Announcement!

~ Tara Nichole

Welcome to fireside chats, second edition.

Did someone bring marshmallows? Everyone cozy?

Great!

In December 2014, I got an idea for a story. It started simple enough, Christian and Ana meet in college when Christian is still Elena’s submissive. The idea was that Christian wouldn’t have enough separation from Elena’s control that the consequences of the abuse he’d endured by her hand would be more blatant and would therefore HAVE to be dealt with (since E.L. James never really did). With that in mind I started plotting, and while the idea remained intact the story took on a life of its own and quickly bloomed into A LOT more.

It took a month for me to do the general outline of the entire story, and then another month working out the finer details/arcs. And on March 31st 2015, A Different Shade of Fifty was born.

I’m not one of those writers who can just write chapter to chapter, I’ve always been working from an overarching outline from start to finish, and then a more narrow, granular outline for each book. I always knew the trial would happen, I always knew about Elena’s club and Mia’s involvement, and I always knew it was Andrew Lincoln who would come for them in the end. The outlines I write from are so detailed, they include dialogue. But as I started to approach the end of a Stronger Shade of Fifty, that became less and less true. This is the actual end of the 84 page outline I created three years ago.

Long, angsty hospital scene where Christian is in surgery. He’s fine, it all works out. They move into the big house and live happily ever after.

Seriously. I went from basically creating a whole separate outline for Ana’s book, just so I would know exactly how and where it actually mirrors what happened between her and Christian, and writing turn by turn directions for how Luke and Kate take Ana to Cape Flattery for the wedding, to “He’s fine, it all works out.”

Now, I’m actually at the end of A Stronger Shade of Fifty and I’m left with… how?!

How does this all work out? How does Ana ever step into a room again without having to check all of the corners to feel safe? What happens to all the remaining pieces that Lincoln couldn’t just dispose of, like the police involvement? Where do Kate and Elliot go from here? What ever happened to Carter?

I fell into the classic trap. I closed the plot, but I didn’t create resolution for the characters.

I think I thought I’d be able to answer these questions in “future takes”, like a few scenes here or there would fill in the details and we’d all be satisfied.

But I’m not satisfied.

Not even close.

So, that being said, I’d like to announce…

Book 4: The Final Shade of Fifty.

Unapologetic 2nd Britney gif

Time frames: 

I’m going to do the Stronger outtakes first, the same as I’ve done with every other story. For those of you who never followed me on fan fiction, my typical process is to write all of the outtakes at one time (offline) and then post them as I get a head start on the actual story. I’m probably going to take a break to decompress from the Stronger roller coaster and really solidify everything I’m going to do for TFSOF (which includes one major arch I had to cut from Stronger due to it’s already over complicated plot– excitement!), and will most likely begin writing the outtakes sometime after Christmas. Depending on how many outtakes I end up doing, I should start posting the first chapter of The Final Shade of Fifty probably sometime in February.

In the meantime, please stay subscribed as I will be posting other Fifty blog posts, like my review of Darker and initial impressions of Fifty Shades Freed, and will keep you all in the loop of where I’m at in the process of getting TFSOF up.

For those of you who were really excited about The Family, I’m sorry. I was excited too. But if I don’t finish what I’ve started now, it’ll leave a bitter taste in my mouth for the rest of eternity. I will not be writing that story. Instead, once Shades of Fifty is ACTUALLY complete, I will be starting an original work, which I will also post here. That’s right, an original. Thanks to the encouragement of everyone here, I think I’m finally brave enough to really take the plunge and create my own characters with their own problems and their own drama. It’s nerve racking and vulnerable, but I can’t wait.

Is three too excessive? No.

See you all Monday! Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to my American followers. If you’re not in the U.S., you should still eat a lot of food today. I’m pretty sure there’s some kind of loophole in the space-time continuum that makes it so that calories don’t count on the 3rd Thursday of November. At least that’s what I’m going to tell myself as I throw down this second (or forth) slice of pie.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering. I’m still wishingmrgreywashere.

