Where Did the Author Go?

Before I start this post, let me say that you guys are absolutely wonderful. I love meeting you at cons and signings, and even though I'm ridiculously (to the point of embarrassment) behind on my email, I love hearing from you. The fact that people want to read stories that initially exist only in my head still amazes me. You are all awesome and I cherish each and every one of my readers.

So then why have I been so quiet recently? The blog has been barren, twitter and facebook have been neglected, and my website is in woeful need of an update.

Well, the answer is rather complicated and very personal.

Writing is something I love to do, but it is also my job. I've always tried to maintain a clear line between my job and my private life, and to ensure that whatever is going on in my personal life doesn't interfere with my job. That's what professionals do, right? There are deadlines to meet and events to attend and business to be conducted.

 Recently preventing the events in my life from impacting my job has become increasingly difficult. And in the last year or so, it has become impossible. I don't want to go into details--my private pain and struggles are not something I want splashed on the internet--but I felt I owed you, the readers wondering why the heck the next book isn't out yet, some sort of explanation.

At this time, there is very little I can say besides to apologize and promise that I am working as hard as I possibly can to get the books to you. I don't know exactly when that will be, and I don't even want to guess. But rest assured, there WILL be more books in both the Haven and Alex Craft series. I have lots of ideas and plans for the characters (and for several other series that are on the back burner as well) so there is definitely more to come.

All of that said, I've been advised that for my own well being and in the interest of catching up (and hopefully getting back ahead of my deadlines), to make some changes this year. Namely, to take a step back on my appearance schedule in 2013 so that I can focus my energy on healing and writing.

At the moment, I have no tour planned, and the only convention I have on my agenda is ConCarolinas in NC on May 31-June 2nd. (Dragon*Con is still up in the air, I've been invited, but I have yet to accept.) I'll try to post on the blog once in a awhile, just to let you guys know I'm alive or if situations change and I add events. I intend to update the website (or hire someone to do it for me) and I will slowly be sifting through my mail (but it will take me a while to reply to all  of you.)

If all goes well, I hope to return to the convention circuit again in 2014 with brand new books in both series for you.

Thank you for your understanding and patience in what has been (and currently continues to be) a very difficult time for me.
*hugs*

Comments

Greg Nitchals said…
Take your time. Your fans and friends want you to feel better and do what you need to in order to recover. Sorry for any loss or suffering you dealt with.
The Queen B said…
::hugs:: to you and know we wish you well in all things. Alex, like all great things, is worth waiting for ;)
Lots of hugs!

Hope your life is taking a better turn now! Please take all the time you need to get back into the "game"! We'll all be here when you're ready!
Melissa Gilbert said…
((((HUGS))))
Your fans adore you and only want the best for you. We will miss seeing your smiling face, but we want you to happy in your heart, not just on your face. Many blessings!
Ailsa said…
*hugs*

We'll be waiting for you when you're able to come back :)
Anonymous said…
I have to say that late to following you online, so I can't speak to your previous web presence, but with a foot in the web, Blogger, Twitter, etc. -- you're already meeting your fans more than halfway.

It's hard for private people to deal with this new always on, social internet at the best of times. Add more to the mix, and something is likely to give.

The fact that have developed a talent to entertain and choose to share it with the world at large is inspiring and wonderful. Anything more is at your discretion.

I understand that interacting with fans keeps your work top of mind and is probably wise from a career standpoint; however, I'd like to think that most people understand you're a person.

Here's hoping that any and all troubles are soon well in hand and quickly a thing of past.

