Welcome to the Riptide Publishing/L. A. Witt blog tour for Something New Under the Sun, the sequel to my vampire/cyberpunk novella, A Chip In His Shoulder!
So as it happens, the release of Something New Under the Sun on January 21st coincided with the 4th anniversary of the first publishing contract I ever received. Four years to the day after selling that first book, I’m releasing my…43rd? 44th? Something like that. And as I did last year – see What Three Years Have Taught Me – I’m looking back on the last few years, this time comparing how my life has changed as a direct result of this awesome job.
I’m definitely working more hours now than I ever have. I’ve pretty much lost track of the days of the week, and my “weekends” happen whenever I feel like I need a break (or want to spend time with the hubby, of course). But I also get to wear my pajamas to work, and my commute is about 20 feet. Can’t argue with that.
I’ve made some amazing friends in this business. Writers, editors, reviewers, and of course, readers. It’s great to be connected with people who are excited about reading and/or writing. It’s kind of funny how I’m geographically separated from every one of my colleagues, but feel better connected to them than I did many (not all, Kelley!) of the co-workers with whom I shared a work environment.
And being a job, it has a paycheck. After being told for years I’d never be able to make a living as a writer, I was rather stunned when my writing income reached a point – and remained there – where I could continue to write full-time upon moving back to the States in late 2011. By mid-2012, the numbers had risen above what I’m qualified to make in the corporate world. (Don’t read too far into that: I’m not qualified to make much in the corporate world LOL) The point being? I discovered it is possible to make a living at this, and I’m much happier with my life in general now that I’m making a living doing what I enjoy.
One of the coolest things, though, is that I finally feel like I’m doing something. Back when I was a customer service drone, I almost wore out my Sugarland CD during my commute to and from the office. Why? Because of a particular track titled “Something More.” I spent many, many commutes listening to that track over and over and thinking, “That’s so true. There has to be more than this.” Cheesy, maybe, but I really was unhappy with what I was doing. Or rather, what I was not doing. Miserable? Ooh, yeah.
Less than five years later, I feel like I’m doing something. Not changing the world or curing cancer, but doing more than just shuffling papers and pushing pencils. I’m happy with my career, and have been since the beginning.
Yeah, this career has its tough moments, but looking back? I wouldn’t change a thing.
The Author:
L. A.’s backlist is available on her website, and updates (as well as random thoughts and the odd snarky comment) can be found on her blog or on Twitter (@GallagherWitt).
Liam Lansing is heir to a prominent family of bio-modified vampires. That is, until he chooses the wrong lover and is cast down to the Gutter to scrape for his life.
Daniel Harding is heir to Cybernetix and a prince of the corporate Sky. That is, until his ideology drives his father to put a price on his head, forcing him into the Gutter.
But Daniel and Liam won’t vanish meekly into the smog. Together, they plan to rip open the hidden corruption that runs the Sky—for vengeance, for justice, and for hope. They strike against the corporations in a daring raid. When everything goes wrong, Daniel must betray his core beliefs to save the man he loves and protect his dangerous secret. Only through courage in the face of death—or worse—might he and Liam change the world they live in and create something new under the sun.
Something New Under the Sun is available January 21st from Riptide Publishing. Also available: the prequel, A Chip In His Shoulder.
Thanks for having me! 🙂
L.A. Witt
Hi Lori
Don't enter me. Just wanted to say hi & that it's great you're living the dream of doing a job you love & in your PJs!
I love that you went after your dream and got it!! Plus, working in pj's? The awesomeness cannot be overstated! Love your books and thank you for writing such amazing work.
I'm amazed you started so recently–it's such an impressive body of work!
vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
It must be so satisfying to be doing something that you really enjoy for a living, especially to express yourself creatively.
strive4bst(At) yahoo(Dot) com
I'm so glad you've found something you love, and can share it with us. Thank you!!
peanutty222@hotmail.com
Nothing like finding your flow! Congrats, and thank you!
brendurbanist @ gmail . com
Glad you're doing what you want to be doing 🙂 And I love your books 🙂
pointycat(at)hotmail.co.uk
Loverly post. It's so inspiring to hear about your (full-time!) job as a writer. I think so many of us are stuck in jobs we hate (cough), and it's good to know that there is hope!
ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com
Great Post! Thanks!!!
Congrats! Not many people can say they have achieved their dream job. And wearing your PJs to work – how cool is that 🙂
Best wishes for 2013.
Nice post, thanks!
penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog, LA. I love your books. It's nice to know that you love what you do – sounds like the perfect job to me. 🙂
So cool. Enjoyed reading the post and many many congrats to your anniversary!
Judi
arella3173_loveless@yahoo(dot)com
Fascinating guest post thank you LA! I love the fact that you are able to earn a living doing something you love!
You had a dream and even though people around you told you (hammer into you?) that you would not amount to much/anything as a writer, here you are. You proved everyone wrong and have the bank account to show for it. I've been told somewhat the same. Not that my family have read anything I have/am writing, but they think writing is just a hobby and not something that should be considered a career. Well, damn it, I'm just about getting ready to prove them wrong with my first books which is in edits at the moment, writing my second book and planning the sequel to the first one!
Congratulations on such a successful Career!!!
Much success on the release of your latest book!
~Rush~
taina1959 at yahoo dot com
It's so awesome that you are happy with your work, doing something you love and earning a decent amount of money at it. Best wishes on your continued success.
jen(at)delux(dot)com
Thanks for your wonderful post! I'm so glad you are able to live the dream! Being able to write full time and still love it! Congrats on your new sequel!
OceanAkers @ aol.com