The blank page…
…and making it through to the other side.
I’ve had a lot of complicated feelings about the publishing industry (and my place in it) recently. In fact, in the month since I last posted, things felt even more dire and I could sense myself spiraling. So, I did what I think a lot of authors do when they feel a little helpless over things they can’t control—they grasp on to what they can control…the writing.
I began a new project. This is what will be my YA book 4, slated to come out May 2026.
(one should never make drastic changes to their hair when under duress. But I’ve been so tempted? Should I chop all my hair off really short…like a too-my-ears bob? Or dye it a dark red? Purple?)
Ok, now, here’s a little tidbit I should probably delete before posting, but won’t: this book is actually contracted for Fall 2026. That’s what I had it scheduled in my mind as, how I planned out my mental and emotional burden as. So when we sent in my pitch for this book—not-even-half-baked, barely more than a sliver of an idea, thinking we were ahead of the curve by months—they threw the surprise of “oh but we have it on the schedule for May 2026”. Oh. Swell. Thanks for the heads up. Thanks for throwing my entire schedule upside down. Thanks for giving me exactly 3 months to write a book I don’t even know what it’s about. BY ALL MEANS…let me rearrange everything for your new schedule.
DEEP.
BREATH.
RELEASE THE FRUSTRATION.
DO. NOT. SPIRAL.
In any case, yeah…I started a new project. On a very tight schedule. And I’ve stared at the blank page and written exactly zero words for the last 2 weeks.
I’ve worked on marketing and promo for my book coming out in under a couple months. I’ve worked on pass pages for my book coming out in October. I’ve scrolled hours and hours of nonsense and doom on social media (I even put together an emergency kit for my family complete with fire starters, mylar blankets, and freeze dried food rations that don’t expire for 25 years apparently.)
I’m in deep in the I DON’T REMEMBER HOW TO WRITE A BOOK stage. I’ve heard all authors, even the most prolific and successful ones, seemingly hit this stage with each new project. I wish that was more encouraging. :) But that’s the thing…we all have to go THROUGH it. We hit a wall and we figure our way through. And through sometimes means beating our heads against our desks. Sometimes it means taking walks and cleaning the house. And sometimes it means doom scrolling and buying a multi-tool complete with mini-ax and wood saw in case of emergency. (just me?)
Writing is hard. Especially in those times when the words do not come. And it’s made harder when it feels like your own publisher is working against you rather than working with you. And it feels almost impossible when the world is falling apart and each day brings worse news than the last.
But it’s in these times that I have to focus, to look THROUGH to see what’s waiting on the other side. The story I want to tell. The people I want to write for. The readers I want to share these words with. I can’t lose sight on what’s on the other side if I want to GET to the other side.
Eventually the words will come, the story will come together, and I’ll finish this book.
Eventually, I’ll make it THROUGH.
Some fun news:
We announced THE ROMANCE RIVALRY release week tour. And more than anything, I’m just so excited to be able to travel around with my friends, visiting romance book stores, and seeing all the readers! I was humbled and amazed at how quickly some of the venues sold out. Thank you so much for the enthusiasm and support!
These events are NOT funded or supported in any way by my publisher. This is solely fueled by the enthusiasm of the bookstores, the kindness of my author friends, and my dwindling savings account (future me’s problem. ha!) So I am even more grateful to everyone who bought tickets and is coming out to see us!!! THANK YOU!!!
There are still some seats left both in St. Louis and in San Diego. So if you’re interested and able, would love to see you there!
I finally built up the courage to start WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES. As expected, I have had full-body sobs every episode. It’s also so incredibly beautiful, it gives me HOPE for life and as humans, our ability to survive. To thrive. To love. IU is possibly the best Korean actress of our generation. I stand by this. I love her so. And honestly, we all need a Park Bogum in our lives. I’m itching to write a character inspired by him.
April 2nd, I have the incredible honor of being the in conversation partner to Abby Jimenez as her book tour comes to San Diego. I spent the weekend reading SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME and honestly, is anyone telling stories the way Abby is? They’re just so perfectly balanced—funny, painful, heartbreaking, life-affirming, hopeful, deeply romantic. Her characters are so REAL. I’m in awe. Pick up her newest as it goes on sale tomorrow, April 1st!
AND…I think that’s it from me for now! I’ll be popping back in soon with a COVER REVEAL for my adult romance debut, JULIA SONG IS UNDATEABLE! And likely a few more announcements leading up to the release of THE ROMANCE RIVALRY.
Talk again soon.
xo,
Susan
I love that you're being vocal about how much of the marketing costs authors bear. I think a lot of readers just assume that the publishers pay for it! Especially if there's money in the budget for flashy influencer events....
When life gives you tangerines😭😭😭 gahh I'm bawling after every episode