The Lost Letters Experience
One of the most wonderful things about the indie romance industry is the opportunity for collaboration. The opportunity to work with people who seem like the most unlikely of partners, but actually fit perfectly together. And I’m not even talking about the opportunities I’ve had to work with authors, promotional experts, graphic designers, or narrators. This time, I’m talking about an author and a cover model.
But wait, that seems like a perfectly logical collaboration, right? And for part of the project it was. You see, Joseph Cannata isn’t just the image on the cover of The Lost Letters. This time, he’s also one of the authors.
On May 4, 2023, The Lost Letters, a collaborative effort between Joseph and Brittney Sahin, was published on Amazon. It’s a prequel novella to Sahin’s novel The Broken One, part of her Falcon Falls Security series. But it’s more than that. It fills in the blanks in a decades-long relationship between Jesse and Ella—two characters who first appear in Sahin’s Stealth Ops series. And in addition to those alluded to letters, the novella contains narrative chapters detailing events in their lives hinted at throughout other books, alternate perspectives of scenes in The Broken One, and a bonus epilogue previously only available on-line. Plus a playlist, audio clips (in the kindle edition) read by Joseph, and author forwards.
To be honest, when Brittney reached out to see if I would be able to edit The Lost Letters on such a short deadline, I didn’t even consider saying no. Because, come on, I live for this. A chance to work on this kind of project is special, and it absolutely was. I will warn you—you will cry. I cried. I don’t usually do that while editing. But the writing was raw and powerful, deep and emotional; couple it with the music… total goner.
As we were working through the project, I asked Brittney if I could send her some questions for her and Joseph. Some behind the scenes details, not about the content of the book, but about their collaboration. And I 100% did a major happy dance when they said yes. So, today I’m bringing you that insight, the behind the scenes look at how it all came about. Plus their reflections on the process and thoughts about what’s next for them.
BB: When and how did you and Joseph first start working together?
Brittney: A little over two years ago I reached out to Joseph to be on another cover of mine [novel] Chasing Shadows. I wound up with the idea to have that character be brought to life through video footage … and we just kept working together from that point on. We make a pretty great team, and he always goes above and beyond, so I can’t imagine working with anyone else.
BB: When did the idea of creating Jesse and Ella’s backstory first become a consideration?
Brittney: Readers had been requesting book boxes, and I asked Joseph to sign some bookplates for them, and then tossed around the idea of possibly writing a little bonus scene for it. We discussed a few ideas and a letter from Jesse felt the most natural for him. But then he turned in way more than one letter, and I was blown away … and that’s how the entire concept of this novella was born.
BB: What was the co-writing experience like?
Brittney: I think it was pretty seamless actually. We used Google docs to do it and by working in the same document and communicating through there—it worked out. I can’t imagine cowriting with anyone else, though, to be honest.
BB: Any plans for additional co-writing projects?
Brittney: I think we’ll see how this one goes, but I’d love to see Harper and Roman’s backstory co-written with Joseph, especially since Roman’s book is how we began working together in the first place.
BB: What do you hope readers take away from this project?
Brittney: I just hope we give them something unique that they’ve never seen before. Joseph has always done a great job at bringing my characters to life, and this just brought it to a whole new level, and we’re super excited to give them insight into Jesse’s mind from a new perspective (from his muse, Joseph).
BB: Any plans to continue writing, either as a co-writer again or solo?
Joseph: Never say never I suppose :) At the moment there are no plans but I am open, and we’ll see what opportunities pop up in the future. Definitely not closing any doors regarding writing.
BB: How does it feel to see your name on the cover of a book?
Joseph: I think it’s a little strange to be honest, it almost feels out of place. But at the same time, I'm incredibly proud, and happy to have stepped out of my comfort zone and try new things, which is something I do enjoy doing.
BB: Have you always wanted to write? Or is this a brand new path on your creative journey?
Joseph: I think within the last 10 years or so, it’s something that has crossed my mind—since I’ve traveled a little more, and throughout my career I started journaling—I haven’t written as much as I would have liked, but I do get to it from time to time and it’s interesting to see the things I’ve written over the years, where life has taken me, what I’ve been through both good and bad.
BB: How did this co-writing experience differ from your normal routine of solo writing?
Brittney: Honestly, it wasn’t too different or difficult, mostly because Jesse & Ella’s story already existed, and we just had to bring scenes that were only previously mentioned in other books to life and flesh them out. It was actually much easier for me to write than anything I’ve ever done because I just did my best to “become Ella” and Joseph “became Jesse”—and we kind of just went with the flow to see what would happen. It was fun for me!
But my normal novels require a lot more work and research because those are plotty and intense.
BB: Any words of wisdom for other authors considering the same style of project?
Brittney: Oh gosh, I honestly wouldn’t know what to say because this is something I don’t believe has ever been done before, and we just kind of winged it and went with the flow. We didn’t know it’d ever become like this :)
And to be 100% truthful, I’m not sure something like this project can be replicated (unless it’s me working with him again lol). Joseph is unlike anyone else I have ever worked with, and I would never consider doing this with anyone else. He’s talented in so many regards, and with his acting background, I think him taking on this role was a natural fit for him. And he’s already acted as Jesse on screen multiple times, so he was familiar with the character.
As the entire project came together, what hit me most was the all-in intensity of both authors. It was present in their writing, but also in the accompanying visual and audio elements. Joseph flew to California to shoot several videos that represent both Jesse and Roman, and the photos from those sessions grace the cover and wrap for the novella. Both Brittney and Joseph shared those images and audio on their social media during the release build-up, and I can tell you they definitely amped up the excitement and immersed readers in the story and the experience. I highly recommend giving Joe a follow on Instagram and joining Brittney’s Facebook Group. You will not be disappointed.
It may seem like a lot for a novella, but I think this entire project is about more than the novella. It’s about an author, muse, and readers embracing two characters and their story so deeply that it builds to something so much bigger than names and words on a page. It speaks to the power of the story. The connection of creatives. And the energy and excitement the fictional lives of two people can bring to an entire fandom.
