It’s April 28th and there are thousands of really amazing reader-fans waiting for the release of books 9 and 10 of War of the Fae, which I had scheduled to come out at the end of April. Don’t worry! The books are coming very soon! But they are being delayed again, and I wanted to take a moment to explain why. (Excuses, excuses, excuses! I can hear my mother’s voice in my head right now, and it’s making me cringe.)
Originally, books 9 and 10 were supposed to be released at the end of 2015. Then my husband’s horse riding accident threw my publication schedule into a tailspin and blew that date out of the water. I tried to recover (along with him), but then work I contracted to finish for Montlake Romance took precedence and pushed my indie releases even further back.
The process for writing, editing, and releasing a traditionally published book is completely different than the one I follow for my indie books. Being part of a large publishing team with almost no control over the schedule, a process that has about ten steps can become very time-consuming for me. There are several rounds of developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading with tight deadlines on both sides (for me and the publisher).
The problem is not just the time traditionally published books take away from my indie writing, but the fact that every time I’m asked to edit my manuscript again (or look over their copy editing or proof reading) it pulls me out of the world I’m writing in and thrusts me into a totally different world, with a whole other set of characters and another storyline altogether.
Normally when I write a book, I stay in that world the entire time until I’m done; otherwise, it becomes impossible to keep track of what’s happening with the story. It’s also very difficult to maintain the character voices properly. When I have a traditionally published book calling my attention away, and then go back to my indie book, I have to re-read everything I already wrote so I can re-orient myself in the world and story again. That takes even more time, especially as the book gets longer.
I ended up cancelling a couple projects altogether at the end of 2015, hoping I could fit them in at the end of 2016. Other projects I delayed, which was the case for War of the Fae. I would never drop that project; Jayne and friends are way too important to me and to my readers! However, because of the delays I’ve mentioned and the fact that I am in the process of undertaking a huge household move across France with 3 kids and 3 horses —one who’s pregnant and ready to give birth any day— I will have to delay the release of War of the Fae books 9 and 10.
So, after hearing all my excuses (that you could probably care less about), let’s get down to brass tacks. When can you expect War of the Fae book 9 to be released? I will finish writing the book in May (I have quite a bit of it done already). It will then go into editing. I’m hoping that means we can have the book out to you by June 15th at the latest. Of course I’m going to shoot for sooner, but my schedule will get pushed around by this foal, that’s for sure. It’s my first time attending and managing a horse birth, so I expect it will take up all of my headspace for a week or so, assuming that there are no complications.
I know many of you will be disappointed at this delay, and some won’t be happy about my reasons for being late. There’s nothing I can do but say to all of you that I’m sorry. I truly am. I just hope you will try to understand that the creative process isn’t like a light switch you can turn on and off at will. I am a very disciplined person, and I can do a tremendous amount of work in a short time, even when under pressure, but when things are this crazy (i.e., twice as nuts as usual), it’s very difficult for my brain to quiet down enough to hear the voices of my characters in my head, and if I try to push myself past it, the stress level goes so high, I worry I’m going to give myself a stroke. I’m taking a small step back until this move is over before I dive in head first again, so that I can give you the very best story that all of you faithful readers absolutely deserve to get from me!
My publishing schedule on my website is updated pretty regularly by Noelle, so if you have questions about publication dates, that’s the place to go. And if you’re frustrated by my book release schedule, please leave Noelle out of it; she has no control over my writing process and is just as anxious as you are to see the new books (maybe more so, since she’s the one handling proofreading and administrative tasks associated with them!) You can write me a note and I’ll answer when I can. I have no internet at my new house until mid-May, though, so don’t worry if it takes me a few days to reply. I have to drive to a local bar to get free wifi! (oh, the joys of moving!)
As always, thank you for your faith in me and for your readership. I treasure the gift I’ve been given that allows me to provide you with entertainment that takes you away from your daily lives, and I want nothing more than to share it with you!
Hugs,
Elle
Respect for the writing process! I know these next 2 books will be your best yet. I’m with you and will wait patiently for as long as it takes 🙂
xoxo Elle
Don’t worry, True Fans will wait. I’m sure we are all just excited. Life comes first Always, family first is always my priority and always shall be. No point rushing the magic. It will be there waiting for you to pick up when you are ready just like the “green” is for Jayne. The delay merely means we have more time to dream.
