Update: Why I haven’t been publishing anything.
Dear Highly Valued Reader,
Since I wrapped up my Crystal series back in 2016, I’ve been promising a season 2. Alas, I got side-tracked by other ideas and other series.
But I knew it was time to start writing more Crystal books when snippets of banter between Alejandro and Max kept popping into my mind!!!
To make this happen, I decided to hibernate and focus on finishing the two series that I was midway through (Saints and Sinners & The Lincolns). I’ve been pretty quiet since I released Unholy Ground (Saints and Sinners 3) back in January. That’s because I’ve been doing just that: hibernating and writing NONSTOP.
Need proof? The books I’ve written so far this year are:
- Irredeemable (Saints and Sinners 4)
- Curveball (Saints and Sinners 5)
- Justice (Saints and Sinners 6)
- Untitled (The Lincolns 10) – Salem Lincoln (it isn’t really untitled but if I mention the title you’ll all guess what’s wrong with him 😃)
- The Magician (The Lincolns 11) – Xy Lincoln
- The Televangelist (The Lincolns 12) – Hades Lincoln
- The Red Robe (The Lincolns 13) – Jared Lincoln
- Prophecy (Crystal 10)
- Untitled (Crystal 11)
- Untitled (Crystal 12)
Currently writing: Untitled (Crystal 13)
Please note: all titles listed are tentative.
You may be wondering how I’ve managed to write that many books this year. Well, I’ve been writing like I’m on drugs. My husband has been sniffing my breath just to make sure I’m sober, ha ha. But guess what? I’m LOVING this level of productivity.
However, writing so fast is hard work. It means I have to plot books in intricate detail so that writing is mindless and I don’t have to stop to think. I have to have each scene outlined and I have to know exactly where the book is going. It also means that in my spare time I’m reading lots of other books as reading awesome literature keeps me fresh and sparks my own creativity. I’m also watching movies, reading books/listening to podcasts about story-structure and storytelling devices/techniques, and other things that only obsessed storytellers bother with.
It also means trying to edit and publish isn’t realistic 😭😭😭
I’ve been trying to edit ‘Untitled’ (Salem’s book) and I’m about 60% through the first edit (2 more rounds of editing to go) and it’s affecting my writing.
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I initially thought I’d be able to edit/publish while writing this fast but I always think I’m Wonder Woman. I’m not.
Besides being an author, I’m also supposed to be a wife and a mother to two kids that I should really spend time with. Also, praying and reading my bible are habits that I just have to keep up. I can’t negotiate on that. I’m waking up at 4am each morning as it is. (5.30am is the absolute latest I can allow) or I won’t get everything done that I need to.
Creativity takes time. But don’t feel sorry for me, guys. I’m enjoying this so much. It’s my calling and it energizes rather than drains me. My goal is to publish 100 books before age 40. I’m in my early thirties and decided in January, when I had my birthday, that I don’t have to let this drag out until I’m forty. I’m a motivational video/personal development junkie and I heard a quote that you should take your 10-year goal and see what you can do to achieve it in 6 months!!! I cannot hit book 100 in 6 months. But I could possibly hit it by this time next year. I’m currently writing my 57th book so 43 left. Woohoo!!! 💃💃💃
I gave myself this ‘100 books by 40’ goal because I currently have 180 books on my ‘to be written’ list. The thought of getting to the end of my life and not writing them all troubles me. But I’ve decided that if I can write 100 of them, that’ll be pretty cool.
Really Sorry…
Soo…I’m asking for your forgiveness if you’re one of the people who has emailed me this year to ask when my next book will be out and I told you it’ll be out in the summer. It won’t. At the moment I’m thinking it’ll be next year. But who knows, I could burn out within a few months and decide to stop writing and start editing/publishing, or I might stay focused and make it to book 100 by this time next year (that’s the target).
If you’re thinking that writing that many books in twelve months is crazy. It is. But it’s not as crazy as you think if you consider the fact that I’m dictating the books (not typing. Typing forty-something books before now has pretty much ruined my wrists). I’m also a full-time author so this is my ‘day job’. Also, none of these books will be the finished article by any stretch of the imagination. Each one of them is a very messy first draft that I will need to later mold into something readable, and they will each have to go through three rounds of editing (It’ll probably take me like five years to actually publish them all). I’m literally just blitzing out my first drafts since the mood to do so has taken me.
Stay in Touch
Anyhow, I need your prayers. Also, I invite you to email me whenever you want and keep me accountable, check on my progress, ask me what book I’m currently writing and how it’s going. I will happily tell you.
If you’ve been dying to know what’s wrong with Salem, let me know and I’ll tell you. It isn’t really a spoiler as the book focuses more on how he gets his freedom, rather than on his problem.
