Tag: Better Than This

What’s Going On?

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I had this whole other post for today, but I wrote it when I was annoyed.

Nah.

Probably not the best thing to share, so I’m keeping it in my “working-blog-document” which houses all the posts that just didn’t make the cut (and a bunch of political posts I’m too afraid to share). The post, which was extremely cathartic, and mostly a long vent about stupid, selfish people, is still something I had to write. Because I’m sorry, but even though the world is crazy-tough and terrifying (can we admit that now that China and Russia are teaming up?) it does not give anyone an excuse to be a completely self-absorbed butt-munch, and solely talk about themselves over and over (and over and over again) like they’re the center of the universe.

It’s exhausting.

I’m exhausted—and all I do is listen.

Anyone else feeling this? I realize I’m waving my author flag like “like at me! I write books! Please read them and support me!” but that’s different. It’s a hurdle I have to jump because I’m still suuuuper not comfortable with tooting my own horn, even though I’m not tooting it/I’m marketing myself. (Big difference, though still weird to me …) But this general sense of “look at me” that I’ve been feeling from everyone who isn’t a close personal friend or family member—what’s going on?

Is it social media? Is it the generation who grew up on it? Why are people so friggin obsessed with themselves and being right and bashing everyone who disagrees? I’m about to lose it. What happened to the we-all-can-get-along mentality, and two-sided conversations? Because ahem, one person talking only about themselves isn’t a conversation. It’s a monologue that I certainly did not sign up for.

Did they stop teaching these things in kindergarten? I think they’re right up there with the alphabet, learning to share, and keeping your hands to yourself. Give a shit about other people and—might I stress—the world does not revolve you. Sorry, but it doesn’t.

At all.

Whew…I feel better. Thanks for letting me vent. This is kind of like the other post, but not as nasty, and waaaay less emotional. Sometimes, you just need a day.

How about you? How is life? Have you noticed any of these trends? What do you do to deal with them so you don’t lose your shit? People want to know.

(Me. I want to know.)

~ Lady Caitlin

P.S. ALSO LOOK AT THE EMAIL I JUST GOT FROM RADISH:

Well this is a lovely end to the day. If you’re at all interested (and why wouldn’t you be?) you can check out Better Than This on Radish. (Or find it on Webnovel, Dreame, and iReader too?)

Better Than This Series:

An embarrassing middle-school incident keeps Alex Wolf and Autumn Sommers apart until they’re paired on a high school project in which they must pretend to be in a relationship for their Family Planning & Development class. Both just want to get through it until they begin working together, quickly discovering there might be some truth to the facade. But when Alex reveals a few secrets about his life, Autumn isn’t sure they’re able to get past them, leading to a decision that affects the next eight years, and a band fanbase of millions.

I’ll Try Again Next Time

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I’m back to no bars on my sales graph again ☹

I’m bar-less ☹

You know what that means: I’ve done diddly when it comes to marketing. Less than diddly, and I’m not even sure that’s a thing. But it is for our purposes because seriously, my patient has flatlined. Not even a heartbeat since early September, and only two tiny blimps at that. I’m not surprised. I haven’t done any of the advertising earlier-this-year-me planned on doing which sucks, but it is what it is. And I’ve learned what I’ve learned. What’s that saying?

I never lose. Either I win or I learn.

Yeah, we’ll go ahead and apply that. I learned not to release books so close together, regardless of them being pretty much written (and regardless of my excitement as an author to have you read them!) because there is so, so much more that goes into a release day then just ‘releasing’ it. You have to let the whole friggin world know about it days, weeks, months in advance—and I definitely didn’t do that. At all. Not even close. Oh, well. I’ll try again next time. But what’s next time, you ask??

*********drrrrrruuuummmrrrrooollll*************

I’m happy to announce, that after BTY releases, I’m writing the FIFTH and FINAL book of Arizal Wars, so STOP ASKING ME, BATMAN.

To be honest, I needed a break from AZ since I started writing it in 2011. These last two years have been a nice vacation with Autumn and Alex, and I think the newness of their world has given me the rejuvenating boost I’ll need to face the final battle in AZ. Because oh yeah, shit goes down. It’s bittersweet to be finishing up my Better Than This series since I love my characters so much, but part of me is dying to get back into writing battle scenes. And prophecies. And alien races. And forbidden love and—ahh the goosebumps!

