Those of you who've been to my Facebook fan page know that I'm incredibly open about my writing process, my life, my daily schedule, etc. Sometimes I even chat after I've had too much wine. It's a part of my day that I really look forward to, interacting with all of the wonderful readers who come there and spend a few precious moments out of their days to be with me in my world. It's an absolute privilege for me.
But I've recently been made aware, somewhat painfully, of the darker side of this practice; and now I'm wondering if I should continue with it. You can tell me what you think.
Anyone who goes to my Amazon page knows that I'm an incredibly prolific writer. I write on average 1.3 books a month, and truth be told, I am physically capable of doing even more. I type over 100 words a minute and can develop a story on the fly with zero outline from start to finish – and the resulting book will entertain readers and suck them in (or so it's been said in hundreds of reviews). I have written as much as 23,000 words in a day, and the quality is about 97% final draft.
Is this normal? No. Not even close. I've been accused of being a cyborg. I think a professional might call it “obsessive personality disorder” or something, but I consider it a gift from the universe. Regardless, I have learned that some people view me as a godsend (voracious readers) and some will view me as a freak who must be up to no good.
I've read posts in writer's forums and news articles that claim it's impossible to turn out a good book in less than six months. Some say a year. Some say two. But the fact is, my work has a higher-than-average review rating than most YA books out there, and all of my books (the full-length novels) were all written in 10-20 days. My 40,000 word novella was written in 3. My serial shorts of 10,000 words each were all done in a day. I edit as I go, reading through each chapter written at least three times before sending it off for proofing, beta-reading, and editing. And then I edit one more time to be sure I didn't miss anything. My last book, Clash of the Otherworlds, had a new form of editing done as well that I really like and will use again. I think it caught another 20 errors we all missed.
Now for that dark side I mentioned. For my last book, COTOW 3, I was very visible on Facebook, talking about my process, how tight I was to the deadline, how I was going to be late because I needed more time to get it right – much more so than ever before. Readers for the first time were totally immersed in my day-to-day writing, my fears, my work output, etc. And now, as the reviews come in, I am seeing a few low-star reviews from people who loved the book, but felt it was rushed, and didn't like the “timeskip” device I used in the last chapter, making the assumption it was put there as a way to save me time from writing more. I know they assume this because they actually say it in the review.
This upsets me on several levels. First, I suspect that they are prompted to feel this way because they were privy to my writing process as shared on Facebook. They knew how hard I was working up until the end, and like many, think it's impossible to do good work as fast as I do. What they don't know is that it's like this for me every time. I may have written on average more words in a day on this book, but my process didn't change, and the ending was exactly how I wanted it to be. I took an extra three days to make sure of it, and missing a deadline is something I've never done, in a year of writing over 15 titles.
Additionally, there's this fallout effect on Amazon with the stupid stars that has nothing at all to do with me liking 5 of them instead of 2 on a review. If an author's book has a high star average, the book can qualify to be in the “Top Rated” bestseller list. It gets additional visibility there and as a result, additional readers.
Maybe I'm assuming incorrectly – and only the reader knows whether I am or not, so I cannot and will not disagree with someone about their opinion – but I suspect very strongly that if I had maintained radio silence on Facebook about this last book, I would not be seeing those comments on the reviews about a rushed ending, and my star average would be higher. In essence, now I may not qualify for the Top Rated Bestseller list for this book because I was so forthcoming with my readers.
So my question to myself is: Do I keep interacting with my readers and involving them in my process? Or do I go black and just send out notices when things are finished?
I'll be really, really sad if I have to go with the latter just to save my writing career, but it may be my only choice if I want to keep doing this. I hate having to make choices like this. It's a lose-lose … the classic Catch-22 … rock and hard place … to be or not to be a transparent writer … situation.
