Retiring from Novels

Yes, you read that correctly

For most of my life, I’ve wanted to be a successful novelist. I dreamed of making it my career.

Now, at 56, I see that dream differently. I don't mind hard work. If I was making a living as a novelist, that would be wonderful. However, I'm not, and that means it’s taking a lot from other parts of my life. Writing a novel demands time and energy I don’t always have, especially with a day job and a son who needs me. That’s part of why each book takes me years to finish.

I’ve loved writing the Creedverse books, including this last one, Anna: Daughter of Creed. Lately I’ve started to dread the process. That dread doesn’t come from the characters or stories, but it comes from the pressure, the slow sales, and how little financial sense it makes. When the joy slips away, that’s when you have to listen to your spirit.

I’m proud of the Creedverse series. Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake, Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate, Guts & Gears: Tales of the Weird West, and soon Anna: Daughter of Creed make a complete set. In the final two Bodacious Creed novels, readers learn something’s going on with Anna in Santa Cruz, but she doesn’t tell her father what it is. You’ll find out in Anna: Daughter of Creed, which ties the arc together. The ending still leaves space to explore more, and I might do that someday in short stories. I can write those occasionally without taking over my life. But unless things change a lot, I’m retiring from writing novels.

Something Magical

Since getting laid off from my job in May, most of my time has gone to job hunting. But when I relax, I practice magic tricks. That’s been a small joy that’s grown into something more. I’ve made friends at Main Street Magic in Disneyland, and when I mentioned that I'd lost my job of ten years, they encouraged me to sign up for a gig as a strolling magician. I recently did my first gig, and it was a blast. It was one hour long, and I made more than I usually do in months of book sales.

So, I’m listening to intuition, and to my heart; to what feels good and real. That means stepping away from novel writing.

I’m not done writing altogether. I still journal every day. I still write short stories when the spark hits. But the long-haul novel process? I’m setting it down.

It feels both sad and freeing. I’m mourning a version of myself. But I’m also excited about what’s ahead.

If you've ever felt this too at a similar crossroads, you might connect with this video from Freyia Norling in Norway:

It landed in my lap at just the right time. No, I didn't stop writing novels because of it, but it did let me know that the decision is okay.

Thanks for being part of my writing journey. Thank you for reading my novels and short stories. Truly.

This will be my last newsletter for a while. I’ll send out one reminder a week before Anna: Daughter of Creed launches on Amazon, and one more on release day. If I finish the audiobook, I’ll let you know. After that, I might send occasional updates—what I’m reading, magic things I’m working on, or if a new short story goes live. If that sounds fun, stay subscribed. If not, no hard feelings.

See you around,

Jonathan

Have you read The Adventures of Bodacious Creed yet? If not, check out the series by clicking the image below! It’s available in Kindle and print formats and free to read on Kindle Unlimited!

This week, I'm swapping book mentions with three of my fellow authors. Check out what’s on offer, and I hope you find something you'll enjoy!