Anyway, that’s later this year. Or early next year. Not sure where I’m going with this post, but that’s a true panster at heart. Happy Wednesday 😊

(it’s today)

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Friday? Well, yeah, but not just that.

Rob’s birthday? Yeah, that too, but it’s not what I’m talking about.

The 229th day of the year? Dude, stop asking stupid questions. We all know what day it is. Let’s say it together, shall we?

IT’S RELEASE DAY MOTHERFUCKERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

By say, I meant scream, because that’s what I did. There’s no other (correct) way to announce your book release other than screaming it with definite use of profanity. Which is what I did, so, bravo to me. But YES to the few of you who know about the Better Than This series, book 2 releases today and picks up right where book 1 left off. That’s all I’m going to say. Go get it and read so we can dish and squee and obsess over all the things. 😊

Better Than Now can be found here.

With the talent show behind them, Autumn and Alex can finally begin their relationship. It took a school assignment, but they’ve managed to move beyond their awkward past to become one of the most popular—and gossiped-about—couples in school. Dating was supposed to be the easy part, but now that they’ve been plunged into the spotlight, Autumn isn’t sure she can keep up.

Things at home aren’t any better. Being grounded already sucks, but when her mom outright refuses the idea of Alex, things only get worse. It isn’t until a family secret is exposed that Autumn understands the depth of her mom’s disapproval, and the role it plays in her future with Alex.

With all the attention at school and her lack of support at home, Autumn fears for her relationship. She knows that for everything to work out, something drastic will have to change, and when it does, she’s faced with a choice that determines the rest of her life.

Goosebumps, guys. Goosebumps.

P.S. Happy birthday, Rob!

All The Reasons To Celebrate

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As you know (and has been previously stated) I’ve done shit for advertising BTN. We can all agree to this—yes? Good. With that said, I didn’t *totally *drop the ball because I did manage to get featured on Loni Townsend’s blog today AND I’m hosting the IRPR (Indie Reader’s Party Room) tomorrow from 6:30-9:30. Don’t remember? Probably because I only mentioned it that one time BUT I AM STILL DOING IT BECAUSE I KEEP MY PROMISES. And doing takeovers are fun 😊

So, what’s a takeover? (I think it’s when) I get control of the group/space (MUAHAHAHAHA!) and can steer the party wherever I want, hoping to interact with whoever (virtually) shows up. Since Better Than Now is releasing on Friday, one guess as to what I’m talking about. 😊 Yep. All themes based on high-school, musicians and first loves. Oh, and living in the early 2000s, which is when the first two books of the series takes place. So, if you’re feeling all share-y and want to dish about music and boys and high-school romances, come hang with me tomorrow. I’ll be here.

Other than that, TWO DAYS PEOPLE.

Seriously, though, where did the time go? Oh, and there are other writerly topics that I want to discuss but we’ll chat about them post BTN, okay?

Yay Loni Townsend’s blog today!

Yay IRPR host tomorrow!

Yay Better Than Now releases on 8/17! (AND it’s Rob’s birthday!) (AND it’s fucking Friday!)

ALL THE REASONS TO CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

(Slight Melancholy) Squee!

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I’ve done shit for advertising BTN.

I know, because I don’t have a single pre-order, which is cool, except that it isn’t because it kind of sucks seeing absolutely zero interest after the first one released in May. Maybe I should be drinking while I write this.

*looks over shoulder*

Nevermind. Kitchen’s too far away and I’m comfortable. But no, the zero lack of sales isn’t what kept me from posting on Wednesday. It’s because 1.) it snuck up on me like always and 2.) I wasn’t really sure what to write about and oh, 3.) WE’RE WATCHING TWO EXTRA DOGS AND THEY WON’T STOP BARKING/WHINING. Well, one of them won’t. And when she does, she’s usually ripping something into shreds which means I must watch her AT ALL TIMES. That, or fall victim to the bark/whine orchestra that makes my eyes want to pop. So, we’ll just recap and say I wasn’t in much of a “writing mood” these past few days.

I’m still totally thrilled about BTN’s release next week (yep! Next week, folks! I mean, how did three months fly? #amiright?) but I’ve been a bit…melancholy over the whole thing. Not just the lack of sales *cough zero sales cough* but the pressure of everything, and how much I don’t know and everything is so much of a long shot that sometimes the whole thing feels…unattainable. It’s a terrible way to think but we all have these days.

