Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Update on Nobody's Perfect

Before you all hang me, let me explain what's going on with Nobody's Perfect's release date. I'm self-published. I wrote each of my first three books in this series in a couple months. So, I assumed that would be true for Nobody's Perfect. 

Well, my having to deal with lots of family issues that I won't go into here (but that I'm very open about on my Facebook wall), AND having to deal with a lot of triggers and emotional stress writing Savi's story (I'm also an incest and child sexual abuse survivor), the writing has been painstakingly long. As you know, originally, I thought I could finish by May. Then June.

I am still resolving issues with the story to bring them to a happier ending than they were at originally (which, trust me, you ALL will appreciate. My poor beta readers have had major angst over the story, which they've been reading in piecemeal since late May, I believe. This is a very emotional story and not recommended for survivors who aren't sure they can go through those emotions again. Trust me, it hasn't been easy for me to write it--but I want to be honest to my characters and to all my fellow survivors, because I get so tired of stories that gloss over the real pain of survivors. I will not pull any punches or gloss over the effects on Savi and the aftermath of her child sexual abuse.

As you know, I so wanted the book to be out by Saturday (June 30) to keep my latest release-date promise, but that would mean putting out a sloppy book and then having to upload newer versions. As you may recall, I did that with the "Advanced Reader Copy" of Nobody's Hero--and that was a nightmare I promised never to repeat. So, I am just not wanting to go there again.

I know readers become used to how New York publishers work, because they often sit on a book for a month or more while they do promotions. I've been at this publishing business all of a year, and there's something to be said for that model--but I just don't want to make readers wait when the book is ready to go out--and I never have. (Even though I'm always uploading newer versions--that's just the CDO--or OCD for those of you who don't suffer from that--in me.)

Unfortunately, right now, Perfect is not ready for you to read yet. I am tired of guessing wrong dates, so I'm not going to say when--just know that it will be uploaded to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and All Romance eBooks as soon as I get it back from the formatter after the editors and beta readers and I have made sure the book is of the quality you've come to expect in this series.

I know most of you understand and will not cause me any more angst (believe me, I can do that well enough myself). Thank you for your continued patience--and I'm sorry if I've caused you unnecessary stress in waiting to get to Damian and Savi's happy ending.

I've learned the lesson to STOP giving release dates until after a book is in final edits. I know readers want to know dates so they won't miss anything. The best thing I can say to do is sign up for my newsletter (go to my blog or Web site) and you'll be the first to be notified and via e-mail that a book is coming out.

I also will not make any more promises about when future books will come out. I know there will be at least eight books in this series and the next will be Luke's and Cassie's. Other than that, we'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for your patience! Now, back to work I go!

46 comments:

  1. Bravo Kally! The least stressful strategy possible for everyone.

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  2. Your dedicated readers will understand any delays and support you. I, for one, would rather a book that satisfies you as a writer because it will leave me happy in the end. If not, Master Damian will ask Master Adam to tie everyone up until the story is finished to Savi's liking. Just the thought of more books to follow leaves me giddy. And I don't expect a book every few months. Life happens (gasps) and waiting between books makes the time sweeter because I generally go back to reread the others to reaquaint myself with my old friends. Get things done on your schedule.

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  3. Thank you for caring about giving us a polished story that is true to the emotions that you are dealing with. I'm quite content to wait and heck - it gives me time to re-read the other books as well. :)

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  4. We will read your books whenever you feel it's best. No need to stress yourself unnecessarily. This series is well worth the wait :)

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  5. I would always rather wait for a better book. And a HEA please! :)

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  6. Thank you for the update! I have been waiting anxiously and I'm happy to read about the care and consideration you are taking with this new book. Congratulations on producing a great series that is so very compelling. I appreciate your authenticity.

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  7. I can wait, your book is a promised gift. Thank you

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  8. Kally,
    I am sure we would all much rather you wait, tell the story the way you & the characters want it told, and have it satisfy you before you release it. Although we are excited for the book, we do not want our lovely author stressed out. I hope that you are taking care of yourself and family first, everything else can wait.

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  9. Kelly I want to say tho I wait for Damien and savi with bated breath you come first. I am so glad to hear you are healing thrum this writing. Peace to you.

