Category: Self Publishing Journey

The Vow That Twisted Fate Is Now Available On Audiobook

11/15/2021

The Vow That Twisted Fate is now available on audiobook!

This weekend was a fantastic celebration that Talon David (Voice Actress/Singer/Songwriter) and I were excited to share with you guys.

The live launch party on Instagram went super well, four prizes were given away, and we talked all about some of our favorite TVTTF characters, scenes, and more.

I'm dropping the recording from the live party here, in case you missed it, but we are so thankfully to all 40 people who joined us as well as for the support of those who could not attend.

Since The Vow That Twisted Fate is now available on audiobook, have you grabbed a copy yet?

-Grab an Amazon Audible (US) copy HERE
-Grab an Amazon Audible (UK) copy HERE
-Grab an audiobook copy directly on Audible HERE
-Or, if you're an audiobook blogger interested in a copy for your blog, Contact Me HERE to work that out.

Have you already started listening? Did you know you can leave a review for the Audiobook on Goodreads HERE or Amazon HERE?

Thank you all so very much again for celebrating with me!

Stay in the loop for future book news and launch parties by signing up for my newsletter HERE (and I'll send you a free e-book copy of Splitting Dusk as a thank-you for signing up!).

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Dealing With Loss... As A Writer

10/4/2021

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I lost one of my most beloved family members this week. A family member who shaped many of the core characteristics of who I am since I was a child.

Loss of a loved one is impossibly hard in so many ways and for so many reasons. Dealing with loss... as a writer... has far more impact than I realized, though.

And while the impact is brutally painful, and the reality is that my perfectly controlled worlds will never be carried over into the plain of existence I currently inhabit, the impact of a loss on me as a writer shows me positive sides as well.

Experiencing loss makes us human. The never-ending struggle with grief following the loss of a close loved one is exhausting, but it's one that most of us battle through.

Some days will be better than others. 'They're in a better place,' some say, and yes, in this case I personally agree, but I'm not here to argue religion. "They're not in pain anymore," others will do their best to console, and yes, you know they're right, too.

But where do we, Fantasy readers, often turn when societal norms seem to fail us?

If you're like me, you turn to books.

Books where characters struggle with life, death, love, loss, and more in richly-detailed glory.

Why is that?

Because the writer poured a piece of their soul into those pages. We find in their words a connection to someone else who at the very least imagines a pain similar to our own. We know someone in this world exists who understands us, who can truly imagine what it is like to be in our shoes.

And those scenes, the ones that really mean something to us as readers, don't happen on accident.

They are born out of the raw reality of the writer's own soul. They represent the heartaches and joys, the highest highs and soul-crushing lows of their progenitor.

So while writing is the last thing, emotionally-speaking, that I feel like doing right now, it is, perhaps, the best thing to do. I'll take a pause, work through the emotions and the memories, and then pour those emotions into scenes which may one day be read by others seeking the same comradery and escape that I seek as I read today.

Hold your loved ones a little tighter the next time you see them. Each day is a gift. And gifts are all the better when shared with those we love.

Are you new to my writing/self-publishing journey? Check out my about me blog HERE

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Self-Publishing Savvy? Or Self-Publishing Struggling?

9/29/2021

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Are you self-publishing savvy? Or self-publishing struggling? Or, quite honestly, slipping back and forth between the two?

Yesterday I had the great privilege of speaking with AutoCrit Editing about not only my personal self-publishing journey with The Vow That Twisted Fate, but also about the self-publishing process overall.

There are so many different approaches to self-publishing (or "indie" publishing), that I humbly share my experiences as a fellow beginner "indie" author with the hopes that it will provide clarity for other writers in my shoes.

While most of my blogs are brief and related to my projects and supporting other authors in the indie author community, the response from yesterday's live was too overwhelming to leave at that.

Here are the key points that I discussed on my live with AutoCrit:

1.) Writing inspiration (in my case, a dream hijacked my 2016 NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month - plans) & my mentor, Lindsey (owener of Of Ink and Pearls Publishing)

2.) The five levels of editing (developmental edit, line edit, copy edit, proofread, galley proof) + Beta Reading & Self-editing using AutoCrit.

3.) Distribution Platforms (KDP, Barnes & Noble Press, Ingram) and Formats (AudioBooks, Print, etc.) as well as formatting/cover design

4.) Timelines (from revisions to print); what I wish I'd done sooner and why

5.) Budget (how much did it cost me to truly self-publish and what that went toward - overview)

6.) Reviews (trade reviews and reader reviews, what I did to set up review tours, and post-launch marketing)

7.) Marketing in general (*still navigating this part myself* - From pre-orders to Amazon bestseller to post-launch slow-downs)

I'm embedding the full video to the left if you'd like to watch it yourself and hear everything we discussed. You can also watch the replay directly on YouTube HERE.

