Witch Fall was a bugger. After flying through the beginning, I became stuck between 1/2 and 2/3 of the way through the book. I knew how it needed to end--I'd even wrote the ending. But I couldn't figure out how to connect those dots (one of my biggest pitfalls as a writer). I struggled with it for MONTHS. Writing, rewriting. Stopping and writing the prequel. Swearing. Glaring. Eating lots of chocolate.
And in the process, I learned something that will help me with all of my future books: if you get stuck in the middlish, it's because your villain isn't fully devoloped. The villain is what drives the middle of the story toward the conclusion.
Light-freakin'-bulb.
Seriously, I learn so much with each book. I'll never know it all--there's simply too much to learn--but it does get easier.
And now it's FINALLY done. Such a relief. Like no longer being pregnant relief. And now I'm already turning toward my next project (Summer Queen--finally a book that doesn't start with a "W"!).
And now on to my feelings about it's reception.
Witch Fall is a fast paced, though perhaps not as much as my other books. I like it though, because it gives the reader a chance to breath and have a little fun. I think you guys will like it too.
I'm really excited about Jolin. She's such a character. She was inspired by Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. She's scary brilliant and self centered and all sorts of socially awkward. Each chapter starts off with a little quote from her. I think her comments are hilarious and surprisingly telling, but I know some readers might not like it. I think the payoff is worth the risk.
I love the romance between Lilette and Han. For some of my books, I pick an avatar for the characters. Lilette's avatar is a falling star. Han is the darkness around the star that lets her shine. It's beautiful and perfect.
Without getting too spoilery, my favorite scene from the book involves a love potion. It's hilarious and a little steamy. I still giggle every time I read it.
My biggest worry for the book is that I broke a big rule. A very BIG RULE. I can't tell you what it is, because that would ruin the entire story, but it's a little intimidating to take on something so huge. Still, you can break the rules if you know them well enough. I believe I pulled it off. I'm excited (and a little nervous) to know what you guys think.
You can enter to win a copy on Goodreads (below). Also *whispers* some sites already have Witch Fall up for sale (I'd love to see your reviews!). I hope you all love Witch Fall as much as I do!
Congratulations on your release. So exciting and I can't wait to read it.