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  10. Oh Kally! Please don't stress so much...with all you've been going through I'm amazed you've managed to write as much as you have.
    I'll happily wait for a book that I know is going to be thoroughly researched and very well written.
    Hugs xx

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  11. Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate all the kind words and support. (And thanks to Leagh for taking such good care of me yesterday. I was so drained after reading a rather hurtful comment about missing my deadline that I just closed my laptop, went over to the couch, stretched out on top of my hubby and slept for two hours.)

    Now I'm gonna make him breakfast (yeah, he'll be totally surprised) and plan a day together seeing some new part of Colorado.

    My Marine just got back to me with the help I will need on the next chapter or two of edits, and then away I will go again. But first, a mental health break and time with hubby.

    And, yes, the ending looks much happier than the original one I wrote, even though most of those scenes will remain. Damian and I can see Savi healing already. And, Damian is learning a few things from Savi about healing, as well. She is soooooo strong and brave! (And I love it when a couple rescues each other!)

    Kally

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  12. Miss Kalli,

    I wanted you to know that only recently I started to read romance novels. I began only a few months ago. I find too few actually a story that draw you in and let you identify with the characters. As for your "Rescue Me" novels, that was a completely different story. I began reading Masters at Arms only two days ago then went on to finish Nobody's Angel and Nobody Hero (this early morning). The last two days have been a rare pleasure for my mind and I can't wait to finish the series as you release it.

    I continued on in my kindle this morning to see when the next title was to be released and found your website and this blog. Reading your blog today hit a cord. I sympathize with your identity to Savi and understand the need to tell a true story with a true character. I thank you for that. I'm sure this next story of Damian and Savi will be heartfelt.

    Thank you again for being an author of a true character.

    Veronica



    Thank you

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  13. I love your updates! Thank you so much for caring enough about your stories to make them perfect for your readers as well as caring about your readers and keeping us updated! We ALL appreciate it! Have a happy mental health day with your hubby. :D

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  14. I love that you are so true to your characters and craft as a writer and are unwilling to publish works you are unhappy with. I have never been so impatient for a next installment but will happily wait until it is ready. All your dedicated fans will support you and we will just have to read the other three books again while we wait :) Happy writing

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  15. I will never understand these people that try to put extra pressure on authors to get their books out sooner. Yes, okay, hands up, everyone is impatient for the next book. But like everyone else has written if we want a decent, well written, well researched and polished book then we've got to be willing to wait for it.

    I love reading books that are in a series and have regularily had to wait a year or more for the next book. To get as far as you have with Nobody's Perfect in just a few months is simply outstanding.

    Enjoy your mental health break with your hubby. The books can wait whilst you have a breather.

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  16. Hey Kally, I would rather wait for a book that you're happy with than one you put out just to satisfy a deadline. All the emotion in their story has got to be hard to write and I applaud you for wanting to write it how it's needs to be told. Savi's story is a tough one to deal with so I'm sure it's very draining. I'm glad you're finding a way for Damian and Savi to help heal each other!

    Enjoy your health break with your hubby and try not to worry about negative people.

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  17. It will be better to wait for a book that you're happy with than one you put out just to satisfy a deadline. I hope everyone would understand with everything going on with your family at this time.

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  18. I'm sorry to hear about the nasty comment that had you so upset. It's just a bit ridiculous to be that angry over something so trivial as a deadline when it's clear you're doing the best you can. Besides, I'd say your best is pretty amazing. I just finished re-reading "Nobody's Hero",and I sigh all over again thinking about Master Adam. It seems clear this one has been difficult for you, so thank you for your strength to continue. I wish you inspiration for now and satisfaction for later after a job well done.

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  19. Don't rush things, Kally.I'd rather read the book you really want us to than something you're not happy with. It is hard to write this kind of thing when it's in your history, too. When I was writing, I tried to do a semi-serious memoir and had to stop midway through because it was too painful. I actually used a lot of the work I did from my 1st and 4th step when I started in AA many years before. I thought to switch it to a novel, but I guess I wasn't ready and I haven't gone back to it in many years. I also appreciate your warning about he content. i'll be able to read it, but, you're right, there are probably a bunch of women and men, too who will really triggered. I'll be here waiting for as long as it takes!
    xxooMJ a.k.a MJB Booklover on FB!!

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  20. Your books are the best EVER...and well worth the wait!!Love to you.

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  21. You know, Kally, I had a feeling that you had "been there and done that" because your characters felt so authentic. Just the short version of Savi's story in the previous books gave me palpitations and definitely brought back a couple of horrendous memories of my own. As other posters have said, don't rush it. Sometimes it takes quite a while for a catharsis to work itself out. We are a patient group even if we are on the edge of our seats for the next installment.

