2017 in review: What Happened, and What Comes Next
So, before we begin, a little caveat: make sure you read what I'm actually writing in this blog post, and don't try to read between the lines. I'm going to be discussing some changes for my future, and I don't want any assumptions to be made. I'll try to make things explicitly clear, but I know sometimes, people try and figure out all the things I'm not saying.
Cool?
In 2016, I published five full length novels: The Queen & the Homo Jock King, Withered + Sere, Wolfsong, Crisped + Sere, and Murmuration.
In 2017, I published two novellas and three novels: Until You, Olive Juice, A Destiny of Dragons, The Long and Winding Road, and The Consumption of Magic.
Good lord am I tired.
I work hard. I write and edit and promote and post on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Goodreads and here on my website. Like with any job, it's exhausting. I love being a full-time writer. Holy hell, do I love it. Here I am, almost to the end of my second full year writing full-time, and it's only getting better. Gone, I think, is the sort of manic energy I had in 2016, where I was at once excited and terrified that I'd made the biggest mistake of my life. I've sold more books this year than any other before it. Thank you for that. You are helping me do this, and I won't ever forget it.
But Christ, is it a lot sometimes.
Which is why I'm okay with cutting back slightly.
For most of 2016 and large parts of 2017, I was writing 7500-10,000 words a day, four-five days a week. Then I would spend the other days editing what I'd written. I was go go go, sure that I needed more and more in order to stay relevant. After all, with the glut of new authors every day now, if I didn't have something out every few months, how soon would it before it was Tj Klune? Who dat?
It's irrational, but anxiety usually is. I can't do anything about that. It's just how my brain is wired. And while I can't stop it, I can learn how to control it better. I can allow myself to breathe.
Which means I am letting myself take my time. I don't do the 7500 words a day now. My goal is 5000, and if I hit it (which I usually do), great! If I don't (which happens), then it's not the end of the world. Daily word count is a double edged sword for an author. Frankly, it's maddening how much we care about it. It's maddening how much I still care about it.
But I am going through some changes myself. (Not puberty. I already did that.) I began 2017 with the idea of doing something different. Of working toward something more. Not because I wasn't happy with what I already had, but because I wanted to try new things. Those who read my work know that I don't write in a specific sub-genre. I bounce around all over the place. A lot of this is to stave off boredom and getting stuck in a rut, but it's also because I want to challenge myself to write different things or in different styles.
I'm always looking for ways to expand upon my craft. (Another thing an author loves to talk about--technique. Don't worry; this isn't that.) I want to find new ways to tell a story, or to try new genres.
Which is why I'm going to be publishing less with Dreamspinner.
(Remember what I said at the beginning? No assumptions, please.)
Oh, I'm still going to be writing MM romance. That's not going to change. We need queer characters falling in love now more than ever, and I love adding my own spin to this genre filled with great authors. But I'm experiencing some growing pains, and I need to find a place where I fit a bit better. DSP is amazing. The people are awesome. They have given me much. That is not up for debate.
But I want to try something different.
I have three books out next year. Two of those books--A Wish Upon the Stars and Ravensong will be published with DSP. The third book, The Bones Beneath My Skin, will not be. I have a graphic novel under construction that will be published elsewhere too, possibly in 2018, maybe 2019.
As some of you know, the biggest change for me in 2017 was that I recently signed with a literary agency after completing my first Young Adult MM book. This will be published elsewhere too. I am not giving up writing books for adults. This is just me trying something different. I'm excited about the possibilities that it could open up for me.
Things are changing, yes, but I think (hope) they're good changes. I'm tired, but it's a good tired. I have a notebook absolutely filled with ideas of what I want to work on (a western, a space opera, a spin on Isaac Asimov's Laws of Robotics in a retelling of Pinocchio, Corey/Kori, and many, many more). I'm not worried about running out of ideas. I'm just thinking of my future, and what I want it to be.
And I'm inviting you all along for the ride.
2017 has been my biggest year yet.
I can't wait to show you what I have in store for 2018 and beyond.
It's gonna be awesome.
Talk soon,
tj
Comments from the old website:
Shangrila
I think that your greatest gift as an author, even above dialogue, is your ability to transcend genre. You go. We'll follow. ❤
Kelly
Oh! "Let the adventure begin.." Don't forget to pack your scarves!!
You are amazing, hysterical, emotional, and real. No worries about becoming irrelevant for you are unforgettable! I, for one, will just continue to enjoy the ride at whatever pace you choose to set.
Take care of you!!!!