You are one of my favorite authors. A part of that is that you are so accessible. I love being able to get onto Facebook and know exactly what is going on with the books I am obsessed about. I hate loving a book or series and having no clue what’s going on with it or when the next book will come out. I love your books. I haven’t read COTOW yet because I wanted to wait until they are all out. My husband is going out of town for a few days on Sunday and all I will accomplish in his absence will be re-reading the last series and then, finally, the new one. So I can’t say if this last book was rushed but I can say, to me, none of the other ones were. Like a month ago I realized you first book was published in January and I was astonished that you have put out that many awesome books so quickly. I love it. I feel like I get a present at the end of every month. I always have a good book to look forward to each month. So if writing a book a month works for you, I may not understand your superpowers but I am grateful for them. If you need more time take it, but if not then don’t because, my God woman, you are amazing. You’re like every readers secret fantasy, where they lock their favorite authors in their basement where they can force them to endlessly churn out great books. Lucky you, we don’t have to lock you up. Seriously. Good books: quickly and I know what’s going. I’m not sure how it could get better. I love your Facebook posts. I feel like if I met you, I would love you and we could be besties. So, yeah, put my vote as for keeping all your dedicated readers in the know. It’s embarrassing, really, how you make me gush. Just FYI.
I’m a writer, so I should be able to come up with words to describe how I feel about this post. But unfortunately, the words are failing me right now. Just know that what you’ve said here means so very much to me. Readers like you are WHY I write, why I get up at 5 in the morning to start on chapter one, why I struggle through carpal tunnel to get that last scene just right … Thank you for taking the time to let me know how you feel. *super duper hugs* xoxo Elle
I am at 90% in COTOW3, and I don’t think the story is rushed AT ALL! I’d have finished if my silly kindle battery didn’t die…ugh! I love that you let your fans in on your day to day writing, it’s as exciting as the books themselves! I really hope you don’t have to leave us all out of the loop because of a few people who probably just couldn’t stand how prolific a writer you are. I envy your ability to have your fingers keep up with your imagination… what a gift! Whatever you’re doing, keep on doing it… don’t change a thing! I honestly think that by involving readers in your writing process, we as fans become much more involved in the book itself. I know your books are more special to me than other authors, simply because you share the fact that you love what you’re doing with us on a daily basis. Well, that and you are an amazing writer! Don’t let a few low star reviews keep you from goofing off with us on Facebook after a few too many glasses of wine… we love you!!!
Terri, it means a lot to hear you say all this, not just about the book you’re reading now but also the fact that you enjoy being a part of my process and feel more connected to me and my work that way. Your support means so much to me. *deep sigh of relief*
For several years I avoided reading at all cost, it was painful and embarrassing to even think about. I’m an educated woman who chose to fail out of English courses just to avoid being behind in class reading, or oral presentations. This is mainly because I have moderate to sever dyslexia, in what used to take me 3-6 months to get through one book, now takes me a day and a half, and its in large part thanks to you and all your hard work, and your interaction with your readers.
I am no longer afraid to read, and can write essays off the top of my head with no hesitation. This in large part is credited towards you, and you outstanding ability to capture someones attention in as few as 10 pages. You have (unknowingly) helped me fight my inner demon called dyslexia, and only now my friends give me crap because I would rather read then go bar hopping or watch TV.
Some people can be so unhappy with their own situations, that they fail to see how badly their words can effect other people. Words can be the harshest form of punishment and torment out there…
I really love your work, I tell all my friends about it, and I am rooting for great success in your future, you have helped my own personal life in so many ways that now that I have over come my fear of reading thanks to you, I will start school back up this spring to finish my dream.
Don’t let other Jackwagons determine how you feel or what you do, because at the end of the day Elle, its you and your family that matter most. It doesn’t matter if a book takes a year or a month to come out with the sequel. In all honesty I think that the later is the better approach because fans can loose interest and forget about it. Keep doing what your doing Elle, if not for anyone else, then do it for yourself.