    Thanks for writing authentic characters and thanks for writing authentic BDSM. It's wonderful and definitely refreshing.

    Sayanova

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  22. More than willing to wait as long as it takes to get it right and for you to produce a product you feel good about. Take care of yourself.

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  23. Well you know sometimes life just happens. And those that don't understand aren't worth worrying about. Writing a book that you are proud of and that you know is the way you want it to be, is more important.
    Take care!

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  24. At the end of it all, you have to take care of yourself first. End of story. Everything else will fall into place as it should. Do what you can, that's all anyone should ever ask. Wishing you peace, joy and inspiration!

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  25. I'll will be here whether the book comes out in 2 days or 2 years. It's worth waiting for. Take your time and do it right as only you can do.

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  26. Thanks, everyone! I am writing again! Yay! As you can see on the progress meter on my blog (near the top of the right-hand side), I am at 98% assuming it's a 140,000 word book. (That remains to be seen!)

    And yesterday I found the perfect area for Cassie's cabin in Nobody's Dream. (The day before last, I found Luke's mini-ranch. Okay, they are not in geographical proximity--but they will be when I put them in the book.) But I still have another pass to check out, so I may change my mind. And I didn't get to stop and take pics this time (was taking hubby to and from the dentist--yeah, this vacation has just been full of fun and surprises). But we have six more days in the area, so there's time!

    Going to get some sleep now and get back to writing again tomorrow while hubby is down in the tooth. :( (But his pain is your gain! I know. I'm really awful. And really tired. Nite!)

    Kally

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  27. I applaud your efforts to remain true to the story and the characters.

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  28. I stumbled upon you about 3 weeks ago and have to say that I am not one to read much. But I was so impressed with your writing that I finished all three books within this time. I was so excited to get to Damian & Savis story and was bummed when I realized it wasn't out yet. lol If I had know I would have read the last ones slower :) But honestly I would rather wait for an amazing story then be disappointed with a rushed version. Take as much time as you need, I am very much looking forward to this one. Thank you for giving me something worth reading.

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  29. I admire that you want the best work published. Take your time and when you are satisfied, I know that we will be satisfied.
    I shall keep making the check backs. Your series is now an autobuy for me.

    Michelle Kelly
    Another Look Book Reviews

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  30. Hi Kallypso!

    Take your time and don't feel rushed. We all can't wait to read it but we want you to feel confident in what you write so don't fret. We are your loyal fans and we stand by you no matter what.

    Take care!

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  31. Hey Kallypso,
    Relax and take your time :) we can wait. I just know the story will be awesome and well worth the wait.

    Keep up the great work!
    xox

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  32. Absolutely loving your books!!! Take your time!! I do still check everyday to see if it's out yet, ;) and will continue doing so! You truly have an amazing talent!

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  33. Love, love, love these stories. Please take your time. It will be worth the wait! You are the best author I have read in a long time. I thank you and please keep up all the great work!!

    nanasdarlings05@hotmail.com

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  34. I just found these amazing characters a week ago and have DEVOURED all their stories with a vengeance and am hungry for more. I love your style and the delicious images of these dreamy Marines.

    Take your time - we know it'll be worth the wait.
    Breathe, Kally.......Good girl.

    xoxo

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  35. looking forward to the next book take your time and do not stress out. Facing demons of the past is never easy. I come from a back ground of the same.

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  36. Thank you for wanting to put out a quality story that your fans will truly appreciate. I am so looking forward to Damien's and Savis story in Nobody's Perfect and the other stories on your time table!

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  37. I absolutely love your stories!!!! They are so real. They break your heart, make you happy and get you all excited. Fifty Shades is nothing compared to this series. I will patiently wait for Damien and Savi. Well worth waiting for!!! By the way, my love is a Marine too. We've had our tuff times but always manage to get through it. I would like him to read them but I don't want to bring up bad memories of Nam. He never talks about it. Anyway, I look forward to the next release. Thank you.

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  38. I just wanted you to know that I applaud your honesty and the need to give great story. I don't think waiting a couple of months is too much to ask. I will say that it is a lot shorter wait than one author who took 5 years to finally come out with a book that was listed to come out in less than one year from the first book she put out. If I can wait five years for hers then I think I can wait a few months or more for yours ;)

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  39. What is the word? I CANNOT wait to get my hands on this book, given that I read the other three is two days :)

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