The vast, vast, vast majority of you Champions are so understanding as to why I can’t write faster than I already do. In fact, I get so many kind messages and sweet emails from you guys because you’re worried about my health and you don’t want me to burn out. Thank you so much for your love and support–I appreciate it so much and I know I’m so blessed to have such a great community behind me.
But every once in a while, I’ll get a reader who wants to know why I can’t write just one additional book per year, or why I don’t try to optimize my process to the fullest extent possible and therefore write more books in the same time. So, I thought I’d open our series of frequently asked question-blog-thingies with the explanation that this is why:
No, this picture hasn’t been photoshopped in any way. My face is normally the shape you see on the right side of the pic. But when I get super stressed, and work too many hours for too many weeks and weekends in a row, my body will forcibly shut me down to give me a break. Usually I’ll lose at least a week of work to one of these episodes, sometimes more, and it happens several times a year.
My body will communicate its need to slow down in a myriad of “fun” and “intriguing” ways. The one pictured in the photograph is what happens when I get massive sores in my mouth that randomly erupt and make my cheek swell so bad it looks like it’s trying to split off like a cell in the middle of mitosis. This is an extremely painful condition, particularly because pain killers don’t really work, so I take a bunch of medications to knock myself out so I don’t get sick to my stomach–as I have in the past. If it goes on long enough it can even make my eye start to swell shut–as you can start to see in this picture–which makes life super exciting and pirate-like in ways I never wanted to experience. But what’s worse is I CAN’T EAT DESERT LIKE THIS!! My mouth can’t open because the swelling is so bad and I was off cake for DAYS with this, then there was also the drooling problem… *sobs in the distance.*
Moving on! I’ve seen doctors for my various “exciting” ways my body communicates to me that I’m overdoing things, and the medical pros always tell me that this is my body screaming at me to stop working since I very obviously won’t listen unless it does something this drastic. Like taking away my cake.
And the truth is, writing a book is not a fast thing. Even if I can get the writing of the actual book done in less than a month, it still needs editing from a copy editor and at least two betas–and each one of those people gets it for one to two weeks. And even before I begin writing the book I always outline and flesh out my characters. After the book is polished and edited I still have to make arrangements for its cover and work with Meg to see that the book gets formatted and uploaded by my preorder deadline. I also have to write the extra that I send out as my launch celebration/thank you for reviews–which also has to have one of my betas go over it for typos–and I start prepping all the blog posts/facebook posts I release as part of the launch celebration, too. (I typically do all of this while the betas and editor are going over the book, so no time is wasted.)
Basically, no matter how fast I go, the process of creating, writing, and publishing a book takes several months–and that’s for an average book, not a monster-length like Reign of Magic or The Revived. And–as I mentioned above–my body already punishes me for the pace I’ve set, so it’s not something I can maintain long term.
So can I work faster and for more hours? No. No I can’t. The current pace I’m setting already tests my limits, and I’m aware in the future I’m going to have to slow down to really be mentally and physically healthy.
NOTE!! I know a bunch of you Champions were already worried about my health, and I’m guessing the picture made you scream in horror. But don’t worry, I’m okay now! Thank you so much for your concern. I’m so grateful for our community and the relationship I have with you Champions, because I know you really care about me. As I mentioned, I am taking steps to try and prevent this in the future, and I am aware that none of you want me to push myself to the point where it affects my health.
This concludes the first frequently-asked-questions-blog-thingie! Don’t worry, the rest aren’t this…grim? Worrying? But hopefully they’ll all be illuminating, interesting, or maybe even inspiring! 😉 Thanks for reading, Champions, and have a lovely week!
Click here for the 2022 Update Blog post regarding this topic.
Aww…Kitty !!! Seeing this post made me flip ! Your writing speed is awesome!!! You never let the anticipation murder us and the wait just makes the long-awaited characters closer to our heart !!!
I felt for you ,really😉….I mostly look like an ashen , sunken cheeked and puffy eyed zombie when I’m horribly taxed.
