If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that my project for the last four years has been a book called The Desiccated. I think it’s the type of story that defies genre because it has elements of paranormal, sci-fi and contemporary. It hasn’t been easy to write, but I believe in the characters, in Lia and E.J. and all the residents of Black Ridge Falls, and I believe in the story that I want to tell. I knew if I worked on it long enough that I would figure out the best way to bring it to life.
It was only when I began to write The Desiccated that I learned how complex it was. There was a lot about Lia’s past that would influence the way she reacted to everything happening around her, and much of it’s unresolved when the story opens. There were issues she would have to face internally. However, there are also other external events that are happening simultaneously which will affect her. All of this needed to be explored (at least in part) because her reactions to all of these variables are what move the story forward. Staring at the plot outline for this book I realized a few things. The first was, if I wrote this book the way I had outlined it (and the way it deserves to be told) it was going to be huge.
“Bring the past only if you’re going to build from it.” – Doménico Cieri Estrada
The second thing I realized was that my first book event was coming up and I had only written roughly one third of the story. Insert meltdown here. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I didn’t want to miss the event, but I also didn’t want to rush this project or cut things from it because I felt an obligation to you, the readers, to have it completed in time. I hated the idea that I would deliver a substandard book or publish a book that I wouldn’t be proud of. All seemed lost.
Suddenly, I had an epiphany. What I call my Jimmy Neutron moment: Hey, the first third of this book was good. It had been looked at, edited and picked apart by a professional editor. (Hi, Dionne!) If there was a way I could publish the start of The Desiccated, it would probably do well. I’d feel confident that readers were getting something worthwhile.
There was. I realized I could publish the book in parts. In thirds, even. Authors do that all the time. When all three parts are done, I can republish them all as one complete (gigantic) book. Brain Blast!
Brain Blast
The best part is that publishing the book twice will give readers the option to read the way they’re most comfortable. Some people like a faster read that they can finish in one go, while others prefer to sit down with a larger book that they can stretch out over time. By publishing in serials and then again as a complete novel, you get to choose. How cool is that?
Also, as an author, getting feedback on what works and what doesn’t helps me to learn, grow and become a better at my craft. (So if you read part 1, don’t forget to leave a review!)
I’m super excited about publishing The Desiccated as a serial, and I hope you are, too. My favorite part of this epiphany brain blast decision though, is the fact that I get to work with Najla Qamber Designs on a set of brand new covers! Thank you to everyone who has been patiently waiting for this book. Thank you to all of you for reading. I hope you love it as much as I do.