Cyber bullies are no different then school yard bullies. I would hate to have to only hear from you with book updates and all, even tho I am quiet on fb, I do look forward to seeing what you are up to. You show your readers that you are not just a drone sitting at a computer writing, but a human being that takes human interaction very seriously and that you really do care about what your fans want to see in your writing.
Im sorry if I am rambling, its early and I just wanted you to know how amazing you are and how much in a few short months your writing has effected my personal life, and I would hate to loose the Elle I have gotten to know through Amazon, because others have never seen Bambi and taken Thumpers mothers words of wisdom. On that note. Please have a good weekend, and a very happy holiday season
Brandi. Wow. I had no idea that my work had such a big impact on your life. I’m more flattered then I’ve ever been! I dreamed one day that I might have a positive influence on someone’s life, so what you’ve told me is my dream has come true. This is amazing. Good for you!!! You’ve conquered a pretty scary demon. I”m very proud of you! Keep up the great work, and never lose sight of your goals. xoxo Elle
I haven’t read the COTOW series. In fact I’ve only read the Apocalypsis series. I was hooked on the free release of book 1 and just had to read the 2nd and 3rd books in the series. I’m a prolific reader having read over 1400 books in the past 4 years so I know a good writer and storey teller when I read one. Oh, I didn’t even realize the Apocalypsis was a YA series till I had finished the series. So even an old fart can enjoy a well written YA series. So what you do and how you do it is working so why change it?
Maybe, just by mentioning the rating system and how it works those who gave low ratings will realize you can give 4/5 stars and still write a comment that is somewhat critical.
Last there are some prolific writers who constantly receive overall rating for books at the 3/4 star average and manage to sell millions of them. You will reach a tipping point where it doesn’t matter about the star ratings so much as the volumne sold. Amazon does take that into account I think. The reason I state this is I get emails advertising new releases and notice they are ranked high in the Amazon sphere.
Dan, Thank you for this. I really needed to hear it! xoxo Elle
I always come over to your blog when I need a pick me up (usually when I’m supposed to be writing and am stuck on a scene =P) because you always, always, always seem to write about the things that are on my mind most at the moment. You’re not only a wonderful writer (I don’t believe ANY of your books feel rushed), but your blog posts are beautifully honest. Keep doing what you do the way you do it because it works. Honestly, I write just like you do and I’m embarrassed about it. I don’t outline, I write 14,000-25,000 words a day, and I edit the same way that you do. You’re not alone, and I bet you there are more like us out there (Sara King is incredibly prolific as well). I saw those reviews on Amazon and I know how much they probably hurt, but I wouldn’t worry too much about it. A few of those readers might be upset, I but I think overall by sharing this kind of thing you’ll make the rest of your readers fiercely loyal (like me for instance!). =)
Another cyborg!!! Oh, I’m so happy to meet you!!!! Thank you for your kind words, compliments, and wisdom. 🙂 xoxo Elle
If you need any proof that you have loyal fans, I just want you to know that I’ve been refreshing this page hoping that you would reply to me. Lol. Also, since I’m totally shameless, would you like to enter my Kindle Fire giveaway? If not, I completely understand, but thought it was worth a try! Cheers!
http://www.cmstunich.com/writingblog/
Hey there! Your comment was in my spam folder for some reason, and I was gone all day on a walk (aka: death march). So here it is finally!! Send me a link to the sign up for the giveaway, and I’ll post it on my Facebook for more entries if you want! xoxo Elle
That would be wonderful! See, I knew you were my favorite author. 😉 The link for the giveaway is here:
http://www.cmstunich.com/writingblog/
Just click on the top post. I tried linking directly to the post itself but for some reason, it never works. =) I really appreciate you offering do that!