Wishing you all the best!
Anonymous said…
You has to be your number one priority. We all love your books and, of course, are breathlessly awaiting the next ones, but they are just books while you are a person. There's no contest in what is more important. Get yourself to a good place and we'll be here when you"re ready.
Addie said…
Wishing you healing and support!!! So excited to read and hear more from you. I have been checking the blog Twitter and Facebook because I was actually worried about you. I hope everything works out. You have loyal fans to support you whenever you need us!!
Shawna said…
I certainly understand how life can interfere with your vocation. Take care of yourself; you can't give to others if you can't take care of youraelf. I will be thinking and praying for your healing and will look forward to reading when you are ready.
TheBlackWolf said…
As readers, we adore our authors for all their hard work but as an author, you probably feel a little pressure to keep us hooked to your work. Just a little note, to say never fear, your work is brilliant and as such, will always be in demand, be it now, months down the line or even next year. You have a talent but also the respect from your readers! Best wishes
Lupine Smile said…
"The Zen philosopher Basha once wrote, 'A flute with no holes, is not a flute. A donut with no hole, is a Danish.'"

Become whole again.
Unknown said…
It's hard to write, and it's hard to work, when you're head and heart are elsewhere! Nothing to apologize for or explain, I don't believe we'd enjoy your writing if you didn't enjoy putting the words to paper! So please feel better and know that you have fans that'll wait for you :)
Anonymous said…
You write some of my favourite books, especially the Alex Craft novels, and I would still rather wait a year or more for the next one than think that writing them is hurting you. Take care of yourself, and I look forward to seeing your books when I see them.
libracat said…
((((Kalayna))))) We will be waiting whenever you're ready.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for sharing your talent, enjoying Grave Memory right now!
Thoughts and loving healing energy being sent to you. Hugs and laughter.
Amelia said…
I hope things are going a bit smoother for you and I appreciate the update :) Big hugs and I know I will definitely be around to buy your books when they are out :)

*Hugs from Canada*
mhub said…
I was wondering where you were and am grateful for your note to let us know where you are at. Please remember, we, your fans, love your books; but we definitely would prefer you to happy and healthy. Take your time, we will be here, waiting for your next masterpiece, whenever that may be.:D
mhub said…
Thanks for giving us an update. I was wondering where you were. Please note, that as your fans, we love your books, but we definitely would prefer you to be happy and healthy. Take your time, we will be here, waiting for your next masterpiece. Wishing you all the best.
Marcia Colette said…
*Hugs* to you, hon. As you can see, it's been a while since I've been hitting up my favorite blog spots, simply because, as you said, life gets in the way. And like you, I've also scaled back on my conventions this year.

But I know you and I know you're a lot like your characters, in that you don't take anything lying down. So, do what you need to do to take care of you, and we'll be waiting. :-)
Liz Chuter said…
There's no rush, we are happy to wait :) Sorry to hear that you are having a rough time of it, but we will still be here, however long it takes. Be kind to yourself.
Unknown said…
We all go through difficult and traumatic times.I hope that everything works out as best that it can. If it's any consolation, losing myself in your books has brought me through some of the toughest times I've been through, so I must thank you for that alone. We'll always be waiting for your next book for your next book, but just knowing you think of us readers enough to tell us this makes my day.
Good Luck, and thanks for the wonderful places you've taken me.
Judy
Rory said…
Take care of yourself first. No pressure from me. I'll be around waiting patiently.
Meaghan said…
I hadn't realize Danny of this until the 6th when I went on lone to buy the one book I have been dying to buy for a year and bn.com doesn't even list it my more, so I did a little research, and I a so sorry for whatever troubles or hardships you"re facing now. Despite my addicts-craving need to the next Alex craft book, I'd much rather out do you until you're able to to do you and work again. We, your fans, are NOT GOING ANYWHERE!!!!. And I'll be u checking release dates every month until something seems solid....as opposed to gr's 11/30/13 release, where amazon lists none, and bn completely pulled the book from their site...and I will be even more exstatic when there's a new date. Ad I'll found down those days until I can get a copy in my hands! It will make my whatever season it's released in...well, it'll actually make my entire year! I love Alex Craft like crazy, but know that you have to be good ith you for that to ever happen, so take your time. Comeback when you are ABSOLUTELY ready, don't come back early if you think your fans might be getting restless....I rel a lot of the other posts here and can tell you have some amazing, understanding fans...and tht we all want what's best for you. Take care. Get better. Relax....do whatever! W will be here when YOU are ready!

