I released my thirty-second novel yesterday, not including at least another dozen shorts, novelettes, etc. That number is staggering. And, honestly, I’m not surprised that I’m just a little tired. 😜
Grand Romantic Delusions and the Madness of Mirth (Part One & Part Two) was supposed to be a single offshoot book in my new Conduit World – a ‘fun’ side story. But that ‘fun romp’ not only turned into a robust duology but transformed from an idea about a royal matchmaking event to a treatise on grief, duty, and found family that took me just over a year to write. Though, combined, it is the length of three of my ‘regular’ books.
The release was quiet but lovely. And, as always, thank you so much for all your support.
So, moving forward …
I chatted about this before, but I’m refining my focus for 2025. With new words, and new books being paramount. More specifically though, now that I’ve released three books in the Conduit World, I can see that I need to market these urban fantasy why choose romance books differently. So there will be upcoming changes around how I publish my Conduit World novels when I release the next book (I’m still mulling over the exact logistics) (likely Amazon/KU only, paired with purchasing direct from me for an early release). But I’ll give you plenty of heads-up as I always do.
What’s next?
Snag (Conduit 2)! I’m currently writing the first draft of Conduit 2, having set an insane deadline of the end of March (aka the 1st quarter of 2025). Yes, I’m scheduling in quarters for 2025 (and perhaps beyond) so I don’t get quite so overwhelmed, hopefully.
I know the world feels like it’s on fire for all of us. But, more specific to me, I cannot believe that the USA is making moves to invade their most staunch ally and friend, Canada – and no, this is not some bluster or joke. [If you have no idea what I’m talking about, please take a moment to look for reputable news sources outside of the USA.] It’s almost unfathomable. I have no idea what life will look like if we go to war. [I could elaborate here, but I really don’t want to end up with an even worse headache than I already have when nothing I say or do will solve any of it.]
In the short term, my costs – proofreading, art, book covers, marketing services, etc – have increased by 45+% due to the financial strain this is putting on our economy in Canada. I’ve had to stop commissioning art and extras. And, unfortunately, my sales have also dropped. (Crazily, Nov and Dec 2024 were the worst sales months I’ve experienced since I became a full-time author)(I’ve been VERY lucky). Some of that drop is due to my larger readership (beyond my core readers 😘 ) being hesitant to pick up the Conduit World books (for various reasons). And some of it is due to people just not having money for extras right now. Including me.
Amidst all of this turmoil, it doesn’t help that writing, not to mention talking about/marketing my ‘little’ books, seems utterly frivolous. But all I can hope is that my books offer you the reprieve from the world that they give me while I’m writing them.
Sorry! This got a little heavy. But I guess I’m always reflective the day after a new release. 😀
Love and Light, as always. And thank you.
Meghan
Thank you very much for all the writing that you do, it provides us with a place to escape the harsh realities that the world is throwing at us today.
I may have a backlog of books to be read, and not all of them are yet purchased, but I just bought the Conduit World series (direct from your site so that you get the most money [although at a slightly different email address than I’m posting with here] – it’s only a small hassle getting it onto my preferred device) because you need to be supported.
Hang in there Meghan, we will all get through this, together.
💕💕💕
Congratulations on the release! I am just starting Part 2 and loving it so far. Exactly the break I needed in all of the craziness that is happening right now…
I hope you enjoy part two of Mirth!!
Loved it! I can’t remember the last time I stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish a book….
Squee!! 💜
I love your books and get them as soon as they’re released. I’m waiting for the next book in the amplifier series
💕 But I think you mean, Archivist, because the Amplifier Series is complete.
I preorder everything you write. I know this current situation is difficult not just for our Northern Neighbors, but for us as well. I will still support you as best as I can. There are many of us in the US that are not onboard with the unfriendly actions of our current government. 💜
💯 I know this situation is very difficult for many, many people.
I purchase every book you write! And love every one! You are one of the best writers I have read and will continue to get everything you write ❤
💜💜💜
Writing is ALWAYS important the arts are how we survive these times. What you do aids mental health and that is so necessary.
I hope so because I’m really not employable in any other way. 🤪
Beautiful display of your work ❤️
🥰
There is no way we the people will allow a war with Canada. We all have family and friends there. He is a pompous windbag without a soul. However we will take to the streets before we allow this to take place. I doubt very seriously any of our soldiers would obey to invade Canada. The rest of the world would stop this. Someone would sacrifice themselves before this would happen. (If you know what I mean)
You do know that would start WW3. That’s not going to be allowed to happen. I have very good sources that say it won’t.
Be at peace.
I don’t care what your books cost. I will find a way to buy them. ♥️
I so very much hope you are right. Not that I want anyone – of any nationality – to get hurt.
Congratulations Meghan on your new release! Im devouring every word of the new book. Like many of your devoted fans, i own all of your books in print and in ebook (most of those twice!) and I always pre-order and purchase directly from you wherever I can. I’ll continue to do so no matter what they cost.
We’re in this together – hopefully you’ll continue to write wonderful books that help us escape and we’ll continue to support you every step of the way … and together we’ll get through this new (bizarre! surreal!) crisis.
The majority of Americans are disgusted with what is happening. We too are frightened watching our democracy and laws being challanged.
Hang in there, we are depending on Canada, Mexico, and Europe to push back against these thugs.
