Steve’s Spotlight #3

Monthly Check-In: Still Standing, Still Writing

It’s been a while since I gave you all an update, so here it is.

To put it bluntly, it’s going. I know that’s not the most dramatic way to say it, but it’s the most honest. After months of what felt like the universe throwing everything it had at me, I’m finally on the mend. I’m also about to start a new job, which might eat into my writing time and slow down some of the things I do to get my name and books out there. That said, it’s not the end of the road. I’ve been here before. In fact, I wrote my first book under circumstances a lot like these. I just need to relearn the old system and hope it still works.

As for the writing itself, that’s been a mess too. I started the fourth book in the Eddie Solomon series, got a few chapters in, then shelved it. My thinking at the time was: If no one’s buying the earlier books, why keep going?

Now, I know there’s something to be said for grinding out book after book. Some people swear the key to discovery is being prolific. But that’s not me. I can’t justify pouring time and energy into something that might never break through. That’s not to say the first three novels and the novella were a waste. They weren’t. But I’ve got a ton of other ideas, and right now I’d rather explore those.

And that’s exactly what I’m doing.

I’ve jumped back into writing. I had two strong story ideas, and after some soul-searching, I chose the one that felt like the better bet. I’m not ready to share what it’s about just yet. Only my wife knows, since she’s my proofreader and sounding board. I wrote the first chapter today, and I’d like to get a few more down before I let the cat out of the bag.

When the time comes, I hope to find a few collaborators who want to help a small-time indie writer become a mid-tier indie writer. I’ve already got a few friends who’ve been amazing in the past, and I’m beyond grateful for everything they’ve done. I hope they’ll stick with me as this new story takes shape.

So, that’s the update for this month. A little late but not forgotten. And if you’ve made it this far, thank you. Seriously. A writer isn’t much without someone to read their work, and I appreciate every single one of you who’s stuck with me this far.

That’s all I’ve got.

—Stephen