Not In My Twenties Anymore

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We’re back from our Disney vacation!

And poor again.

This will probably be our last trip to the most magical place on earth because MORE THAN ONCE I suffered a panic attack caused by my own—and others—decisions. I also threw up multiple times, but I blame that on my weakening constitution. (Batman has a strong constitution. He can go on any ride. I hate him for it.)

Let’s start with the beginning at Disney Springs—a lovely placed filled with all the overpriced tourist shops you could want. After enjoying a meal at the Edison (themed as you might imagine) Batman and I got our tickets activated for easy entrance into the park the following day, and then went about our walk through Disney Springs. At some point, I realized I didn’t have my phone. It wasn’t in my purse or in Batman’s pockets or anywhere. It was gone.

This has never happened to me. I’ve NEVER left my phone somewhere and not been able to find it (besides my house which happens literally once a day) so pure panic filled me because I’ve heard too many stories of people losing their phone and never finding it again. AND ON THE FIRST DAY OF VACATION. (Not to mention, it had all our ticket information on it). Thankfully, Batman remembered that I took it out when we were getting our tickets activated and THANKFULLY, they had it there when I ran back across Disney Springs to get it. (In the rain, but the way. Did I mention that? It was lightly raining the whole time).

Here I am post-phone-finding, obviously happy that life can now go on.

Epcot was the first park we visited which was really exciting because they had their International Food & Wine Festival going on, and we never visited at the same time. Unlike previous years, you pay the individual vendor so we indulged at an Australian market and a Korean market. I’d show you a picture, but that’d mean I remembered to take one, so we’re just going to move on.

We visited Mexico and they actually had a little boat ride that took you through the restaurant. When our boat arrived, it was the handicapped one which just meant we wouldn’t have a bench seat—that it’d be separated. They asked us if we were okay with that and I said…yeah. I’m not a weirdo. Why wouldn’t I be okay with that? Apparently, everyone behind us had a problem with it because literally no one else got on our boat:

They all got on the next normal one. I’m really trying to believe it was the boat and not us, but that remains to be unclear.

The rest of Epcot was lovely, especially riding the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride. It was amazing…up until the very end, when we slowed down and all the cart-turning finally caught up with me and I had to rush off the ride to run to the closest bathroom to get sick. It sucks. The ride was sooo much fun, but I know I probably can’t ride it again because of my weakening constitution. Getting older sucks. I can’t eat ice-cream anymore and now this? LAME.

A couple more pictures from Epcot:

Friday, we went to Hollywood Studios. Overall, the day was awesome. We spent a majority of it at Galaxy’s Edge (surprise, surprise). We flew in the Millennium Falcon, built lightsabers, and I ordered this:

Some sort of futuristic parfait while Batman kept to green milk and a space wrap that resembled earth egg and sausage on a pita. Unfortunately, the Rise of the Resistance ride was down for the entire day which was a bummer since we weren’t able to do it on our honeymoon in 2020. But, that’s how it goes. We got to fly the Falcon which is by far one of the best rides, and we even went on the Rocking Rollercoaster, which is another classic at Hollywood Studios. Honestly, the day was absolutely awesome—until it was time for lunch.

I booked us reservations at the Drive-in Diner Restaurant (one of the best, apparently). The reservation was at 1:35, and we checked in at 1:20. I guess they were running behind because we were sat at 1:55. Okay, a little unusual for Disney since we’ve eaten at their restaurants before and have been seated promptly with a reservation, but, whatever, it happens. When we did finally sit, the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. Each table was a car, and it fit three rows (or parties) of people. The whole room was made to look like we were outside at night, with all the tables/cars facing a giant screen playing old cartoons and newsreels. Again, the ambiance was on point. The food…was not. I mean, it was okay. I guess I thought it would be better than par since it took FORTY FIVE MINUTES to be brought out. And it was just the two of us. And we each ordered a burger. Medium rare. With fries. I’m still wrapping my hand around this especially since the people who came after us got their food first, and the people who came before us got their food last.

Whatever.

By the time we finished our pretty-average food, Batman paid with my debit card (to our checking account) and our server walked away. Somehow, between accepting the payment and walking to the back—SHE LOST THE CARD.

SHE. LOST. THE. CARD.

How…how…how does that happen?

