Yesterday, I completed an interview for a website that I’ll link to at the bottom. It was a nice interview with an incredibly thoughtful interviewer, so I was compelled to be…well, honest. My normal self, in other words. In the interview, I admitted something that I haven’t yet said in a public forum, and to be honest, I was a little upset with myself that I had not shared with the jungle first.
So here it goes:
KISS OF THE PHANTOM is in stores now…and it is likely the last Phantom book that will be published.
Obviously, I’m not happy about this…it’s kind of an open wound, truth be told. I love this series and though I was lucky enough to finish off the first trilogy (and therefore end most of the major story arcs), I’m painfully disappointed that I won’t be able to complete my vision.
I’m not the first author to have to stop a series before it was done…I won’t be the last. Heck, this has happened to me twice now, with two different publishers, and if you don’t think that makes me feel like a failure…well, it does. But such is the way of the business. I’m resilient and determined. I’ll keep going. But I will never plan a series for more than three books ever, EVER again. Lesson learned!
So, I’m disappointed. I’m sure my readers are and to you, I apologize. The decision was beyond my control and honestly, was made a long time ago…long before anyone clued me in.
But with every cloud, there is a silver lining.
KISS OF THE PHANTOM rocks.
I know that sounds vain. Sorry. You know I’m honest and often say things that wiser authors would keep to themselves. But this is the jungle and I don’t mind sharing a little bit of myself with you guys or I wouldn’t be here every Wednesday. I’m really, really happy with how KISS OF THE PHANTOM turned out and I’m glad it’s the “end” of the series because I’m leaving on a high note.
What do I love about this book?
The hero. Rafe Forsyth is Romani, a true Gypsy soul who was relatively young when he was trapped by the curse that ensnared each of the heroes in my series. He was married and from within his magical prison, he watched his wife’s murder. He struggles between the darkness of his past and his wonderment with the modern world–and particularly, the modern woman who freed him.
That leads me to the heroine. Mariah Hunter is an opportunist and a thief who has, in recent years, started to settle down and create friendships and roots. But she’s also in desperate need of a savior after a job she was working on blew up in her face. She’s got vulnerabilities underneath her vulnerabilities, but she doesn’t allow herself to acknowledge them until a magical man from the 18th century suddenly pops into her life.
I love the plot of this book. I love the villains. I love the settings. I adore the ending in more ways than I can describe and actually cried when I wrote it. I wrote this book right after my surgery last summer when I was feeling a sudden surge of energy and creativity that I had not experienced in years. I’ve had more reader mail in the last week than I’ve received in a long time.
So…why the confession?
Because I really want people to buy this book. It’s some of my best work and an author can’t help but want to share that with her readers. It’s not business anymore…it’s personal.
That’s my deep, dark secret. I love KISS OF THE PHANTOM and I hope you will, too. That said, I’m offering another duo of the first two books, signed, to anyone who posts here today. I hope you’ll take the time to look for KISS and that you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.
Oh and that very nice interview? Click here to read!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
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Julie- I can’t wait to read Rafe and Mariah’s story. I am
that it will be the last story. As reader’s, we feel your pain. I hope it sells lots of copies.
Is there any way you can epublish with another publisher, even if you are signed to someone else?
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Julie I am sorry to hear there will be no more Phantom books published. I know you must be hurt and upset all the above. I know you are a strong author so you will get through all this but it must be very hard. It is not fair to you or us the readers.
Again I just want you to know we feel your pain.
Good luck with your books,,
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Julie, we love you, we know how talented you are, not to mention STRONG. You will land on your feet in the right place!
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I’m really sorry your series got canceled. It bites the big one, but here’s another piece o silver to line that cloud… write the book anyway. It’s what Lynn Viehl did. And she put out bits of good stuff on her blog for a few years while readers clamored for more. Eventually, the publishers came back and she was ready for them. And kept the series going for another 7 books IIRC.
