Writing Struggles – Progress Update

This year has turned out to be a challenge for everyone. I started with so many plans for projects and I fully intended to have a least one of my longer books out each month. Fast forward to the mid-point of the year and I now am happy to get any of my books out each month, longer or shorter. 

Because I like lists (they make me feel accomplished), here is what I’ve managed this year:

  • January – The Rebel’s Mate
  • February – “Candy Hearts and a Witch’s Ring”
  • March – The Not so Little Merman
  • April – Released “Zoe’s Happily Ever After” on Amazon, but it was written last year. I also completed “A Mate from the Deep” and published it on Prolific Works during this month.
  • May – “A Mate from the Deep” on Amazon AND Convincing the Alpha (I struggled writing this one during April) AND “Fernando’s Marine” (it was part of an anthology).
  • June – “Carrot Cake and a Witch’s Surprise” / Sonny and Leo (anthology of completed short stories) AND Death’s Mate
  • July – Nothing/Nada/Nichts as C.W. Gray BUT I did release a new novella under the pen name Chloe Gray – Adler and Orrick, book one of A Little Bit of Perfect.

Now that I made that list, I feel a little better actually. 

It bothers me that I didn’t put anything out in July as C.W., but I’ve had a hard time focusing on one project at the moment. I have a good chunk of The Sea Witch written (Silver Isles, book three), but I’ve struggled with it. I have a great plot, interesting characters, and a very sweet romance, but for some reason I am moving at the speed of molasses with it. Maybe because it’s one of my longer and more involved books. Maybe because it’s my first MMM book. I don’t know. 

I do know that I love the cover:

Last week, I finally set The Sea Witch to the side and worked on a couple of smaller projects. I’ve almost completed a new Hobson Hills short story called “Sam’s BFF Dilemma.” It will release as part of a Prolific Works giveaway in September. I’ve also started Fire’s Mate, book two in Charybdis Station. 

After a month of not making a lot of progress, it is amazing to feel like I’m accomplishing something again, but I feel so guilty for pausing Seamus, Marlowe, and Kai’s book. Being a full-time, self-publishing writer, I make my own deadlines, but damn if I’m not the hardest boss I’ve ever had to deal with. Plus, I absolutely hate disappointing readers who have been waiting for certain books for months.

So, my plan is now to follow the advice I see everywhere online at the moment. I’m going to be kind to myself and do what I can every day. That’s not the ideal business plan, but I think with this particular year, that’s the best plan for me.

My writing goals going forward:

  • I plan on releasing Fire’s Mate in August, assuming it keeps cooperating like it has been. Then I’ll pick up The Sea Witch again and finish it up. 
  • Then, the next Hobson Hills Omegas book is calling to me. Sheriff Mckenzie’s book will either be titled The Sheriff’s Omega or Protecting his Omega. I’m still debating between the two. The second title is more fitting, but there is already an excellent omegaverse book out with that title. 
  • After that, I’m going to focus on some shorter projects: “Muddy Paws and a Fae’s Wings” (book five in Holiday Omegas); Toby and Beau (book two as Chloe Gray); and an untitled short story for an October Prolific Works giveaway.
  • I’d still like to finish a few more full length books this year and I’m pretty confident I can. I’m just going to try not to think too hard about it until I finish up with my current projects, lol. 

One more thing. Thank you all for being supportive and understanding. I love that you all are eager to read my upcoming books. That more than anything helps me through the hard times when I’m struggling to reach a word count or full of self-doubt. Your messages and e-mails are always welcome and make a hard day much better.

C.W.

18 thoughts on “Writing Struggles – Progress Update”

  1. We all understand that it’s been a struggle and you have actually done great not many authors release that many books and I’m super happy about it you are AMAZING cant wait for more of your stories

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  2. Some people take years to put out a book your doing amazing your putting out amazing work in a very short time i love you and I believe in you dont stress or feel bad about putting something aside if they don’t wanna tell you there story respect that and move on for now when you accomplish other projects your in a better mood and mind set ask them again and if they still don’t wanna tell well you got 500 other things that need done

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  3. I thank you immensely for all the entertainment of your well written books. I’m so looking forward to devouring Fire’s Mate! He is one of my favorite fellas. Try not to be so hard on yourself. The thought, time and talent you put into your books is very apparent and appreciated. So take the time to pat yourself on the back while you’re patting that keyboard!

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  4. I just read book one in the Little Bit of Perfect, Alder and Orrick. It was great. You’re doing a great job and this year has been for the birds. Take your time, we your trusty readers understand and will be here rooting for you. Alder and Orrick’s book was really a good easy read. I loved the characters.

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  5. I am very excited for your new books, but I can also understand the struggle. and being your own boss can sometimes be really stressful. Recently I started self publishing my own books, so I know how much pressure it can be to write something, especially if the words don’t want to come. So taking one aside is more than understanding and maybe it is giving you and your characters the right distance to start anew.
    So don’t stress yourself to much and write us some nice books with all the time you need. 🙂

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  6. I am very excited for your new books, but I can also understand the struggle. and being your own boss can sometimes be really stressful. Recently I started self publishing my own books, so I know how much pressure it can be to write something, especially if the words don’t want to come. So taking one aside is more than understanding and maybe it is giving you and your characters the right distance to start anew.
    So don’t stress yourself to much and write us some nice books with all the time you need. 🙂

    Reply
  7. I have not been able to read anything that’s sad or too angsty….but your books make me smile, laugh hysterically and happy cry. I adore all of your series. I have read all of them at least twice since april. Be nice to yourself, and tell your boss to lighten up…everyone needs some down time.

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  8. Take your time brilliance can not be rushed!! I enjoy reading your books! Will you be putting any of your books in a bookset? ?

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  9. Thank you so much! I will likely do booksets sometime next year for The Blue Solace and possibly part of Hobson Hills Omegas.

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  10. I absolutely love Sonny and Leo. Do you know when Muddy Paws will be released? I’m also a huge fan of the Hobson Hills Omega as. Love all of them!

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    • Hi! I’m so glad to hear you enjoy these series. Muddy Paws will hopefully be out before Christmas. I kept missing my holiday deadlines with it, so it’s turned into a novella instead of a short story. For the next Hobson Hills Omegas book, it is on my mind to actually write about Henry (From Loving my Omega). I even outlined his book already. I’m not sure of the exact release date though. 🙂
      C.W.

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