Thursday, November 06, 2008

Dear Author...

Generally with the release of a new book, authors get emails from readers who have read the book and felt compelled enough (either positively or negatively) to contact the author. Since the release of ANCHORS AWEIGH at the end of October, I've been getting emails. Tons of email. From readers who aren't very happy with me.

Oh, don't get me wrong. They love the book. They're just a little--shall we say 'unhappy'--that it's the last book in the series.

Examples of the email I've been receiving include:

  • Just a note to say I very much enjoyed Anchors Aweigh, but I do hope it's not the end of Calamity's appearances.
  • Please don't let this be the last Calamity book! We NEED a Calamity type wedding at least! Thanks!
  • I just love the Tressa Jayne Turner series. I want and need more! Please tell me there's more! Please, please don't say final? Calamity Jayne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • I just found your books recently and can't put them down. I just love your wise cracking heroine. If you don't do her again, please come up with someone like her!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • I loved the ending of anchors aweigh! but i really do smell at least one more story...i hope.
  • The FINAL 'Calamity'! That's the ultimate calamity! Don't stop writing these books!
And so on...

I'm really touched that so many folks out there have expressed a desire to see the series continue. Thanks to everyone who took the time to write me. It means a lot to me.

As for the series' (and Tressa's) future?

Who knows?

Sometimes the end is only the beginning...

Have a great weekend!

Go Vikings!

~Bullet Hole Bacus~

10 comments:

Keri Ford said...

So how many stories have you started dreaming up in your head to continue the next leg of the story :O)

That's so awesome that you get mail like that. Do you have them wallpapering your office yet?

Terri Osburn said...

How can you say no to pleas like that? LOL! It must feel so good to know people love these characters you created. Congrats and good luck working through the guilt. :)

Bookmobiler said...

"Tons of email. From readers who aren't very happy with me."

Confession time. I've bought the book but haven't read it yet. My to be read pile is in near avalanche condition.

I will be very disappointed if it is the last book in the series.

But I wonder if we (the readers) are getting upset with the wrong target.

I've been following this blog for quite while now (usually using LJ to comment). I can't remember if you've ever discussed whether the "end" of the series was your idea or the publishers.

This memory problem may be the result of old age, or the topic being talked about before I started following Killer Fiction.

I know from following other authors blogs that there is usually not much that can be done if the publisher isn't interested any more.

But if there is anything we can do please let us know.

In any event I await with anticipation whatever you next publish.

Kathy Bacus said...

Hmm. Reader mail as wall decoration. That might fit right in with my home re-dec frenzy, Keri.

As far as stories go. Like someone once said, 'I got a million of 'em!'

Hehe!

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

I so don't do well with guilt, Terrio. Hopefully lots of chocolate will help me work through this difficult phase!

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

I forgive you for not getting to AA yet, Bookmobiler. (Now that didn't come out quite right, did it?)

And I must take full responsibility (i.e. blame) for the series ending as I really wanted to keep the series fresh and funny and go out having accomplished that. I also felt it might be time to write some stand alone projects.

I left AA somewhat open-ended (no spoilers here) so more books are possible if/when I decide the time is right.

Thanks for inquiring, Bookmobiler! (And are you sure you can't move AA to the top of that TBR pile???)

~Bullet Hole~

Bookmobiler said...

"I forgive you for not getting to AA yet, Bookmobiler. (Now that didn't come out quite right, did it?)"

Made sense to me. "hic!"

If the pile falls over I'll put it on top. :)

Kathy Bacus said...

LOL, Bookmobiler!

'If the pile falls over, I'll put it on top.'

Sounds fair...

~Bullet Hole~

Christie Craig said...

Ahh, Kathy.

Saying goodbye is never easy. I'm gonna miss Calamity Jayne, too.

And how great that the readers shared their thoughts with you.

I'm sure your future projects will thrill them.

CC

Kathy Bacus said...

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Christie. And despite how much I'll miss Tressa and the Grandville Gang, I am looking forward to new challenges.

~Bullet Hole~