To preface this post, I’m exhausted. Bone-weary exhausted. I’m in the final stages of preparing Old Secrets for release. Whiskers on Kittens is done, and I’m waiting for editorial notes on it, but I think I still have a chunk of work to do on it. (It will release on on Dec 19 as planned.)
But, as there are questions, confusion, etc, I’m going to clean the air on some things.
First of all, I am a human, I write books for a living, and I C-A-N-N-O-T write series books back to back. I simply cannot. I can, for example, wing an Agents of the Royal States and a Royal States book side by side, but only because the tone and content are significantly different enough to manage. (The character cast also tends to be different despite there being overlap.)
Second of all, I am not a machine, nor do I use AI to assist me in writing my books. That means someone (me) is sitting here writing books most days of the week.
Books take TIME to write. They take roughly 300 hours to write.
If I am only working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, that is 160 hours a month (roughly), so it takes two months to write a book.
People (yes, among you) expect me to write faster, better, and release more frequently.
Sorry, but the answer is no. I will write precisely as fast as it takes me to finish books. I will also be picking books on a variety of metrics, which include the following:
1: Will the book make money?
I am not a huge corporation. I’m a one person shop, and I have to pay my staff and myself for writing the books. The money matters. I can only afford to do 1 or 2 books (at MOST) of series that aren’t paying the bills. The money makers pay the bills on those extra series.
So when I put a series like the Vigilante Magical Librarians on hold, it is because I cannot afford to write / publish that series as a money maker. It doesn’t make me money. It LOSES me money. That means I can ONLY write those books when the money allows.
No, I will not be doing a kickstarter for these books. (I will not be beholden to the almighty dollar for every second of my time, which is what would happen if I went that route.) No, I will not do any form of crowdfunding for it. No, I will not be doing anything with my Patreon for that series (or others that lose me money vs make me money.)
I will finish them on a schedule that does not break my bank.
Full stop. This is not up for negotiation. Yes, this is rude, but it’s just not up for discussion. Self-care is important, and sometimes, self-care is establishing a boundary and not allowing others to argue about it.
2: Have I been turned sour on the series because of reader behavior?
This stops the creative process dead in its tracks. Every action has consequences. Patreon is the only reason the Royal States series is continuing at any speed. I am not working on new projects in it (I have two going on, and once those are done, I will reevaluate once I have had a chance to cool off over the situation.) And yes, every now and then, someone comes up with a snide comment about an accent they don’t approve of.
Just wait until they hear Appalachian from an upcoming book. Spoiler alert: TV pronunciation is wrong for how the word is actually pronounced, especially from those who have lived in or near the region. Don’t ask me what my current go-to reply for this will be. It’s a bit rude.
3: Do I have time between the planned releases?
Until July 2024 rolls around and A Light in the Dark is released, the answer is no. And even then, I will be taking a year to just write books, sending the completed projects to my editor to be worked on but I will not be publishing hardly anything just to step back and do what I love, which is writing.
Once I have finished drafting, polishing, and preparing everything, you will be notified of what the publication schedule will be.
It will be a mix of passion projects, finishing series, etc. But all of them will fall under the “passion” project. I’ve been saving money for the past few months so I can pay the base book expenses while I write. The reality is? I need the space and time to not worry about publication. Publishing is the hardest and most stressful part of this business, and I need time away from it.
If you want to get a fix of books in the year where I only release one or two things, then I recommend you join my Patreon, as the cindercorns and spicy ponies will be receiving their read alongs as normal, and they will be reading them during the year I’m taking off just hammering away at books.
Once the year is up, we’ll see how the cards fall, how many books I managed to write, and so on. (Because, let’s face it, when I am able to just focus on writing books, I write better and faster; I can cut out 50+ hours from a book’s process just from skipping the anxiety of dealing with publication.)
It’s that stressful.
Writing is hard.
Publishing makes it harder.
And yes, when people get on their high horses about how they feel authors should work… readers make it even harder. I appreciate the hell out of my readers, but sometimes… y’all need to check yourselves at the door.