So, yeah, you have to move on to other paying projects. But in the meantime, you can write the hell outta those PHANTOM books with no editor or agent saying that you’re going the wrong way with the series. And when the cycle of publishing comes knocking on your door again, you’ll have something in the hopper just waiting for them.
And here’s that link to Lynn Viehl’s journey if you want a lil inspiration:
http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/2009/05/update.html
Congrats on KISS OF THE PHANTOM!
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Julie – Rafe and Mariah’s story sounds great! I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t get to finish out the series like you planned. That’s hard – but it’s nice that you’re finishing strong.
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Julie, I’m so sorry that Kiss of the Phantom is the last book in the series.
I know you will land on your feet and your readers are reading and willing to wait for your next great book/series. I have Kiss of the Phantom in my tbr pile right now and can’t wait to read it, because I know it will rock!
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oops…that should have said ready and willing to wait for your next great book/series. Really should have more caffine before I type in the mornings.
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Julie, don’t put me in the contest. I already have both books, signed.
I am so sorry the Phantom series is ending. You are a marvelous storyteller and these books were fresh and fun, while still tugging on the heartstrings. I just started KISS.
I picked it up last night as I was settling in to sleep and was just going to read the prologue. Uhm…My DH nudged me, told me to take off my glasses and turned off the light. I was 100 pages in when I dozed off. 
I can’t believe anybody here HASN’T read these books but if they haven’t?
Hang in there, know that you have a solid fan base, and that we’ll always want to hear the rest of your stories!
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Hang in there, Julie….I always say, ‘when they close a door, they always leave the window open”. I was going to suggest what Silver suggested.
(just because we love Mickey!).
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So sorry to hear that there wont be any more Phantom books, it is a great series..I bought Kiss of the Phantom the other day and cannot wait to read it..best wishes to you in new and exciting books to come..
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Julie, bless your heart, sweetie. I’m so sorry. You’re a fabulous writer and don’t let anyone tell you different. Like Carly said, you’ll be back on you feet before you know it.
Noli sinere te ab improbis opprimi – Don’t let the bastards get you down
Sad news: A robin built a nest on the ledge over our front door and four chicks hatched. We were so excited. Yesterday we didn’t see the mother at all. We kept hoping she would come back and wondered what could have happend. I got in touch with the Avianweb site. I was told a preditor must have gotten her. Mike did notice that something had pulled a nest from one of the trees growing by our driveway and there were some remains on the ground.
Anyway, the babies passed during the night. I buried those little things in my garden under the autumn ash and put the nest in the front garden by a little angel statue holding a bird. I know they were just four wild birds but it breaks my heart. I’m sitting here crying as I write this. The nest was so sturdy. She reinforced the sides with mud and anchored it to the ledge.
Cher
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Just to back up what Julie said…this book ROCKS.
I have read all three of the Phantom books and while I truly loved the second one, and didn’t expect to like the third as much, I was so wonderfully wrong! The third is such an adventure but is definitely the most emotionally moving of the three.
I can’t tell you all how much I, personally, regret that July can’t write the rest of these books. I will never forget the day several years back when we sat outside by my pool in Florida and started talking about this whole thing. I loved the concept then, and I love it now.
Julie, I am so very sorry this happened…and I hope Kiss sells like hotcakes so at least people will go back and pick up the first two that they missed!
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Can’t wait to see what you write next Julie! I am a big fan of your books!
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Julie, I am SO sorry that there won’t be another Phantom book, and I think it’s very brave of you to share this with us.
Good for you for saying Phantom rocks! Why not share the joy when it’s the truth? Too many people don’t share their happiness with a great finished project, and it’s a good lesson for the rest of us! I know your next project will be just as wonderful.
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I hear this happens a lot, but it still doesn’t ease the pain of knowing some characters stories may never be told. But to know you went out on a high note – well that is the best way to ‘show them’!!
And it’s always nice to hear an author is proud of their work. You should be since the work isn’t easy.