Just posted! I’m not going to enter to win because I don’t want to take any chances away from any readers. But I look forward to checking your books out! Here’s the link I used: http://www.cmstunich.com/writingblog/2012/12/06/deck-the-halls-with-stunich-swag/
I started your books with War of the Fae book 1. It was free on Amazon, and before I was even halfway through I was buying the next 2 books that were out and have been hooked since. I don’t normally leave reviews on books cause I’m really not good with words (example being my BIL told me once to “Go to Hell” and the best I could come up with was “Go to Hell as well!”), but the first review I left was for one of your books and whoa…. the author actually took the time to respond to the review! I was amazed and so excited that it was important enough for you to acknowledge! I know the readers are important to authors but YOU let us know and makes us feel that. Like others have said, I love the interaction with you through the blog, reviews and on facebook. I’ve seen a lot of facebook pages for authors that people leave comments adn never get replies… you always make sure we know that you appreciate us as much as we do you. Even if a book isn’t on a top rated list on Amazon doesn’t mean it’s not on MY top rated list. Yours are there and I’m so excited that they are now in physical form so they can sit on my bookshelf with all the others that are “keepers” (with us moving a lot not all books get to stay).I think it’s amazing that you write the way you do…everyone has different creative processes just like there are different ways of learning, etc. If that makes you a cyborg, fine.. I think you just have a gift and have found a really awesome way to use and express that gift. I love the books and I love the interaction that you have with your fans. I’m sure others will agree, we feel more like friends than just someone who reads your books.
And I honestly feel like you’re my friends, too. I give you all a mental hug each and every day. Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me all this. It makes dealing with everything that much easier. 🙂 xoxo Elle
Elle, the one thing i love about you is that i can talk with you on FB if i want to!! I’ve never interacted with an author like this before and i really enjoy the fact that when i reply i no it is you and you do ‘take on board’ whatever we say – but ultimately you do have to do what is best for you and your books! you are a fantastic author so just keep trying out ways that work until you hit the one.
and was the book rushed? hell no!! you’ve done a great job and i will miss Jayne and her antics with Tim but its a good ending = just gotta wait for the epilogue
Thank you. I get so much help for my books from my readers and I’d really miss that part of my process. I’m glad you feel the same way on your end. 🙂 Epilogue coming soon! xoxo Elle
Hi Elle, I am the person who gave two stars to COTOW 3. I don’t care whether it took you two hours, two days or two years to write I just gave MY honest opinion. That is what a review is..The Readers personal opinion. There is no right or wrong. I am reading Apocalysis Series now and I would give that five stars all the way. I think it’s great that we can post a review and I do read them if I am thinking about purchasing a book and I read the good and not so good reviews then I decide if I will buy it or not. I think it is wonderful the way you interact with your readers as not many authors would bother. One thing I think you need to be aware of is to stay grounded. Everyone is telling you how great you are (and you are) and how they all love your books and everything you do is magic (pardon the pun) and along comes me and I say Well I didn’t like that book very much and you go HUH…………Where the Hell did the Two Stars come from!!!! Who is That Person……That person is me,a fan and someone who thinks your talent is awesome but someone who will always be (brutally) honest with her reviews. Now can you PLEASE write Apocalysis Book 4 🙂
Your opinion is yours and my comment or blog post said nothing about how your opinion is wrong. It can’t be wrong, by the definition of what an opinion is. 🙂 What I said was that it appeared some readers (not you personally) were making assumptions and basing their reading experience on those assumptions. And that they assumed things incorrectly based on my Facebook or website posts.
You’ve already posted this to my Facebook, and I’ve answered it there [my response re-posted after this], but I will add one thing here … and that is, I’m sad that you (or any reviewer) would feel the need to be “brutal” in your honesty. It is possible to be critical of something you don’t like, to point out its drawbacks or missteps, without being brutal about it.
Perhaps it’s only possible to appreciate this if you’ve written something yourself and put it out there for the public to judge, but when someone takes the time to create something that has a piece of them inside it (book, music, art), it’s quite painful to have someone treat the work brutally. I have read plenty of criticism of my work and been perfectly okay taking it in stride and even learning quite a bit from it. It makes my work better to know what I could have done differently – it’s why I solicit feedback, in fact. But I learn nothing from someone being being brutal except that sometimes, writing is a chore and I don’t want to do it anymore. Your comment that I need to stay grounded sounded a lot like you saying I’m getting or am arrogant. I can assure you, that will never happen. I have enough doubt in my mind and heart that me being “magic” would never even cross my mind.