All I owe you is my best effort on every book I publish and release.
All you owe me is the amount of money I request for selling the book.
Everything else is extra.
I’m doing my best, and sometimes, that best involves establishing boundaries so I can keep trying to do my best.
I don’t like leaving series unfinished, period. Stop assuming that just because I have to wait for money to work out means that I’m quitting a series. (Although, let’s face it… every time someone pitches a fit about a series not having a book done because money is a real thing… I push that series off even longer. So, patience. You’ll get your series finished eventually. But money is a real thing *I* have to spend, and I promise you, it costs me a great deal more than the $6.99 you pay to write the book.)
Spoiler alert: my absolute lowest cost to produce a book, solely in ebook format, is $4,200. And that is the price where everyone OTHER than me gets paid for the book.
The money makers have to a: pay the rent, pay the bills, pay its own production fees, and pay me BEFORE it can pay the base costs for the books that lose me money.
I have very few money makers, but I keep writing the other series anyway… because I want to.
Be kind to your authors. None of us are okay out here at this point. And please… stop acting like you’re entitled to me spending $4,200 just to appease you because you want a series prioritized over something else.
It’s a bad look.
And no, I am not asking you to go buy books or send money or do anything like that. I’m just telling you what the reality of the finances are. Earning enough money to finish series is a me problem and not a you problem. It’s only a you problem if you lack patience.
Your books are worth waiting for and this is from a very senior person! Hang in there ❤️
Ditto
I’m shocked. That’s putting it kindly. What happened to readers being thrilled to get a new book from a loved author once a year? I remember waiting 2 or 3 years (in one case, I’m still waiting, and it’s been 6 years) for the next book in a series. I am appalled at not only sense of entitlement, but the fact that it is obviously being voiced, loudly, with great entitlement, at an author. I kind of view authors as beings we need to be supportive and nice to because I want the next book and unhappy, unpaid authors don’t write books. I want the books. I will be excited whenever your next book comes out. I am actually very much looking forward to Grave Affairs (dragons!) but really, whatever is next is exciting, whenever it comes out.
It’s EXHAUSTING. I’ve had people tell me which books I should write next because they’re upset I’m working on something else. it’s… just awful, yeah. The internet is the worst, but I’ve had some pretty horrible things said to me straight to my face.
Like that time a bookseller told me women had no business writing fantasy or science fiction… ooof. (A literal bookshop owner.)
Have some bookshop owners been replaced by demons?
Nope. Lucy would be all over them (the demons) if they tried something like that. On the other hand, there may be a small pocket of hell where booksellers and readers have to endure their worst nightmares with regards to books. Such as all of the books written by women and sorted by color. Resisting all attempts to put them in alphabetical order.
Yes, YOU matter! YOU, the author are THE most important factor in the creation of any new written materials. I wish I could help you get this very basic fact to your readers. Yes, it’s great they love your “products” but, you are correct, they have forgotten that if they want you to provide the same high quality they are currently enjoying, they have to give you the freedom to create at your pace and select the actual stories. Please know that most of us (I hope) do accept that you are not a machine and that true creativity takes time. Also, if they are getting paid enough to maintain their chosen quality of life, they need to acknowledge you have the same right. Your work is worth getting paid for (and you cannot strike to force your employer to provide better pay and benefits). Thank you for everything you are releasing for our appreciation but please, please, please take care of yourself. Without you being healthy, we – your readers – get nothing. Thank you again. Continue taking care of yourself. You are the irreplaceable part of this equation.
Color me supportive! Whatever you want, however you want it. I love your books and will buy them whenever they become available.
Can I just sidle up to you, wagging my tail and flashing sad puppy eyes, and go, “I wuv you anyway, no matter how slow you write?”
Seriously, you take care of you first, then take care of the stories. They will all tumble out of your head onto paper eventually.
I wonder if part of the problem is that some readers look at authors who appear to be able to write and publish multiple series at the same time, and assume that if they can do it why can’t everyone?
