With selling books. For a little bit there, I was moving one to two units a day! (Although they were usually free. But still. Movement is movement and hopefully leads to more movement…) But now that’s stopped and I’m staring at my phone wondering if it’s broken because the same ugly zero has been staring aggressively at me for the last few days.
Mean, angry zero.
Okay, yes—I’ve taken a break with tiktock, and with marketing in general. I know. I know. But I’m tired and really need to focus on editing ITMD and working the next draft of AROG. I mean, product is just as important as advertising product, right? No? I don’t know.
ALSO, I HAVE A BOX OF IN THE MOMENT BEFORE BOOKS SITTING IN MY OFFICE.
I got them Friday. I really want to open the box and see my books but opening them is a “thing” now apparently. You read that right. Unboxing personal indie author books is a “thing” so I need to do this “thing” and I keep forgetting because the house needed ridiculous amounts of cleaning and I got the edits for ITMD and the doggies needed playing. So…the box is still sitting there. Waiting to get unboxed. Because that’s a thing. And I’m an author and I must do all the things.
Guess what I’m saying is…keep an eye out for that spectacular video 😉
Think that’s all for now. If not, I’m sure I’ll be popping into the FB group for an update. That, or it will wait until next week. Either way, still be on the lookout for my unboxing video.
You’re so smart. That’s right—me. And yes, it was frigging awesome! If I didn’t mention it (I think I did?) RRU is an annual outdoor festival cloaked in an herbal cloud with groovy music by some amazing artists. Oh yeah. Definitely the recharge I needed.
Batman and I headed down Thursday night, but we didn’t start the festival fun until Friday afternoon, a few hours before Sublime and Rebelution came on (our highlights). Getting ready to go:
I did try to take photos, but the sun was blinding and I couldn’t see anything on my phone. I ended up taking a lot of tiktoks that are still in my drafts (due to their super poor quality) so we’ll see what becomes of them, which is likely nothing. Perhaps. I might post one here or there when I get bored. Or desperate for content…
The food at the festival was great! Especially the fried Oreos, which I tried multiple times, just to make sure. No, I did not use the porta pottys because I have a reoccurring nightmare about disgusting bathrooms, so I watched my water intake and let the music and fog take me away…
And then Summer fell into my life.
Literally. Actually, she laid down on the blanket in front of me and Batman in the middle of Rebelution’s performance. Now, who’s Summer? Great fucking question, because I still don’t know. But she was drunk as a skunk and definitely on something stronger than I ever want to try. Because, after discovering *quite quickly* that she couldn’t really stand, she fell into the guard rail—hard. Like really hard. Summer was having quite the night, though I doubt she remembers any of it. Like me. Or hanging with us until her brother and his livid girlfriend arrived to collect her. Or my bruised, scraped thumb I have as a souvenir. But that’s how festival-going goes.
The entire weekend was awesome, even though our hotel room had the world’s longest walk and this angry meth head freaked out on us while we were waiting for an Uber—still a GREAT weekend! If you like reggae music (Rebelution, Sublime, Collie Buddz, Koffee, ect.), being outside with cool people (except you, Summer. Get your shit together) then I highly suggest Reggae Rise Up if you get the chance. 😊
WRITING STUFF
Okay, guys. This is it. It’s this week. This motherfucking week. You know what that means:
Celebratory dinner.
With each novella/novel release, I’ve decided I’m treating myself and Batman to an “occasion” meal which is a fancy way of saying an expensive restaurant we have no reason going to. But we do! For I am releasing another book baby into the world which super calls for extravagant dining in a fancy restaurant we’d not normally go to. (Mind you, when I say extravagant, I mean a level or two above Chilis. We’re not going crazy here—we’re still low middleclass as long as middleclass is still a thing) For In The Moment Before, Batman and I went to the Columbia Restaurant in St. Augustine. It was December, required a reservation, and other than being guilted that we were just a party of two (and not four or more, like our server wanted) it was lovely. It’s time for our next outing, hopefully without an opinionated server. Current choice options include:
Coopers Hawk
Cheesecake Factory
Maggiano’s
I’m stuck and need more options. This is where you come in. Please either vote on one of the below OR add your own for a new possibility. Come on, guys. You can help Batman and me feel like one of the wealthy for a night! Help send us in our pumpkin carriage to a ball with better than awesome food. That’s all I ask.