But cutting desserts..Noooo
That picture made me feel like a brat for sulking about the Life Reader books!!! I always thought authors had this carefree, laid-back life , but your post really struck me on how important and challenging your work is for you.
*Bossy Mom Voice* :STAY HEALTHY!!!!YOU HERE ME YOUNG LADY ?!Aha!
Cálmese!
We all love you Kitty❤❤❤
Hi Kitty,
I have been a fan of yours for years now. I am very grateful for all books you wright. I personally struggle with my health slot too. It is important to listen to your body and do what you need to. I would prefer to only get one book a year rather than not being able to get any books because you pushed yourself too hard. Thank you for doing what you can.😊
Kitty! I read your post and please do take care of your health first before books, you’re one of the amazing authors out there now, and I can’t get enough of what you write, this is true, but I prefer my authors healthy happy, to hang on to their every word💕💕 I can only add my love and duas for you here.
I say this as a champion who loves your books with all my heart, but Kitty, please take it easy and consider writing less! Your health and well-being are far more important than anything else, and, honestly? Your champions (myself included) as VERY spoiled by the number of books you release a year! Most authors maybe release ONE or TWO books a year. If that. Many go years in between!
So please do whatever you need to in order to prioritize yourself! Plus, I know these last few years have been especially hard on you, so maybe it’s time for a well-deserved vacation!
We, your noble champions, all support you and will make sure your books continue to find themselves in the hands and hearts of new readers no matter what! <3
I second this! Those are very wise words, Megen. 😃
Please, dear Kitty, do whatever you need to do to look after yourself. We truly care for you, and you will NOT in ANY way be a failure of you take the steps to care for yourself in said, needed ways! You will be anything but that – we will be PROUD of you for caring for yourself. <3😊
… Oh my goodness, Kitty!! That looks (and is) absolutely horrible. 😔 I’m so so sorry for you. I’m sending you all my sympathy, goodwill and love. <3<3<3
I'm also incredibly sorry for you that you had people pressuring you to write faster… As many have pointed out, you already write at a incredibly fast pace – and so much so that your body is crying out for TLC! The most important thing is that you look after yourself. I really think that moving to the country will greatly help you in that.
I've had to learn to look after myself, and with the fact that I too am a perfectionist\workaholic\over-zealous person, I still have a lot to learn. So I really get how hard it is to care for yourself adequately. I myself mess up a lot with that, much more often than I would like… Look after yourself as much as you can, alright? 😊 Because we all care for you. So very, very much.
God bless you!! <3
On sweetie! I just want to settle.you on the couch for a month with Netflix and make you milkshakes. Your stories are wonderful, and I love them all, but you, my dear, are worth so much more.
WOW Kitty! I can’t even imagine how that feels!?! Please take care of yourself. Even though all of us appreciate your books and always want more, finding balance in life is a challenge for most of us and you obviously need to really be aware of your own needs.
We look forward to escaping into your books!
Im a blunt person so in that spirit, fuck anyone who is pushing you to write more. You work enough. You also need to enjoy life,connect with family and friends, enjoy as much cake as you want. It was certainly kind of you to explain why you can’t and won’t work more but unnecessary. If entitled, spoiled assists need an explanation, too bad. You do not ever need to justify avoiding suffering. Trust me it will find you eventually. And try some blueberry lemon cake. Before I developed an allergy to eggs it was my favorite.
Ps not sorry about the cussing. It’s just who I am
Your writing speed is already absolutely amazing. People hounding you for more books probably just too addicted to your stories to see this or maybe they need to find a hobby.
Regarding mouth sores and general body exhaustion I don’t know if you heard about wheatgrass pulling? It heals mouth sores. Organic wheatgrass powder would be the best. It has lots of nutrients and you can also drink it.
Kitty, I think you are very brave to share this. I work in the medical field and I’ve never seen anything like this that didn’t have a major infection behind it. You inspire me with your dedication, not only to the integrity of your books, but your concern and openness for/with your Champions.
