Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Four Books and a Novella


No, that's not the name of a RomCom movie about my life starring Hugh Grant (although that would be pretty cool).
Although if you WERE going to do a movie about my life this year, "Four Books and a Novella" would make a pretty good title, since it is starting to look like most of my time is going to be devoted to those five projects. And if you're thinking "Gee, that seems like a lot," you'd be right! (I'm not saying I'm sitting here hyperventilating just thinking about it, but um...anyone got a brown paper bag?)

Here's the thing: normally, I write two books a year. One nonfiction book for Llewellyn, and one novel. For many years, the nonfiction books were published at about the rate of one a year, and I had to do edits and publicity for them, and the fiction books made the rounds of agents (until I got one) and then editors as I was writing the next one. A lot of work, but just about manageable on top of the day job, making jewelry, chasing cats around, and all that jazz.

Then last year, I finally sold the fiction. (HUZZAH!) The first two books in my Baba Yaga series, plus a prequel novella. Which changed the scenario quite a bit. And because I had decided that once I sold a novel, I probably wouldn't do any more Llewellyn books, I then signed contracts not only for another one (Everyday Witchcraft, a follow up to my popular 3rd book, The Goddess is in the Details), but also for a small book that is one is a series they are putting out about the eight sabbats. (More about that some other time. And yes, I realize that there is something wrong with my plan here.) So I spent the last couple of months working on those, and not really thinking about the big picture, until it suddenly struck me a few weeks ago that I had THREE BOOKS AND A NOVELLA coming out this year.

Holy crap.

And then it occurred to me that since my next book for Llewellyn, The Witch's Broom , is coming out in April, that would be a great time to finally get around to putting out an eBook version of Circle, Coven & Grove (my first book, which went out of print last year). I have a secret plan for that in the works right now, which I will blog about when some other stuff is finalized I'm ready.

Which led me to the realization that I would then be putting out FOUR BOOKS AND A NOVELLA this year. All of them requiring editing, publicity, and such.

HOLY CRAP.

Well, I'm the one who wanted to be a writer, so I'm not complaining. Mostly, just a little...flabbergasted. I have a few writer friends who put out that many books in a year on a regular basis, but I am not that writer. And I think it is unlikely that this confluence of events will reoccur--I'm perfectly happy to stick to two books a year. But in the meanwhile, here's what we're looking at:

April 8th -- The Witch's Broom
 April 8th (give or take a few days) -- Circle, Coven & Grove (release as an eBook)
August (no exact date yet) --  Wickedly Magical (Baba Yaga novella, released in eBook form)
September 2nd -- Wickedly Dangerous (Baba Yaga book 1)
December (no exact date yet) -- Wickedly Wonderful (Baba Yaga book 2)

So--four books and a novella. Fortunately, the edits are done for everything except the last book (although I still have the last copy edits read-through for Baba 1). Circle, Coven & Grove is written, of course, but I have to come up with a new cover and a new cover blurb, since those things belong to Llewellyn, the original publisher, as well as adding a new introduction. And I have major revisions to do on the current Llewellyn book, which will be out sometime next year.

Right now, I'm a somewhat muddled mix of Really Excited and A Tad Overwhelmed, with a smidge of Ridiculously Happy thrown in for good measure. I hope you're all just a little bit excited to be taking this ride with me, too.

Because here's the thing--the other thing--sharing this journey with all of you is part of what makes it so great. My friends, my readers, my fans (holy crap, I have fans!)...you guys are what makes the fun outweigh the freaked out. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate you coming here (and Facebook, and Twitter, and such) and cheering me on. Obviously, such dedication deserves a reward. Right?

And I  have two in mind. The first is A REALLY BIG GIVEAWAY. I'm going to do a massive contest, starting this Friday, which will be a month and a day before the release of The Witch's Broom. Remember all that cool swag? Swag Blog Post I'm going to be giving away almost all of it. That's right--the remaining  mug and notebook, a bunch of broom refrigerator magnets, and some other stuff too. Why should I be the only one excited? So be sure to check back on Friday!

What's the second reward? I'm not telling...not yet.

So, you tell me: of all the releases coming out this year, which of the four books and a novella are YOU the most excited about?



   

32 comments:

  1. O_O
    That's a LOT.
    And I am so very excited about the Baba series. (Such a sexy cover!!). Therefore, I'll say that I'm most excited about the prequel novella because it means the series has started!!!!!

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  2. I can't choose! I'm looking foward to all of them. I guess, if I absolutely HAD to choose...under pain of death, it would have to be "The Witch's Broom" and "Circle, Coven and Grove". I've been contemplating buying a used copy of "Circle, Coven and Grove" because it is the only one of your books that I don't have. I'm happy to see that I won't have to. YAY!!