But the truth is that authors are individuals and everyone is going to have different ways of plotting, writing and publishing. Personally, I would rather wait for a book that I know will be immaculately written and makes me laugh (yes, I mean yours R.J.) even if it means just one book a year. I am in awe of your talent and just grateful that you are able to share it with us. Thank you!
I agree. Some people look at authors like James Patterson who produce a book every 6 weeks BUT all his books have coauthors and the quality of his series is not consistent
Yeah, Patterson isn’t writing the books.
I really enjoy reading your books. I am happy to wait but as a reader/fan who lives in Canada (add 30% to all prices and subscriptions and memberships) and who is also a senior on a fixed income, while I can afford to buy your ebooks and I do or get my library to purchase them, the higher tier Patreon levels are way out of reach. Kobo in Canada has almost none of the books I want to read besides your books. That leaves me with Amazon or Apple Books as my only options.
As long as you keep sending out your newsletter people like me will just wait until you publish the next books. I personally have really enjoyed all the books in the new series under the new names btw.
Readers like you are why I am a huge supporter of libraries and am enrolled in Kobo Plus! I am hoping that more people will be adding their books to the kobo plus library so you have more wonderful books to read. <3
I’m happy you write, and therefore I’m happy you take care of yourself! I love your work, and want you supported and encouraged in doing your best, most creative, most “you” writing!!!!
I can’t write novels but I LOVE to read fiction; it’s my comfy blanket/retreat from reality. As one of your fans I’m not about to criticize how you work or the length of time it may take for the next release in one of your series that I love. I take comfort in the fact that you continue to write and introduce new series which gives us new characters to love (unicorns that poop jewels! 😂🤣😂) I just remind myself that years ago I was reading Jean M. Auel’s Earth Children series and it was YEARS between book publication dates.
Take the time you need to write the books to your satisfaction; but please don’t forget to take whatever time you need for yourself. I truly love your books but I would hate the thought of you putting your health and well-being at risk just to satisfy your readers.
What you said.
I third this!
You are the most important part of your life and without you we wouldn’t have any of your books to read. There are always people in life who chose to be miserable and they want to bring others own too. As hard as it is, try no to let these people steal your joy! You are one of my favorite author’s and as impatient as I can be, I am more than willing to wait. Thank you for sharing your creative works with us!
Bottom line – You do you.
I would like you to continue to write fine books at whatever pace and whatever conditions work for you.
I think it remarkably stupid to ask you to “hurry up”.
I will go one step further. It sound like you feel bound by your declared release schedule.
I would recommend you scrap the existing declared schedule and write to whatever internal (unpublished) schedule pleases you.
Let us know when you have *finished* a book.
I, personally, very much like the Royal States books. (I bought all of them). I cannot demand anything but I am hopeful that you will write more.
Amazon would heavily penalize me if I cancel releases. So, I realistically can’t. I absolutely DID adjust the schedule to be friendlier to me, but Amazon would heavily penalize me should I do that.
It’s just not feasible. 🙂
Sending you a big hug or fistbump depending on how you feel.
Je suis d’accord.
Honestly, I only anticipate 1 or 2 book a year from any author, and I understand life happens and those book might be delayed or not happen. I am thrilled you normally release so many. I’m sorry people are buttholes. There are a lot of us being silently patient and we truly hope you continue writing even if you slow down a lot. Take care of yourself.
Yes! That’s what I expect from any author as well!
There are some authors we are lucky if we get one every 2 or 3 years!
Just don’t worry about the people harassing you about what to write, how fast to write or anything else. Maybe your personal assistant can just chuck that crap so you don’t have to even know about it?
Write what you want, when you want as it’s YOUR career, YOUR imagination and YOUR decision on what you want to do and when. I follow most of your series’ and I want more books on the ones I love, but, hell, I’m not going to bother you on what I want because it’s not your concern, it’s mine. I’ll wait, especially as you’ve already made it more than clear that you will be finishing all of the series you have started.