2) Celebratory Giveaway
That’s never been a thing I’ve done—BUT I’M STARTING IT. That’s right. Once I figure out how, I’m hosting a raffle giveaway for a signed paperback edition of A Royal Pairing in Perish, a new tradition for each coming release. The raffle giveaway will likely be in next week’s post, so keep an eye out for that if you’re into free awesome stuff.
Alright, I feel like I’ve taken enough of your time even though I could ramble on for another few hours so I’m going to end it here. Quick recap of all the stuff:
A Royal Pairing in Perish releases this Friday. Woot!
Help me decide where to celebrate with Batman. Please.
Keep an eye out for the signed paperback giveaway. Another woot!
Keep an eye out for Summer. (Seriously)
Have a fab-fab-FABULOUS week. I’m sending you all the happy, positive, fun vibes! 😊
I know I say this every week, but I’m keeping today’s post short. Well, shorter. There are several reasons for this:
I write my blogs at work and my boss is almost back from lunch
Not a lot happened since last week (the whole no news is good news thing)
I’m still deep in the writing cavern which fills up all my free time
Four reasons sound better than three
I did think about skipping today’s post (as I don’t have much to share) but I’ve been stood up TWICE in my life, and I just won’t do that to you, kind folks. Also, there is one thing I have to talk about:
I’m doing a final sweep through the manuscript, but I’ll have it ready by this Friday, 2/10. If you’re interested in giving feedback, please let me know! (I need it to make the story better 😊) And if you’re interested but haven’t read In The Moment Before (and want to!) I’ll throw you a free copy to get you up to speed. Just need feedback by March 3rd in order to get to the editor in time.
Working blurb:
After an unexpected hookup, I end up dating Grayson Knight—my former mortal enemy. We still argue constantly, and I’m sure we’ll break up at some point, but after a family dinner goes well with Dad—the city’s Police Sergeant—I have hope.
Then I start noticing things. Like how Grayson gets called away at odd times, or how skilled he is with gymnastics. Then there was the fight at school—the one where he dominated his opponent. None of it seems relevant until we’re attacked by a monstrous creature—and Grayson springs into action. It’s almost like he knows what to do…like he’s done it before.
Knowing something is off, I confront him about his odd departures and accurate physical skills, but he brushes it off. Not satisfied, I decide to discover the truth for myself. Because Grayson has a secret—and I’m going to find out what.
Lastly, I’ll have the ARC available for A Royal Pairing in Perish on 2/24. If you want to be one of the VIPers who receives their Batman/Catwoman inspired adventure-romance early, lemme direct your attention here:
I write my blogs on Monday in time for Wednesday. Except today (Monday) I started the day by setting off the alarm at work. Things are off to a great start.
Probably going to keep today’s post short since we’re coming off a fresh newsletter with any recent updates and all the things you should/probably/may not want to know have already been addressed. I’m pretty boring over here. Other than a super-charged game of punch-buggie over the weekend, it’s been chill. But the game has gotten serious, for anyone wondering. Word of advice: don’t challenge Batman to the punch-buggie game. He takes that shit seriously.
Well, it’s February. Things on my mind this week/month:
Finish final edits of A Royal Pairing in Perish
Make A Royal Pairing in Perish available for ARCs
Establish brilliant plan of marketing
Sleep
Besides all my writing deadlines & duties, February is an exciting month for Batman as well! We’re working his second toy show and this time, I’ll be healthy and not sneezing on potential customers. Already an improvement! I’ll be sure to include pictures when that newsletter/blog rolls around.