If you’re not on my mailing list, whyever not? Sign up here so that you’ll know the minute I publish a new book. I honestly can’t wait to share all these books I’m writing with you!!!
You’re always on my mind as I write.
In closing, here’s a quick encouragement from me: If you have a goal. Go for it. Even if it means single-minded focus for a season. Even if other people don’t get it and think you’re obsessed (#DedicatedNotObsessed). If you have lots of goals and don’t know which one to focus on first, I encourage you to pick out the goal that will make it easier for you to achieve all your other goals and go after it with so much savage tenacity that people think you’re on drugs 😂😂😂
Thanks for listening and for patiently accepting that I won’t be publishing any books this year (😀😀😀). You’re the best.
Dayo xx
You’re one of my favorite christian authors!
I will be praying for you!
Thank you <3
All I can say is WOW! Looking forward to all of these titles in God’s time! I’ve blazed through all of your series so far. Keep working and good luck I’ll be waiting. 😁
Thanks, Amber. You’re so sweet.
Glad you’ve enjoyed all my books so far 🙂
I’m excited to see all that is coming! I’ve read all of the series for everyone so far! Can’t wait to see what God has in store for the rest! Keep up the good work and good luck!! I’ll be waiting 😁
I’ve emailed you about what has happened to Salem and have not received a return email… I’m also quite disappointed that you did not decide to finish the Lincoln series before moving on to other writing.
Hi Lori, sorry I’m just seeing your comment. We exchanged emails in May so I guess that part of your comment is sorted.
The Lincolns series is finished though. I stopped publishing so that I could blaze through the remaining books. So rest assured that it’s finished. I just won’t be publishing the books until next year as I need to take time off to focus on writing only.
Awesome. Keeping you in my prayers.
Thank you, Dawn 🙂
Good day Dayo, so good to hear from you.
I’m one of those who constantly checks and refreshes her email just to make sure I don’t miss out of anything from you. You are an amazing creature of the Almighty God. Congratulations on trying to achieve your goals, May God see you through every stage and process.
Victory is yours.
Happy Easter and warm regards to your family
PS-I’ll like to know about Salem please.
Hi Tope, a huge ‘Amen’ to your prayer and all your kind words. I appreciate it. I’ve emailed you about Salem.
God bless 🙂
Thank you so much for your update!
I was getting worried when I hadn’t heard from you since your latest installment of Saints and Sinners.
So glad to know you are okay. I’m impressed with the way you set targets and achieve goals with focus and determination. Keep at it, I know you’ll get there by the grace of God!
Greetings from Nigeria 🙂
Thanks, Onyeka. Amen. I’m totally depending on God to achieve this 🙂
Dayo, just understand that you’re loved and appreciated. As a fellow woman, I’m PROUD of you for deciding what you want to do and wholeheartedly pursuing it, eliminating unwelcome distractions along the way. Do you know how inspiring that is? Extremely!
Just proud of you. Do your thing. We’ll be here.
❤️❤️
Your way too sweet, LaKeisha. Thank you so much ❤️ 🙂 Happy & honoured to inspire you.
Oh,I’m so glad you’re ok and writing ! Your family does come first right after your God . 😊 I will be very happy when I get to continue reading more of your books ! Wow more of Crystal 😁 . Yeah ! Take care of yourself and your family,God bless you and your family ! Sharon
Aww thank you Sharon. I appreciate that. God bless you too, and your family.
Thanks for the update.what a creative writer are. God has truly blessed you with a special gift. I have been anxiously waiting for the next books in saints and sinners and would love to know what’s wrong with Salem. I don’t know who you keep so much in your head in creating all these series at one time. I’m glad though that you keep up your prayers and Bible reading and juggling your family life. Joan Gibson. Liverpool UK
Hi Joan, fellow citizen of Liverpool 🙂 🙂
I have sent you an email about Salem.
God bless.
Hello Ms. Dayo,
Blessings on you and your family. I have been and continue to be so immensely impressed at your determination, focus, productivity and creativity. Your works have amazed me and really encouraged my spirit as I’ve been enthralled and entertained through the worlds and tales you have crafted. God has really blessed you with great gifts that you have clearly cultivated and applied. As you continue to purse your lofty goals which I have no doubt you will achieve with God’s guidance, direction and assistance, I’ll keep cheering you on professionally by reading your work and personally with your family in prayers. I truly am amazed at all you do and the fount that that continues to pour forth from you in such abundance. Its beautiful and makes me a little wistful that I could soar and not be as bogged down as I have been. I look forward to the pleasurable results of all your efforts in the upcoming works. Blessings Mrs. Benson. (oh and I’d also like to know about Salem as well, Thank you!)
Hi Zanette, what a lovely comment. I’m so glad my books have been encouraging to you.
YES, you can definitely soar!!!