56 thoughts on “Announcement!”

  1. Wait? What?
    So the final shade of fifty will only consist of outtakes or is it like the 4th book in the series?
    Nevermind me if it’s literally written in there, it’s 12.30 AM here.
    But I’m excited anyway, especially for your original

    You all grow up so quickly *wipes away tear*

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  3. YOU HAVE NO FUCKING IDEA HOW HAPPY YOU JUST MADE ME!!!!!! Omg thanks thanks thanks!
    I think that the best thing about Fanfiction is that we all are really readers, and we know what is to close the plot without answers… and you do it so good putting yourself in the readers place… I think that this is one of the things that make you the best.
    And about the original… I can’t wait to read what wonders you are going to do… I just hope it has lots and lots of fluffly love (you know, love vibes here).

    Again, you don’t know how much I appreciate it.

    Andie

    Ps: I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in my country but I imagine it’s apropiated to say “happy thanksgiving” isn’t it?
    Ps2: that final gif of Jamie made my panti… well, bye, I shut up.

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  5. It’s Christmas on Thanksgiving!!!! I was wondering how you would resolve everything in the last chapter and now we get another book!! Yay!! So looking forward to outtakes and the new book!

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  6. I’ve just fallen asleep putting the kids to bed at 7pm and woken up at 11.30pm to find this in my inbox. Not American but I am one thankful lady!
    Awesome news. Nothing worse than reading a book or watching a series to completion only to find yourself thinking ‘really… that’s it?’
    Enjoy your break. Looking forwards, as always, to more. x

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  9. OMG! YEAH! THIS IS AWESOME ❤

    I’m so happy with this news. I’ve followed this story from the beginning and I think it’s incredible. You’re an excellent writer and i’m sure any project of yours will be wonderful.

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  11. you are just amazing….your talent is something to behold….you have us shouting for joy, and then teetering on the precipice of despair……thank you for sharing your talent with us……cannot say enough about how much I enjoy your writing and story telling….

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  12. Thank you, Tara, thats wonderful news. We still get to hang out with you, everybody here and know the final story, just great! Dont you worry, you’ll be writing a very fine orginal, look forward to that. Happy Thanksgiving. Xoxo daytona

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  15. Happy Thanksgiving.
    I have to say that I am not sad at all that your continuing this story. 😀 (queue Happy Dance)
    So any teasers till February on FB?

    Thank you for writing such a wonderful story and sharing it with us 😀
    Looking forward to Monday 😀

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  16. YES!!
    I just HAD to drop a comment to express how happy and super excited I am for the fourth installment, and to let you know that you have a vested fan in a country where a certain someone thanked for karate, karaoke and emojis (๑◔‿◔๑)
    Thank you so much for this wonderful journey and I look forward to continue joining in on whatever adventure you lead us.

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  17. I really do wish Mr. Grey were here! Thank you so much for updating us on what to expect. I’m looking forward to next Monday, the Outtakes, book four, all of it. I’m so excited for you to start a story of your very own! That’s fantastic and you know we’ll support you. I hope you’ve had a happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁. Love, Carol

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  18. Tara – Your surprise fabulous announcement was unexpected, truly hoped for and, Today Of All Days, What An Amazing Additional Reason To Give Thanks! I cannot wait for the first chapter of ‘The Final Shade Of Fifty,’ preceded by your extremely anticipated Outtakes for this current book.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, along with a special ‘Thanks’ to them for sharing you and your incredible writing skills with all of us.
    Ellen

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  20. This has been one of the very best reading experiences I’ve had in over seven years of reading fanfiction. That said, I’m really excited about your original work. Your talent deserves its own free reign and I’m sure it’ll be captivating. Good luck with your planning and writing. The final volume of this story will be eagerly anticipated of course. Thanks so much for these gifts you’ve shared. Happy Holidays, whatever they are for you.