I know accidents occur, but I’m still wrapping my brain around this one. Since it was dark in the restaurant, a group of us spent twenty minutes using our phone flashlights trying to find my card in a space of about five feet.

I was disappointed before—now I was livid.

By some miracle, someone found my card on a plate in the kitchen so thankfully Batman didn’t have to murder anyone, because he was about to. It was my second panic attack of my birthday vacation and I think if I had actually cried, Batman would’ve snapped. (I’m very glad this didn’t happen. It’s scary when he does). But thankfully we got my card back and with all the frustration over the whole ordeal, Disney gave us a whopping five dollars off our bill. No apology from management about any of it. Never eating there again and honestly, I’m not sure we’re giving Disney any more of our money in the future.

The day got better though since I was able to meet the BEST mamabear in the world (mine) for a wonderful dinner. It turned the day around, so thank you again for coming to meet us, mamabear!

Saturday was our last day, and we went to the Magic Kingdom. We actually had a great day at the park, so there’s not much I can say. There’re also not many pictures I took so I’ll have to borrow some of Batman’s. I did get a little sick after Space Mountain again (stupid weak constitution) and the boat ride at Pirates of the Caribbean didn’t help. I just have to get used to the fact that I’m not in my twenties anymore, but that’s not a bad thing. As of Tuesday, I’ll have lasted thirty-seven years. Actually, I think that’s pretty dope. I was certain something would’ve taken me out by now.

If you’re still reading this, wow. This is a long post so thanks for sticking with me. I appreciate the support and love and think I’m going to end it here.

Have you signed up for my newsletter yet? Have you told your book-loving friends? If not, I’m going to leave this lovely little link:

Lovely little link

Think of it as a birthday present.

Until next week…

~ LC

Of Course I Had to Complicate Things

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Let’s start off with some writing news:

All in all, it’s been going pretty good. I’ve been writing, editing, and I joined a service called BookFunnel which helps authors distribute items to readers (advanced copies, reader magnets, ect). It’s awesome. It’s also used for marketing, so this service is exactly what I’ve been looking for…which is why it only makes sense that I’ve hit a wall.

I’m talking about my reader magnet. It’s exactly what you think it is – something free that attracts readers to try a new author. Typically, a “reader magnet” is given in exchange for an email address, so that the person sampling the work is now on the author’s newsletter and will receive information about new releases and such going forward. They can opt out at any time, but it’s how they “pay” for the reader magnet. It’s a great concept and one I’m really eager to get on board with. Of course, I had to complicate things and now I’m not sure what to do.

Original idea for reader magnet:

Back when I was writing the first draft of ITMB, I planned on writing it for Radish, the serialized platform that I was on earlier this year and then violated their terms of service so my story got kicked off (insert eye-roll), but also using it as my reader magnet. When I realized ITMB was the first of three books, I decided I didn’t want to use it as my magnet anymore, especially since I’m pricing it at 99 cents.

So….I had another idea. At the end of ITMB and before ITMD (book two) I wrote a bridge scene that’s not integral to the overall storyline, but provides additional insight, more clues to a big reveal and, (I hope), additional swooning for the hero. I love the scene and am fully set on making it my official reader magnet…but I’m planning on making it fully available in February, kind of like a Valentine’s Day present for my current newsletter subscribers, and then the official magnet for all new subscribers. The only problem with that is I won’t have a magnet until February…so what do I do in the meantime? I thought about offering either EFH or BTT as my give away, but what about people who’ve already read them and joined because of those books? (Not only do you want to attract new readers with the magnet, but you want to reward readers who’ve already taken a chance.)

So…this is where I am. Most people suggest prequel novellas or side stories as reader magnets and those make the most sense. But no, I had to write a magnet between the first and second book (neither yet released) and now I have to figure out how to do this.

Help.

What do you guys think? What kind of reader magnet would you want when trying a new author? (short story, novella, full book, something else?) What about if you’ve read a book and signed up for their newsletter – what kind of treat then?

Tell me so I know what to do.

Non-Writing news:

Batman and I are going to Disney this week! In fact, we’re probably traveling the world at Epcot as you’re reading this, but don’t be jealous. I’m sure we’re shoulder to shoulder with everyone else melting in the Florida heat complaining that water bottles cost over three dollars. But that’s how we decided to spend my birthday. It’ll probably be the last time we go to Disney for a while so we need to make this count. I’m only turning the *magic age of thirty-seven once. Gotta celebrate.

