Patreon moving forward/Ream

Hey guys!

I was going to post this in a couple of days, but some of you have already joined Ream because of the author's note at the end of the book, so I wanted to explain:

There are a few things going on with Patreon. The first of note is that any new members will be charged a 30% App store fee starting in November if they're using an iOS (Apple) product. Due to this, I'm going to direct more people to Ream in future. There's also been major crackdowns on accounts like mine that post explicit sexual content. I also recently had a patron come forward and say she's locked out of her account and can't get on. Patreon is going through some major changes, so I decided to start an account on Ream as a backup.

Ream is also a subscription platform and built specifically for stories, so may be better for me in the long run. I think the only downside to Ream is they don't have a chat feature yet. Otherwise, they're pretty similar. Also, Patreon is blocked in certain countries. I hope Ream will be available to those readers.

I will be posting the same exact content on both platforms. What's currently on Ream is what I've previously posted here on Patreon for book 4 and Roth's book.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE ALREADY JOINED REAM: Subscribers must contact the Support Team within the 24 hr period to be eligible for a refund. 

I'm sorry I didn't clarify that! Make sure you put in a request for a refund!

PATREON MOVING FORWARD:

First of all, I want to thank you all for coming on this journey with me! Writing is such a long, arduous marathon and you all have been so patient, letting me write and rewrite... and rewrite. LOL. You guys honestly keep me focused and motivated and I'm so grateful for your support.

I really hope you enjoy the finished product of this installment of the story. I realized recently that this story is more of a serial, not a book series, since it's ongoing and has so many parts. It just so happens that I'm putting it in book form, which doesn't necessarily fit correctly, but we're doing our best!

As for Patreon, I won't be posting new snippets since I will be taking a break and in the beginning stages of writing book 4. However, Patreon will remain open for readers who want to read the snippets I've already posted of book 4 and Roth's book. So if you don't want to be charged for the next month, make sure you cancel your subscription! I will announce on my website and socials when I begin posting new content!

It usually takes me 2-3 months to write a first draft... depending on how much the characters and my personal life are cooperating. Lol. It also depends how long the book itself is. Due to the rewrites in Bitter Confessions and the depth we explored certain topics (that I hadn't anticipated), a portion of what I wrote for book 4 will need to be changed or scrapped. Ideally, I'd like to work on book 5 as well before putting out book 4, but we'll see how all that goes.

NOTES ON BITTER CONFESSIONS:

I did what you aren't supposed to do. A massive rewrite after sending the book to the editor. I didn't add or take away scenes, but I refined ideas and dialogue. I spent a lot of time on those opening scenes (dialogue-wise) and I refined the sex scenes. I'm so much happier with it overall.

For some reason, I feel like this book just really stretched me so much more than the first two. It could be because I'm evolving personally and therefore, so is the story? It could also be, since we know so much more about the characters, we're done with all the surface stuff and are really starting to dig down to what makes them tick. These stories in general demand so much more from me than anything I've ever written. I'm tempted to write something fluffy, short, and satisfying to give me a break from the heaviness of the Singed Series, but I know sticking with it and not straying is the only way we're gonna get this story done.

I wrote pieces of the Trentham Ball after I wrote Bitter Heat. I thought the Ball would be the end of Bitter Secrets, but that book had a mind of its own. Finally, that scene of her dashing through the ballroom after the confrontation with Warren, leaving the Ball, and Roth badgering her in the back of the car is fully formed and on the page. Completing scenes that have been playing in the back of my mind for years and having them turn out better than you imagined is the best feeling in the world!

I really thought I was burnt out, but not even a week after I sent the manuscript off to the editor, Roth started talking to me. It makes sense since the book is done, but by no means is their story resolved and he wants to know what the fuck is going on. I can feel his impatience and hear snippets of what he's saying. I know bits and pieces of what will happen in book 4, but have no clue how it will all come together. That's the fun part. I'm not a plotter, I'm a pantser which is why there's a lot of rewriting and trial and error... as you all know by now.

I'm actually super excited for this next book. I get to loosen the reins more since we're in the back half of the series. I had no idea when I created these characters that they would take up 5+ years of my life! They've taught me so much about layered, realistic characters, writing with compelling emotion, and writing worthwhile tales. I can't imagine doing another story like this in future, so I'm allowing myself to tell it the way I feel it should be told. I mentioned in the email that most authors are ready to set aside certain characters after a time, but I find myself more intrigued the deeper we dig into things.

As for me taking a break, I have some family things going on in October and am hoping to do a little road trip and rest before beginning book 4. I'm eager to dig in, but know I need to give myself time to enjoy actually finishing something and giving my imagination time to unwind before starting. And I know once I begin, I won't be able to stop. The opening scenes are explosive. I feel like everything I show is going to be a spoiler. 😳

Again, thank you for supporting the creation of Bitter Confessions. You guys make the solitary life of a writer so much more vibrant and rewarding. I can't thank you enough! I will announce the winners of the paperbacks in a couple of days. Please leave a review on Goodreads or retailers, everything helps since I'm hopeless at marketing. LOL. Also, if you still didn't get your copy of the ebook, please check your spam or if you previously submitted your email, you should be able to download by following this link. And if that doesn't work, please message me directly.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

Much Love,

Mia