Anywho, I know I’m going crazy and posting late on a Thursday, but I couldn’t let all of you three reading this not know that I was okay. I am, thank you for wondering. As always, I’m flattered. Better Than Now releases next Friday, August 17th (Rob’s birthday) and yeah, I’m excited about it. I also should do some kind of advertising but the good stuff costs money and like we’ve talked about on numerous occasions, releasing three books three months apart maybe wasn’t the best idea. Again, lesson learned.

But still, I’m super excited for the next chapter of Autumn and Alex’s relationship to be out there! (slight melancholy) squee!

How have you been? Anything exciting/fun happening in your neck of the woods?

I (Finally) Have A Link

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And here it is:

THE MOST AWESOME LINK EVER

Woop! This, my friends, will take you to the magical place where you can have Better Than Now sent to your reading device. It won’t appear until August 17th (Rob’s birthday) but STILL. You can get the book by clicking here. Right here. Or even here.

A quick recap is in order, yes?

Better Than This

Autumn Sommers wants to forget what happened on the bus. It’s been three years, but avoiding Alex Wolf has become standard, especially since everyone knows about his sketchbook—and the drawings of her inside. The incident followed them from junior-high and now, in their sophomore year, the two have been paired on a project.

Autumn just wants to get through it. She needs to maintain her grades to keep her terrible Aunt Milly from moving back in, but working with Alex might be impossible since they have to pretend to be a couple for their assignment. Forced to put their past on hold, the two focus on their fictitious relationship until the lines between real and fake get blurred, and they discover there might be some truth to the façade. But things have changed since seventh grade. Alex has a secret, and it could mean the end of their new friendship…and more.

After everything they’ve been through, Autumn isn’t sure she can go back to the way it was. With their project—and her heart—on the line, she’ll need to prepare for whatever happens, even if it means a return to silence with the boy she wants the most.

Better Than Now

With the talent show behind them, Autumn and Alex can finally begin their relationship. It took a school assignment, but they’ve managed to move beyond their awkward past to become one of the most popular—and gossiped-about—couples in school. Dating was supposed to be the easy part, but now that they’ve been plunged into the spotlight, Autumn isn’t sure she can keep up.

Things at home aren’t any better. Being grounded already sucks, but when her mom outright refuses the idea of Alex, things only get worse. It isn’t until a family secret is exposed that Autumn understands the depth of her mom’s disapproval, and the role it plays in her future with Alex.

With all the attention at school and her lack of support at home, Autumn fears for her relationship. She knows that for everything to work out, something drastic will have to change, and when it does, she’s faced with a choice that determines the rest of her life.

Woop! Two weeks, guys! I’m stoked. Are you stoked? Let’s be stoked together. Okay? So CLICK ME to pre-order Better Than Now and we’ll stoke like no one’s ever stoked before. It’ll be glorious.

Also: I won a tote from my online romance writer’s group (which is AWESOME) All The Kissing! Look how cool it is! Hands up for participating in the RWA online party 😊

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Ari!!!!!!!

Cover Reveal: Better Than Now

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I’ve actually taken a few days off from writing, so this feels a little weird. I’m in that limbo stage between having passed my MS to the editor and sitting here twiddling my thumbs, waiting for her to get back to me. Believe me—there’s plenty I could be doing, but sometimes a little break really does a creative mind good.

It’s said (by many, many authors) that to write well is to write every day. I strongly mostly agree with this. It’s a craft, so, yes, you have to keep up and practice to get better, however, a nice reset button with fresh eyes does wonders. It’s how I started writing book 3. I was obsessing over the ending of book 2 and had to put it away. Then, like magic, a coupe of days later—poof! Instant access to door number 3, which then helped me finish book 2.

No writing-break epiphanies here, but it feels good to be back at the keyboard and talking about book stuff 😊 Since it’s technically mid-July, the gears have *officially* been switched to Better Than Now (woop!) which means promotion needs to start soon-ish. And to get that done, I need to be broadcasting the cover.

