How has winter come again so soon?
When Ride was published in March last year, I was packing up to drive to the Kootenay Rockies. After months of pre-launch stress I was excited to escape—for snowshoe treks to log cabins and secret hot springs; for good food and good company; for fresh powder and the taste of the first beer after a day on the slopes.
I had no idea that in the next few weeks, the dream I’d had since I was a little girl was going to come true. People were going to read my book. Not just my mother and my partner and my crazy-supportive BFF. Lots of people. And lots of them were going to like it—so many that I’m still awed and humbled whenever I see my pages at Amazon or Goodreads.
This week, when I stood on a different mountain and watched the sunset, it blew my mind to think about how far I’ve come since the last time I touched the snow.
2017 was a crazy year. I learned so much about writing, formatting, marketing… Everything that goes into producing a novel. I succeeded in some ways and failed in others and learned from both experiences. Most of all, I’ve been blown away by how blessed I am by the feedback I’ve received, the reviews Ride has gathered, and for all that you have given me.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. We might never have met, but you’ve changed my life more than you could possibly imagine <3
So if 2017 was a year of learning, where’s the second novel?! “Fall” has come and gone…
One way I failed in 2017 was in predicting my writing speed accurately. Weeks and weeks of international-family visits? That won’t interrupt my writing at all! Hubby starting a new job? No problem! Writing a second book must be easier than book one, surely!
… Yeah, I was pretty naive!
Writing Crash has been challenging, rewarding, and wonderful. It’s driven me crazy as I’ve taken long walks by the sea, trying to work out a knotty plot problem or a particular snippet of dialogue. It’s made me cry much more often than I’d admit—because I love this couple and their relationship, and I’m so excited for the happy ever after they deserve.
After stressing myself out to reach my self-imposed fall deadline, I came to a decision. It’s more important to me to have the best possible book for you—the right book, the true one—than it is to publish as soon as possible. So: Crash should be arriving sometime in the next few months. When exactly? I’m not sure yet, but I’ll keep you posted! Writing is flowing well, and soon I’ll have exciting news on the cover. From now on, I’ll do better at keeping you updated on my progress!
I’m so excited to share JJ and Raquel’s story with you. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do, and forgive the wait.
For now, I need to get back to my writing desk!
Thank you for making my dream come true,
Harper xoxo