It's a nice compliment and it feels good to have one fan. I haven't read the review she posted, and I probably won't, but whatever it says, I'm assuming it's genuine. She's a very nice person who's always said good things about my work, but I wasn't sure if she was just being nice, until she emailed me, suggesting a sequel.
All marketing advice revolves around series, to the point where an author of a standalone novel begins to doubt if paid ads are even worth it. To me, a sequel is generally a lame attempt to recapture the magic of the first novel (for comparison, see: movie sequels). I have no idea where Leah's life would go after Running From Herself, but I know it wouldn't be anywhere interesting. I like her life just where I left it ~ what am I going to do? Break up her romance? That would disappoint both me and my (hypothetical) readers.
As I was reading marketing tips, hoping to find some that actually worked, I very briefly considered writing Paula Barnes' (Leah's superstar mentor's) origin story, but oh, my! There would be so much research involved! Granted, in Running From Herself I hinted at her earlier life ~ her three marriages, the indignities she faced trying to make it in the business, and of course, her alcoholism, but a whole novel? I don't think the desire to do it is there. I'm not saying it couldn't be good, but writing Running From Herself was a hard, never-ending slog that depleted me.
As of now, my writing days are over. Who knows? I could change my mind, especially if my boredom becomes too great, but another year? I'm currently shaking my head "no". Plus, I don't like revisiting. If I was to write again, I'd prefer to start a story from scratch.
Regardless, it was nice to receive validation. That, plus my one stellar review, is at least something to show for my hard work.
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