When I can afford it, I’ll be going up a tier on Patreon to Cindercorns so I can get a fix of your stories more often than your releases. *shrugs* I re-read and re-listen to your books often, so I still get a fix when I need it. Keep going at your pace, as you write pretty damned quickly anyway 🙂 Enjoy your time in your worlds with your characters and let the other crap go. Not your monkeys, not your circus on what others want.
You are one of my go-to authors. I go to one of your books (there is such a lovely variety to choose from) between other authors books, when I need a reality break, or just because I love them and need a Satin fix 🥰 (oh man, I am seriously envious of Darlene!) I have most, if not all, of your books. Be healthy and happy, write at your pace, and I’ll be here to buy new ones (ebook, audio, and occasionally physical) when they’re published!
“Special” people are (expletive deleted)! They think the world exists to please them, cut you off in traffic, and spew hateful opinions around whenever it doesn’t. The problem in this world is that you can’t do a damn thing about Special people, just shake your head and watch them go by.
Personally, I’m happy with whatever and whenever you choose to write! I will just sit over here in the corner, out of your way, and happily re-read your books while waiting for you to release your next one, in whichever order you choose to write them. I’m perfectly happy to receive whatever series you choose to work with, in the order you choose to write in.
As for the Special peeps: other writers are out there, too, guys! Go bother someone else for a while, and just be happy that RJ is still willing to write any books at all.
Now then.
Enough is enough. You have been here so many times!
My suggestion for treating the arseholes? Imply that they ‘go forth and multiply’ and leave you to enjoy your work.
The alternative? You Keeling over with stress and then we get nothing!!
No brainer really, one book a year and a happy author. I can live with that xx
Thank you!
I have loved everything I’ve read from you so far. I appreciate whenever a book comes out at whatever kind of schedule works for you.
I am appalled that people feel they can dictate to an author how often that should be!
Since i discovered you as an author you have quickly become one of my favourites and I constantly re-read all the books I own multiple times and discover something new every time I do so.
Thanks again from an appreciative reader (book dragon) 😊
Were I wealthy, you are one of the few living authors I would financially and generously support. Alas, I am not a precog, or a finder, etc.
So what I hear you saying is, I need to donate the $5k for me to get my book i want commissioned? *joke* But seriously, take care of yourself and ignore the stupid dweebs that think they’re entitled to anything on their timeline and not yours. I’d rather patiently wait for a book than have none at all.
You do what you need to do to keep sane, happier and healthier. I will be here picking up novels when they come out.
Do I have favorites? Yes.
Do I still buy every book that you put out because I really enjoy your storytelling and worldbuilding.? Yes.
In the meantime, I just re=read or re-listen to the novels that I do have from you.
I for one truly enjoy your ” the royal states” and theRSPS spinoff. I certainly hope you will find your way thru to continue with them. I am sorry that some readers are affecting your enjoyment of creating. The ” digital age” I think has contributed greatly to our ” must have it now” mentality.. still not a reason to badger the writer. I don’t think you are the only one who is going ” dark” and taking time to just write. Removing yourself from the publishing aspect will hopefully help you reclaim your balance and find total joy in your craft.
Many blessings to you and may the Muse bless you.
Sherry Williams
jojo3456@yahoo.com
Sunny Quakey Southern California
1. Writing is an art. Art takes time.
2. Please take care of yourself. I would much rather have you do things on your schedule and eventually get books than to never get books at all.
I’m willing to wait for well written books, and yours qualify!
I love your books. My go-to phrase for the people who feel entitled to tell you what and how you should write is “may the gods bless and keep them.” Bless them with the karma they have so RICHLY earned…and keep them far away from you!
While I have could wish my favourites came out more frequently, your mental and physical health must come first. I offer whatever affection you wish for, and heath, happiness and a good cash flow.
Regards,
Krystilynn
As per everyone else who has commented sympathetically, my take on this is:
a. you are human and are entitled to respect for your work and your work ethic;
b. you are entitled to be financially compensated for your work (to the point of being able to pay your bills at the very least);
c. you are entitled to take care of yourself, which includes time off to just be you; and,
d. I prefer that you remain alive and well and willing to write so that I can enjoy any book that you do produce, so I will be patient and allow you time to just be you.
