Here’s the thing, I still have stories that I want to write. Truth be told, for me writing is like quilting: I have far more stories (and quilts) that I want to do than I have years of life left to do them. So what to do, what to do? I’m thinking about just writing on my own timeline, much like I do with quilts. Quilting is the one thing in my life that I do strictly for myself. I don’t make quilts for other people because the first time someone asks “When will it be finished?” I have an irrepressible urge to shank them. Given my shy bladder I don’t think I would survive very long in prison, so it’s best for all concerned that I don’t make quilts for people.
Anyway, I’ve said all that to say, I’m thinking about putting writing in that category. No deadlines. Just me writing because I’ve got a story to tell. Of course, without a contract there’s a very strong possibility that the stories won’t be published once I get them written. Publishers tend to want contracts because they know writers well enough to know that without a deadline most books will never be finished. Try a Little Tenderness, which I wrote without a contract took two years. I revised that book so many times that I came very close to deleting the whole damned thing. On the other hand, I finished Morning Star in three months flat because I was on deadline. Without a deadline it’s almost impossible to resist the urge to revise a book indefinitely, or at least until you reach the point of setting it on fire. (I get that way about quilts too. By the time I finish one I have to be physically restrained from destroying it.)
I also have to deal with the fact that I’ve promised fans two Rock Star sequels. If nothing else I’ve got to write those two books. (Yeah, I’m OCD that way. Once I say it, it must be done.) Again, there’s no guarantee that either will be published, but I have to be fair to folk who’ve hung in there with me for the past nine years. So yes, Buttercream is still the last book I can guarantee will be published. It will be released in July. I hope to have Dark Star finished sometime this year (no guarantees), and then Superstar sometime next year. After that, who knows?
the one who writes 
I absolutely love the Rock Star series. I have read and reread Morning Star and Rock Star and was absolutely devastated when you said that you would no longer be writing because I need those sequels in my life (particularly the one about Tree). Please, please write them even if it takes years. I just want to hear their stories.
That’s great news. So glad you will continue! Hopefully a contract will be offered. I wish you the best!
I was also absolutely devastated when I saw your other post about quitting writing. I totally understand why you made that decision but also felt sad because I have also been waiting for the Rock Star sequels. So as you can imagine, I am happy that you have decided to write them all the same. I also want to let you know that you are a great writer and I have bought almost all of your books and will continue to do so whenever you have one published. Wishing you the best of everything.
Is self publishing an option?. I’m liking this publisher more and more as they’re geared exclusively for authors of I/R work: http://www.beautifultroublepublishing.com
Would be extremely chuffed if you did sequels to Rock Star.
Still a fan, albeit rather gutted!
I am so relieved you won’t be giving up writing entirely.
BTW, have you thought about self publishing. I read a great post entitled Self Publishing: the Conversations in Romance. This post was inspired by an article in the Washington Post about romance writer Bella Andre.
I screamed when I read that you were going to continue writing. As I have said previously, you are the best in your genre. I am so looking forward to the Rock Star sequels. After all I brought Rock Star twice, so you know I really, really liked it. New baby is just as beautiful as Luke! Yall do good work!!!
I’m glad you’re not giving up writing, it’s too hard to give up things you love. Yea sometimes you just have to do it and things can always change. I’ll always be a faithful fan and when I’m a fan I’m a fan forever so whatever time you need to write it, I’ll be waiting to read it.