Rocket to the Stars

Ever feel like someone strapped you to the back of a rocket and said “hold on,” without any seatbelt or warning?

That’s how I’m feeling right now. The thunder of the engine shakes me in my seat as I’m trying to get my bearings, but before I can do that, I’m off.

Hit hard and jettisoning to the stratosphere.

I can’t think of a better metaphor for the last few weeks as I start working on my author life. I suppose that’s a misleading statement. Because I’m always working on something author-related. Whether it’s a book, social media, graphics, covers, plotting new books, there’s always something brewing in my brain.

So many somethings, in fact, I have multiple notebooks and digital files about all these ideas.

Some are books I already have covers for, but the book’s not written yet. Some I have the book in mind, but no cover. Some are commitments I’ve agreed to, but not sure how I’m going to put it all together. And then there’s trying to find the best way to get them in front of you, the reader.

I checked into several options for me to work on this year, to help focus my author life, as it were, and get myself to a place where I’m growing my readership and bringing new readers in. But the trouble with that was that as an author, I’m literally all over the place. Paranormal. Light Paranormal. Sci-fi Romance. Adult Fairy tales.

But what was the common thread? What did all my books have in common, whether they were cyborgs, aliens, werewolves, or royalty?

Couldn’t tell you. Hadn’t really thought about it. They all seemed to have different tropes. Some were enemies to lovers. Some were forced proximity. Others were royalty/commoner themed. They just had all the things.

After working with Jane, and in one of our first conversations, she was able to help me hone in exactly what the heck I write.

Because I didn’t see the thread that tied all my books together.

She did, though.

Fated Mates.

The idea that everyone has their person, and when you know, you know. It may not be perfect, and it may not be easy, but when you’re with that person, you know.

Aliens and Cyborgs and Werewolves and Vampires know really quickly, which makes them fun to write, but when they know, they know.

And now, I know.

I feel kind of bone-headed for not seeing it before, but it’s true. Every single one of my books has some kind of ‘fated mate’ theme in it. Even the contemporaries do, as much as they can without any kind of supernatural involvement anyway.

This is why I prefer the fantastical stories — I like having that magical element  in the story to bring the couple together.

But yeah.

Fated Mates.

That’s me. When you pick up a Candice Gilmer book, you're going to get Fated Mates, in some way, shape, or form. 

And now that I know better where I’m going, I’m rocketing forward, under Jane’s guidance. I have check lists and action plans that I have to accomplish, because she wants to see me get to where I need to be as much as I do.

That feels good.

To have someone in my corner who helps me in that way. Supports me.

I need that.

Heck, we all do. :)