You rest as much as you need to. You write as much as you want to. You ignore the inconsiderate twits who think that typing is not work and just be you.
While the little demon on the left hand of my shoulder would love to have a dungeon with all my favorite authors in it so they could give me all the stories all the time – this is not how the world works! :). Your books are so good I can just re-read them over and over again waiting patiently for the next one! You need to take care of you. If you can only work 4 hours a day you do that!
Thank you for the wonderful series and worlds you write. No matter how long it takes for a book to come out, it is happily received and read! I have waited over 20 years for a final book to come out in a series before. As long as you are happy writing, I will happily read no matter when it comes out.
Go you! Write how and what makes you happy and treats you better. I know when you’re happy the books are even better. I hate to wait but I think it’s worth it.
I am reminded of Neil Gaiman’s response to people complaining about how long it was taking George R.R. Martin to write books in the Game of Thrones series: “George R.R. Martin is not your bitch.” Nor are you! I’m delighted by your books and happy when they arrive. Full stop. The rest is all your business, not ours.
There’s a song about that, by John Anealio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kKFa7kJ5IY
You totally rock! Whenever works for you should be when we get them. Taking care of yourself and your family should come 1st any one that doesn’t get that needs to grow up!!
I would like to start out with the fact that we (myself and my son) LOVE your books.
My son has reading and writing disabilities so we listen to a lot of audio books. He heard one of your stories while I was cleaning one day and a fan was born!
We enjoy the snark and sass. Love the characters. And we thank you for your time, effort, dedication and unfortunately your stress to complete the books you are working on.
I wish that people would stop being such jerks (really wanted to use a stronger word but felt I should be nice) to not only you but all the REAL authors out there trying to bring us a wonderful form of entertainment. The whole AI thing just chaps my butt. I want to support real people not a computer.
Our favorite books are in the “Magical Romantic Comedy with a Body Count” series. We really love the cindercorns and “Serial Killer Princess” and “Murder Mittens” because they call to our inner killers, if you will. Lol.
Please don’t let the haters bring you down. There are many of us who truly appreciate you. Take care of yourself and check in with “management” about getting some quality time away from the stressful parts of your work.
Thank you again for the wonderful books and quality time together with my kid while we read them.
Sincerely,
Vicki and Nik
Hang in there and ignore the “entitled” people. I know some of “my” other authors report they have the same problem and I just can’t understand why readers think that you owe them anything. I often wonder what they do for a living, because they definitely need to “get a life”!!!
You definitely have a right to live, and write, on your own schedule, and we as your faithful readers, will wait for any novels you produce.
Thank you so much for MY entertainment.
Hey, I waited 21 YEARS for the sequel to Cyteen by C. J. Cherryh. Star Wars waited FORTY YEARS before continuing the storyline after the Return of the Jedi. (And had the same actors!!!) Most of my favorite authors only publish every 10-12 months even with multiple series, (And I feel lucky when 2 books come out in the same year, Jan and Dec) so those complaining about a new book not coming out fast enough are incredibly entitled.
I truly appreciate your willingness to continue to engage with your readers and semi-rabid fans despite all the negativity that gets tossed at you. Most of my jobs have been such that they ended when I left the office/building but I recognize that more and more that becoming a rarity. Please continue to take care of yourself and your mental health – not just because of your authorship and clamoring readers but also because you freaking deserve it! If you need a break, take one. We readers (and rabid fans) can use that time to reread all of your books.
My mind is blown. In what reality is it appropriate to lambast an author for not producing exactly what someone wants when someone wants it? I’ll be honest, I pre-order or purchase anything written by R. J. Blaine immediately. And that won’t change if you’re releasing a book a day or a book every decade! As someone who couldn’t write a novel worth reading to save my life, but who very much appreciates the time and effort that goes in to such great fiction that allows me to retreat from the “real” world and lose myself for a bit, all I can say is that all those people criticizing you need to check their apparent sense of entitlement and back off! No one has the right to demand anything of you! Take care, enjoy your life, and know that I’ll be waiting patiently for whatever you decide to share next!