I appreciate your prayers. Thank you so much.
(I have just emailed you about Salem).
God bless xx
Dayo,
I love your work and I’m thankful to God that He has chosen to make you so creative. Thank you for letting us know and for sharing. Take care of yourself!!!
Please let me know what’s wrong with Salem.
Thanks, Lorraine. I will try my best 🙂
I’ve emailed you about Salem.
God bless.
I am one of those waiting for the Lincoln series but i am excited that there is more to come in the Crystal series. I would like to know what is wrong with Salem. I pray that God will make all your dreams come true and that everything will continue to flow in your writing. You are gifted and are using your gift to glorify God. May you always remember your family is your first ministry. Make time for special spontaneous moments with them. Love your series.
I agree. Family definitely has to come first.
I’ll send you an email about what’s wrong with Salem. Thanks for your kind words xx
I appreciate your honesty and love your books. I am a marriage and family therapist from Atlanta Georgia who works overseas with military families. Currently I am in Italy and your books allow me to do something fun for myself. I fell in love with the Crystal series and have read all of your books except the Saints and Sinners series which I will now start. It’s important that you take care of yourself so that you aren’t burnt out and relish in the creativity God has given you.
P.S. Remember to keep those date nights with your husband.😊
Georgiana Bagley
Georgiana Bagley
That’s excellent advice. Thank you. I so need it because I easily get carried away. I’m so glad you’re enjoying my books. Your job sounds interesting. All the best.
Girl, you are simply amazing. I thought at first you were going to say you were writing a screenplay – because ya, your books should be on the silverscreen! You are writing so much more. God Bless. You’re spark , motivation and drive are inspiring to say the least. If you need some energy, focus and mental clarity to help you reach those humongous goals, I’ve got exactly what you need. Email me ! PS LOVE YOUR Crystal series. Need to check out the rest. xo
Silverscreen… Maybe it’ll happen one day. Yes, I do need energy, focus and mental clarity. I will be emailing you.
Hi Dayo,
So, just to be clear, are you saying that the reason we can’t get any more of your books this year is because you do not have time to edit them?
Regards,
Vinita
Yes. In a nutshell 🙂
I so appreciate the update because I am one of those eagerly awaiting your additions to the Lincoln series and now I am looking forward to where you take Crystal. I appreciate you writing goals but please, please, please finish up at least one more book on the Lincolns.
Lol. Pausing to finish up another book will add 1 to 2 months to the end date I’m targetting.
I really don’t want this to take me any longer than it has to.
Hi Dayo,
I have been checking my emails religiously for an email from you. I even refresh my account just to make sure haha. I’m very honored to know that you would take the time to let us know what’s happening with you, our beloved story teller. You are such an inspiration on how you set goals for yourself and actually follow through with them. I’m very ecstatic to hear we will be getting a ton of books from you in the future I can’t wait to dig into them.
May God be your guide and may He continue fueling you with whatever it is He has you on😊🤣.
P.S. Please do let me know what is wrong with Salem, I’m dying to know!
Agape Love my sister all the way from South Africa: Akhona
Amen to continual fuelling from God!! Thanks for everything you’ve said. I appreciate it. I’ve just sent you an email about Salem. God bless.
I am in awe of everything you have done, and are currently doing.
Your books are worth the wait.
Prayers being sent!
Thank you, Kara.
Your prayers are much appreciated.
God bless.
Thank you for the explanation. Even though I’m sad I won’t be able to read anything from you this year. I understand the creative process. Continue to let the Lord use you. I know I won’t regret waiting. I’m an avid reader so, I’ll keep myself occupied with other books. I’m earnestly waiting for whatever God has in store for me through your books. Keep Him first!
Thanks, Karen. I appreciate that 🙂
God bless.
What can I say, Dayo? You’re simply awesome! I cannot imagine how you achieve what you achieve writing so many books so fast plus the fact that each book is unique and deep. How you manage all that is still a mystery. But I gleaned something from your post. It is my AHA moment. You dictate your stories. I shall be trying that. Thank you for heeding God’s call on your life. You have been a blessing and keep it up. More grace!
Aww thank you Sola. You’re always so sweet.
Yes, I dictate my books. I had to switch because typing so much has wreaked havoc on my hands/wrists/arms. But it’s a blessing in disguise because you can speak like three times faster than you can type. It was hard for me at first to make the switch, but now that I’m used to it, I pretty much fly through my first drafts. I highly recommend switching to dictation.
Good luck with your writing.
Thank you for the update!! I LOVE your books and have been really anxious to read the next in the Lincoln series! But I can be patient too and don’t want any spoilers! Praying for you as you continue to write and reach your goals. Keep up the good work!
~Kim
Thank you, Kim. I really appreciate that 🙂
God bless.