thought that once I sold, the words would flow easier, my confidence level would soar and all the self-doubt would magically disappear. I was wrong!

So far, the best part has been the emails from readers. I LOVE them! They are so encouraging and when I have a bad day of writing, I pull them out and read them again. I get so inspired by people who have loved the books and characters. And it just makes me want to write even better books.

Something else I didn’t expect were the readers who would tell other people about my books. Not sure why that was such a surprise. When I read a book I’ve enjoyed, I tell others. But it’s such a nice feeling to have people tell you they’ve recommended you. Or when you see a review by a reader and they express how much they’ve enjoyed the book, you realize what you’ve written spoke to them in some way. That’s an incredibly uplifting feeling.

All in all, it’s been an exhilarating, wonderful experience and though writing is the most difficult career I’ve ever had, it’s also the most rewarding one I’ve ever had.

Thanks again for the interview. I’ll be happy to answer questions if anyone has any.

RU crew, be sure to pop in on Wednesday when Adrienne and our Guy Panel talk about the Shug, otherwise known as the “man hug.”

Christy’s Bio: Growing up in a tiny community in Alabama boasting only one stop sign and a gas station gave Christy ample opportunity to create daring adventures in her head. When she wasn’t thinking of her story characters, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys kept her entertained and out of trouble. Later came the chills of Stephen King and the thrills of John Grisham, but the romance genre always held a strong place in her heart.

After leaving her career with a major insurance company, the characters in her head came alive again and Christy decided to write her own stories. And now, she and her characters couldn’t be happier.

A member of Romance Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, Christy lives in Alabama with her husband, two incredibly cute canines and one very shy turtle.