It’s been quite a while since the publication of book two in The Marked Series, and I know many readers are wondering where the heck book three is. In short, it’s coming. But it’s going to be a little while longer.
You see, the entire time I’ve been writing, I’ve also been an English teacher. In the beginning this balance wasn’t difficult. I worked at a private academy where I had to do no lesson planning, no grading, and where I worked pretty awesomely short hours. My mornings and well into my afternoons were free for writing and exercise. But then I switched over to being a full-time high school teacher. And so-long went my free time. Skip to me trying to write during short hour or two segments—IF my lessons were all planned and no student or coworker needed my help.
I thought I could do it. I have the bad habit of biting off more than I can chew. But, as it turns out, I really can’t balance writing and a demanding full-time job. (A difficult admission, this) For me, writing REQUIRES longer chunks of time, and a brain that isn’t mushy with exhaustion. It often takes me at least an hour to really get settled into a scene, to get into the flow of things. And every new scene in my books hops into a new character’s head and a new plot line, meaning I have to start that process all over again. I’ve been experimenting with some different methods to encourage myself to be more productive during shorter blocks of time (I’ll write another blog post about that in the future), and while I’ve had a bit of success, it’s simply not enough.
Which is why I’ve made the rather huge and terrifying decision to go all-in with my writing career. I’ve put in my notice at work and I’ll be returning to America in September to give writing my complete attention. This is exciting, cartwheel-includingly so—it’s my dream to be a real, full-time writer—but it’s also pretty unnerving, since I’m giving up a steady paycheck for a business that, at this point, isn’t exactly making me much money. I’m leaping and hoping the wings will sprout before I splat. Fortunately, I have an amazing and supportive husband who is going to work his ass off while I type away, keeping us in food.
So, I am genuinely sorry that it has taken this long, and that it will take still longer to get you more of Yarrow and Bray and the gang. As an impatient nerd, I know well the terrible agony of waiting on the next book in a series. But know that it’s coming, the rest of this series and hopefully many new and different books to follow.
So, thank you for your patience and your readership! And wish me luck. 🙂
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Sharon McCutcheon
Topaz
July 16, 2016 - 12:36 am ·Thank you so much for writing, and I’m sending you the most positive energy as you embrace this adventure of self employment. Be brave. As a fan, I believe your stories are totally worth it.
March McCarron
September 22, 2016 - 8:59 pm ·Thank you so much! Sorry for the super slow reply. I’m hugely grateful for your readership and encouragement. 🙂
Andi
August 6, 2016 - 7:30 pm ·Thanks for keeping your fans updated. I can’t wait to read the next book. Best of luck to you in this new, exciting chapter of your life!
March McCarron
September 22, 2016 - 9:01 pm ·Thank you! Now that I’m officially settled back in the US, I’ll be able to be more consistent about updating and replying to such lovely comments as these.
Andi
December 11, 2016 - 11:04 pm ·Happy holidays!! Any updates on the 3rd book? I’m waiting with bated breath…
March McCarron
December 12, 2016 - 1:35 am ·Happy holidays to you too! The first draft is (finally!) just about done–I’ve got 2.5 more chapters to write. Don’t know at this step just how much revision it will need, so I don’t have a release date yet. I also just finished the cover. So, it’s chugging along! Thanks for asking. 🙂
Tharindu
November 2, 2016 - 8:25 pm ·I’m just happy that it’s in the works! Kudos to you for taking that leap of faith and going into writing full time :)! I’ve loved your 1st two books and the novella and I’m looking forward to the third. All the best to you!
March McCarron
November 3, 2016 - 1:47 am ·Thank you so much! It’s coming along. 😀
Roger
January 25, 2017 - 3:25 pm ·Thankyou for the great stories I have curled up in bed to read and I eagerly await the third book. I wish you good writing and success in the leap ahaed! 🙂
March McCarron
January 25, 2017 - 3:53 pm ·Thank you very much! I’m always so glad to hear from readers–gives me motivation when writing gets tough. 🙂