We are starting to take to the streets and be more organized … it’s all just so unbelievable that this is happening!
My escape is books, especially yours, to keep me sane, and knitting!
Meghan, as a US citizen, I am horrified at what is going on in my country right now. There is no reason for what this president is doing. You keep doing what you can do and I will keep reading it and drifting out of insanity to a better reality. I am 77 years old and a Veteran and sometimes I have no words to explain this insanity.
I’m with you Meghan. Times are scary, hard and uncertain. You are and forever will be our calm in the storm. Somewhere where we can disappear for just a moment to centre ourselves. We need your talent. We love your worlds and ideas. Never stop. Cheers Canada .
I’m re-reading Mirth 1 so I can fully dive into Mirth 2 (squee)! I’m with you on the scary USA v Canada moments. Elbows Up!
I did want to pop on and beg you to definitely release the Conduit books directly, even if it’s just for a bit, if you go the Amazon KU route for those of us who won’t use KU. But using it makes a lot of sense and I have friends who would read the books there.
💕🎉
💯 I could never go entirely exclusive. Will definitely still go direct so my readers from other platforms could read through BookFunnel or transfer to their fav device.
Hi Meghan, hang strong in this crazy world. Here in the UK I find myself totally bewildered by his madness and we can only keep hoping that the American people will finally say enough is enough. Take care, Rosie
Love your writing and, wherever you publish it, let me know and I will find it. (Although I have to say as they are one of the leading trump supporters, I do NOT want to support Amazon.) I am hoping and praying for an end to this madness, but as others have said, books do provide a wonderful escape. Please take care.
Hopefully it will not end in actual war. Hopefully the tariff negotiations go well and a resolution is reached. I am a staunch pro Canada. Love your books as always they provide a reprieve from our daily challenges. Keep up the great work.
I apologize to you & all your fellow Canadians for Trump & his cronies, and all the harm and pain they’re creating. Most of us didn’t vote for him but enough stupid people did that we are in this mess. I love your books and reread them constantly, and they never fail to lift my mood.
I don’t know if this helps your decision making, as an Australian reader, I’d really like to be able to buy ebooks, and ebook compilations directly.
I find it hard to buy, and own, your books because of the various platform changes limitations and rules. I’ve had to buy a couple of books twice because of Kobo and Amazon download changes ( the most recent time I couldn’t reacquired my purchase after upgrading my phone…/ Sigh.)
This makes me reluctant to buy, or ask for, these books as gifts. Although I can snag a pre-order ebook here and there, and the audiobooks are always listed it’s not my preference, I like text. ( If only “real” books like your beautiful display weren’t so heavy….)
I’m sure there are marketing and platform reasons for your choice, but that’s my obstacle to buying more of books. Hope that helps.
Yes, I definitely think ‘direct from the author’ will be a focus for me moving forward. I’d like my store to be more accessible but don’t have the time to make it ‘prettier’ myself. I’ll likely hire someone to overhaul it later in the year. But yes, direct from me and you always own the book and can read it in any device you choose.
I can hardly believe you’ve written that many books! I’ve ready all of them except the new one, which I do have, just finishing another book before starting. I’m also in Canada (sort of your neighbour on Vancouver Island!) and the world seems crazy. One thing that helps is escapism into reading for me and your books are a big plus for that. You are so amazing at creating realistic characters that we want to root for and want to keep hearing about. The worlds seem so real, even though there’s a lot of supernatural stuff going on. So, thank you for the gift of stories that really help when the world is too much and feels too heavy. It’s a great place to escape.
I know you have to do what is best for you, but please, please, please continue publishing to Kobo if you can! Our little Canadian company is where I get most of my ebooks and I’m sure many of us here prefer our Kobo to a Kindle. <3 (Especially now!)
Keep being awesome. I can't wait to read the new book.
I enjoy your books VERY MUCH. You have an agile and active mind. I so enjoy your excellent characters; and I feel as though I could have a fantastic conversation with any of them if I met them in a coffee shop or local store! Your world building is stellar too! I live in WA State and have traveled in both mainland B.C. and Vancouver Island earlier in my life. I enjoy very much how you insert real life details into your novels! Thanks so much for doing what you do.
That said – I have been unable to purchase your latest ebooks. Amazon does not play well with my iPad! And that’s what I use for my eReader. I guess I just don’t “do” mainstream. I even brought a bracelet called “swimming against the stream” (story of my life). I hope that I can get the logistics figured out so that my husband and I can enjoy your stories – soon! Alas – I am 70 years old, which puts me squarely into the “half digital and half analog” category. At least that’s what we call it in my house.
Thank you for doing what you do. I remain in awe of everyone who can imagine, and pull into our universe art and stories for the rest of us to enjoy! It is amazing!
US fan here. I feel everything you said about the current political climate. It’s scary down here.
On a brighter note. I read Mirth 2 in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down! Thank you for everything you do for your readers. I’m looking forward to Snag!
While I have always wanted to have the opportunity to jump into a novel to live, this dystopian nightmare that is currently the situation I find myself in as a US civil servant is not one of them!
Please know that a huge majority of us here in the US find this to be a horrible situation not representing in any way our views or what we want for our country or the world.
Jumping into Mirth’s world has been a great escape. I love all of your books . I preorder them as soon as they are available and am thrilled to buy directly from the author. Thank you for creating something that gives me a break from all that is going on.