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I am sorry to hear that I will be reading the last book in the phantom series. Well that make the books that I already have in the series, very special collector books.
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Julie,
Im sorry to hear they cancelled another one of your series. I really love your writing style. Your very creative. I can’t wait to read this book. This series has been put on my to be bought and read pile.
Looking forward to more creative writing styles you bring out in the future. Hugs sweetie.
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I picked up this book last week and am looking forward to reading it this weekend.
Sorry to hear that it is ending though. This writing thing sure sounds like a tough business to be in. I know I could never stand the pressure.
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Hey Jules, I saw the interview…Carrie left the link at one of my other haunts…I must say that I was a little bummed when I read it, but it didn’t really throw me off kilter, you know…I assumed that “Kiss” was the last book in the series…and you know how I feel about Marisela…you shouldn’t feel like a failure…I love how candid you and the other plotmonkeys are here in the jungle…thank you for trusting us all with who you are…I already have this book in my possession…Amazon finally came through…hope that made you smile…
Now, how is the weather down there in Tampa?…did the topic switch seem subtle enough? I know you will bounce back, and I know you will keep your head up…just think of this as a pause…now you move on to bigger and better things…but, if you really feel the need to finish that series…you can always send the manuscripts to me…lol…
I really love you guys…thanks for everything Carly, Jules, Janelle and Les…you always make me happier, even if its just for the day…
I will swing by later…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Julie, So sorry for your disappointment about not continuing the series. I can’t begin to tell you how many of my auto-buy authors, who have been writing ST series, do not have a new book for the series on the schedule for the upcoming year. It’s clear when the economy got bad, corporations cut back. While acknowledging that, I want to thank Hq., whose sales have escalated. While I know a lot of readers have dumped Categories (&, I understand writers want to do different work), I still find some of the best stories in Hq.’s books. Why? Because it hasn’t forgotten about relationship-based writing. Because of that, I’ve actually found relatively-new, & new-to-me, writers whose work I’ve discovered & love. I may be in the minority, but, to me, it’s uplifting to find that I can find new writers whose work still touches my heart.
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Oh boo, it is a shame this will be the last one and you can not continue as you would like. Sorry to hear it is at an end! Look forward to more stuff from you in the future!
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So sorry that you are having to end your series in
such a precipitous manner.
Pat Cochran
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NO! I love this series! I’ve already read Kiss of a Phantom! Finished last night! It was awesome Julie! I love your writing and I love this series! I’m sorry you aren’t going to get to finish it! I was really looking forward to see what was going to happen with Gemma and the two other brothers….i don’t know if i can live with not knowing about Rogan and Serina either….that totally just sucks! I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate the series and i love you writing!
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Julie,
I just wanted to thank you for your honesty. I’ve been struggling with a difficult project for the past 9 months and finally had to let it go. It’s so disappointing when these things don’t work out the way we envisioned. I feel for you.
Jill
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Your feelings are perfectly understandable and completely okay to share. Be comforted that your readers will remember this series as your best work ending on a high note. I’m so sorry you have to end it prematurely when there are other (not as good) series out there by other authors that really NEED to end but unfortunately keep dragging on and on and …. well, you get the idea. There are lots of good ideas here today. I especially like the one about Lynn Viehl. Trust me, your readers will follow you on to your next book anyway.
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Hi Julie,
I’m sorry to hear that “Kiss of the Phantom” will be the last book in the series and you won’t be able to finish this series like you envision.
I love reading your books and was looking forward to reading about all the brothers and sister.
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So sorry and sad to hear that your Phantom series has ended. Can’t wait to read “Kiss of the Phantom.”
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I just ordered this from Amazon!
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Julie,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I really love your writing. As hard as it will be, we are waiting for you to dust off and keep going.
Much love to you!
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Argh! Huge hugs, Julie! I can’t wait to read Kiss of the Phantom, and I’m so sorry that’ll be all that we get for now. Thanks for continuing to write awesome stories!
