Siphon
patreon
A little explanation from Facebook
🕑 Added 2021-01-09 04:43:14 +0000 UTCI posted this to facebook, but I realized it should probably be said here too for those who don't see it there.
So, this week has been a bit eye-opening for me. When I started writing Siphon, I honestly thought, "This is going to be like all my other writing projects, I'll probably drop it in a week." Only, a month went by, and not only had I not dropped it, I had finished the first book and had a publishing contract, a patreon, and thousands of fans urging me for more.
For two years now, it's gotten harder and harder to write for me. Occasionally, I'd get a fun story idea and write chapter one, but I never went beyond that. I kept saying "I'll do it after I finish Siphon." I felt guilty for wanting to write something else, especially because of this patreon, you awesome people who are paying me because they wanted to read more of the story.
And then this week happened. I got excited about an idea, and it just wouldn't leave me alone, so I built out the system and started writing it. I got people involved in creating characters. I wrote three more chapters, getting one out every single day. I haven't done that since that first month writing Siphon. I even got a little of the Siphon chapter I've been working on written, though I didn't finish, but still. I got more done on it.
I realized how much I needed a side project. The reason I even considered writing one was because I saw a meme a month ago or so that changed part of my view on this, though I can't find it now. In essence it said "Have a side project so if you can't think of what to do on it, you can procrastinate by working on another project, and when you can't think of what to do there, go back, etc." That way your procrastination is actually still getting stuff done.
I think this is why most successful authors have multiple series. Sometimes, you just need a break, to go work on something new. So while it might not be the series you are desperately waiting for, it's something that can help keep them sane, and gives you a better story in the long run, because a sane author is a happier author(probably).
Despite that, I've found myself apologizing in my patreon posts. I'm sorry, I know this isn't what you wanted... But I've realized, I'm not sorry. I'm keeping myself sane, and trying to be happy.
I will always be appreciative of your love and support, but I will no longer apologize for writing chapters other than Siphon. I was talking to Xan the other day about how we felt guilty for writing other things, and I came to realize, I offer benefits to my patreon because I want to thank those who are supporting me. However, that's why I use chapters ahead, and not X amount of chapters per month. I realize a lot of people only do higher tiers for those extra chapters, and that's totally fine.
But even though I used Siphon to make the url for this, the account is for Jay Boyce. You are supporting me, as a writer, in the books I choose to write, not Siphon, the series. So thank you for those who have stuck with me through thick and thin months. It enables me to have the security to try and write full time.
Thank you for your love and support. <3
Comments
Freedcats
Oh. I forgot to add, I am also an author and have three seperate novels going on at the same time to keep me sane. I was like and suprised how neccessary it was to step back from the first. I find myself entranced by each and rotate between them as my mind works through issues.
Freedcats
I love all your work Jay. Keep doing what you need to do :)
Cerity
👍 thanks for the insight. And considering those who avoid Facebook. Keep writing what you love. This is good stuff 😁
