Was It Worth Writing A Prequel? Especially When it Failed

Alright guys, it’s writer talk time! There are different ways to get buzz for your book and writing, and one of the most interesting that I found when I was researching marketing my book KIDNAPPED Entanglement (you can get your copy HERE for just $10… sorry, shameless plug over) was to write a limited edition Prequel. So I did!

I had the story BEFORE the story that I decided to release as a little novella, which actually has a limited run print… but was it worth it? Did it even sell at all, and was the pressure to get it ready to go when I had the main book to also focus on a little too much? Well let me share!

Firstly, I had a lot of fun writing this little prequel. The joy of writing is something I treasure, and filling in some of the pieces that I felt weren’t necessary for the enjoyment of KIDNAPPED, but gave extra depth and insight into the events prior to the book, was fun!

How did my characters end up in the position where a kidnapping was arranged, and a ransom was discussed? What the HECK did Aaron Campbell get himself into that warranted such drastic measures? That’s what I wanted to explore, and I did!

Secondly, I wasn’t sure how it was going to sell. If it was going to sell at all, or if it was more likely that I would end up with fifty of these little books in my car boot. The answer is the latter – they pretty much ended up in my house ready for anyone who wanted one… but they didn’t.

It was a bit of a struggle to get my book any traction in the first place, and that meant the prequel was pretty much a non-starter. However, I’m still glad I did it. I still sell as part of a pack when I do author talks at libraries, and it is still something that I am very proud of.

When something is tried, but doesn’t succeed how you imagined, it is still a learning experience. It is still a chance to look at what you created and either grow and learn, or be proud of the accomplishment and just move on top the next.

It was a lot to write this story while also working on the publishing process of the main novel, and it did add a level of stress to the process. With all of that said, would I do it again? Yes. I am all about learning and growing as a creative person, and this was a big one.

My heart was in this story, and I wanted to share it even if nobody else wanted to read it. If you have a story in your heart, then share it anyway! Post it online for no money, or work towards getting it published. The main thing is to share it.. you’re the only one who can write what YOU want to – so get going!

See You in the Adventures
Christy Grace