KYRA DAVIS: New Year = New Possibilities

So it’s time to say goodbye to 2005…to be honest I have mixed feelings about that. 2005 was pretty good to me. I eliminated the last of the debt I had left over from my marriage, Sex, Murder And A Double Latte started my writing career off with a bang, I’ve made some wonderful new friends and I’ve reconnected with some good old ones.

2006 scares me a little bit. I think there’s a reasonably good chance that I’ll get another book contract but at this point it’s way too early to speculate what the terms and conditions of that contract will be and that's a little nerve wracking. I’m also rather nervous about my two completed books which will be released this year, starting with Passion, Betrayal And Killer Highlights. Personally I think Passion is every bit as good as my first novel (I wouldn’t have submitted it to my editor if I didn’t) but reviewers tend to be more critical of second novels. Everyone expects you to hit a “sophomore slump.” I also worry that it won’t get anywhere near as much media attention as Sex, Murder. It’s easier to promote a debut novel than a sequel. Of course I now have a bit of a built in readership because all of you who liked my first book will be buying my second, right? If you’re not going to buy it just lie to me and tell me you are. Seriously, my prescription drug plan sucks and I can’t afford to go on anti-anxiety medication right now.

Then there’s So Much For My Happy Ending (Thanks again to all of you who helped me decide on a title). That will be out in September. I’m actually pretty proud of the way that manuscript turned out. However there were some people who were initially worried that the subject matter was a bit too serious for a “chick lit” novel although it’s still filled with humor and personally I don’t think it’s anywhere near as dark as Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus' The Nanny Diaries or Jennifer Belle’s Going Down. It’s being published by Mira in Trade Paperback. I’ve done very well for Red Dress Ink and they are firmly behind me but I have no idea what kind of attention I’ll get at Mira. After all, they publish USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors. I’m just a blip on the radar screen.

But on the other hand, it is the uncertainty of what 2006 holds that also make it a year of possibilities. Perhaps Passion’s sales figures will blow Sex, Murder’s out of the water…or better yet perhaps the sales of both books will surge. As it stands now Passion is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes And Noble.com and a few other sites. On Amazon at least one person has gone ahead and ordered it despite the fact that Amazon hasn’t shown the cover yet and they can’t ship it until the end of April…I’ve decided to take the sale as a good omen. As of yesterday Amazon also started selling Sex, Murder And A Double Latte as an audio-book. I haven’t heard it so I have no idea if it’s narrated well but it’s a nice option for those who don’t have the time and/or desire to sit down with the paper version…so I’ll count the development as a second good omen. I don’t currently have a boyfriend per se but there are two or three very nice (and cute) guys who seem to be interested in filling that role…so once again: possibilities. I have found someone who I think may be able to help me find a way to better meet my son’s educational needs…granted it’s going to cost me an arm and a leg to get him tested and assessed and I’ll have to fly to LA several times in order to do it, but who knows? Maybe I’ll gain some insights that will help me preserve his love of learning while simultaneously enabling him to be successful within a classroom setting.

And maybe…just maybe my next book contract will be fantastic and the publisher who signs me will give me everything I ask for and more!

Okay the last part of that statement is a stretch but it’s the beginning of a new year…the time is ripe for dreaming.

Kyra Davis
http://www.kyradavis.com/
Sex, Murder And A Double Latte IN STORES NOW!!!
For The Love Of A Dog--A fun online read!
Moms Of Mystery--An e-newsletter!

2 comments :

AnonymousTuesday, January 3, 2006 at 5:03:00 PM PST
Well let me assure you that as a reader who loved your first book, I will be buying your second. Sounds like the New Year is full of wonderful possibilities. While I can understand your trepidations I think it probably stems more from that whole mentality (which I so share) when life is good, expect it to kick you in the bum. My advice: it's going to anyway. That's the nature of life. So throw away the nerves and deal with the fall-out when it comes. Happy New Year and congratulations on all your accomplishments. I hope this year is bigger and better.
kyradavisTuesday, January 3, 2006 at 10:30:00 PM PST
Meike…thank you so much for keeping me in the loop! I can not wait to see a Dutch edition of SMDL and I’m more than thrilled to hear that it will be part of a Red Dress Ink launch! That’s a good omen plus ten!

Amra—you’re right, it’s hard not to get nervous when things are going well although if I think about it logically my history would indicate that bad times usually beget more bad times (with a few glaring exceptions) and good times do the opposite. I remember waking up in the mornings during those hellish last months of my marriage terrified of what the day was going to bring and my fears were usually justified. However when things turned around for me it was just one good thing after another. I have absolutely no reason to think 2006 will be anything less than great so I’m going to try to push those annoying little anxieties aside and try to enjoy the moment.