Thursday, January 29, 2015

New Year, New Ideas

I have news. Good or bad, we're not sure yet, but here it is. My publisher at Staccato Publishing, Heather Savage and I have reached a decision. I won't be publishing my next novel with Staccato. I'm going to look for an agent, and a bigger publisher. That's not to say I wouldn't work with Staccato again...This isn't goodbye. It's more like, "See you later, okay?"

With the loss of my husband's job, I need to make a change. The Independent circuit, while allowing all kinds of awesome freedom, doesn't make me enough money. I have to go big. I have Heather's blessing, and I have that wonderful woman's help and encouragement to do so. Thanks, Heather <3

I hemmed and hawwed, but when I finally developed the guts to tell her, she was nothing but kind and helpful. She told me of 'Hybrid authors', and offered advice. Apparently, I can be any kind of published author I want...Independent, big name, or self-published. Good to know, eh?

When my previous publisher had to dump me, she put me in touch with Heather. (Thanks, Nicola) A great partnership followed. Heather Savage is an excellent writer herself, and publishes not for the market necessarily, but books she just think are a great read. If you need to see for yourself, check out David Fingerman, Jacinta Maree, Jay Mims, or any of her other authors at http://www.staccatopublishing.com/Staccato_Publishing/So_that_you_can_write_and_leave_the_rest_to_us....html  I believe in all of them, and in Heather. I just need to try something new.

I will continue to write, as always, but I need to go get a job. Not sure what I'll be doing yet. My trade as a meatcutter is obsolete in the city, with pre-cut meats coming in from Brooks, Alberta and British Columbia, and I'm not sure I want it back anyway. I hate the cold, and now that I have pets, I'm not really sure I want to slice up animals for a living.

I'm worried and scared, but determined. When I get my life back on track, I'll continue to write fiction.  Right now, I'm reworking parts of Chasing Monsters and still writing an Egyptian novella. From there I write a synopsis for Chasing Monsters, and write to an agent. I'll continue to write this blog, and one I just started with my bestie, Melaida Corpuz. It's specifically to help plug her Travel agency with ytb Travel and my Yelp page: http://www.yelp.ca/user_details?userid=iEhpkdXhqA6ozUBwKYPPPA   It's in the beginning phase, but it's called 'How to Hang Out' and here's the first entry:  www.howtohangout.blogspot.com

It's a work in progress...

In the meantime, I'll still be here. Wish me luck?

7 comments:

  1. Good luck! You have the determination to do this.

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  2. Yes, LUCK -- and I know you can make it happen.

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  3. Thanks so much ladies <3 I like to think you're right, and good things come to those who put in the effort.

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  4. Good luck, Donna. I have a feeling something will happen for the better.

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  5. <3 Best of luck Donna! I'm in the exact same boat, trying to find direction in my life while trying to keep a balance with book writing. xoxo Follow your dreams girl, I believe in you.

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