I will only echo what everyone else has said: take care of your self, get rest, good food and clean air. I hear riding/caring for horses is a wonderful de-stressor. But I think my puppy does a good job of that, too. 😁🐎🐕🦺 Horses can be expensive, a stress by its self. Gardening is also very healing and reduces. How wise of you to move to the country!
YOUR HEALTH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN FAST RELEASES!!!!! Please take care of yourself! (Besides, no one should have to go through not being able to eat dessert!)
I totally second this!
Third it!
Forth it! 🙂
fifth it.
sixth it.
Seventh it! You, Kitty, are FAR more important than fast releases!
*Can’t help it*
I 8th It!!!
*Also can’t help it because I want in*
I 9th it! But seriously, take breaks if you need them and don’t let people pressure you to write faster. Your writing speed is perfectly fine, and I’ll wait longer for your books if I need to.
OMG! Kitty, that looks so very difficult to live with. Please rest a lot, and take good care of yourself. Your health and well being are more important than anything else. We want to continue to get great books from you for the next several decades, and that means you not getting sick and burning out.
Its so good to know that you are doing better. Lots of love ..
That is absolutely horrible Kitty. Please take more rest and take care of yourself. You already write a lot of books every year, it will be fine if you take breaks regularly. Your health matters the most!
We love your books but we love you more! ❤️
I love how you write, especially your sense of the ridiculous. You write much faster than many authors. You take pity on your fans who can’t wait to read more about your hero’s. I am one of those fans.
I want to add this as a theory, I hope an educated one, that like asthma you react to stress with all the things your body does. Asthma will flare up with all things that stress the body. Such as: temperature changes, allergies, emotional stress—both good and bad, and infections. It is no fun having asthma, just as it isn’t fun to have the frustrating reactions you do. My prayers are with you. Take care.
Oh yikes Kitty! That is no fun, no fun at all.
I understand about bodies being vindictive…mine has a habit of inflicting headaches, and if it’s particularly made at me miserable migraines, whenever I’m stressed…and I stress a lot.
I’m also a country girl currently displaced in a big city (for college) and I was SO happy when you announced you get to move back to the country! I know I can’t wait to go back to my isolated little mountain valley…
Take care of yourself please! I echo what everyone else has been saying: we want you to be well, and we’ll still be here waiting for your books (picture doggos when they know they’re getting a treat), regardless of if it takes six months or several years. Writing books is no easy task!
Love you!
That must be hard for you. I’m a teenage girl trying to write my first novel, and I get what it is when you have that sudden great idea or the perfect line of dialogue and something happens so you have to pace yourself. For me that’s only things like school and being dead tired, but I get how hard that would be. I hope you always feel good, and don’t forget to take a vacation away from us needy, book-grabbing Champions.
I had one question I’d like to ask you, nothing big. What do you use to write? Typewriter, handwritten, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, any of that good stuff?
You are a big inspiration to me, and I’ve noticed since reading your books my writing has improved and I even use phrases you like to use sometimes without meaning to. (An example is “squawked indignantly”. That really helped me, considering you can’t always come up with replies to certain creative – read “discreetly rude” – dialogue.)
You are awesome! Take care of yourself and keep writing absolutely amazing books! Cheers (no, I’m not British) to you and your whole team.
Btw, my favorite couple/romance are Gemma and Stil. <3
With love, a fangirl Champion
They discussed programs for book writing during the sheacon panel discussion with entwined fairtale group. Recommend having a listen was quite interesting
From one teenaged writer wanna-be to another, I suggest having a scrap piece of paper and a pencil on hand pretty much always. I write down lists and schedules on them all the time, but I also find that it’s important (for me at least) to roughly jot down lines or book ideas when they come. I know I’ve had fantastic ideas for books, that are now lost to the ether forever because I didn’t write them down! Plus, even if I remember them, if I can capture the original inspiration and emotion in some rough note, it makes it far easier to revive my inspiration when I get writer’s block. 🙂
I’m another teenage hopeful writer and these tips are great! Thank for writing them!
P.S. You might want to check out Miss Kitty’s blog posts on writing. I found them full of really helpful tips!