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  3. I am beyond excited about all of them but I'm so ready to begin reading your novels! So happy for you!

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    1. Thanks, Shelly. Boy, you've been around since the beginning, haven't you?

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  4. I pretty much want to read all of them. Desperately.

    And I think you can do so much better than Hugh Grant. Aim a little higher, okay? :)

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    1. Well, young cute Huge Grant. Before the prostitute in the car issue :-)

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  5. Replies
    1. LOL. You've been here since the beginning too.

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  6. I'm all about The Witch's Broom! Are you sure you won't consider the occasional Llewellyn book now and then in the future? I love your Llewellyn work ever so much!

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    1. At this point, I'm not ruling anything out. For one thing, I like writing those books too. For another, there is no way of telling how well my fiction career is going to go. (Well, fabulous, of course, but who knows HOW fabulous.) Also, I adore working with Elysia... And I do have this one idea that's been in my head for the last couple of years. So who knows...

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  7. OMG I can't pick! I'm really excited about the Witch's Broom, because of the illustrations you posted. But...I think I'm MOST excited for the Baba Yaga prequel. I studied abroad in Russia and I got to study Baba Yaga in their fairytales...so I think your books will be AWESOME!

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    1. Cool--we have an expert! Of course, my Baba Yagas don't bear *much* resemblance to the traditional tales...

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  8. I'm so excited for you! Ever since my best friend lent me a copy of Everyday Witch A-Z (Which she later bought a second copy of and let me keep the first! Gotta love friends like that right?) I've been hooked.

    Later she told me to make friends with you on your Facebook page and that your very open and inviting with your readers. I'll admit, I was skeptical.

    Most writers I've tried to contact have all but ignored little old me, their to busy and caught up in their busy lives for someone they don't know.

    I contacted you one time, and you actually answered me. You inspired me to keep writing and I'm pleased to announce that I'm halfway though my own first book. ^^

    I thank you for that so much. I know it seems silly but I felt important, and I'm still keeping at it, because you took time to write me a responce.

    Somtimes that's all you need. ^^

    I'm really excited about Circle, Coven & Grove. It's a book I've been meaning to get for a while and a digital copy means I don't have to wait for shipping.

    I haven't read any of your fiction, but your nonfiction has helped me connect with my godess within.

    You really are an inspiration to me, and I hope all of us readers are an inspiration to you. Keep at it! I will too ^^




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    1. Congrats on your writing! I hope it goes well. I'm glad I could be a little part of your inspiration. Your friend was right--I really appreciate my readers, and try to respond to all the messages I get. You folks really DO inspire me!

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  9. I can't wait for "The Witch's Broom!" "The Goddess is in the Details" is one of my all-time favorite witchcraft/pagan books so I'm excited to read it's sequel.

    I'm curious about your Baba Yaga book. She's not very well known - either in fiction or paganism (at least in what I read!) so I'm looking forward to book one to see your take on the myth.

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    1. I have to admit, The Goddess is in the Details has always been my favorite too (don't tell any of the other books). And my take on the Baba Yaga myth is decidedly modern, but uses a whole lot of the original mythology...

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  10. I am VERY excited for you. You have worked hard, and really EARNED this chance to watch your dreams unfold before your eyes, and we're so fortunate to be here celebrating your success with you (and enjoying the fruits of your labors!) Seriously can't wait for the Baba Yaga novels! :)

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  11. Wow, this is great! There is a lot to look forward too! I think for me personally, April 8th cannot come fast enough. I have been waiting for the Witch's Broom since you announced it will be coming out. I have recently finished (re)reading (probably 3rd or 4th time by now) The Goddess is in the Details so I am ready for more inspiration. :) Congrats, and thank you so much for all the fun you put into the world.

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    1. Only a little more than a month, Christa! Did you preorder or are you waiting for it to come out?

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    2. Haven't preordered yet. It is on my b-day wish list, so we will see if any of my love family pulls through in two weeks. (My mom is a huge fan too and she knows I have been following you closely!) If not, it will be a bday present to myself <3

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    3. Lovely! Happy birthday in advance.

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    4. Happy Birthday Christa! I've pre-ordered your copy of The Witch's Broom. Love Mom.

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  12. Let's see, I'm looking forward to Circle, Coven &Grove ebook since I can't get a hardcopy. But I'm really excited about The Witch's Broom. And this the first I've actually heard about the Baba Yaga series so I believe I'll be looking into starting that series. Ok hands down I excited about all of them. :)

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  13. I think I'm most excited about seeing you happy. Doing what fulfills you. Reading your blogs, blurbs and burps along the way. It's very cool to be included to witness your journey!

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  14. This is my first word of you and it all looks really interesting and exciting. Especially the cards there. I will defn7piitly check out you stuff when I get out of hospital. I need a little witchy inspiration in my life right now x

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