And, I get to start reading the haven novels now!

You are loved and admired for your work, which is a reflection of who you are by everyone here's...and I'm sure the same is said by those you kno in the real worl, not the digital one..

I think I may be rambling a little but now, so just wanted to say take your time, as long as you need....and hey, L. J. Smith has fans that have been waiting almost 20 yars....ing, is it really almost 20?!?!? Anyway, I've been waiting her and haven't given up, loved her books when was a kid, and I love yours now as an adult...I'll wait 20 years for your next book if that's what it turns out to be...obviously I'd prefer sooner, what with how you ended book 3 for Alex....but WHATEVER you need!!!!

Love, hugs, and prayers.

Take care
Anonymous said…
I ask for you to be enveloped in the most uplifting, warm, healing hug that a spiritual entity (God, your higher power, ect.) is only capable of giving. May all of your hurt, your pain, and your suffering fall away as the strength you need is freely given to you with the embrace of your savior. Only a God can take this much pain from us and leave us in peace, comfort, unconditional love, and a strength that reaches the very core of our being. So please, give all your hurts and pains and doubts to a being who is more proficient to carry all our burdens. We hold on to our hurts as though we don't trust anyone else with them. After all we are only human. I say all of these words with nothing but love in my heart. Receive your hug. Let it run over and through you like the healing balm that it is. You are loved. You are special. You are worthy. Many blessings, Kimber Hume. Xoxo
Bryna said…
I hope that life is looking rosier for you now and that you are healing. You have to put yourself first and everything else will fall into place. Best wishes lady, we are waiting for your next creation once your heart and mind are whole again.
Anonymous said…
Time to snap out of and get on with things. Lots of money waiting for you if you can get the new book out and ready to go!
Bob Bird said…
Not sure if you even still see these, but I hope you are at a better place in your life. I was just rereading my Haven books and looked to see if there was anything else when I found this. All the best to you; people are more important than books, so take care of yourself first and foremost.
Samantha said…
I hope you're doing well! I just finished Grave Memory! After finally rediscovering the Alex Craft series. I read the first book in the series when it was released and I absolutely loved it! I had moved onto other series since that first book but I always remembered what a great story it was and would frequently try and remember the author or at least the title since I had lost the first copy. Well I'd finally had enough and went on an intense internet search to find it and I did! To my pleasant surprise there were 2 books for me to read and I bought and finished them super quickly. I just read your blog and I see it was from 2 years ago! I really hope that you are alright! And taking the time to heal! You truly are a fabulous author and your Alex Craft series is amazing! I love you as much as I love Illona Andrews! Just know you are not forgotten and I will eagerly wait for the next book to come out. No matter how long that may be. You just take the time you need! All the best!!!

A loyal fan xoxo
Samantha said…
I hope you're doing well! I just finished Grave Memory! After finally rediscovering the Alex Craft series. I read the first book in the series when it was released and I absolutely loved it! I had moved onto other series since that first book but I always remembered what a great story it was and would frequently try and remember the author or at least the title since I had lost the first copy. Well I'd finally had enough and went on an intense internet search to find it and I did! To my pleasant surprise there were 2 books for me to read and I bought and finished them super quickly. I just read your blog and I see it was from 2 years ago! I really hope that you are alright! And taking the time to heal! You truly are a fabulous author and your Alex Craft series is amazing! I love you as much as I love Illona Andrews! Just know you are not forgotten and I will eagerly wait for the next book to come out. No matter how long that may be. You just take the time you need! All the best!!!

A loyal fan xoxo
Anonymous said…
Glad you are back! Congratulations on your latest book, Grave Visions! I just read it and it holds up to the standard of excitement and cleverness in your other three books!

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