So this is a record - a year and a month since I last posted! I never thought that would happen. Huh. Anyway, here's the news :)
By the start of last year I'd been thinking for a while that I might round the series off at ten, for a few reasons: as I mentioned in my last post, working at home was sending me a little stir-crazy; I wasn't sure I had many more good story ideas; and I didn't know how long I could make the series last. Plus, I wasn't particularly happy. I loved writing but so much of the rest of the business was taking a toll, because being successful has very little to do with how hard you the author work but is a much more intangible mix of luck, marketing, reader taste, yes hard work, and something else nobody can identify (otherwise everyone would be doing it). This meant that the only thing truly in my power was to write the best book I could, but it didn't stop me (and just about every other author I know) worrying about how to reach more readers, how to sell more, how to keep the books alive. It's bad to fret about things beyond your control and I'd fallen into the rut of doing it way too much. As I said, almost every author I know worries about the same things, so I wasn't alone in that rut, but that made it seem normal, like a thing that authors do, and that didn't help either. I disliked how I felt, and the prospect of feeling that way in the future was awful. I'd worked on changing how I felt, but in the end realised maybe time away was the answer. Then, around this time last year, I got the heads-up from my agent that sales had been falling and the publisher was considering not taking any more books, then the publisher herself got in touch. The series was no longer financially viable, and they weren't going to offer another contract. I half-heartedly asked about going to ten (it's such a nice round number) but they said no. I felt sad that it was over but also relieved. Plus, while book eight was finished, it was still to be edited, so I could bring Ella's story to a close the way I wanted. A close that would also work as a hiatus, I decided, because feeling finished now didn't mean I'd always feel that way, and I have a big soft spot for Ella and her paramedic compadres and wanted the option to come back to them if I felt like it. So I worked out the right ending, and book eight, TELL THE TRUTH, was released this February. Reviews have been wonderful. most along these lines: "It is definitely one of my absolute favourite series as there isn’t a dud in the bunch and TELL THE TRUTH offers a fitting finale" Fair Dinkum Crime which I am very happy about. Series bring the fear of jumping the shark, and it's a relief that I seem to have avoided that in the reviewers' eyes at least. I've received lots of emails from readers who are sad that the series is over and hopeful that I'll write more/something else, and I am thankful to every one. As I said in a note at the end of the book, the connection that books and characters build between author and reader is what I miss most, and it moves me to see you feel the same. Thank you for reading my work over the past eight years. As for my work now . . . when I was thinking about ending the series at ten, I was also realising I missed working in healthcare. I missed people! So I went back to uni. I have a year to go before I graduate as a registered nurse and I work casual shifts as a care assistant in an aged care facility. I feel good there. Right now I have no desire to write, but when assignments and exams are done with, who knows? Thanks again. cheers, Katherine.
Rose M.
11/4/2015 01:26:03 pm
Ah my lovely. Tks for sharing your feelings so honestly. Yes, I agree that the non-writing part (for me, it was just fun making it up) is not particularly enjoyable, including all the rewriting and editing, let alone the marketing etc. I'm glad you are enjoying being back with people but fervently hope that maybe, from time to time, when a story occurs to you and wants to be written you will do so. Maybe just self-publish for those of us who love reading your work? Hugs and love always.
Katherine
19/4/2015 07:00:16 pm
Thanks Rose! I am not anti-story :) I'd be willing to write one if I had the idea and the urge. So far haven't seen either! But we'll see what happens. Thanks again! xoxox 11/4/2015 03:07:42 pm
That is a LOT of books. I can only hope I go as long. BUt your words echo the sentiments of many authors, I am sure. (And yes, I need to stay off Goodreads!)
Katherine
19/4/2015 07:01:16 pm
Thanks Jenn :) You are well on your way! But yes, Goodreads etc etc can be a trap. Hi to J! xoxox
Katherine
19/4/2015 07:22:39 pm
Thank you, Fran. I'm writing this through tears after reading your piece about your mother. Beautiful. 13/4/2015 09:38:24 am
Hi Katherine,
Katherine
19/4/2015 07:23:32 pm
Hi Lisa, thanks for that. It certainly can turn into a hard slog. Thanks :)
Nigelle-ann
17/2/2016 09:52:12 pm
It was such a pleasure meeting you and having you join us for the Clare Readers and Writers Festival 2014. Best wishes and lucky patients to have such a wonderful person looking after them.
Katherine
12/5/2016 06:16:59 pm
Thanks so much Nigelle-Ann! It was so lovely to meet you and the rest of the lovely Clare folks too. I hope to get back one day for a visit, such a gorgeous place!
Erica
30/5/2019 06:40:19 pm
Hi Katherine, I’m a little late to the game here but just finished listening to all your books and have absolutely loved them. My library was missing no.5 so I thought I’d have a look and see if there were any more to come. So sad to hear this is current end. These books have been wonderful. So different to see a murder mystery from the aspect of the paramedics as well. I’m in Sydney and loved knowing all the places Ella went. I loved Ella and was so excited by the end and thought it was the great set up for more stories. I totally understand why it’s come to end from both your side and the publishers but I do hope one day we find out how Ella’s gotten on. Comments are closed.
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