Things in life don't always go as planned.

So last week when I asked what series you'd like next I fully planned on following through with it. I even got a few chapters done in a Pyte book and a Neighbor From Hell book. Unfortunately there is this other book, from the Hollywood Hearts series that I just couldn't let go. I started it last year and when the ideas weren't flowing I put it aside, which is something I do to keep the material fresh and entertaining.

Well, I came back to it. I really love the characters Nick and Jamie. It has the Neighbor From Hell feel to it with a twist. The first book in this series is more serious, this one is definitely not. It's lighter, more entertaining and more down to earth characters that I hope you guys can relate to. I'm halfway done with the book and if all goes well I see this book being published by December 1st.

I know I've published several books this year and several of you are wondering how I'm doing it. You're probably thinking that I'm just rushing through the books and that's not the case. Each book I write takes quite a bit of time, editing, and frustration. The reason I'm able to publish so many books so quickly is because I have 54 books already started on my computer.

If an idea pops into my head and I just can't seem to get it out I'll start the book just to get the idea down and return to whatever I was working on or whatever is demanding my attention at the moment. Some of these books when I return to them have about ten chapters done. I don't stop because I don't like the story or the characters. I stop when I feel like if I continued and pushed the story I wouldn't be doing it justice. So I take a break and turn my attention back to something else. I'll come back to it several times, re-reading what I have and editing it, but if I still don't feel the story I move on.

Right now I have six stories that are halfway done. They're stories I love, but I'm taking my time with them. Over the next year you'll probably see all of them published. They are not rushed books. I would never publish a rushed book, because most likely I wouldn't like it and would end up deleting the entire thing wasting my time and yours.

Lol, this is probably more information than you wanted to know or even cared to read about, but I'd thought I'd explain. Pyte books and Neighbor From Hell books are in the works and will soon follow, but I just had to finish this story.

Answer to several recent e-mails

Usually I take the time to answer e-mails individually or direct people the FAQ page at http://www.rlmathewson.com but I thought that maybe this would better be answered using the blog.

It hasn't been the first time I've been asked why I self-publish and it probably won't be the last, but I thought I give that particular question a little more attention. One of the questions I frequently receive concerns the possibility of allowing a publisher to handle my books. Will I ever consider getting a contract for my books? The question really isn't an easy one to answer. My feelings on the subject go hand and hand with why I chose to self-publish.

I'll explain it this way. Do I like self-publishing? You bet. I decide when I work, what I work on and the final product. My books are my stories. No one influences them or has the final say to change anything while I'm helpless to say anything because of a contract. I don't write my stories to fit a marketing profile and I work hard to make sure that I don't follow the same old story lines. The only opinions I care about are the readers. If something isn't working, or I totally screwed up I want to hear about it. If my readers really like something it also helps me because I know to focus my attention on that the next time.

Self-publishing is a lot of work and has a few drawbacks, but thanks to today's technology not as many as you may think. It also guarantees that I get to know my readers. I enjoy talking to you and getting to know you. You've all been wonderfully kind and I look forward to getting to know more of you.

For those of you who wrote me because you're aspiring writers who are trying to figure out the lay of the land I will say this, keep your options open. If you want a contract go for it. Send as many queries as you possibly can but get your work out there on your own so you can get genuine feedback. It's important. My books are far from perfect, but I make damn sure that they're enjoyable and pay attention to detail. If it weren't for my readers suggestion and opinions I honestly don't know where I would be today.