on Apr 27th, 2012 Please everyone, let’s give a hearty and smutty welcome to the lovely and talented Sierra Dean!
Where do you find the time?
If there’s any question I hear most as an author, this has got to be it. Last May my first published release came out from Samhain, Something Secret This Way Comes. I was SO EXCITED to finally be a published author, but there was something else to consider:
When was the next book coming out?
By the time Something Secret debuted, I’d not only already finished writing the prequel novella, I’d also finished writing the second full length book. I did all of this while working a full time job in retail AND working as a wedding photographer.
Now, as we approach summer, my fourth full length novel is due for release in July. I’m still working a full time 9-5, and I’m still a wedding photographer. So, as always, people ask: Where do you find the time?
To be honest, I don’t know.
I know that sounds goofy, but it’s the god’s honest truth. On any given day, my to-do list will contain a dozen different work related tasks, social engagements and the ever looming deadline of my next book. Recently at RT I listened to other authors talk about their “method.” The process every author has that helps them get their work done. Kelley Armstrong writes every morning religiously. I am a little less… structured.
When I’m motivated there are days I will write EVERY day, at least 1500 words a day. But it can be tricky to find the time for that sort of commitment. With Keeping Secret, my July release, I did something entirely different. Parts were written in the 1500 words a day method, yes. But I also took a long weekend and wrote a full 30,000 words in one sitting. And two weeks later wrote the final 20,000 words. That kind of output is exhausting, and draining. I’ve written very little since.
But you do what works. You do what you have the time and drive to do, and that’s how you get it done. Maybe it sounds a little madcap, but what are authors if not all a little crazy?
(We can all attest to the above statement, LOL)
Contest: Want to win a print copy of Sierra’s book Something Secret This Way Comes? Just leave a comment and you’re entered! (Contest for North American residents only please)
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30,000 in one sitting? Wow, that’s a lot. Thanks for the contest!!
by Annie April 27th, 2012 at 10:48 amSierra I didn’t know you did all that and still wrote all those lovely Secret books! Wow. It’s amazing and i think a big part is WANTING something enough to make it happen. You know I am a big fan and I’m grateful that you can juggle everything so well. Congrats!!
Don’t enter me. I’ve read it and everything since. I love this series and for me at least it’s been the kind of series that i sit and read each book or novella in one sitting and am ready for more as soon as I’m done. lol
Lisa B
by Lisa B April 27th, 2012 at 10:48 amGeez all these awesome books. Thanks for the contest. Another one added to the TBR (Its growing quite fast)
by Jennifer Crump April 27th, 2012 at 12:37 pmThose were some impressive word counts!! I am a dork and I think of Harry potter when I read the title. It makes me think of when they sang something wicked this way comes. :)
KittyKelly
by KittyKelly April 27th, 2012 at 1:00 pmYou have to be crazy to survive.
by DebraG April 27th, 2012 at 6:32 pmImpressive word counts! I love your Secret world and all the people in it. I have read every one of these multiple times, and can’t wait for the next one to come out! Don’t enter me as I have them all. thanks for the interview.
by Nancy Gilliland April 27th, 2012 at 6:48 pmWow, I honestly don’t know how you could have wrote 30,000 words in one sitting! That’s dedication and crazy lol
by Brandi S. April 27th, 2012 at 7:12 pmI love the Secret Books! I didn’t get any until just before your last one came out. I then got all which were out. I have reread them and truly enjoy them. Thank you!
I agree with some from above. Don’t enter me into your contest, I already own all the current Secret McQueen books and am eagerly waiting the next.
by Christiana April 27th, 2012 at 8:39 pmSierra – I am in awe of your motivation and time management skills! You are proof that if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen. And/or you have a very loud muse!
The summary for the first Secret book sounds amazing. I must read it!
by Katherine April 28th, 2012 at 1:21 amSierra you rock!! But I was one of the lucky ones that got to know that before your first book even came out ;) I’m so happy for your success with Secret McQueen series and wish you may more!
by Dawn April 28th, 2012 at 2:02 amWhile I own the ebook I’d love to win the print book, I know greedy but I do love my signatures and my books ;) look forward to seeing you again at next RT xoxoxo
OMG where do you find the time! Holy cow you work two jobs AND write. I think that is amazing. Wow!
by Nadine April 28th, 2012 at 7:38 amI love this series! 30,000 in one setting that is pretty freaking awesome!
by Kaylyn Davis May 1st, 2012 at 6:14 amI would love to read Something Secret This Way Comes. Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks,
by Donna May 3rd, 2012 at 7:30 amDonna
donnafisk@bellsouth.net