Listen now | First, the news: There will be a sequel for The Chosen Twelve. I got the green light, and I’m ecstatic. For months, people have been asking me if the story would continue, and until now, I couldn’t give them an answer. Even though I conjured up these characters from my imagination, their future wasn’t in my hands. It was up to the publisher, who had to look at sales numbers, reviews, and the phase of the moon (It’s an established fact that most publishing professionals are werewolves). Finally, all the metrics pointed in the right direction, and the publisher made an offer for the sequel. If you ever wondered if your decision to buy or not buy a book matters, here’s the proof. I made it to the next book in the series because of you.
"Is it better to have a book that’s read by everybody in the world or one that means the world to a single reader who means the world to you? I have my answer."
I'm a grown man sitting at my desk listening to a narrated newsletter. And weeping. Very moving. Thanks.
Here's my unasked for advice. Keep it for her, write a dedication page to her, and get it bound into a book. Her kids (and their kids, etc.) will be amazed by it. And then write books for just the other girls. Although I would like to see the book just for Waffle.
Wow! I loved this post. I enjoy all your emails, but this is the first one I've ever read twice. Go Lida! And I love that it's just for Betsy. What a precious gift!
It’s 4.12am Oz time and I, an my insomnia, are crying happy tears. This newsletter feels as if it as written just for me. So touching, and what a gift for your daughter. And now I’m feeling relaxed and sleepy. TY
Sounds like someone is super melancholic/corny :) and rightly so! Go and enjoy ur trip :) you’ve built a beautiful funny life and a community that cares for you!
Betsy is one lucky young lady. I won't lie, the whole background of the Lida story brought tears to my eyes.
I am thrilled for you and looking forward to the time I can buy the new book. I'm not sure how I stumbled across you and your writing, but I am very glad I did. I thank your agent "Harry" (I thought your brother was named "Harry"?), and your other readers, for giving you the chance to make those needed bright spots in our day.
I’m so happy to hear there will be a sequel to The Chosen Twelve -- I quite enjoyed the story. And the passage you quoted in the newsletter -- I recall reading that twice, I thought it was quite profound! Kudos to you (and hope you have a great flight tomorrow!)
When I listened to the book (I ALWAYS listen these days so keep narrating, lol) that’s the part that stood out for me. I’m a crafter, and a good one. I’ve tried almost all forms of art and, unfortunately, painting isn’t one I can do. However, my house if full of things I COULD do. Right now it’s making mini dollhouses. Houses half the size of those you can buy at hobby lobby, etc. Everything is made from scratch. At first I followed the directions, now? I do my own thing. Who sees them? Mostly my family and a few on facebook at a group I belong to. Someone asked why I made so many and start a new one as soon as I can clean my craft room after the last. The answer is in your insert. Maybe no one else will ever see them but for me it’s the creation of one that is so satisfying. Showing them off and hearing ooooo and awwwww’s is great but it’s knowing that I created them that rings true. I’ve always enjoyed your writing, and your family, so keep up the great work and get that next book to audio because I, for one, will be listening to it. Janean. PS, the tv show Evil? A main character has 4 daughters, lol. It’s their voices I hear when your girls get really going, lol.
Keep on crafting! If you want to hear my kids' real voices, check out my YouTube channel. Although a show called Evil seems oddly appropriate for them.
Here’s an off the wall idea, self publish the Lida Longbow book through Amazon kindle. Hugh Howey couldn’t find a publishing house for his book “Wool”, and it became a best seller on Amazon kindle. Then finally a publishing house decided to print it. Apple TV is working on making it a series. So don’t let Lida linger in your hard drive, who knows if it becomes popular enough someone might print it!
I've pondered that, but to be honest, I'm not sure if it's good enough. I have the opinion of one kid who loves if versus the entire publishing industry, which gave it a hard pass. Maybe some day.
I've read all of your books except the Chosen Twelve. I've been trying to read it and struggling to get through it. I don't know why I'm struggling to get through it, I love that type of book, that genre, everything about it should be "my type of book" yet I've started reading it more than 40 times. I've restarted it 19 times. I don't know what the deal is, maybe I can blame Covid brain since I had Long Covid all but 12 days of 2021 (three separate cases) and once again I have Covid (#5 I'm going for the world record).
"Is it better to have a book that’s read by everybody in the world or one that means the world to a single reader who means the world to you? I have my answer."