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Hi Julie! I second what another poster said about writing #4 and #5 anyway. If fans clamor about it enough, it WILL be published.
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I’m sorry to see the series end as well
and can’t wait to read Rafe and Mariah’s story! I also look forward to your next book. And the one after that. And the one after that. You’re a wonderful storyteller, Julie!
Great interview at Moonlight, Lace & Mayhem!
p.s. Don’t enter me in the drawing – I won last time!
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Sorry you won’t be able to finish your series, Julie. I can imagine your frustration, but at least you can end it with a book that you love that kicks butt! :)
Hang in there, and I’m sure there are other good things coming your way!
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Julie I am sorry to hear there will be no more Phantom books published. Other things will come your way.
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Hi Julie Great interview.I’m sorry to hear that “Kiss of the Phantom” will be the last book in the series .I’m really sorry your series got canceled. Good luck with your books.
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Julie~
I am really sorry that you are not able to complete the series the way that you had envisioned it, but I think that we are very lucky to have the three that have been written.
I, also, really the love the covers for all three!
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Wow…you guys have given me the best
a girl could ask for! Seriously…every comment spoke straight to my heart and I thank you all so much!
I have thought about finishing off the stories somehow…I’m not sure what avenue to take just yet. But I’m not ruling anything out while I try to figure it out. So maybe, someday, I will be able to answer those lingering questions…some of which I don’t know the answers to yet!
I can share a few things about what would have been book 4: It was set in New Orleans. The hero was Colin, the priest, who was not anything like what his brothers thought about him. The heroine was, for a short time as a child, in the cult that was the K’vr and that’s how she knew Gemma, who would have been a major secondary character. The heroine’s name wasn’t written in stone yet, but she has a paranormal power this time, not just the hero!
That’s all I can share. I want to keep some mystery in case I get to tell the story.
I was just speaking with another author today who said that the ending of a series before its time, to an author, can be like a death. You want to celebrate the life, but you still feel sad. It’s the perfect metaphor, so thanks to everyone for sharing in cheering me up.
I hope that KISS OF THE PHANTOM will be an eloquent eulogy!
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Julie, I was so sorry to hear about the demise of your series. We can all hope that at a later date, the balance of the series will come to fruition. I am sure that all your readers (me for sure), will be patiently awaiting Kiss of the Phantom, and whatever the future brings.
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What a shame you don’t have a say in how many books you can do in a series. If the series is successful, you would think they would want to keep it going. At least, you are pleased with your books and happy with the way it ended. Many people have unfinished stories and are not allowed to complete them. Propose another trilogy which is an offshoot of the original one. New series, minor characters moved up to main characters. Have good proposals for all three books. I’m not a writer, so don’t know how it works, but it would seem to me a follow-up to a successful series is a sure bet.
Congratulations on the release of KISS OF THE PHANTOM. I’ll have to find the whole series and read it. Good luck with those characters waiting for their story..
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Julie, I will ALWAYS be in line to get your books! I love the excitment of your releases and too seeing your joy too. I can feel both your sadness about this all as well as you being happy about one of your best books you feel you’ve done. I so don’t want you to give up your dreams! If there is anything I can do as a reader, I’d love to (write pub, anything!). I so know its not you and so you have nothing to apologize to us for! I guess you feel it so much with us because we’re all die hard romance readers and we want that HEA for EVERYONE, even us, and it to be lasting. So know our love for you is always and will be there for you always! Hugs, Cathie
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So sorry you won’t be able to write the rest of the books in your Phantom series!
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sounds good
would love win
thanks
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You rock! (from the old band guy!)
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Wow, Julie, I’m sorry that there may be no more Phantom books. I’ve truly loved this series. It is so different from what’s out there. I have KISS OF THE PHANTOM waiting next in line to be read. It’s definitely next on my list and I’m so looking forward to it!! Can’t wait to read about Rafe and Mariah!