Monday, October 22, 2012

The Skulls & What Next?

So last Monday, I was talking about shifting gears and how my first book, The Truth About Faking (link) is a classic YA--sweet, relatively clean romance--while my next book ROUGE is more edgy, new adult...

I've decided to embrace the difference, vive la difference, oui? (ROUGE is set in New Orleans.)

But that leaves me with the question: What to focus on next?

I've had fans of TTAF ask if there's a sequel coming to that book. More Harley + Jason!

I don't have a sequel to that book

But! I've got a good 15K-word start on a companion book I'm calling Shadow Creek. The main character is Ashley Lockett, who we meet in the bathroom with Stephanie at the end of TTAF... (An excerpt was up on The Writing Show website two years ago, if anyone remembers that.)

Shadow Creek would not be as warm-fuzzy as TTAF, but it would be another classic, contemporary YA.

On the other hand, I'm equally as far into the sequel to ROUGE, and I'm pretty sure readers of that book will be wanting that sequel--Stat!

Alas, I'm only one struggling writer-girl. How in the world to write two books at once? And even once the book's written, it has to be edited, revised, etc.

This is the indie conundrum, yes? I'm everything--writing, editing, revising, formatting, marketing...

I'll stop complaining right... NOW! Because I have been so blessed. I've had a great experience so far, and I love being independent! I'm just wondering once the dust settles, where's the best place to focus my efforts? I guess I'll see how everyone responds to ROUGE (out 11/11, fyi).

In other news, while we're on the topic of my love for independence, I was honored to be tapped to join The Skulls... *cough* er--I mean the Indelibles (link)! How cool is that?

Check it out!
I confess, I did the Pee Wee Herman Tequila dance when Dr. Susan Quinn (link) sent me the email invite.

The one thing about being a writer that I hate is how isolating it is.

I'm a pretty social person, but this business takes some serious concentration and focus. It's tough. And being independent further removes us from our networks... 

It's awesome to be part of a group of independent writers who know what we're up against and can provide support. More on that I'm sure soon.

So that's all my news. What's new with you guys?

As always, have a great week, reader- and writer-friends! <3

20 comments:

Laura Pauling said...

Welcome! And not having enough time to write everything we want is a good thing! :)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Awesome Leigh that you're joining the Indelibles. It's great to network whether you're self-published or going the traditional route. Glad you're enjoying the path you've chosen.

Stina said...

Ah, yes, the which-project-should-I-work-on-now problem, which is a lot better than OMG-why-can't-I-come-up-with-a new-book-idea problem. :D

Congrats on being invited to the Indelibles.

Pat Hatt said...

Yeah it sucks having ten things on the go, as it all takes time. The best we can do is just pick and choose, they'll get done eventually and there will always be another sequel or something else waiting. The Skulls, haha watch out for gun play.

Lydia Kang said...

All things being equal, I guess I'd write the sequel to TTAF first, since TTAF is out well before Rouge. Timewise, it makes sense!

Old Kitty said...

You have such awesome news!! Amazing!! Good luck with your sequel and new edgy writerly projects!!! Yay for you!!

Take care
x

Laurel Garver said...

The age-old question of where do I find time to do everything... Will any of us mere mortals ever figure that one out? LOL.

Excited to hear you're picking up the Shadow Falls ms, since I've had a peek and want to see more.:-)

Bish Denham said...

Isn't it wonderful that you have ideas to write about? However, if you're like me and really only able to work on one thing at a time, then it gets complicated.

Toss a coin! :)

Barbara Watson said...

So many things going on! Wow. I can only focus on one writing task/project at a time.

Anonymous said...

Congrats! I'd love to be a part of the Indelibles--what a great group.

Gosh, it's so hard to pick which project to focus on, isn't it?

:)

Jemi Fraser said...

You'll make a great addition to the Indelibles! :)

It's so hard to decide which story needs to come first - especially when they're both banging at your skull! Good luck :)

M Pax said...

I hear you on that Leigh, as I work on Backworlds #3. That's on the front burner right now. I also peel off some time to have started on Hetty #2. Like the majority of my writing time goes to BW#3, but I started scraping off an hour a day to get Hetty#2 going. Anyway, that's how I handle it.

I need another crit partner actually to keep up with me. :)

Vicki Rocho said...

I like the idea of companion novels over sequels. Just me. Of course the world can use more of Jason....mmmm (meant in a purely NON creepy, non cougar kind of way)

FYI I read inEDibles...which conjures up a whole different picture. LOL.

Hart Johnson said...

11/11!? OHMYGAWD--that is SO SOON! I am about 85% done with Rouge and LOVING IT! I will be sure a review is done before you release so I can get it up right away.

And I'd never heard of Indelibles, but congrats!!!

LTM said...

@LBD--couldn't agree more. Looking forward to being a part of that great group of writers! And yeah, I guess I have to pick the project that's "loudest" in my head, yes? Hmm... *tunes ears* :D <3

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, L. B.

So sorry it's taken me SO long to drop by... Sounds like you're in a whirlwind.

Focus, breath, and concentrate on one at time. We can multitask write if we have to... Hell, I am in three different voices right now ...

I've got m/g eleven-year-old girl voice in editing, I've got abused seventeen-year-old boy in another tweaking while querying, AND, a new novella WIP which is Film Noir ... talk about multiple personalities ... and yet, I still haven't been committed. Not yet, anyway ... LOL.

You can handle it.... You are an AMAZING writer.

A BB hug from me...

Megan Hand said...

Can't wait for Rouge, it sounds amazing!

LTM said...

Thanks, Megan! I tell ya, I can't wait for you guys to read it! :o) <3

Jessica Bell said...

Glad you're embracing the experience. I think once you get these other two books out you'll be totally hooked and just want to keep producing the goods. I mean, look at Talli? She's a machine! And I think her growing success is a part of the fuel.

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