Let me know what you think about the reader magnet. I’m literally dependent on other people giving me opinions. It’ll help navigate these weird waters I keep falling into.

~LC

*Go watch Clerks if you don’t know why thirty-seven is the magical number. Trust me.

Little Pumpkin Psychopath

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Batman and I went shopping this weekend and look what I found:

Ladies and gentleman, I’d like you to meet Lester. Why Lester? It’s not my place to know the reason behind these things, but rest assured, I saved this little monster from a dusty shelf-life at TJ Maxx (or Ross??) until some other quirky weirdo would’ve come along behind me and grabbed him. Lucky for me, I’m short and thorough and scan every item on every shelf for something I didn’t know I was missing or needing—like Lester. Adorable little pumpkin psychopath.

The whole house is filled with similar décor. I’d take pictures or even do a little video clip, but Batman is way protective of our privacy (hence I refer to him as Batman—only code name he’d approve) so minimal pictures is the best you’re getting. Sorry. Hopefully, when I break down the wall to TikTok, I’ll be able to incorporate more video usage, though, it’ll likely be page-flips or whatever it is other authors are doing on there.

How’s life been going for you? It’s been steadily busy for me, even with the three-day weekend. As a kid, I was always able to find time to not be productive. Now? Every moment has become an available opportunity to complete some task, usually a household chore. But even when I’m done with those, there’s a million things to do with my writing stuff that it feels never-ending. You ever feel like that about anything? It’s like no matter how fast I complete a task, three more take its place. I’m not complaining, just yawning because damn—I’m getting tired. At least I’m able to sleep in a little bit longer, so that’s something.

Keeping this week’s post short because it’s time to work on my newsletter for this month (somehow already…) so I’m off to work on that!

Seriously, it never stops. Good thing I actually enjoy this.

~LC

*What do you think about me shorting my ‘Lady Caitlin’ to LC? Silly or baddass? That way only TRUE friends and family will know what it means. All the noobs will be lost. Heh. Kinda like that.

There Is Still Time

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Ever have a pimple under the skin that you (and others) can’t really see but you can feel it because it’s part of your body? Yeah, I’m growing a mount everest under my right nostril and IT. IS. AWFUL.  Every time I wiggle my nose or sneeze or even just move my face, I feel it. And it feels like I should look like Rudolph which makes me reach for my mirror a thousand times a day to ensure it didn’t mutate and I’m not hideously deformed. (Just checked – we’re still good).

I also have a huge bump on my head. It started out as a small bump, so after confirming with my doctor that it’s benign, I went on living my life not realizing it recruited an army, and now I have random bumps covering my scalp. Thankfully (I’m already married and) my brown and silver locks cover my mishappen head, but the bumps keep developing. It’s odd. (And the masuese always feels it too…awkward.) Doctor still said they’re also benign and not to worry and since I’m deathly afraid of MRIs, I won’t be getting one of those to check. Should probably get a second opinion but…eh. I’ll get to it. I guess some people just go through life with a bumpy head.

I did go to a Shrimps game recently! That was fun. (The Shrimps are our city’s minor league baseball team, so there you go, stalkers, now you can track me down.) Since we were slightly rained on our first game, Batman was smart enough to book us under the covering this time, so rain or shine we would be covered. Didn’t do much for the Florida humidity, but we got a nice a breeze every so often that kept us sane. A pic for reference and to prove we exist:

WRITING UPDATES

Last call for any possible/potential beta readers out there! I’ve gotten some feedback on In The Moment Before, and plan to start implementing that soon. But I need to have the final version over to my editor at the beginning of October so THERE IS STILL TIME. If you’re interested, please let me know asap so I can send it over and get all your juicy thoughts!

Also still looking for any male names that you want to immortalize in fiction (in a negative way). So far, I’ve got: Donald, Brian, and Austin. Want to throw any names into the hat? Let me know.