While yes, I do work with AutoCrit at this time, I had already completely finished The Vow That Twisted Fate (using their software) and had it ready to release before I came on board as their developmental editor.

For that reason, I am truly grateful for the money-saving, headache-relieving role that AutoCrit played in my self-editing process.

For that reason, I am truly grateful for the money-saving, headache-relieving role that AutoCrit played in my self-editing process.

If you have any questions at all, or comments about your own experience self-publishing, feel free to drop them in the comments; I love hearing your feedback!

If you would like to try AutoCrit's self-editing software for yourself, you can do so by signing up for their Free Forever membership HERE.

Want to read the finished version of The Vow That Twisted Fate? It is on sale for only 99 cents (e-book) or $10 (paperback) on Amazon now thru October 4th 2021, so grab your copy today HERE.

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Something Big Is Coming...

8/26/2021

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Something big is coming... something so big, that I have not dared breathe a word of it 'til now, and I tremble at mentioning it, as though the words leaving my fingertips as I type this are jinxing something.

And yet, here we are.

*Deep breath.*

I'm going to let you in on a secret. One of the biggest secrets of my writing career:

I am participating in a project. This project may *cough* involve other amazingly talented authors. And it may *double-cough* have a HUGE event coming up in the next two weeks. An event that will change my career and launch me into a writing frenzy that won't slow down for over a year.

Ready for the spoiler? The one just for you?

Splitting Dawn, the first full-length novel in my Splitting Worlds series, may *triple cough and looking around for falling bricks* be involved.

Something big is coming... I am literally shaking as I write this. You won't find Splitting Dawn in the drop-down section under "My Books" tab...not yet. There is only a working cover there right now (not the final cover), and a vague blurb as it is all I am able to share right this second.

However, make a note, set a reminder, or keep a close eye out for an e-mail from me September 8th 2021 (CST). That e-mail will be the one to finally pull the veil off what this HUGE project is, and you will have front-row first access.

If you are not already an e-mail list subscriber, but you want "in" when the announcement comes on September 8th, you can sign-up for my e-mail list HERE and receive the first novella in the Splitting Worlds series, (Splitting Dusk) to read while you wait for the announcement.

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Two New Author Interviews: July 2021

7/12/2021

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I am so excited to share two new author interviews: July 2021 with you today!

First, though, I was to personally thank each and every person reading who has ordered, read, rated, or reviewed The Vow That Twisted Fate! Launch day blew me away, quite frankly, and I was overwhelmed by your support and encouragement.

Among that encouragement were two authors/bloggers who were so kind to feature me in their blogs with blog interviews. Here is more informaiton about both of the two new author interviews: July 2021:

Helen Garraway's Interview

Helen Garraway is the author of Sentinals Awaken and Sentinals Rising (fantasy novels) and an active supporter of indie authors by both reviewing their books and posting indie author interviews on her website.

Read My Interview With Helen

Havelah Mclat's Interview

Havelah Mclat is the author of the Mini Tales Fairies short story series and the short story The Promise, which can be found HERE. She is an active supporter of indie authors and participant in the indie author community.

Read My Interview With Havelah

Thank you so much, Helen and Havelah, for taking the time to interview me and share with your readers! This author journey is amazing, and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without you.

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Best-Laid Plans: My Story Mutinied...

5/25/2021

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Even though I love the work I writer, sometimes I end up changing my best-laid plans: my story mutinied...

My mind is filled with amazing stories from multiple series. When I decided to make The Vow That Twisted Fate my debut novel, I was left with the daunting task of selecting which of those series I would launch once The Vow That Twisted Fate (a stand-alone novel) is released.

After much discussion with my muse, my mentor, and my partner, I made a decision and started writing away. The story was coming along swimmingly! Characters surprised me with the twists and turns in their decisions. Lightbulbs were going off left and right. Yes, I was sure that Kritinia: Shadow Child was going to be the next full-length novel to see the light of day, and its arrival would kick-off the five-volume Kritinia series.

Then, something highjacked my best-laid plans: my story mutinied.

You read that right. Everything froze. The characters quit moving. They sat themselves down with a merry picnic of the best fried chicken and a heaping dose of indifference. And my attempts at prodding them forward was less successful than beating a certain green Jedi master at a lightsaber duel.

But it worked out for the best!