You can improve my work by pointing out where I fell down and by outlining the things you didn’t like and why you didn’t like them. I will work harder to do better next time. OR, you can make me feel like doing laundry instead of writing by being brutal. It’s your choice, your review, you do what you want. I will learn to live with it either way because I have no choice. But I would have been remiss in not telling you this and offering up what might be a better option for you, me, and other readers.
[From Facebook: I don’t expect everyone to think what I do is magic, not at all. I know there will be some who read my work and just don’t connect with it, or who think I stink as a writer. That’s normal for any author. But the star-review system and how it affects a writer’s career is a reality, one that can make or break a writing career, and so an author has to make decisions about things like transparency keeping that in mind. And that’s what my post was about.I don’t understand why you personally were disappointed it. If you felt the writing skill and story-telling talent of this book only merited 2 stars, that’s your choice and your opinion. If you feel that you should dissuade others from reading the book, which is what a 2-star does, then you should do that without feeling guilty. But consider that you can be critical of a book’s drawbacks, regardless of how many stars you award, by outlining them in your review. And you say that my Apocalypsis series is 5-star worthy, but you have not left reviews for that work. I hope that in addition to sharing your opinion about books you don’t like and don’t recommend, you will take the time to share your opinion about the ones you *did* love and leave 5-star reviews too, to encourage others to try the books …. Oh, and I’ve got Book 4 on the schedule!!! First quarter of 2013. My daughter regularly harasses me about it, so there’s no putting it off with her in the house :).]
Phew reading this blog, and the comments that followed all I can say is.
This Shit Got Deep….
Ok, that’s not all I have to say, but really It’s crazy how I can relate, I think we all can. The difference between when someone gives their opinion as constructive criticism, or someone is being judgy with out trying to understand you. But my humble opinion is that you are bad ass, I totally heart you. Your books through me for a loop. I can NEVER guess what’s going to happen. You have a supersonic, amaze-balls talent at storytelling. I feel that at the end of COTOW 3 Jayne evolved, and I like that. It was a transformation she deserved.
*A personal note* I always get in trouble for speaking my mind ( As Maggie would say it, TRUTH!) In High School I was in an Advanced Government class where I was the only liberal. All my other class mates where republican, We don’t believe in gay marriage type. I really didn’t give a shit if it was me in one corner, literally against all of the class. I had a mouth and an opinion and I was going to make sure they knew where I stood. I’m now a nurse who gets judged occasionally, by how young I am, my the fact that I’m a female, and that I’m Hispanic. I’ve had people refused me as a nurse because “she must not know what she’s doing” at first it made me so upset. But I’ve learned that people have the right to their opinion. I have patients who sing me praises. And one or two who just hate me, for no reason. ( Well I’m sure it’s for one, or three of the above) But it’s hard to focus on the praise when you have that one person who said that one thing, that just makes your stomach drop. But I’m learning to deal.
I say, if it’s your thing to post things on Facebook, Twitter, and or blog about them. Then keep doing it. That’s one of the reasons why I heart you. Sorry I totally did not mean to go on a tangent. But hey, it’s how I roll. ( TRUTH!) XOXO
Ohhhh, Gabi, Gabi, Gabi. I think you and I are soul sisters or something. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been a wave-maker from the word go, so I can totally appreciate your trials and tribulations. TRUTH. I love knowing my books surprise you and that you enjoy my story-telling. That’s so important to me as a writer, as a person. You’re right about opinions. Everyone has one, and if they were all the same, this world would indeed be a very boring place. So long as everyone is fair and kind, I see no reason to be upset. It’s unkindness or someone being unfair – about anything – that’s always been hurtful to me. But I guess if everyone knew about fairness and kindness, we wouldn’t have a need for justice would we? Oh, yeah, the doo can get deep on this website from time to time. But then we switch to talking about pixie gas and it’s back to the regularly scheduled programming. 🙂 xoxo Elle
I really enjoy reading your post and love the fact that the readers can have a connection to you. I am on the fist book to COTOW and can’t wait to finish the series, but then again I don’t want it to end, but I know you probably have something else for me to read. I think you should have 5 stars on every book and I have never read anything from you yet that felt rushed or unfinished. Keep doing what you are doing the readers are loving you and word of mouth will be more effective than any star rating from some reviews.