Keeping this post short since no news is good news, right? No covid scares. No muscle-torn hospital scares. The only thing I really should report on is how adorbale Appa and Regis look in their Hufflepuff sweaters I ordered:

I’M IN LOVE. I also order them new toys and treats through Barkbox every month and I’m honestly not sure who gets more excited. Because check out these amazing toys:

Okay I need to go be productive and write some more, probably. I have one novella publishing this December, two next year, and two full books next year. I’ve always got something to work on, but I guess that’s a good thing.

~ Lady Caitlin

I Need Your Help (again)

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Well, we’re Covid-free again.

The plan was to return to work last Wednesday from our failed attempt at vacationing. Except, due to excessive coughing, Batman tore a muscle in his lower back as I was on my way to work, and we ended up rushing him to the emergency room instead.

Fun times.

The fun continued at home when the pain meds (which helped in the hospital) ended up causing waves of nausea, and plummeting Batman into the dark ages of pain, annoyance, irritability, and discomfort. He tried a second pain reliever from the hospital with the same results. Dizziness and nausea. Batman just wasn’t feeling it for the last two weeks, and I got to say – I feel bad for the guy. We’re not in our twenties anymore (sadly) and things just aren’t bouncing back as quickly as they used to. I knew we’d get to a point in our lives where we might have to frequent hospitals, but I didn’t think it’d be in our thirties. (This is after a few back surgeries for Batman, other issues, and now this). I think Annie Potts said it best in Pretty in Pink – “Why can’t we start old and get young?”

Things are going pretty well. Except for the last two weeks of illness, life has been lovely. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot accomplished on my writing/publishing schedule with updating my bio (take a look if you if you care to), updating my back matter (new release info) on my current works, and I’ve even started working on the second book in my companion novella series. WHAT. I know. Already? Yep. This isn’t set to release until June 2023, but it’s always good to have the project started, am I right?

This is where I need your help on two fronts:

  1. Need Character name assistance
  2. Need BETA readers

For the first request, I’m in need of asshole names again. This time – four males. I have placeholder names that can definitely work, but I’m throwing it out in the universe. Did some prick wrong you in the past, and you want to immortalize them as an asshole in my book? Let’s do it. Send me your names and I’ll pick four of them (two main and two supporting) to use in In The Moment Before.

For the second request, who wants to BETA read for me?? (insert personalized compliment just for you).

Book details:

Title: In the Moment Before

Word count: 37,000

Genre/Trope: contemporary romance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, hidden romance, bullying

Working Blurb:

Robin Drake hates Grayson Knight with a passion. After an embarrassing childhood prank, she’s kept him in the mortal-enemy category, avoiding the troublemaker and his bullying friends whenever possible. As the daughter of a police sergeant in a crime-ridden city, Robin knows she needs to set an example, so when an argument escalates, landing Robin and Grayson in detention, she’s forced to endure not only disappointment from her father, but two weeks with the boy she detests the most.

Assigned to assist the Homecoming Committee, Robin wants to get through her punishment as quickly as possible. But after an interaction with a sleazy basketball player—and an immediate rescue by Grayson—she sees the boy she’s always hated with new eyes. If things weren’t stressful enough, a secret, shared kiss sends everything scrambling, leaving Robin and Grayson to confront feelings that neither expected—or are prepared for.

If this sounds interesting or something you’d like to read, please let me know! I’m aiming to get this to the editor at the beginning of October, so I would need feedback mid September or so. 😊

How is life going with you? Any illnesses? Any upcoming vacations? Any people you want to immortalize in my characters? I’m curious to know all the things.

~ Lady Caitlin

I Used the Time Off Accordingly

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We got covid again.

Actually, it was Batman. Batman got covid. He’s the one who brought the disease into our household this round, and just in time to cancel our Asheville trip. Literally the same week. That’s twice now this stupid virus has cost us fully booked trips to destinations we really want to visit. Champagne problems, I know, but I’m still allowed a brief time to wallow and rant and hate everything (and I did and I feel better now).

I cancelled our tour at the Biltmore Estate, which Batman and I were excited to visit. It’s some grand estate and the closest thing we’re getting to a castle until we fly across the pond in 2024. It’s also what Batman and I were using as a model for our own personal castle mansion when we make it big. Also, I heard there were multiple wineries and restaurants on the premises, so it definitely blows. I also cancelled our hop-on-hop-off tour, numerous dining reservations, and our stay at this vintage hotel with spacious rooms that looked wonderfully haunted. I guess Asheville wasn’t meant for us in 2022. It’s all good though; I used the time off accordingly.