You may have seen a poll go out earlier this month (which is open through May 30th 2021 HERE) asking for help choosing the name of my next novel. Flaming inspiration for that novel and its counterpart (it is a two-volume series) has been fanned hotter and brighter within me, and I have now begun the process of vigorously writing volume one.

So yes, there has been a change in my best-laid plans: my story mutinied, but that doesn't mean that Kritinia is forgotten--merely delayed. I am excited to share more about the new series in the coming weeks here on my website, so sign up for my e-mail list if you'd like to hear the news first.

Are you a writer whose story has mutinied? I'd love to hear what you decided to do! Drop it in the comments.

Can't wait to read more about my next novel (currently in progress as of the time this blog is posted)?

-Pre-order The Vow That Twisted Fate (July 9th 2021 release) and upload your receipt HERE to start reading a digital copy now, while waiting for news on the new series!
-Check out Kritinia: Shadow Child's page HERE to see more about the story that mutinied.
-Follow my Reedsy Reviewer account HERE to see what books I'm reading/reviewing to give myself self-care breaks while writing.

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The Vow That Twisted Fate Is Now IndieReader Approved!

4/28/2021

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I got some super-exciting news today! The Vow That Twisted Fate is now IndieReader Approved!

When I saw the e-mail about the perfect five-star review, I was absolutely astounded. I had hyped myself up for a 3 (IndieReader labels a 3 as "Worth Reading"), since this is my debut Adult Fantasy novel and my comback from two flops I wrote back in college.

But no, it's real! And you can see the whole five-star review right HERE. My mind is spinning knowing that The Vow That Twisted Fate is now IndieReader Approved...I hope this is the seal that official signs off on the fact that every author can make a come-back! If I can do it, so can you!

-Want to learn more about The Vow That Twisted Fate? Check out TVTTF's page HERE.
-Ready to read it? Pre-order your copy on Amazon, Google Play, Barnes & Noble, or my website shop and upload your receipt HERE to receive an advanced copy to start on now (before the July 9th 2021 release)!
-Curious what other readers have to say about The Vow That Twisted Fate? Check out some of the reader reviews HERE.
-Have you read The Vow That Twisted Fate and want to add your review? Review it on Goodreads HERE.

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Meet the Woman Who Made Me An Author: My Mentor, Lindsey Teske

4/13/2021

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Lindsey Teske
Of Ink And Pearls Publishing

Today I'd like you to meet the woman who made me an author: my mentor, Lindsey Teske!

Lindsey is the owner of Of Ink and Pearls Publishing, an ALli (Alliance of Independent Authors)-approved self-publishing services provider and mentor with a heart of pure, selfless gold and the knowledge to tame the largest publishing lions.

The path to publication is not a solo journey. I learned the hard way after flopping two books I wrote in college and self-published without editing them correctly or marketing them (or even getting a decent cover for one of them) that publishing was NOT a mountain I can scale on my own.

And thus after weeks of research (and debating whether to self publish, indie publish, or traditionally publish my books), I was finally able to meet the woman who made me an author: my mentor, Lindsey Teske.

Anyone who has spent time researching the self-published author scene knows to be wary of "vanity publishers" (although I'm sure that route may work for some). When I saw Lindsey's website for Of Ink and Pearls Publishing, I was initially wary because she herself had many high-priced self-publishing packages. That concern faded when she offered not to sell me a package (with many more packages repeated for future books), but to mentor me and teach me the process side-by-side so I have the experience and tools I need to do all of it on my own for future books.

Lindsey could have easily kept charging me thousands of dollars on every book just to make herself money and keep me in the dark. Instead, she chose my long-term success over her financial gain. That kind of character in a professional today speaks volumes to her character, and I can never recommend or thank her enough!

You cannot spend any amount of time speaking with Lindsey without seeing the true passion and heart she has not only for publishing, but also for lifting up indie authors. There's a sparkle in Lindsey's eye when she listens to my dreams and hopes for my book. Genuine excitement when I meet my goals and pass milestone radiates from her even over a virtual meeting. She guides my rabbit-trails back to the main train track, and keeps me focused on the many, VERY MANY next steps.

I've gone to Lindsey's mentoring sessions feeling elated from success and she celebrates with me, then helps me plan the next steps to blaze ahead. I've also spilled my doubts, my struggle with imposter syndrome, and my exhaustion in the process with her, which she empathizes with genuinely while managing to re-light the passion I have for my book and this process.

