Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Status Update: The Councilman

I've been creatively burned out since mid-2022, which if you hadn’t seen me mention on various social media platforms, or heard me talk about in-person at book events, you might have simply noticed a decline in my production—from a cornucopia in 2021 to two books in 2022 to only one in 2023. While I feel like I’ve finally broken free of that rut, am writing consistently again, and at a level of quality I feel to be on par with previously published titles, it’s been slow-going. Writing is like a sport in that sense, and after sitting on the sidelines for so long, my muscles and stamina aren’t what they used to be. It’ll take some time for me to get back to a pre-burnout pace.

I’m sharing this backstory to explain why, if you had The Councilman (Magic & Steam 4) pre-ordered, you probably got a notification from the retailer that the pre-order has been cancelled and the book is not currently being released in January.

The reason is simple: I couldn’t get it written in time. Either the story would have suffered or the editing would have been subpar. I am very proud of providing readers with nothing short of my absolute best, and to have cut corners to meet a retailer due date wouldn’t have sat well with me or you.

But let me reiterate: The Councilman is still being written! It will still be published!

The book is halfway done, the cover art is, of course, complete, and there’s a working blurb. I’m not going to estimate an exact release date right now, but will keep readers informed through social media, my website, and newsletter. And when The Councilman is done, you’ll hear me shouting from the rooftops, I promise.

Thank you so much for your support of the Magic & Steam series, and thank you for supporting my writing. Whether you’ve only recently begun reading me, or have been around since my 2015 short story debut, this career would not be possible without your love of books and commitment toward stories representing LGBTQ people in a positive light.

Gillian and Gunner are returning in 2024! Declan Winters is returning for the audiobook production!

Just give me a bit more time to really nail that story into place.

8 comments:

  1. Thank you - minor panic averted. Take your time, these characters and your writing are worth waiting for.

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  2. Great news. Thank you for being the consummate writer. Your books are a joy to read.

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  3. Thank you for making a post about this, because I do admit to a little panic when I saw the cancel notification. That being said, take your time and don't stress yourself. This series is well worth waiting for :-D. Gillian and Gunner are one of my favorite couples to read about and I have listened to the audiobooks at least a dozen times, because Declan did a wonderful job on them. I wish you the very best for the new year!

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  4. Thank you for the honest update. I was disappointed when my preorder was cancelled but am really glad that you are taking the time to write a book you will be proud of. I am really looking forward to the next chapter of this story and don’t mind waiting for it.

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  5. Preordered but never got the notice (shame on Amazon!). Thank you for the update!

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  6. I just finished the first three books and hoped the forth was ready for preorder. I signed up for your newsletter and then went to your website and blog. I agree with everyone else that I will gladly wait until you finish it as I consider you one of the very best authors I have read in any genre. I discovered you less than a year ago with the Snow & Winter series and have been hooked ever since. Thank you for your wonderful books.

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  7. Thank you for sharing. Please take your time and put your health first.
    Your books are worth waiting for

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  8. I love this series so much I just reread the first 3 books and now I'm craving the continuation I'm crossing my fingers for an update =D

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