Days off with Covid:

  • Finished third draft of ITMB
  • Finished August Newsletter (have you signed up?)
  • Worked on Marketing Plan for 2023 (there’s stuff on it!)
  • Cleaned up/organized personal documents on computer
  • Social Media Marketing Research

See?

I still got stuff done through the gross coughing through the runny nose and random splashes of laziness. Gotta say this round is way better than the one last year which, ironically, is right around when I left my previous job. Like leaving most of my jobs, my main concern was not with how I was going to pay my bills or what I would do next, but the excitement of having an initial few weeks off to write. Even though I had Covid, I was still pumping out the first real draft of ARPIP. A little more than a year later, I’m working on its companion series, the second book, publishing the first, and applying a marketing plan that 1) is better than no marketing plan and 2) actually might be a smart strategy. We’ll see.

Other than literally everything mentioned above, nothing much is going on. Just taking these at home covid tests until I can return to work. Until then, it’s working on the laptop in the other room while I cough uncomfortably loud, but I don’t have to worry about annoying any coworkers. It’s just Batman, Appa, and Regis, and it’s not like any of them are going to start something (I’d like to see a MOFO try.)

How are you? How is life? Have you caught the vid for the first, second, or third time? Able to get anything accomplished?

Either way, good for you, you little survivor!

Off to do more stuff. Why am I feeling so motivated lately?

**looks around with confusion**

**realizes it doesn’t matter**

Next week!

~ Lady Caitlin

The Amazing Publishing Schedule

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I (sort of) have it figured out.

I’m always hesitant to say I know what I’m doing because that’s never the case, so I’m pretty sure I know what I’m doing for the rest of the year and into next year in regards to writing & publishing.

Ready for this?

That new random thing I was writing: that’s nice a prequel/side story I’m releasing in December. DECEMBER THIS YEAR. Yeah. My original idea was to write a short story/novella, but “write it to market” so I’m still attracting readers on the side. The plan was to put it on serialized platforms to hopefully make some money and gain some followers until I’m ready to release ARPIP next year. But then it clicked—why not set this short story in the universe of TCATC? Make it an initial taste so it can generate interest beforehand, even if I’m not advertising the way I will with ARPIP.

YESSS.

Not only that—I’ll be releasing additional short stories between the major book releases to keep the side story going! It all makes sense now. It’s like I’ve been staring at one of those artsy pictures from the 90s with an image of a sailboat in the middle and you have to stare at it a while before actually seeing it. First, I didn’t know I was looking at an artsy picture from the 90s, so when everything clicked, it really CLICKED and I think I had a celebratory (or two) Angry Orchard.

To recap the amazing publishing schedule:

December 16th 2022 – release In The Moment Before, a companion novella set in the TCATC universe

March 24th 2023 – release A Royal Pairing in Perish

June 23rd 2023 – release short story (still to name)

September 22nd 2023 – release Book 2 (name to announce soon!)

December 15th – release short story (still to name)

March 2024 – release Book 3 (name to announce soon!)

Right? Look at it. All organized with dates and everything. I’m super excited, guys. Because whereas I LOVE my ARPIP characters, I also LOVE my ITMB characters and was slightly bummed they only got a novella in the universe. Weaving them back in with short stories is going to be so much fun and I’m already excited for next year!

Whoosh! Well those are all the writing updates I have. Oh, and that I’ll be back to sending out my newsletter again…which…may or may not have taken a short sabbatical May through July. But it’s returning in August, baby, along with even more updates pertaining to all upcoming releases. And I’ve got snippets for you too. So, if you want even more of a sneak peak, you’ll have to sign up for my newsletter. No way around it. #Sorrynotsorry.

Personal life-wise?

Batman and I are headed to Asheville next week! We’ve never been to the city, and have only stepped foot in the state once or twice, so we are very excited! Plus, we’ll be driving, so this is our first “road trip” in our fifteen-year relationship, and I’m excited to see if we’ll kill each other. But we’ll bring plenty of snacks and listen to good music so hopefully, that should be avoided. We’re going downtown to do some shopping, to the Biltmore estate for ideas on decorating our future castle-mansion, and to the Pinball museum (requested by Batman). Not sure of other activities, but hopefully we’ll get lost finding things to do—the best way to explore a city.