You’re right, I’ve read some of them and they’re so informative! They remind you to think about things that really help to add realism and atmosphere!
Aww, yay! I hoped I wasn’t being high handed, so it’s great to know they were appreciated!
My goodness! As an author, I feel you spoil us readers. When I think of all the time and effort that you put into your books I tell myself to slow down and savor it more, but it is hard to do. All your books are so wonderful! So please put yourself first and be well.
Oh no! That’s intense. I’m an overachiever with fibromyalgia so I totally get what you mean about your body saying STOP. Take care of yourself! Thanks for how fast you push out books regularly (especially Hall and Mercy) but feel free to take a vacation anytime you want! I love your books, but I’m sure that all of us Champions can wait anytime you need a break.
Thank you for the books you write! Please, do take that time to be healthy and don’t push too hard–we’ll still be out here to read them when they’re ready. I hope your planned move out to a more country setting helps you with de-stressing, too.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jocelyn–and wow have you got a good memory!
You’re right on–my hope to move next year was partially spurred on by some of the problems I’ve been having. 🙂 I really do think it will help me relax more–I love being outdoors!
I miss living in the country so much! I hope you find the perfect place :-).
I agree wholeheartedly with all these comments and I don’t think I can add anything else except my love. <3
Awww, thanks Abigail! <3 😉 That's still adding a lot!
I would rather you take the time to make sure you keep yourself happy and healthy and can keep creating amazing stories for years to come rather than burn yourself out trying to crank them all out at once! I can wait because your books are worth waiting for!
I so agree with Danyelle. I love your books and would love to see you continuing to write for years to come. Your creativity is amazing and I love the fact that it is laced with humor. I would like to feel that you are having just as much fun creating these amazing worlds and adventures as your readers have when they read your wonderful books. We can always re-read some of your books as we wait for the next new book.
Thank you, Sharon!!
I’m so glad you like the worlds and the humor! I really do love writing–sometimes I’ll write a scene and snicker to myself because I can’t WAIT to see what you Champions think of it.
But while I took time to learn my craft and learn business ins and outs, I never really took the time to figure out a healthy work system, so hopefully I’ll be able to improve on that in the future!
Awww, thank you Danyelle. (I love your name–so pretty!)
I appreciate the support and encouragement!
Wow, Kitty, what a way to have to shut down for awhile. Probably would be a good idea to fit shut downs into your schedule before these things happen! We understand!
I’m sure you are going to get lots of advice on how to fix this so I’ll just add my two cents. Functional medicine doctor or Nurse Practioner. The one I saw fixed several problems that my doctor (and he’s the one who suggested I see mine) answered with more pills. My NP found some of the reasons things were happening and helped me to bring things back into a normal range. One thing I learned is that stress really damages the adrenal gland which affects pretty much every part of your system. It affected and still affects my sleep. You may already have a FMDr! Anyway, just chalk it up to more helpful (I hope) advice!
God bless you! Kim
Thanks Kim!
I have seen a couple doctors about some of the problems–I actually saw an eye therapist because for a long time my working hours were giving me headaches because of all the screen time, but the eye exercises help a lot! I am hoping to focus on my health soon here and try to really dig into the issues, but I know myself well know to know I’ll keep pushing until I finish Angelique and Retha. Although they’re dragons, I don’t like leaving them undone!!
As long as we’re on the subject…it might be worth trying to find someone who is willing to check your viral load. Some viruses (including chicken pox) will stay in your body, and the immune system just keeps them “locked up”. But when you get stressed, your body releases cortisol, which happens to be an immunosuppressant. Too much cortisol, and the immune system is too suppressed to keep the viruses at bay, and they escape & cause problems – like Shingles, for our chicken pox example. The cold-sore virus works this way too, but they aren’t the only ones. It may be that your body has several viruses its never been able to get rid of completely, and when you’re stressed, they resurge & do strange things. The immune system is wack
I saw the name of this blog post and said, “what are you talking about? Are you being sarcastic? You already write incredibly fast!” Let’s compare your turnout rate to Brandon Sanderson. Since 2005 (15 years), he has published about 40 books. I think we calculated that Prince’s Bargain is book 49 or 50, not counting the short stories. And Princess Ahira was released December of 2012 – 8 years ago. So more books written in half the time. I’d say you’re doing pretty well!
