This is the fourth post in a series dedicated to a self-assessment of my writing journey, particularly as it pertains to Core Haven, my new release. The first post was an overview & included a series of questions (Reassessing the Long Game), the second addressed the notion of my end goal (Milestone), & the third dealt with the question of what I hope to accomplish along my path (One More Rung).

This fourth one revolves around the question:

• How long am I going to consider Core Haven a new release??

At first glance, this may seem like a ludicrous question since there’s no doubt some kind of Amazon metric related to that. Technically the “hot new release” period is 30 days, as I know all too well since my latest novel was flying high in the rankings until the 31st day when its inevitable downturn started.

However, I’ve also noticed new releases lasting a month or two past the “hot” designation cutoff. After a little checking around, it appears that 60-90 days seems to be the range (at the time of this writing, Core Haven is approaching the next milestone of 60 days).

For me, it isn’t about the particular status of my second novel other than to be amazed at how fast time has seemed to go—hmm, I haven’t been preoccupied or anything.

It’s really about the notion of moving on. When I decided to serialize Core Haven before recombining it to publish on KDP, I began viewing its companion novel Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown as my first backlist novel.

So now do I wait a particular amount of time before viewing Core Haven through a similar lens? Do I consider two installments about the Oregon Meltdown a complete set? Or do I dig out another character backstory to consider for a third companion—say Jordy or Elena or Tally? Or what about Nate in the not-too-distant future? Or maybe…?

And here I thought writing this post would help clarify goals for my next project rather than grow more branches on my decision tree.

Why am I not surprised?

Till next time.

Drew

P.S. If by chance you’re interested in reading and thoughtfully reviewing either of my two companion novels, please see the Amazon links below. (And thanks so much in advance!)

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Latest BookFunnel Promo LINKS

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I invite you to check out Lee Hall’s excellent video review, especially the first book he includes on his short list of memorable indie reads—uh-huh, that would be Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown.

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