I can see those Google searches and I’ve read all the messages or emails you guys have sent (and responded to all, I believe). There’s been tweets. There’s been Facebook messages, and I have to say I am overwhelmed by how excited all of you are for Book 2.

So I owe you all a pretty massive apology as it’s now June 2 and Book 2 isn’t out yet, as I had promised it would be. I owe you an apology (I am very sorry) and as much as an explanation as I am able to give. 

Releasing a book, or any creative work, has a ton of back end to it and all of that back end costs quite a bit of money. I am my own publisher, so there is no financial backing for the Burden Series beyond my personal checking account. The number of downloads for Book 1 is absolutely staggering, just mind-blowing. But in an effort to get it in the hands of more people we decided to make it free. It worked for sure (HELLO, GREAT BRITAIN!), but it does mean that it didn’t make money and at the time I could not foresee the events 2013, particularly these last few months, had in store for me. 

These last few months in my personal life have been, quite possibly, the most difficult I have ever encountered. I’ve heard this from a lot of people lately, so maybe you’re rowing a similar boat right along with me. Without going into details of the how, why or whatever – which only leaves me shaking my fists right now and that’s not getting me anywhere – suffice it to say my home is gone, my job is gone and any funding I had set aside for Book 2 is, right now, gone. But hey… Maddie’s still around! 

It breaks my heart to let you guys down in this way, but unfortunately the final stages of production Book 2 requires at this point all require money. It will happen, and I’m fighting like hell to get back up on my feet in general so this release can get back up on its feet as well. It will happen, as soon as I am able. 

I can’t thank you guys enough for all of your support and understanding. It means the world to me, and is a huge part of why I’m still fighting rather than giving up and wallowing in a sea of One Tree Hill episodes (though there have been a lot of those lately). 

Sometimes life sweeps you off your feet. Sometimes in a good way. Sometimes in a way that knocks the wind right out of ya. That’s where I am right now. But I’ll get back up. That I can promise.