I agree that Kitty publishes very quickly! Absolutely she shouldn’t push harder and should take the time she needs to be healthy.
As a side note, though, Sanderson also actually works quickly in comparison to many, he just tends to write epic fantasy that are truly and profoundly long…so his books sometimes take quite a while to produce! (We’re Sanderson readers over here, too 😉 ).
Thanks Leila! 🙂 Some people don’t know about all the extra work that accompanies a book–in particularly grammatically incorrect, terribly spelled horrors, buwahah! So I really appreciate your understanding!
I totally thought that too! Most of my favorite authors when I was growing up are either long dead or only publishing once every 5-10 years. I am STILL super excited (and surprised) when I find a new author to add to the list who even has the possibility of putting out new books. Before finding Kitty, I hadn’t read many indie books, so one book a year was a super big deal. I couldn’t believe there were actually authors who could put out quality books more frequently than that!
You take care of you! You will always have a great following because you produce quality! You are doing great and anyone who says different can just chill out!
Haha, thanks Reyna! Your chill out line made me laugh! 😉
I’m so sorry you felt like you had to explain yourself to us! While we all love your transparency, I’m sad not everyone respects your time as a human being. You have to live your healthiest, best life and if that means never writing another books gain, while I would be sad, I would still be rooting for you 100%. You are incredibly talented and giving of your time to us Champions and we love everything you produce.
Awww, thanks Lindsey! I really appreciate your support! Thankfully, I’m positive it won’t ever get that bad. But as weird as it sounds it motivates me to take better care of myself just knowing you Champions care!
Oh noes. Please take care of yourself and get some rest. You’re one of my favorite authors of all time, and one of the fastest publishing ones too. Writing books, not to mention editing, takes a very long time (I’ve done it and it’s rough) and life happens. You’re publishing way more than me and your stories are always full of depth and description and lovely characters. Rest well and eat some cake! I’m rooting for you! Cheers!
🙂 Thanks for the encouragement, May! I appreciate it! <3
Take your time, we can wait! 🙂
Aww, thanks Amity! <3
I think in the future I'll be a little more careful not to jump in to so many new series--that's been driving me a bit nuts. So a major part of it will be even picking my projects more carefully--and tying up everything before I really "move on" so to speak.
One thing that is kind of random… This kind of reminds me of the “price” and “limit” that all of the magic users have in the Timeless Fairy Tales series. Your condition is kind of like a price, like how Angel gets nauseous.
Okay, that is a truly amazing thought!
Wow. You’re right. That’s kind of weird but cool.
High five for having your thinking cap on! 😉
It is pretty similar now that you point it out!
That’s an excellent comparison! It really is…which means Kitty has a magical ability to make stories (not that that’s news to us!).
I love how you add humor to hard things. So glad you’re feeling better and have plans for regular self-care. Your work is incredible, it is worth the any wait to keep your wellbeing high. Ps- I love reading your books for my self care and chronically re read your books already out.
Please ignore me and every other reviewer/champion who exuberantly proclaims they “can’t wait” for the next book. *Cringes at my own enthusiastic Amazon reviews* We are actually capable of being more patient than 2 yr olds 😉
But your exuberance makes me so happy! 🙂 Every writer loves hear that people actually want their next book.
I am my own worst critic and I’ll always push myself harder than any of you would want me to, so the big thing is ME learning to respond to your happiness in a healthy way. 🙂
I think you are already going pretty fast. Way better than once a year anyway. If it makes you feel better the fastest author I ever read could churn them out in two weeks, but because he wrote so fast and knew what his fan base wanted Amazon thought he was using bots and kicked him off completely. I’m sure there was more to it but years later he still hasn’t been able to get back on Amazon to sell his books.
Who was this author? I’m curious.
To be honest…I am too…hahahahaha