“I am too old and life is too short to pretend to be someone I’m not or to try and do anything that doesn’t feel genuine.” Oof I feel this as I pivot in circles. Love your honesty and I see your books everywhere too-soft sales be damned!
This is the most relatable post ever and a career reality most people don’t see coming. We’re about the same age and I’ve been doing this publishing dance since 2007. It never gets easier. I never feel “safe” even when a book does pretty well. I’ve pivoted (big and small). Your positive attitude (even if it’s reluctant) and willingness to pivot are great. Really great. You need both for longevity. I’m excited to see what you do next and am cheering for you from the sidelines. You’ve got this!
I'm here for it. I think (?) I found you on twitter. More power to having no idea what you're doing and showing up anyway. I'd like to! Still working on it
Thank you for sharing this, Sara. This kind of honest and authentic discussion of publishing and creative work is part of what you offer to the world. And I'm here for it.
Great post, Sara. Thanks for showing us a peek behind the curtain. I have another friend who recently told me something similar was going on with her sales/publisher. I know that doesn’t make it easier, but know you aren’t alone. It’s a sucky setup. I agree with the other comments about longevity being there for Johanna and Principles of (E)motion!
As a multi-genre writer, I get it. but I also hate that one has to "pivot". Personally I'll be rejecting that standard for myself (though it doesn't matter, being indie). Wherever you go and whatever you write, I'm just happy knowing you're enjoying yourself.
Thanks :) And I hear you. That's why it's very convenient that my creative heart has pivoted at about the same time. I've always had these fantastical/speculative ideas brewing alongside my realistic ones, so it still feels true to me, and fun to get to explore this new thing.
I feel like I've been pivoting for the last 5 years of my publishing career, but I keep going. I guess that's the only thing we can do. So, go write your wild, wild west story - you must feed your soul!
It's so tricky to thread the needle of writing what you want to write and what moves you, and thinking about how or whether it will fit into the whole traditional publishing marketplace. That might be the subject of my next post.
Thanks for sharing. I love your honesty, Sara... but, I've got to tell you how hilarious you are. I love reading your posts. Seriously, I'm laughing out loud at this one. Not at your situation, but at how you are dealing with it, pivoting, moving on, and telling us all about it. You are an inspiration to all of us. You. Got. This! Keep going! ❤️
FWIW, I keep seeing your books pop up on my circles. Soft sales will never account for longevity and I think you'll continue to see demand grow.
Thanks Shana. That's what I'm hoping for.
“I am too old and life is too short to pretend to be someone I’m not or to try and do anything that doesn’t feel genuine.” Oof I feel this as I pivot in circles. Love your honesty and I see your books everywhere too-soft sales be damned!
Wow. One glance at your bio and I see suspense, YA and memoir! That's a lot of pivots. I guess it keeps us flexible.
And plus also, "soft" sales be damned, your first two books are f*ing phenomenal. I can't wait for the next one! 😁😁😁
Thanks Marni <3
Here's to pivoting and not getting too dizzy at all the turning and turning we have to do in this world to keep going as a writer.
Thanks. It's a lot. I'm a little dizzy.
Yes, and, honestly, sometimes I'm so dizzy I want to throw up a little bit. What's the writer equivalent of dramamine?
It's cool that you're heading off into a new genre, though, and enjoying it.
This is the most relatable post ever and a career reality most people don’t see coming. We’re about the same age and I’ve been doing this publishing dance since 2007. It never gets easier. I never feel “safe” even when a book does pretty well. I’ve pivoted (big and small). Your positive attitude (even if it’s reluctant) and willingness to pivot are great. Really great. You need both for longevity. I’m excited to see what you do next and am cheering for you from the sidelines. You’ve got this!
Thank you! That means a lot coming from you 🥰
I'm here for it. I think (?) I found you on twitter. More power to having no idea what you're doing and showing up anyway. I'd like to! Still working on it
Showing up anyway. Love that.
Thank you for sharing this, Sara. This kind of honest and authentic discussion of publishing and creative work is part of what you offer to the world. And I'm here for it.
Thanks Penny :)
Sometimes simply sharing not knowing wtf you’re doing is what helps people. (And oncology nurses rock, even if it’s only their side gig!)
Thanks :)
Great post, Sara. Thanks for showing us a peek behind the curtain. I have another friend who recently told me something similar was going on with her sales/publisher. I know that doesn’t make it easier, but know you aren’t alone. It’s a sucky setup. I agree with the other comments about longevity being there for Johanna and Principles of (E)motion!
Also, your new project sounds super fun!
Thank, Deana. I feel like this is something that doesn't require the secrecy that surrounds it--particularly between authors.
As a multi-genre writer, I get it. but I also hate that one has to "pivot". Personally I'll be rejecting that standard for myself (though it doesn't matter, being indie). Wherever you go and whatever you write, I'm just happy knowing you're enjoying yourself.
Thanks :) And I hear you. That's why it's very convenient that my creative heart has pivoted at about the same time. I've always had these fantastical/speculative ideas brewing alongside my realistic ones, so it still feels true to me, and fun to get to explore this new thing.
tbh, speculative is where the real fun's at 😄
I feel like I've been pivoting for the last 5 years of my publishing career, but I keep going. I guess that's the only thing we can do. So, go write your wild, wild west story - you must feed your soul!
It's so tricky to thread the needle of writing what you want to write and what moves you, and thinking about how or whether it will fit into the whole traditional publishing marketplace. That might be the subject of my next post.
Thanks for sharing. I love your honesty, Sara... but, I've got to tell you how hilarious you are. I love reading your posts. Seriously, I'm laughing out loud at this one. Not at your situation, but at how you are dealing with it, pivoting, moving on, and telling us all about it. You are an inspiration to all of us. You. Got. This! Keep going! ❤️
Thanks Lori! That means a lot to me :)