Wow, if everyone loved my stuff as much as you I’d have nothing but joy! lol Thanks so much for saying so. I agree, word of mouth is so very important.
I agree that constructive criticism is one thing and being harsh is another. Guess you just have to take it all and filter out what seems unreasonable to you. I find it quite commendable that you listen and give consideration to the feedback. As far as rushed goes, that thought never came up for me in reading the Apocalypsis, Fae, and Otherworld series. It’s really nice not having to wait too long in between books. Being accessable and responsive to your readers is nothing but good for everyone in my opinion.
Thanks Elle 🙂
Argh, misspelled “accessible” in the above post….
Spelling mistakes are permitted on this website. lol. xoox Elle
Thank you, Scott. I wish my brain would filter and disregard the harsh parts, but the dang gray matter just hangs onto everything! I’m pleased to know though that my writing process didn’t leave you feeling like you were short-changed as a reader. It means a ton to me to know that. If I had ever known an author like me when I was reading a book or two a day, I would have been in heaven, so I’m not going to stop anytime soon. xoxo Elle
I think it’s great that you interact with your readers. One thing that I really like about indie authors is being able to talk them and interact with them via Facebook, email, etc.
I also know that pretty much every deadline is a race against the clock for you whether you post about it or not 🙂
Yay! Yes, it’s a new day in publishing, isn’t it? I love it. And yeah, I work better under deadlines. Tight ones. 🙂 xoxo Elle
I feel so behind in all the Elle Casey news because of the holidays and of course 10 days of watching the NFR everynight here recently 🙂 I still made time to check here and your Facebook page constantly to get keep updated on how the book was coming along and when it was released.
I originally found your books via ereadernewstoday on Facebook for their free book deals and I was convinced I wouldn’t like War of the Fae, it just was not anything I ever saw myself reading or liking, but I figured it’s free just try it. I have been hooked ever since, buying your work the moment it’s released and have loved them all. What I love most and what keeps me coming back to this website and your Facebook page is how accessible you are. You never see that in authors and I find it refreshing and inspiring. I have slowly been plugging away on a book of my own and seeing how hard you work and how great you are with your fans keeps me working towards my own chance to publish. I will probably never get that far but I sure never would have even started if it hadn’t been for this blogging and reading about your writing trials and tribulations first hand.
I vote for transparency! I even promise to get on over to Amazon and post my reviews of all your books; I swore I had done several of them as I had finished reading them but I’m not finding them over there now. 🙂
There’s always time to catch up after life slows down! Nice to hear from you again. I’m thrilled you find my work and my reader interaction inspiring. You go, girl!! And that I’ve recruited you over to the Fae, well, that’s just awesomely awesome. 🙂 XOXO Elle
I couldn’t agree more with Cheryl! I find it amazing and so thoughtful that you interact with your readers. I have been having a rough time lately, and there has been nothing better than being able to jump in and get immersed in your books! And then to actually be able to have a conversation with the author? I think I speak for us all when I say it makes us feel happy to know that you give a damn! Which, is something many authors wouldn’t “have time for”.
So thank you, and I say don’t change a thing!
I’m so glad my work could “be there” for you. We all need an escape at times, sometimes more than others. I’m honored my books transport you to somewhere else. 🙂 xoxo Elle