This is the question that many authors ask themselves each time one of their masterpieces goes to market. The writing, the editing, the cover art, the re-editing, the intensity to detail and all the other tasks of getting a manuscript to the point of taking that last irreversible step to say, “PUBLISH IT” can be daunting.

The end of all that frenzy, however, can be just as overwhelming with the emotional void that’s left behind and the lingering question, “What now?” Maybe it’s a sort of “writer’s empty nest syndrome” thing!

Certainly, there are continued marketing tasks, book signings, book readings and social media splashes, and the like to deal with. However, the question of what to do next, of what to create next, still lingers. An author is a creative soul first and foremost, someone who lives to craft something out of thin air. Uncertainty about future publishing can fester like a splinter left unattended under one’s skin.

There is a wonderful focus that takes over a writer’s psyche when writing, editing and polishing a manuscript. Although writing a new book creates its own challenges, a writer usually relishes that time away from the everyday world of chaos to create a work of “word art”—whether that art be fiction, non-fiction, essay, poetry, or the like.

From the many authors I have interacted with, the act of creating is what they identify with and gravitate to as artists. The marketing efforts are certainly a means to an end, whether that be for fame or fortune, but the general term of “marketing a book” involves tasks that are often uncomfortable, and even foreign, to a writer.

Since publishing my third novel Imperfect Murder last week (Click here to Review or Buy), I anticipated such a psychological void in my professional life. After all, this is my third novel and I did experience a sort of letdown after publishing each of my first two books.

This time, however, I anticipated the emotional roller coaster of the “high” of publishing and the “low” feeling of questioning what comes next. There was no “low” or void for me this time! I’m already in the process of creating a few short stories, some of which I may share in future blogs. AND, I’ve gotten out my storyboard to flesh out the plot for my next novel. It will be the second book of my detective murder mystery series that I published last year.  

This fourth novel that I’m starting, presently titled The Serial Chemist, is about a serial killer with deep psychological issues and a storyline that involves a very big surprise at the end.

So, I’ve gotten “back on the horse”, so to speak, and delved right into the creative process of fiction writing.

Thoughts? Comments? I’d love to hear them!

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LETHAL MEDICINE (Click Here to Review or Buy)

~ 77% 5-Star Reviews ~

“The author has created a very complex and enthralling thriller which quickly brings the reader in.”

“This book was a never-ending roller coaster ride full of never ending twists and turns. Put this book on your must read list.”

ALMOST DEAD (Click Here to Review or Buy)

~ 82% 5-Star Reviews ~

“Another winner from James Murray. Enjoyed the twists and unexpected turns!”

“Fast-paced & entertaining!”