Be on the lookout for my August newsletter. Should be in your inbox on 8/15. You know, if you sign up. Here’s a nice little link for you.

nice little newsletter link

Go on. Click it. We’re all waiting.

Enjoy the week!

~ Lady Caitlin

The Master Plan

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I figured it out.

Not, like, the secret to life—though, that’d be sweet—but what I’m doing with this random new thing I wrote. I thought it was some small story that popped up for distraction, but nothing is ever random or coincidental as I have come to learn in life—and neither is this. It’s suddenly become completely integral to the publishing plan I’m working on for the remainder of this year and over the course next year, but I can’t reveal anything now. Two reasons:

  1. I’m still working everything out
  2. I don’t want to jinx anything

Very legitimate reasons, I think. I’m not even sure I’m sharing the master plan next week. It might roll into mid-August just to be safe, but I’m already so excited to share.

Soon, guys. Very, very soon!

**taps fingertips excitedly**

Let’s see… Other than realizing my publishing plan for the next year or so, I’m also shifting gears toward my current/already-published-for-your-reading-needs books. I’m talking Better Than This and Arizal Wars. Arizal Wars will probably chill as is for now until it gets a facelift at some point. But Better Than This needs a scene or two *reworked and since I’m updating a new version anyway, I figure I might just update the covers too. I like them; I like that they are what I imagined, but…I don’t think they’re doing me any favors. People like pictures of people on books (apparently) and I guess some stray away from anything cartoonish. Whatever. I’m not taking it personally, but if there’s a better cover I could use for this series, especially one that will entice readers more: let’s do it.

I feel like a juggler right now. I’ve got to keep to my new publishing schedule—which shall be revealed in a future post!—as well as work on updating my books so I can get them to their correct platforms to then start promoting them on tiktok, which I still need to learn. Yeah. It’s all good. I can learn to be a master juggler with the best of them. (Random fact: I always thought jugglers were hot. Maybe I was just impressed with their magical multitasking skills. Who knew?)

Life is good. Batman and I have an Asheville trip coming up next month, and we’re throwing gross gobs of money at Disney for my birthday in September. It’ll probably be the last time we go for a while, but I still want to get on the Peter Pan ride. I haven’t been since I was a kid and every time we go, the ride has a miles-long wait. Screw Space Mountain. I’m headed straight to Fantasy Land for Peter Pan. I’ll push kids out of the way. I don’t care anymore.

What about you? Any plans coming up? It’s already the second half of the year, in case you haven’t panicked yet about Christmas. But it’s nice seeing the Halloween stuff.

I just love fall!

~ Lady Caitlin

I Wrote Something New

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I wrote something new. It’s newer than ARPIP and the first draft of AROG (which I still need to finish…) but I took a break and wrote a short story (novella?) specific to a serial platform and—probably what’s most important—to market. What does that mean? It means I’m experimenting.

Since I’m a genre-hopper and can’t pinpoint who my audience is (other than people who love great stories with a lot of adventure, laughter, and romance) I’m writing a highly marketable enemies-to-lovers high-school drama with all the juiciness. Unlike my other books, I’ll slap on a cover with actual people (not space or guitar images) to see if that helps. I know I had a bit of interest on Better Than This before it got booted for violating Radish’s policy (boo!) so I know some of my readers are on there. The plan is to write something for them (within policy) and hopefully gain a following/some fans who I can maybe convert into fans/sales of ARPIP when I publish that…possibly next year.

There is some definite strategic planning going on in the background, and while I still feeling like I’m failing in multiple ways (no advertising, dropping the ball with the newsletter, updating my books) I’m creating content. At the end of the day, that’s the most important thing because with no content…no business. Right?

On the flip side, content with no marketing—aka people don’t know I/my books exist—doesn’t do me any good either. So, in order to combat this completely combative process, I’m going to make myself accountable. I’m going to do something EVERY DAY marketing-wise (although the majority of it is probably research for now) in addition to content-creation. I need to hold myself accountable for both aspects of this business, and even though I’m cringing as I type this, I need to. It’s part of it. And no one is going to stop me—not even I.

