I'm a goal setter. I like to have a plan. Now that I've sold and met that particular goal, I spent the weekend thinking a lot about where I want to be in the next five years. How many books I'd like to have sold. Series I'd like to write. That sort of thing.
I have no intention of spreading myself too thin. I know my capabilities and limits. I am very comfortable writing 2-3 books per year. I can do that without stressing myself and without rushing the final product. I'd like to work on two different series. Perhaps in the same genre. Perhaps not. That depends on whatever work I end up selling (hopefully) beyond my Charlie Madigan series (the series I am writing for Pocket).
The options are endless. Debut authors can sell a second series
before their first book comes out on the shelves. In May
Maggie Stiefvater sold SHIVER (which sounds amazing) in a two-book, significant deal to Scholastic, and her first book, LAMENT with Flux, won't be released until October 1st (or thereabouts). These are both YA. A few other authors come to mind here, too . . . Some authors like
Rachel Vincent have a few books out on the shelf before jumping into a new genre (YA) and blessing us with more of her wonderful imagination.
My point here is that there are so many ways to approach one's career that it can be overwhelming and confusing. But, for the most part, I know how I want my career to proceed. I've had years and years to think about it, to decide what is realistic and doable based on my abilities. I study the market. I see how other authors manage their careers. Of course, all that being said, no one's experience is or will be the same. Plus, things are always changing. It helps to have folks in your corner to guide you. Your agent. Pubbed friends who have been there, done that. The most important thing to me is being able to write what I'm compelled to write, what I really want to write, and to be able to share my imagination with others. And eventually, hopefully, one day make a living doing what I love.
Do you guys plan ahead, set goals?
Okay, enough of my rambling . . . I have yet to have my second cup of coffee. And I need to get back to work -- can't sell anything else unless it's written!