Anonumous4
Fantastic new adventures that will be a healthy benefit to you!! What could be better! As always .. will continue stalking .. err .. following you wherever you lead!! To wonderful new books!! Write On! 💖 Love you from Alaska 💖
Jessie
Looking forward to it😊
Nuvola Che Corre
The selfish part of me would like to have a new book of yours to read at least every month, because I really, really, really like the way you write. The caring part of me totally agree with your need to slow down. So, I will content myself re-reading your books but please, keep posting here about your writings, exploring new roads and media, but also your thoughts in general, because is your mind I like the most
Jacki
Best wishes!
Ariana
Your books are pure joy, and I love how diverse they are. I
You've achieved so much and given us so many brilliant books, wonderful characters and so many heartfelt emotions in such a short time. Thank you for that! It is incredible how productive you are! Slowing down/experimenting/trying new things sounds really great (tbh, I really don't think there's any danger we would forget your name! XD)
I love all the ideas for new books you put out there at the end and can't wait to see what you decide to write!
All the success in the world for whatever you decide to do! I'll be there to read and support your writing!
Tracy
I can't wait to read each and everyone of them. Big fan...... yep.
Renee S
I love your "voice" and will at least attempt it in any genre. My main wish would be that the greater literary audience knew what wonderful writing ability you have. Lol, I enjoy even reading a blog post written by you. 😊 Good wishes on your future endeavors.
Klaus Tomanke
Your writing is a total pleasure to read and just reading about how much you write has made me want to lie down and rest. I don't know how you do it, but keep doing it for all our sakes. I think a rest is well and truly earned and I look forward to your future output.
Wishing you all the best there is.
Regards
Klaus Tomanke
laura
Space opera please!
Pat Rouse
Tj, I'm sure whatever genre books you write and wherever you publish they will be a great success since you are so very talented and were Born to be a Published Author! Much success in All your future endeavors! Your fan, Pat Rouse
Samantha
Cool!! Avoid burnout and enjoy your work!
Muriel Campbell
You are tremendous! You have so much talent. Your stories are "all over the place" in where, what, who, etc. That is why your readers love them all. I have read and reread all your books; I find something new every time I do that. Thank you.
Rebecca Cartee
2017 was a great year! I got to meet you and listen to you first hand share your visions... Wherever you publish, I will be there. I wish you continued success and will be there along the way to support you and cheer you on! And I love that I saw Corey/Kori on that list of ideas...
Dawn Roberto
You are awesome and thanks for letting us come along on this ride!
Cyn-D Gobatie
You go! Thanks for sharing the details and taking us on your journey.
Ron
I love that you're pushing yourself to do new things and to take a bit of time (i.e., not publishing 5 books next year). I know these changes will be beneficial to you and to us, the readers. Do what feels right and it will all work out! Wishing you much success in 2018 and beyond.
Sarah LaGioia
I put anyway anyway. The heck. This is not a book title.
Sarah LaGioia
Thanks for everything, TJ!
Frankly, I've been stunned stupid by how much quality writing you get accomplished within such short timeframes; blows my mind, it does. To call you prolific would be to put it lightly. It's kind of bittersweet that I actually wished you would cut back and give yourself some slack. Breathe! I think we all would rather wait than have you burn yourself out. Oh god, please don't burn out.
I wouldn't worry too much about the relevance thing: your next book could come out years from now and I'd still be excited. (Although I'd be grateful if you don't make me wait that long. Just saying.) You write all across the board so I don't think you're in danger of losing your audience; you have an army of them, anyway.
Anyway, good for you.
Beth
I do not care when you publish, I will follow:-D
RF West
I love your work and I will follow it wherever it goes! Keep on following your dreams and your heart!
Marq
Kudos to you, TJ. I've been reading you from the beginning and know there is a lot more in you. Twenty years from now, TJ Klune will be a well-known name and your career will be taking you (and us) to marvelous places.
You're smokin' hot. Keep it up!
Cam Kennedy
As always it's wonderful to chase your dreams. The last few years have brought so much change and growth and that's wonderful so see in your successive work. Keep following your heart and the path you envision, I'm sure that your readers, myself included, will be happy to pick upl your work no matter who publishes it. Love you TJ!
Elizabeth Lister
Lovely! I think it's wise to step back and take more time and actually enjoy what you are doing, rather than focusing so much on a huge daily word count goal. And I am a big fan of changing things up and doing things differently. Way to go, TJ. Can't wait to see what 2018 brings for you. :)
