Tuesday, December 27, 2016

I'm still here

Hey, it's been a while. I hadn't realized how long of a while it was, however. Sorry about that. I've been dealing with real life stuff, Meanwhile, something went wrong with my email, so I haven't been getting notificiations from this page, and while I have been trying haphazardly to fix it, I finally gave up and created a new one.

My official author email is ljmcdonald.author@gmail.com. I see at the top of this page that it's listing hydraarill@gmail.com instead and won't let me change it, but either will reach me.

It looks like people have been asking me the same question of what's up with the writing and when the next book is coming out. Unfortunately, the answer is, absolutely nothing. The fifth book is written, but there's been zero interest in it from the publisher. I have no feedback on why or if that's going to change. At this point, I've basically stopped asking because I'm not getting an answer. There's also been no interest in anything else I've written.

I've looked a bit into self-publishing and put out a few things on Smashwords, but the response isn't really worth the sheer amount of work it is to prepare a manuscript for publication, especially when you have to do all of the work yourself. I think that the last piece I put up, "Memories of Alexandria" sold maybe two copies. The thought of preparing a full length novel and getting that sort of response is outright depressing and I honestly don't know if I have the legal right to self-publish book five of the Sylph series anyway. Or if anyone would be interested in anything else I've done.

So that's where I am right now. I'm not writing much. I keep tripping over 'this isn't what people are going to want, this isn't good enough' and not writing anything. I'm creating a lot of art, which keeps me busy, but no one really sees that.

Sorry I don't have better news.


16 comments:

  1. I must say I am heart broken for you! That is horrible! Have you maybe looked into Amazon, I know a LOT of new authors are publishing on there whether it be 75 pages (I guess to see if people will like the story or what not) or 200 pages. I also am very sad for us Sylph addicts! I have read all 4 books at least 4 times. Good luck to you with your art and writing! I will still keep checking for book 5! Thank you for letting me into your Sylph World!!

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  2. I love the Sylph Series, and I'm also disappointed in publishers who don't want to continue publishing this series. You brought us a series of books that were fantastic...and unique! I hope that some day your story will be realized.

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear that. I love your Sylph series. I with the publisher's would wake up to see how great they are. I have never been a book worm but I just can't stop reading them. My daughter picked out the Battle Sylph for me she's 8yrs old, she said it would be something she felt I'd like, she was very right I loved it. Immediately after reading it I ordered the the other three. I'm addicted to these books. I am a stay at home mom and homeschool my 2 daughters as well as work on a dairy. When I read these books its a way for me to have time for myself, before reading these I felt as if I were going insane. Thank you for writing them, and I pray a publisher will grab up your next book.

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    1. Thank you. I appreciate that. :)

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    2. Unfortunately, selling books has more to do with a good marketing and hiring sales people than with good writing. Don't give up, Sylph world is unique and has a lot od potential. I would be happy to help with anything you need just to see the series continues 😁

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  4. Hi, hope you are still there.
    I'm also a Sylph Fan and waiting for the next book.
    And I have a suggestion:
    First, I don't know about the right, but if it's legal you could do it this way.
    Start a Kick-Starter with your book.
    This way you could see how many are interessted to purchase your book before you start the work of self-publishing.
    And you could share nor only your book, but your art too!
    Give the people some choices to support you with different amounts and give them as reward e.g.:
    Book as ebook (epub, mobi, azw, pdf)
    Book as printed version
    Book in both versions
    Book with random painting
    .
    .
    .

    You can make the Kick-Starter campain public on Amazon (masked as a review ;-) ) and of course here on your blog.

    Hope you like the idea and do not give up!
    There are still people around who love your books.

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  5. Do not give up. I know you are going into depression mode right now, but have you tried changing your publishing house. If you cannot because of a contract time frame KEEP WRITING! NEVER STOP WITH THE CRAFT. Once is done whatever is it they have you lock on contract wise everything you have written over the years submitted to another literary agent or publishing house. You can also do some short novelas for AVON ROMANCE Books and Harlequin. Sunshine the door is not close and if it is you can F***** break it down and the window goes with it as well.

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  6. Forgot to mentioned. Start writing a little in WattPad to a get a bigger fan base and get into Instagram. Big TIME to start getting followers.

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  7. I know it’s been a while since anyone posted here. I hope you still see these. I want you to know that I absolutely love your work and return to it often. If you do choose to self publish I’ll happily buy it. 😊

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  8. I sorely miss the Sylphs, and I'm devastated at how you've been treated. I can see where the confusion is: your books were shelved in Romance, then in SciFi, then in Fiction. I bought them at Borders (RIP) and each book was in a different section. Their fault.

    Your situation reminds me of how Tanith Lee was/is treated. When you pair hardcore scifi with romance, scares and shocks they don't know how to pigeonhole you. Woman writer? Coupkles? OK, it's romance. In space? With fights? Nah.

    The Battle Slyphs are still one of the best worlds I've ever read, up there with Ringworld and Darkover. I hope we can get the rest published at some point.

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  9. 2019 and I'm still hoping that one day I'll get to read the rest of this series

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    1. Have you found books 2,5 n 3.5?
      A midwinter fantasy-anthology with leanna renew hieber
      And "Alphabet soup for sylphs"?

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  10. Also still hoping to read more about the Sylphs of in 2022. I think you have more fans then you realize. A bit of resentment towards your publishing house for not having a better pulse on your fan base. Would you ever consider giving the last book out since it is already written. I’m sure plenty of people would donate if you did that. I would.

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  11. I would love it but she is probably dead by now it has been years since she posted here or on Twitter more than likely the China virus probably got her :(

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  12. Just re-read the books (in German). Loved them in the past and still love them now. Hoping and waiting for the next books.

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  13. Alas! So am I (still here)... but not for
    long however. Why? Ever hear of the
    Rapture, lil1? I'm going Upstairs and
    soon yooNeye can certainly write for
    eternity. How do YOU git on this fast-
    paced-speed-racer-outta-here?? Two
    things: love God (3n1 - Father, Son,
    Holy Spirit) and 'feed/poor' whether
    it be through literal food or taking
    them the Word: 'Take My Word as
    the Bread of Eternal Life' -Jesus:
    ● NOPEcantELOPE.blogspot.com ●
    Cya soon, miss adorable girl...

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