Yep, that’s why I’m going to be taking a year to mostly just relax while working on the part I love the most: the writing. I’ll cherry pick a project here and there for release, especially if I need a brain break from the creative aspect of things, but once I’m done the current lineup, it’s going to be a year of just drafting, drafting, drafting, drafting, and more drafting.
Any editing I do is because I WANT to edit.
Take care of you first. Whatever makes you happy. You’re one of my favorite authors and I want you around writings for years to come without the drama some people cause. Shame Satin doesn’t come collect a few of them.
Wow. Many of today’s readers would absolutely freak over the wait between books that most of us long term readers expected. A year or two was not uncommon then. I remember almost crying in the bookstore when an author finally released the second book, 10 years after the first. I’m happy when another favorite author manages to get a book out every 3 or 4 years so this expectation that you should be releasing several new books a year just blows me away. Your profession doesn’t negate your right to a life. Find a work life balance that works for you without stressing you out etc and I’ll be there with my money when you hit publish. Until then, happy Thanksgiving.
I agree with everything you said. Stay firm.
Another author I follow has stopped posting what they are working on next. Demands from readers just became pretty awful over the years. As the work proceeds we get the odd snippet to let us know yes, still writing. Which of course stokes some anticipation and keeps us coming back. Setting boundaries is never a bad thing.
This is why I have a bunch of author’s I like, and subscribe to Kindle Plus. I can read a book a day, so realisticly no author could write fast enough to keep up with me. I also have a horrible memory, in some cases, so I never know when a book is coming out from any given author. I just get SUPER excited when one of my favorite authors come out. People in general are just super rude nowadays. My boyfriend is a veterinarian and I’m the one who typically gets with clients to book appointments. I’ve started just texting people back as him. They’re much nicer when they think they’re speaking to a male doctor, rather than his female assistant. But even then it amazes me how rude people have become. He was called a piece of s*** because we wouldn’t come out on a day we are closed. We even offered to come out immediately (around 1:00 when they first called) and after hours the same day. But they hung up on him twice. Had another lady throw us out of her house without paying (we are mobile) and called the cops on us saying we were threatening her. How is “please muzzle your aggressive dog who’s trying to attack us”, “please show us proof of rabies”, and “please take him into another room” is threatening. I’m done with people in general. We’re working 2 full weeks and 2 short weeks, and taking 2 long weekends and 2 weeks off the rest of the year. And once your books come out, I’ll escape the bad crazy with some good crazy. Although most days I wish I could turn into a cindercorn and burn places down. And the jumping through light travel would help too!
I appreciate your work. Take your time. Polish your book. Have some tea. Sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. Yes, self-care is the most important thing.
I’m so sorry to hear about all of the stress you have to go through. I never realized it. I love your books. But I also know that self care is necessary for everyone. And you deserve it. I look forward to seeing what this next year brings.
As the Romans didn’t say, “Illegitimi non carborundum.” No one has the right to tell an artist how, when, and what, to create. And if something I favored doesn’t make the cut, well, that’s the biz, sweetheart.
I love reading your books, when I have to wait, for a book I just will reread a series or books. Hang in there, just keep writing. “Hug”from and avid reader.
Any and all books are appreciated when they are published. Yes we would always love more books from our favourite authors and favourite series but we will wait. Pushing you to put out more quicker would eventually result in NO NEW BOOKS. Please continue doing what you love at your pace and ignore the moanners, tyee will always be entitled people putting themselves first.
I will wait patiently for your words always, you are worth it 😍 I wish others would look beyond themselves and appreciate the genus it takes to create the world’s you share with us. Take your time, please. I would rather wait then ever lose your worlds altogether 😻
Sorry people are mean. Glad you still write fun books🥰