Leaving Vella
A bittersweet sunset.
It’s the first Jonfiction Blog of the year and to kick things off, I’m saying goodbye. A farewell to Amazon’s Kindle Vella serialized fiction/non-fiction platform comes easy for me because I simply did not dedicate enough time for it. Though I have plans to revitalize the episodes I did publish, looking back is still a bit fuzzy. A lot of potential was left dying on the Vella vine, but if I committed to it more, would it have mattered?
In February, Amazon will sunset the incremental story service, mainly due to it simply not catching on like they’d hoped. Many authors saw success with the outlet, enjoying regular views/reads/followers, but overall, the bite-size fiction style didn’t catch fire. Not enough to be sustainable. Other platforms are available - heck, Substack can and is being used for uploading stories/reviews/articles. So, if writers are still producing content that was fine enough for Vella, then why is Amazon pulling the plug?
I believe it has something to do with the full name - Kindle Vella. With “Kindle” in the title, one could assume that you can read these short-form writings on a Kindle reader device. But you could not. Correct me if I am wrong, but Vella was only available under a section within the Kindle app on a smartphone or tablet (or browser-based app on a computer). I originally tried my hand at producing “episodes” for Kindle by breaking up a short story. This might have been okay if it was a longer series, but I was sticking my toes in the water and published six parts. Even a truncated limited series like that might have worked if I had multiple shorts ready to go, but I merely had one. Evidentially I released an even shorter series, which I didn’t expect much from and I certainly received little as a result. This was fine since I was still just getting to know the mechanics of Vella. I was preparing to release my first full-length novel as a Vella series, split into individual parts. I got about a quarter of the way through before I decided to publish the book as a single, complete ebook (and later as a paperback print edition). A contributing factor as to why I pulled out was that Vella was difficult for people to understand.
Kindle Vella had a large readership, so I figured it would be no problem convincing people to take a chance on my stuff. When I tried to explain how to access the episodes, however, it was like an English major trying to teach algebra to a dog. It was doomed from the start. Apparently there enough people who share this sentiment because Vella is going away.
I reflect on my abrupt efforts on Vella and regret not giving it a proper go. I won’t spend too long mourning it, though, because what I published can be rereleased - and I can continue them and even start new series on other outlets. Substack is the primary choice to feature these “episodes,” so be on the lookout for these to be special editions of Jonfiction Blog.
From Captain Hook to Hannibal Lecter, devious villains capture our imaginations - and invade our nightmares. Explore the origins of the fictional scoundrels you only think you know in this episodic history series. Discover the truth about the notorious crimes, the dark legacies, and the real life inspirations based on these fiendish foes - and find out who is the baddest of them all. Just keep telling yourself it's all make believe... Isn't it?
Fictional heroes, villains, and everyone in between have formed unlikely alliances to answer a common calling: which group of kindred characters is the mightiest of them all? United by a shared theme, troops of four fabulous fictional characters will figuratively compete in a tournament of television, movie, and literature's finest where only one foursome can be crowned kings and queens of popular entertainment. Join in on the roll call to learn more about these similar characters and delve into their individual histories. It's time to assemble the analogous all-stars and find out who is the best, one team at a time.
Stay in the loop for more details by following Jonfiction Blog on Substack and be sure to check out jonmcbrine.com for more info about this and all my books.
Unsecret Identity: Eric Icarus - Book One is available now from the Amazon as a paperback and as an ebook.
https://a.co/2XAtxvH
New blog every Monday. Jonfiction Newsletter first Monday of each month.
Visit jonmcbrine.com/newsletter to get access to the new Jonfiction Newsletter and receive a free ebook.
Follow the link and select "GET MY BOOK" to sign up for the Jonfiction Newsletter and get your free digital download copy of Avenge Her. As a newsletter subscriber, you will receive updates on books, releases, news, art, and much more. Also be sure to follow Jonfiction Blog on Substack (also available on Medium and Tumblr).
Avenge Her takes place four years before the events of Unsecret Identity: Eric Icarus - Book One.
AVENGE HER: ERIC ICARUS MYTHOS
From the ashes of ambition rises the battle for a dream—can a shattered inventor turn his greatest failure into his ultimate redemption?
Eric Icarus Mythos - Explore the stories of the heroes and villains of New St. Cloud City.