Marketing Stuff I’ve done so far:

I’ve signed up for TikTok. Doesn’t sound like a lot, but a LOT of indie authors are finding success on this site. Why? It’s zero paid advertising (which definitely helps profits) and, apparently, readers are on the platform. Next thing to do is study the platform, what other authors are doing, and then actually play around with the tools and create some badass videos.

Signed up for 1:1 Consult with Successful Indie Author. Seems silly to spend money on a one-hour consult with a fellow indie author…until you realize she started after you and has been successfully paying her bills with writing for four plus years. Yeah. Time to bite the bullet, admit defeat, and invest in myself. If I can drop money on a purple, velvet couch on Wayfair, I can spend money on this.

Stalk FB Groups. Doesn’t sound important, but it’s a wealth of information. It’s also how I decided to do the consult. Before I walk with marketing, I need to crawl, and that means hours of reading and research and learning. I could go in blind, but I’m trying to do it smarter this way since doing the dumb way has kept me sad and poor.

A few small steps in the right direction, but they’re steps. I’m not standing-still, which is what I’ve been doing for a while. So, I’m proud of myself. I’m getting out of my comfort zone to be all uncomfy to hopefully do this thing right. And “right” to me is the ability to write full time, however that comes to fruition.

Alright, enough jabbering with you. I need to do more research.

And coffee. I’ll definitely need more coffee for this.

~Lady Caitlin

No Regrets

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So…I’ve been doing a major no-no when it comes to self-publishing. Any guesses? I’ll tell you since I—a self-publishing author—didn’t know myself. I have (and currently am) breaking the cardinal rule of NO GENRE HOPPING.

Woops…

Let’s see. I’ve got a Sci-fi (with romance) series, a Contemporary Romance series, and an Urban Fantasy Romance series that I’m currently working on, so…it’s not like I’ve been genre-hopping my entire self-publishing career, right? Oh wait. Yes, I have. Among several other things I’ve been doing incorrectly, I really shouldn’t have been jumping genres since it’s harder to build and retain an audience. Most of us like reading a certain genre/trope, and we depend on our authors to write only in that box.

HAHA again woops!

In my defense, I didn’t know what kind of author I wanted to be. What kind of stuff I wanted to write. So, I wrote whatever story came to me. And you know what? No regrets. I like what I wrote, and I definitely think it helped shape me to become the author I am today. Was this the smartest way to go about it? HAHA nope. But I want to tell the stories I want to tell, and I did that. And now, I know what I like to write and why. Just took a couple of genres to figure it out.

Will this upend my success? I mean…I hope I have fans who enjoy my stories regardless of the box it fits into, even though it includes the same elements all my stories do:

Romance? Check

Adventure? Check

Escaping something? Check, check, check

Can these three elements be considered a genre, because if so, I’m set. Or maybe I’m set with themes? I don’t know and I’m tired of thinking about it. I wouldn’t change what I did, and I’m honestly not sure what I’m going to do. I like writing across different genres, so maybe at some point, I’ll create pen names for each. Until then, a new release by C.G. Coppola will always be a surprise, but just know, it will ALWAYS CONTAIN romance, adventure, and the need to escape. Seems pretty dependable to me.

Non writing news:

We went out on a tikibar! If you’re not familiar with the concept, don’t feel bad. I’ve lived in Florida my entire life and just discovered the service. Or, maybe the service is new? Either way, it’s a ninety-minute cruise in whatever city you live, normally around an historic or touristy location. Cooler and ice provided, but you bring your own food and drinks. Not too expensive and it’s just…fun. You can sit on the floor like me and stick your feet in the water—and subsequently scream when a glob of seaweed touches you—or you can walk around the tiki or sit on the barstool while they play island music. Honestly, I’d go again. But, only for the ninety minute cruise—got to remember there are zero bathrooms unless an unplanned stop at the sandbar is needed. Something to keep in mind.

There’s more non-writing news, but nothing much to note. I learned how to pronounce the word cognizant. Batman and I worked on it for a while, so I’ve got that going for me. Also: didn’t break the washing machine like I thought I did. I will remember not to overstuff it with towels next time so it doesn’t freak and keep resetting itself. Ah, life lessons.

Hope life is good in your neck of the woods. Also hope you’re seeing gas prices drop a smidge. It’s not a lot, but at this rate and with this record-high inflation, I’ll take what I can get.

~ Lady Caitlin