Categories
Writing Writing Updates

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

Categories
Podcast

The Book Launch | CGSP Podcast

This podcast episode, I go over the experience of my first books launch!

To listen to the podcast episode, head >>> here 

The next episode will be all about Book Trailers! So keep an eye out for that in the coming weeks.


See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace


Categories
Kidnapped Entanglement Life

Aaron Campbell Interview-KIDNAPPED Entanglement | I SPY, IN JULY

A powerful CEO/Executive finds out his heiress wife has been kidnapped… And Aaron Campbell the reason why!

Hear straight from Aaron Campbell himself (*cough cough… no that isn’t me in a wig…), all the drama that went down in the recent book KIDNAPPED Entanglement by me – Christy Grace.

>>Check all about my book – KIDNAPPED Entanglement >>>here

Well, another interview with a main character from my novel is done and dusted. Two left – who are you more interested to hear from… Megan Campbell or Detective Tony Lewis? Comment below and let me know 😛

If you want to read my book, head to the link >>>here for the KIDNAPPED Entanglement eBook, OR get the paperback direct from me for the cheapest price!


Don’t forget to check back every night this month for another video – there are some pretty fun things coming!


See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Kidnapped Entanglement Life

Jaz Lewis Interview-KIDNAPPED Entanglement | I SPY, IN JULY

I got to interview one of the surviving members of the KIDNAPPED Entanglement story – Jaz Lewis.

Jaz (Jasmine) Lewis sat down with me to answer the important questions:

>>Check all about my first book – KIDNAPPED Entanglement >>>here

If you want to know more about Jaz and her kidnapping, you can get the book in the shop tab, or head to the link for the eBook >>>here

Did you like hearing from Jaz Lewis? Comment below if you want to hear from Megan Campbell, Detective Tony Lewis, or Aaron Campbell next!

Don’t forget to check back every night this month for another video – there are some pretty fun things coming!


See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Writing

Reading From Kidnapped Entanglement (SPARKLIT)

Last night I was humbled as a reading of my upcoming book (in an earlier draft) was broadcast on the Sparklit Awards ceremony.

Along with other writers, I had my words (and face) known. It was amazing to be part of something so impacting.
I wanted to share the clip with you – even just to give you a glimpse into what you may expect when the book is released!

 

Entering this comp was a huge risk. No guarantees of winning, loosing, placing, being recognised or mentioned – nothing. BUT, it was a step towards my dream that I wanted to take!

Okay, I failed (if winning was the goal) – but now I get to say I did EVERYTHING I could to make my writing a success. I get to move on to the next part of this journey, and continue to put myself out there for the sake of my dream.

Sometimes we miss out on opportunities because it isn’t easy, we don’t want to be rejected, and we don’t want people to say that we can’t ‘hack it’…. This is ridiculous. If you don’t try, you WON’T succeed!

I encourage you – as I share my success and failures with you, be inspired to put your creations, your heart, and your dreams out on the line! Sign up for that course to change careers, send in that submission of a song or book or painting, talk to that person you’ve been crushing on for months. STEP OUT and reach for your goals/dreams!


See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Fiction

Proof Of Life (Furious Fiction)

FURIOUS FICTION

Another month, another 500 word story. This month, it started with a question, included the words ‘Jam, Jungle and Jackpot’ and ended with the word BANG – Enjoy!

PROOF OF LIFE

“How long has it been?”
Caleb stopped rocking back and forth and looked up at Rebecca, “Who cares? We’re going to die here no matter what.”
She glanced at the bolted door then back to Caleb. He had resumed rocking and humming softly to himself. Just like when they were kids. Rebecca stayed perfectly still for a moment, listening for movement outside the door. She took a deep breath and pushed herself up. Caleb looked up, his breathing getting heavier, “What are you doing?” he hissed, as she waddled towards the door.

She paused and looked over to him, “They leave the same time every day.” Inches away from the door, she heard the knob turn. The door seemed to open in slow motion, as she stood frozen in the doorway.
“Well, well, well,” The woman pushed her back down onto the cold, hard floor. “Looks like we’ve got an attempted escape,” She snickered back at her partner then faced Rebecca again. “You can take your chances out there in the Jungle if you like,”
Rebecca saw Caleb shrink into the wall as the woman pulled a gun from behind her back.

“You try anything like that again, and I’ll jam this gun into your side and pull the trigger.”
“What do you want from us?” Rebecca asked as the man closed the door behind him, pulling out a camera. He aimed it at Caleb and took a picture as the woman held the gun steady at Rebecca.
“We hit the jackpot when we found you two. Do you know how much your Father will pay to get you back?” Rebecca frowned as the man moved over to her. The flash blinding her momentarily and the man looked at the pictures and smiled.
“Got em. Proof of life.” He said, putting the camera back into his pocket.

The woman reached into a bag on her hip and pulled out a bottle of water. She threw it in Rebecca’s direction and turned, talking quietly to the man. The water inside the bottle started shaking slightly and Rebecca looked over to Caleb. He flinched as the shaking started getting stronger. Their captors didn’t seem to notice and Rebecca pushed herself towards the wall. Sounds began to disappear as Rebecca kept her eyes glued to the door.
BANG.

The door swung open as police entered the small room, guns poised at Rebecca and Caleb’s captors. The woman lifted her gun towards Caleb and the man tried to run for the window. An officer tackled him to the ground and the woman pulled Caleb up, pointing the gun at his head.

Her face was scrunched as she yelled at the officers in front of her. One of them grabbed Rebecca’s arm and pulled her up. She fought to reach for her brother as the woman made the fatal mistake of aiming the gun at the officers. The silence was shattered as the officer next to Rebecca fired.
BANG.


Thanks for Reading this Furious Fiction by Christy Grace