So now that ‘Smiled’ is out there, what’s next?
Loads.
In the two years since ‘Smiles’ was released, as well as then writing ‘Smiled’, I’ve been working on a new story with a brand new set of characters. This was an ambitious project, trying to take me away from the comfort of writing about Joel, Tim, Alan, Amie, Hannah, Izzy, Sir Andrew and the rest. I planned the book from start to finish. I’d doubled my daily word count so I was writing 500 words a day rather than 250.
However, I ran out of steam. My word count was 166,000-ish and I hadn’t even written the main critical event. That seems like an odd time to run out of steam, I admit. Surely I should have been accelerating towards the finish?
Good point. That’s how it usually works. I tried to finish the story but kept hitting a brick wall. I wanted to finish that story before I released ‘Smiled’ – that was my original aim. But I couldn’t.
‘Smiled’ kept calling. I wanted to draw a line under that side of my writing so I put the manuscript back in the box and decided to go through the publishing process.
‘Smiled’ is the first book I’ve done all myself, with no outgoing costs. I dabbled with some new characteristics, some new characters and tried to test myself to create a piece of work that enthralls, entertains, but ultimately makes you want to keep turning the pages or swipe left. Throughout the editing process I kept losing myself in the text, going back to check something and being drawn into reading the text. I hope you enjoy the results.
So, what does the future hold? Hopefully, more books. I’ve learned no end about writing and self-publishing in the last six years. What started out as a vague plan by somebody who hadn’t written anything longer than a 2,500 word essay at university turned into about 350,000 words across three books. I’d hoped to write one book to keep me amused while waiting for the cries of a disgruntled baby who had lost her noo-noo. Instead it has lead to all this.
I’ve by far and away exceeded any original expectations. The hours I’ve spent researching, writing, editing, designing my cover, cursing at my overusage of the words ‘just’ or ‘alright’ and then reading have given me the buzz to write more. With technology these days, I can do something pretty much wherever I am. I’ve edited in the car during the children’s dance class. I wrote on my phone sitting on the sea wall at Scarborough. Writing has never been easier in some ways.
So in my typically rambly style, the point is this: The Smile Series is on hold for now. I started writing it with no idea how to even go about putting a story together. I’ve done a lot of research into the art of writing and I’m looking forward to sharing the results over the next few years of my life. I’ve planned at least 8 (EIGHT!) stories set on the fictional world of Sovereign Island, a UK territory off the east coast of England. And I say ‘at least’ because I’m writing new ideas down all the time. Some of the themes I’ve explored in The Smile Series will still feature. Beans and Banter expands. Talent UK is mentioned. Mental health, invisible illnesses, music and coffee all feature. However, the soap opera style of having so many characters will remain where it is. I’ve mentioned about having another book in The Smile Series planned: Smiler. That’s true. But it might be a few years before I return to it now.
Thank you for all of your support so far. I hope to have some new work available soon, including the story of the link between Huntingham and Sovereign Island available as a free download.
Keep smiling 
Scott