I'm a grown man sitting at my desk listening to a narrated newsletter. And weeping. Very moving. Thanks.
Here's my unasked for advice. Keep it for her, write a dedication page to her, and get it bound into a book. Her kids (and their kids, etc.) will be amazed by it. And then write books for just the other girls. Although I would like to see the book just for Waffle.
I love this idea!
I think this is a great suggestion!! (And I too would love to know what you write for Waffle!)
I’m not crying 😢, you’re crying… my wife & I have been blessed with 4 beautiful children & you’re correct, they are what matters above all else 😊
Wow! I loved this post. I enjoy all your emails, but this is the first one I've ever read twice. Go Lida! And I love that it's just for Betsy. What a precious gift!
It’s 4.12am Oz time and I, an my insomnia, are crying happy tears. This newsletter feels as if it as written just for me. So touching, and what a gift for your daughter. And now I’m feeling relaxed and sleepy. TY
Let's goooooooo. This is the good news I needed in my life.
Sounds like someone is super melancholic/corny :) and rightly so! Go and enjoy ur trip :) you’ve built a beautiful funny life and a community that cares for you!
Betsy is one lucky young lady. I won't lie, the whole background of the Lida story brought tears to my eyes.
I am thrilled for you and looking forward to the time I can buy the new book. I'm not sure how I stumbled across you and your writing, but I am very glad I did. I thank your agent "Harry" (I thought your brother was named "Harry"?), and your other readers, for giving you the chance to make those needed bright spots in our day.
You're right. Harry is getting a lot of mileage around here.
Time for a Reginald. ;)
What a beautiful post. Im a tad misty eyed. And eagerly awaiting your next book.
I think the cover you e designed is perfect.
At my suggestion, our library now has a copy of your book -https://tscpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S112C1134486. I haven't read it yet, but I will!!
Thanks! That helps a ton.
I’m so happy to hear there will be a sequel to The Chosen Twelve -- I quite enjoyed the story. And the passage you quoted in the newsletter -- I recall reading that twice, I thought it was quite profound! Kudos to you (and hope you have a great flight tomorrow!)
Thanks!
When I listened to the book (I ALWAYS listen these days so keep narrating, lol) that’s the part that stood out for me. I’m a crafter, and a good one. I’ve tried almost all forms of art and, unfortunately, painting isn’t one I can do. However, my house if full of things I COULD do. Right now it’s making mini dollhouses. Houses half the size of those you can buy at hobby lobby, etc. Everything is made from scratch. At first I followed the directions, now? I do my own thing. Who sees them? Mostly my family and a few on facebook at a group I belong to. Someone asked why I made so many and start a new one as soon as I can clean my craft room after the last. The answer is in your insert. Maybe no one else will ever see them but for me it’s the creation of one that is so satisfying. Showing them off and hearing ooooo and awwwww’s is great but it’s knowing that I created them that rings true. I’ve always enjoyed your writing, and your family, so keep up the great work and get that next book to audio because I, for one, will be listening to it. Janean. PS, the tv show Evil? A main character has 4 daughters, lol. It’s their voices I hear when your girls get really going, lol.
Keep on crafting! If you want to hear my kids' real voices, check out my YouTube channel. Although a show called Evil seems oddly appropriate for them.
Here’s an off the wall idea, self publish the Lida Longbow book through Amazon kindle. Hugh Howey couldn’t find a publishing house for his book “Wool”, and it became a best seller on Amazon kindle. Then finally a publishing house decided to print it. Apple TV is working on making it a series. So don’t let Lida linger in your hard drive, who knows if it becomes popular enough someone might print it!
I've pondered that, but to be honest, I'm not sure if it's good enough. I have the opinion of one kid who loves if versus the entire publishing industry, which gave it a hard pass. Maybe some day.
Congrats!!!
Love this so much. Great thinking and completely agree.
I've read all of your books except the Chosen Twelve. I've been trying to read it and struggling to get through it. I don't know why I'm struggling to get through it, I love that type of book, that genre, everything about it should be "my type of book" yet I've started reading it more than 40 times. I've restarted it 19 times. I don't know what the deal is, maybe I can blame Covid brain since I had Long Covid all but 12 days of 2021 (three separate cases) and once again I have Covid (#5 I'm going for the world record).