But with that freedom also comes a much larger accountability aspect. Now, if I miss a release deadline, it's completely my fault. If I miss listing a blog, like I did this one, again, it's my fault. I am a notorious procrastinator, and it's bitten me in the butt several times.
As an Indie author, we set our own release schedules. It's one of the perks. We don't have to wait for ten different people to do ten different things to my book before it gets put onto the virtual shelves. I am responsible for all jobs, or at least contracting out all the jobs.The only person I am actually accountable to is the reader.
Literally, every day, I get emails and messages asking me when the next book in my Lost And Found Series will be out. As much as I want to tell them 'next week!' or something equally as ridiculous, I can't, because I've found that disappointing a reader is very difficult. Embattled Minds, my newest release, was supposed to be out at the end of April, BEFORE I left for the RT convention in Kansas City. Unfortunately, I overestimated myself. There was a lot more research I needed to do concerning PTSD, and Vietnam Vets, and it turned into a bigger project than I expected. It just released at the end of June.
The good part was, it ended up being a longer book, which the readers love. They just had to wait a couple of extra months for it.
When will the next series book be out? Not for several months! I released the first three of the series in 8 months, which is a lot. I also had another story from Decadent release in January, Love on the Line II. 4 books in 8 months is doing pretty good, at least for the readers. I'm run a little ragged...
So, tell me. Are you a procrastinator or do you like to schedule things months ahead of time? One commenter will win a free download of Embattled Minds, or any of my backlist!
And, if you haven't done so yet, be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter, or you can email me at authorjmmadden@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading!!!!
Jennifer
J.M. I am a bit of both. If it is something I like, love or want I am a planner. If it is something I dont like or am uncomfortable I am a professional procrastinator. Can not wait to read more of your work. Thanks for all you do!!!
ReplyDeleteThis has been the summer of procrastination and deadlines--and I've been rolling up to each one just in time. I would like life to slow down a bit and catch a breath, though.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the next book. This series has been my favorite so far this year.
It would depend on the situation. If it is something I am looking forward, it is all scheduled. But if it something I don't want to do, I will put it off until the last minute.
ReplyDeleteIf its work I keep to schedules but in my personal life I put stuff off
ReplyDeleteI am definitely a procrastinator and I always think I have plenty of time and run out of time or go crazy trying to finish something on time. I think as I get older I get worse. I used to be very scheduled and organized.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more in the Lost and Found series. You have captured my heart with this series. Thank you for writing such wonderful book.
I'm somewhat both.....I constantly try to be better and write things down but then I forget to look at the calendar until its almost to late or late.....but even though I procrastinate I and very much a person who is on time.....I hate to be late...
ReplyDeleteas for your books I love them and by all means take your time because I was one of those that like the longer and it was Awesome.... I can't wait for Chad's book.... But I will!!!!
Shelley C- thank you for the compliment! I CAN plan, and I NEED to plan, but it's just hard sometimes with everything going on. Hubby is gone a lot for work, so it's all me for kids, animals, house, etc.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, thank you SO much! I love hearing that! And I'm the same way. I squeak in on time, but it seems like I'm always running frazzled. Maybe I just need to not schedule so much...duh...
Hi Diana and Snoopy. Yeah, I get that way sometimes too. Trying to be more organized professionally, but I think my personal schedule gets shoved aside for it sometimes.
Jacqueline, I've done the opposite. I've actually gotten better the older I get. I used to be really bad about being anywhere on time.
Angela, I try to do the same thing, but then I end up with 500 post-it notes stacked around my computer. All with important information on them, so I can't throw them away. ACK!
Thank you all for the wonderful comments and the insight into your timeliness. I'll pick a book winner tonight!
As a reader (only in my wildest dreams am I a writer) I anxiously await the next book, but I realize that life happens....all that is important to me is that there is a next book! I am still waiting (more than 16 years now) for Melanie Rawn's continuation of the Captal Mage series. I am patient. I know how much work, blood, sweat and tears goes into a book, and I also know all about family and life outside the book...You are awesome and I just want to reach out and give you a hug....keep up writing the fantastic books...I will be here patiently waiting for the next one....
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