Ouch! That is disappointing, but take heart. We all have books that do better than others... one or two of mine are dead in the water! That Kindle returns thing is often a dirty scheme where people are getting free books/ Once a book is returned, they don't stop digital access to the copy. Maybe that is a compliment in some way?

Hang in there!

I stumbled upon this blog looking to read more on exactly this subject. I self-published my first book about two years ago in the sci-fi/crime sort of realm. Very gritty in tone and language and lots of sci-fi concepts. It netted fans with very enthusiastic reactions to it. For my second book, though, I did a completely different kind of story, a throwback pulp western/hardboiled hybrid mystery set during Prohibition, thinking that I already had a built-in audience based on the first book's popularity. Sales, however, have not borne that out. I've had more Kindle refunds on this second book in two months than the first one ever garnered, and there's been virtually zero reaction from fans who are still asking about a sequel to the first book. I will say that I absolutely believe the experience of stepping out into something different greatly improved my writing, but I won't be counting on fans to follow me the next time I do 🙂

Ciara, if you don't allow people to find their own wings, then they can burn out, dry out and what you do love will disappear completely. When people feel caged, they will cut off their arm to find freedom. Live and let live. Good luck with your writing.

Thanks Jenny, it's been wonderful to be here. 🙂

Good on you Nele! I think finding courage is the biggest hurdle writers face. I spend more time talking to people about the flagging self-esteem than any technical point. You CAN do it. Have a ball!

I'm sure that will continue Billy. I am neck deep in story planning at the moment. The more I get into it, the more ideas and enthusiasm generate.

That would be great!