So…without any more stalling…I’m excited/nervous to present to you the cover of Better Than Now:

Yep! Looks pretty much like the previous one except for title and cover. Two reasons for this:

  1. I am broke. When I say broke, I mean broke. It’s a skill to get a book published (editing, cover design, formatting) on a tiny little budget, but damnit money is not going to be the thing to hold me back. Not in this.
  2. I actually envisioned wanting all three to look very similar; I didn’t necessarily think they’d have the same background, but I love it. I’ve loved it since Joleene showed me and I love how it combines both Autumn and Alex’s talents. Changing only the title and cover adds a good sense of continuity to the series, so when you see one, you might remember having seen another (they say that on average a consumer will see a product seven times before purchasing it) so it can’t hurt.

What do you guys think? Too much like the first? Individual enough to be its own? You don’t care and want to go outside and enjoy this beautiful day? Gotcha. Me too. 😉

Well, whatever you end up doing, enjoy it! I’m off to help Batman with yardwork and boring adult things. But after the chores are done, it’s off to a cinematic adventure 😊 Anyone seen Jurassic World yet? Good? Bad? How hot is Chris Pratt? (That’s all I care about).

The Great Banner Switch

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Since we’re teetering on mid- July, I think *THINK*it’s time to switch banners, right? I’ve been proudly—and staggeringly—waving my Better Than This flag, but I think it’s time to change it up. I’m no longer in the I’ve released a book last month phase; I’ve slipped into the I’m releasing a book next month club, and that means a switch of gears. So, I’m proud to present the FIRST (of many) posts focusing on Book 2 of the Better Than This series: Better Than Now.

::::::::::DANCING UNCONTROLLABLY:::::::::

::::::::::several hours of sleep followed copious amounts of Oreos::::::::::

Alright, so what’s going on with BTN? First of all, thank you for asking; you’ve always been so polite 😊 Second, you’ll be happy to know I’ve finished it, so, panic attack avoided. I’m sending it to the editor this week and I’m hopeful to have it available for pre-order on 8/3. It’s right around the corner, but I think I can manage. Know why? I got this.

Some other non-writing coolness: my sister and nephew came up this weekend and we went to St. Augustine. It always feels so magical in the oldest city in America.

What’s this? Am I actually at a castle?

Nope! Just the (Castillo de San Marcos) fort. Could be a castle, though right?

I meant to put a different picture here, but it got deleted. Sorry you have to look at this one.

Used to be a moat. Now, a place for kids to fall into.

Batman and my nephew, talking about the fort. Learning shit.

Great city if you’ve never gone. (You should go)

Alright, I’m back to the great banner-switch. Enjoy your hump-day 🙂

I’m Alive and Doing Things

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I messed up, guys. I didn’t post on Wednesday. I’m sure many of you cried; several, probably, took to the streets in mourning. I’m so sorry. But I’m here now and everything’s going to be alright. 🙂

The reason I didn’t adhere to my “post every Wednesday (so you can still be relevant and gain an audience) rule” is because I was busy finalizing BTN, which I still need to do since I promised a beta she could read it next week. INWARD SCREAM. With that said (and with much more to finalize) I shouldn’t be here writing this post. I should be working on BTN, so that’s what I’m going to do.

Just wanted to pop in and say I’m alive and doing things and everything is good at work where I have to sit in the murder chair**. But they haven’t fired me and I get free donuts on Thursdays, so it’s not too bad. Oh! If you’re curious or a stalker, I’ll be on Debra’s Book Cafe for an interview. Because I do that. Professional-like interview things because I’m an author. Eat it, Janelle, from third grade who told me I could never be an author.

*drops mic*

*runs back on stage*

Oh, and there’s this thing on Facebook called The Indie Readers Party Room (Public group/place/still unsure how everything works/ but authors get to take over and “host” for the day where they can talk about themselves, their books and interact with their fans by doing games and having questions and giveaways. It’s actually pretty fun) and in a courageous moment of why the hell not? I threw my name in and requested August 16th (day before Better Than Now releases) So. On August 16th, I will be hanging in The Indie Readers Party Room, so, if you’ve been wanting to hang with me–and who wouldn’t? *tosses hair*–come hang with me.

**I sit at the murder desk at work. It’s the first seat you see when you walk in (door is at my back) so if some crazy madman shows up, I’m being tagged first. Murder desk is real.

Have a great Friday 🙂