I published A Taste of Honey in December 2014, and revised the entire manuscript in August 2023. It was during that revision that two things occurred to me. Firstly, I enjoyed the story, and secondly, I felt that with much more experience it was time to write a sequel.
There are occasions when a follow-up isn’t necessary, and in many cases, may not work, but I believe Honey’s story deserves to be extended. During her unofficial mission in the original tale, she served summary justice on several people, but two evaded her clutches.
In Another Taste of Honey, the story picks up a few days after the first one ended. I’ve worked hard to produce an entertaining introduction while maintaining the flavour of the first book and the essence of the main character.
I’ve written more than the first chapter, but before I get too deep into the continuing tale, I’d appreciate feedback on Chapter 1 – No Hiding Place.
Did the lack of new titles affect my sales performance?
I would say, no, and without paid promotion, or excessive exposure on social media, my work is still being picked up, mainly digitally, but occasionally, physically.
Available as a paperback trilogy.
The five books that make up the series, A Life of Choice show sales almost daily, and without promotion, all five books are creeping up the charts. At first, it was ex-service, and serving personnel who were the main readership, but it seems that the fact-based-fiction series also appeals to those who have never donned a military uniform.
My crime thrillers, and the Light at The End trilogy have continued to achieve regular sales over the past twelve months. Once again, my royalties on sales have been easily surpassed by the royalties from KENP, the Amazon ‘page reads’ system.
Strong female lead characters are popular, and none more so than any story featuring ‘a girl with a gun’. I create such protagonists to satisfy my readership, but also because they are enjoyable to bring to life. This is reflected in reviews, and in the balance of my projects.
Crusaderis my main Work in Progress, and is on schedule for publication in March 2023. As I write the story I’ve been fitting in snippets of information which will be ‘removed’ to help create the sequel, Constance.
Did I publish or have success apart from my main brand?
Yes, I did, but under another name. The erotica I write using a female pseudonym has continued to be successful, and this year saw the publication of four novellas and an anthology of six short stories. My ‘secret‘ erotica brand has been in existence for three years, and has demonstrated stamina (appropriately), and achieved a steady growth.
It may seem that there is a continual stream of titles, but that’s because the stories are created piecemeal and it may take many months before an individual title is completed.
Will I continue to work with two brands?
Yes, while my alternative brand has its own Work in Progress, and there is a demand, I’ll happily cater to those readers. Some of the naughty tales may be slightly shorter (novella), but I don’t cut corners with them. They are stories first, and erotica second.
I’d like to wish you all the very best for the upcoming festive season, whatever your religious persuasion.
tombensoncreative.com 