I began my mentoring sessions with Lindsey back in October 2021. In that time I have:

-Discovered my brand
-Found my ideal readers & what we have in common
-Rebuilt my website (with some help from my amazing husband as well)
-Gone from no Instagram account to an Instagram account of over 1,750 followers--fellow indie authors and readers combined.
-Launched an e-mail list (having not had one before) that now almost has 250 of the most AMAZING people who are interested in my books
-Marketed my professional side as a content editor (and gotten hired as a contractor for an editing company)
-Launched The Vow That Twisted Fate to advance readers, book bloggers, reviewers, and YouTubers for 16 ratings on Goodreads averaging 4.8 stars so far
-Launched The Vow That Twisted Fate and Down Falls the Queen: A Splitting World Novella, for pre-order

And SO MUCH MORE.

A good mentor is worth more than words can ever say. Lindsey is more than a guide and a professional. She is the woman who helped me capture my dreams and make them a reality--making me an author. There is no price tag to be placed on that.

Not a day goes by where I am not thankful I had the opportunity to meet the woman who made me an author: my mentor Lindsey Teske. If you're reading this, Lindsey, I hope you know that I appreciate all you've done for me, and that I'm now on the path I only ever dreamed I could be. Thank you for making me an author!

If you are a fellow author looking for a genuine and reliable mentor, or if you think you'd like to know more about this writing adventure for yourself, please send Lindsey a message! I know she'll take great care of you. You can find her website HERE.

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Sneak Peak: A Splitting Dusk Spanish Translation is In The Works

4/7/2021

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-Read more about Splitting Dusk HERE
-Check out Julianabm92's Fiverr page HERE
-Sign up for the e-mail list for your free English copy of Splitting Dusk & to stay in the loop on the Spanish edition's release HERE

Time for a sneak peak: a Splitting Dusk Spanish translation is in the works!

The first novella in my Splitting Worlds series, Splitting Dusk kicked off my re-booted writing career with the English edition in December 2020. Since its release, the English version has been downloaded 133 times and has 5 Goodreads reviews.

Splitting Dusk (in English) is currently only available for my e-mail list subscribers. The New Adult Epic Fantasy novella follows Caelyn, an Angel/Human/Demon hybrid who doesn't know she is a Hybrid and is unaware of anything beyond the Human world, as she strives to end a millennia-long feud between twin Angel and Demon brothers Ayangelo and Natius.

Included in the fact that this sneak peak: a Splitting Dusk Spanish translation is in the works, comes the exciting announcement that the superbly talented Julianabm92 is assisting me with this wonderful translation!

Stay tuned for more updates on the release of the Spanish edition in coming weeks!

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Watch My First Interview As An Author: The Vow That Twisted Fate

3/13/2021

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This week I faced one of my biggest fears yet as a writer, thanks to the amazing Anna Walner! Now, you can watch my first interview as an author: The Vow That Twisted Fate on YouTube on Anna's channel or right here in this post:

If you've been following me a little while, you know that I interview fellow indie/self published authors every month about their work. In the past four months I've led a virtual write-in for AutoCrit (an AMAZING self-editing software that gives genre-specific editing standards) and spoken at SaS Con abut professional beta reading, but NOTHING compares to the nerves that wrack up the first time you're in the hot seat sharing your own works.

With that being said, Anna made my first interview as an author smooth, fun, and positive. I cannot thank Anna enough! Anna is an award-winning author herself, and you should definitely check out her works!

-See Anna's YouTube Channel "The Author Library" HERE
-Connect with Anna on Instagram HERE
-Check out Anna's books on her website HERE
-Read more about The Vow That Twisted Fate, my debut adult fantasy novel, HERE

Oh, and if you're interested in AutoCrit, you can check out their editing services HERE. :-)

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Forward>>

The Vow That Twisted Fate Is Now Available On Audiobook

Dealing With Loss... As A Writer

Self-Publishing Savvy? Or Self-Publishing Struggling?

Something Big Is Coming...

Two New Author Interviews: July 2021

Helen Garraway's Interview

Havelah Mclat's Interview

Best-Laid Plans: My Story Mutinied...

The Vow That Twisted Fate Is Now IndieReader Approved!

Meet the Woman Who Made Me An Author: My Mentor, Lindsey Teske

Lindsey Teske
Of Ink And Pearls Publishing

Sneak Peak: A Splitting Dusk Spanish Translation is In The Works

Watch My First Interview As An Author: The Vow That Twisted Fate

My Written World

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Helen Garraway's Interview

Havelah Mclat's Interview

Lindsey TeskeOf Ink And Pearls Publishing

My Written World

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Lindsey Teske
Of Ink And Pearls Publishing