Wishing you a speedy move and a Safe delivery for your Mare ❤️
Many thanks, Donna. You made my day! xoxo Elle
Elle, I live with a new author and see what you are going thru. Take some deep breathes and try to relax.. We love you and your books and don’t want you to be so stressed. The books will get here when they are suppose to so we are willing to wait. Everything that’s happening in your life just goes to show you are alive and well in this world and not lost to it. I hope all goes well with the goal. Let us know what it turns out to be. RELAX!!!! Love Charlotte
Thank you so much, Charlotte!! It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one who has to deal with this stuff. Is that bad to say? lol Hugs, Elle
Don’t worry Elle, the books can wait! Deadlines and hurt hubby’s cannot! We understand! Plus we want you to be healthy and happy as well! Don’t hear your mom’s nagging voice in your head, instead hear us, your fans saying: We love you, we support you, take the time you need to do your best work, we got your back! <2
Thanks, Keri! I’d love to only hear my readers’ voices in my head. They are so kind and understanding! xoxo Elle
Hang on to the wild ride your life is right now. Elle. The books will be waiting for you when you are finished w/everything else, & so will we….have a great evening/day, & happy reading/writing/blogging. 8) 8) 8) ~~HUGS~~
Thank you, Sherry. Many hugs! xoxo Elle
Family first! And while it sucks to have to wait later for these books- it’s better to wait and have fantastic books than have something that was so rushed the quality is no longer there. Thank you immensely for taking the time to share all this- you didn’t have to and it just endears you to me even more!
Praying the foal is born safely, the move occurs with only the minor bits of trouble (no chaos!), that your hubby continues to get well and that you take care of yourself and not get burned out with all this major stuff going on!! <3
Thank you, Kimberly. I like the idea of no chaos, but knowing me, there will always be a little of that. 🙂 Thanks for all you kind words! xoxo Elle
Elle. I can remember when you took time to send me lovely messages after my mum died. Your writings were the only things that kept me sane! You look after your family, and very importantly , yourself! The books can wait, more concerned about you. X
Thank you, Ian, so much! Things are starting to settle down here, finally. Thank goodness. 🙂 xoxo Elle
That’s life! You take care of you and the family. The books are worth the wait!
Hugs hugs hugs!!! xoxo Elle
Life is crazy, so no worries, Elle. Take care of yourself & your family! We, your fans, will patiently wait 😉 Hugs 💜
Thank you, Judy. I love knowing I have such kind fans out there. xoxo Elle
Oh Elle, I can’t wait for the new books so I was a tad saddened to know I would not yet have my hands on it, however since you have stolen my heart with your writing, you can do no wrong in my eyes. Keep well! If you need help with your move and your horses give me a holla!
Thank you so much! I like being able to do no wrong. Takes some of the pressure off. 🙂 xoxo Elle
As much as me and my sister are excitedly waiting for war of the fae to be released we understand family and deadlines come first and we will be ready for the next Jayne adventure when it happens but don’t rush for your fans we will want you to take your time and work your best magic on the stories and characters we all have fallen in love with. Hope your move went well your hubby is doing better and you and your family are good 😊
Thank you, Bernice!!! You and your sister give each other a big hug for me! The move is still going and we’ve had some hiccups but I got beds today, so I’m psyched! xoxo Elle
Your family’s and your health and well being are of paramount importance. We’ll have the books when we have them. The delay only heightens the excitement. Be well!
I love your attitude!!! Thank you. xoxo Elle
I appreciate that as an author, you won’t rush something just to appease us. We want you at your best, and thanks for taking the time to do that! Can’t wait to read books 9 and 10 🙂
On the bright side, your delays have led me to your other series which I have enjoyed just as much as the War of the Fae series!
Thanks for being awesome!
That’s a benefit I hadn’t thought of! Thanks so much for being so understanding. Hugs, Elle
Do you have a time frame for the release of books 9 and 10? Just something I can look forward to. I’m running low on reading material.
By the way my son and I are big fans of the War of the Fae series.
Hi, Carrie! Thanks much for your comment. I love to hear when moms and kids are reading together. Books 9 and 10 are in process right now. I don’t have a finish date yet because I had a project jump in front this week, but it won’t take me long to knock it out. I’ll announce a publish date when I’m closer to writing The End. 🙂 xoxo Elle
Hi Elle do you have a release date yet for 9 & 10 I’m just finishing reading the whole series again waiting with anticipation 😁
can’t wait!
Kel x
Hi, Kel! Thanks for being so enthusiastic! It’s really motivating for me to know people are waiting and re-reading in anticipation of the next books in the series. I’m working on #9 now. When I have a publish date, I’ll let everyone know via my newsletter. It shouldn’t be long now! xoxo Elle