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  24. It’s like a birthday gift rolled into a Christmas gift. So happy for all of us. Can’t wait to read more from you. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  25. oMG Tara are you freaking psyche! I was thinking the same thing. Did she really covered all of her loose ends or will she do it with the last chapter. I’m so glad you are doing a Firth book to cover all of your loose ends of this wonderful story. As for your original story I really can’t wait to read that when you r ready for it. So happy to see this today, happy thanksgiving day!!!

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  27. Wonderful news! Can’t wait till February. Congratulations Tara, you’re a very talented writer, your first original story! 👏🍾You can do it. 👍 I’m quite sure that you can publish it too. 🤩 Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

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  28. Reading Christian and Ana fanfictions had taken priority in my schedule and your interesting, thorough and engaging story plots is on top of my reading list. Book 4 is a good follow up because there is still plenty of meat left to carry on. Outtakes are very good idea because there are holes that were left unexplained. Yes will try to follow any original stories from you. Thank you very much.

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  29. I’m so ecstatic to hear this. I am in love with the book 4 idea but i’m Also thrilled to hear about your original work you are going to be putting up here. I love your writing and can’t wait to read it.

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  31. Thank you for writing such a wonderful story and sharing it with us. You made Mondays my favourite day of the week…lol. It was such a rollercoaster ride but loved every bit of it. You’re such a talented writer. Thank you for all the time and energy you’ve invested and graced us with this story.  

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  35. Thank You- Thank You! Yes, Yes, Yes. Our Christmas announcement from the talanted ” wishingmrgreywashere. Thank you! You have made me and so many of your readers so happy.

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  36. Thank You- Thank You! Yes, Yes, Yes. Our early Christmas announcements from the talanted “wishingmrgreywashere” Thank you! You have made me and so many of your readers so happy Tara.

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  37. Happy Thanksgiving indeed!!!

    Fr those who have followed ur weekly updates fr d past 2 yrs, we all were too happy abt finding d culprit but sad that it’s d end
    But now…..woooooooo

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  38. Wonderful news that there is going to be a Book 4. I’m thrilled and I am also excited for your other Book. I hope that you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  39. You ROCK!!!! You have given me Christmas in November. I was wondering about all of them: Christian healing, Ana’s feelings after everything, Ray getting out of jail, Sawyer healing, Elliot & Kate’s relationship, Jason’s healing, and Carter. Hell, I even wondered about the Ashton?? Was that his name? The guy who wanted Ana at Harvard, lol. I am so excited for the Final Shade 🙂

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  40. Omg this has literally made my night! I feel asleep watching tv and it’s hot and gross here atm so I thought better rectfy that and have a shower and realised I had some text messages which of course leads to checking emails etc and I saw this post! Sorry for over sharing useless information! But it is almost 3.30 am my time! And I am now I am wide awake at this exciting news!

    I’ve mentioned before I’ve had a shite year and that I was excited I had found your story after you moved it. When people on fan fiction do that how does everyone know?

    Anyway, your books have become a bit of a carthatic read for me because while of course I haven’t had the drama quite like Ana and Christian I have certainly had a huge family drama which has divided me and for some reason your story really resonates with me personally but also that things are also working out and like your books things will work out.

    On a selfish not I just wasn’t ready for this story to end as another reader commented you write and and think like a reader as well that there are a few loose ends that as readers we are already hounding you with, like what happens to so and so and who did this and I have been guilty of this too – but let’s face it’s a book in itself to tie up all the characters after this has been one hell of a journey for everyone involved. As much as I am obsessed with the Ana and Christian love there are of course other characters who have had huge impact on making this story what it is. I am so happy that you have decided to continue this to give us more of what their future holds and I assume everyone else, I know lots of people want to see how Mia and of course Elliot and Kate do. I am I interested because they were main characters that had their own plot lines happening so it would be good to find out how you see their future/s paining out.

    I want to say I am also excited for your new book too but like a lot of your readers I am not ready to give up on this saga yet.

    You are an amazing writer I have also thought of writing my own but I know as a reader I want regular updates and a finished story which isn’t something I think I can commit too, so I really take my hat off to anyone that can write a story outline and give regular updates but not only have you done that you have really been able to produce a well written piece of work and let’s face it kudos to anyone that can take the time to try and write something and finish it but there are some really lame and badly written stories. Not only do you write well you actually get grammar and spelling. I know people do it for free and I am grateful because I am certainly not doing anything but when you find someone who writes with your caliber it’s like a special gift that I really do appreciate. Love EL James and if it wasn’t for her we wouldn’t be here gabbing on about it but there have been a few fanfic writers who have really managed to make the fifty shades genre more succinct and give us a more detailed story with characters who had real meaning to the plot rather then just hanger ons. I have to say without sounding bitchy your writing completely overhauled what EL James ever did because it was more then just a naive virgin looking to find her inner goddess while she cooked pankcakes, in your Ana we may have gotten a Virgin but we also got a smart and independent woman who was still determined to do what she started and finish Harvard – even pregnant AND in your Christian for as much as he could be cocky like in the original series this Christian was truly vulnerable and it showed through your writing of his character and really imo got to the heart of how manipulated he was and I absolutely loved that you portrayed him this way because it made him more then this swoon worthy, rich guy who was to cool for school literally! But I loved that you made him a supportive partner and happy to become a surprise Dad. Again not wanting to sound bitchy but in the original I guess for the whole Hyde thing to occur Christian had to feel he wasn’t good enough to be a Dad so we had to have that whole ikm yoo fucked up to be a Dad but in your story you really showed that his love for Ana was we are in this together and after everything that has gone on with their separation as a couple they were in it together. I always say if you don’t ever want kids, like ever then don’t have sex! And don’t blame the woman because she didn’t make it by herself! I feel your story portrayed more positive attributes to this Ana and Christian as a couple and their growth as separate individuals which I loved. That whole now we are a couple and particularly the woman only fufulils her dreams because of her partner is total bullshit, you didn’t do that and I love you for it. I think I need a Valium and to wind down I wasn’t expecting to hear this news but I’m excited like everyone your weekly chapters are something to look forward too! Thank you Tara for sharing your thoughts as well and also before I sign off I love the blog which also takes work you really have spoilt us as readers and again just thank you. I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in my country but I am heaps thankful right now!

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  42. What a great Thanksgiving present!!! I was so sorry to think your story would end after the outtakes, and now there’s a whole book to look forward to. I’m so excited and delighted. I couldn’t really get enthused about “The Family,” and I’m glad you decided to finish Christian and Ana’s story and then write a new, unrelated, entire book. I really admire you for that!

    Thank you! I’m looking forward to Mondays again!

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  43. Yes, yes, and thank you! You are a part of our lives now, Tara. Glad you are taking a well-deserved break. As my late mother always said, “It’s not as though they are paying you to do this”!

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  44. Can’t wait! Been following your story from the beginning! And I can honestly say they’ve all been worth waiting for. Now I have 2 reasons to look forward to February!

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  45. Great to hear. It’s time to slowly read your story from the very beginning while I wait for the outtakes and the beginning of the new book. I’m a fan from the very beginning. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. You have a strong fan base,

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  46. Hi. I am one of the shy ones and don’t review like I should. That’s is so not fair to you. Just know I have been reading fan fic for the last soo many years and you are one of my top 5 writers. You would easily be the top two. Love love your stories, writing style, everything. You could easily get your work published but thank you for not making us wait. Can’t wait for your next chapter update, new series, original work. You are the best.

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  48. I’m 80% thrilled that you are continuing this story and 20% terrified of what you are going to do to them next! ❤️

    Thank you for entertaining our fanfiction loving hearts! I’m really looking forward to your original work. I have no doubt that it is going to be amazing!

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  50. OMG OMG OMG YAASSSSSS!!!!!!! I CANT TELL YOU HOW HAPPY YOU JUST MADE ME AND HOW EXCITED I AM FOR THIS NEW BOOK. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND MAY YOU GET SO MUCH LOVE AND SUCCESS IN YOUR LIFE. THANK YOU FROM MY BOTTON OF THE HEART. 💗

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