Oh! And I totally neglected to mention this in my last newsletter and blog (because I’m a horrible, horrible wife) but I’ve been feeling a little stressed lately, and one day last week I came home to flowers from Batman. They’re pretty much dead now, but try to envision them lively and fresh:
Another thing? (why have I forgotten to include this gem?!) Batman won Christmas. There. I said it. I think I did pretty well this year, but I can’t get over my BIG present that just arrived due to holiday delays. Y’all ready for this?
I can’t. I just can’t. LOOK AT THIS. LOOK AAAATTTTT IIIIITTTT!!!!!!!!!!!! We’re royal and wonderful and just as it feels we should be, puffy pants and all.
He wins. Batman wins. I concede defeat.
Anyway, happy Wednesday.
See you on the ‘tock, here, or on my fb page. Pretty much the only places you’ll find me outside my writing cave. For now.
Am I surprised? Nah. I think the word is expected. I should’ve expected to get bumped off my own schedule. It was only a matter of time. So what happened? Well, the goal is to have the ARC of A Royal Pairing in Perish done in time for its February 17th date. Of course, that date is arbitrary (no one is banging down my door asking for it) so I can push it back if need be. But stiiillllllll. I wanted to keep to my schedule. And no, it’s not Yellowstone this time. It’s the actual writing.
I’d just finished going through In The Moment During, and can’t decide if I’m missing the last chapter/a bonus chapter/something. So, I started writing it…which led to outlining In The Moment After which NEEDS TO HAPPEN, but I’d designated this time (officially the start of this week) to focusing on A Royal Pairing in Perish since it’s releasing right around the corner. I still need to:
Implement final edits
Work on backmatter (info at the end of book)
Finish up my Reader Magnet (part of backmatter)
Set up pre-order for In The Moment During (part of back matter)
Things. There are so many things to be done. And this is just the writing part. Not to mention any kind of advertising for any of the series/learning to do Facebook ads which I’M STILL GOING TO LEARN.
All I need is more time. Anywhere we can buy that? (Please let me know if you know).
…Maybe I will push the ARC date back to 2.24. That would be a solid month prior to the book’s actual release, and again, no one is holding me to it. I’m holding myself to these deadlines, but I also don’t want to rush and provide a subpar product. That simply won’t do either.
There. I feel better having talked it out. Thank you guys – you’re the best! 😊
Other than writing-stuff, life is good. Appa is still acting weird. He’s had a few accidents in the house, and is now starting to shake like he’s got Parkinson’s. I have no idea what’s going on with him, but hopefully it corrects itself. Or the drugs we’re buying him corrects it. Something has to give.
Batman is doing well. He’s working on his own stuff and it seems to be making him happy. Which makes me happy.
Alright…seems to be everything I’ve got. Recap: I’m:
Already behind schedule
Will update schedule
Still going to crush this year
At the end of the day, I’m still going to write you stories. Top priority. Feel safe and loved knowing that.
Second newsletter goes out on Monday (still need to write that…) and then I’m back here next Wednesday. Have a lovely, lovely day, guys.
What do you do when you’re within a month of releasing the first thing in four years? Work on the second book of a different series, of course.
Y’all.
I feel like I can breathe now. The best part of being a writer? The writing. Lately, I’ve been bogged down with learning this platform and stressing about that one and trying to get the mechanics behind the scenes to work to make sure everything actually works and if you know me (or have stalked me for some time) you’ll know I’m not exactly tech-savvy, so it normally takes me longer than most. Other people can figure things out quickly but it takes a lot of staring and rereading on my part, along with a bunch of second guessing and overthinking mixed in with some anxiety and worry that I only get one shot and will fail at life if I don’t get it right the first time. So, yeah, it takes me a bit longer with technology than most.
But it’s all good because I’m finally at a place where I’m *mostly* prepped for ITMB’s release. Editing is done. ARCs are ready. Book tours, promos and review sites have been signed up for (though I need to do a bit more research on those…) but otherwise…a good portion of launching ITMB…is done.
Crazy to say it. Even crazy to know I’m not lying. Now, this is a book launch from practically a *noob, so I know I’m missing a bunch of stuff I probably should’ve done or be doing. But, it’s okay. I’ll figure it out. Plus, I’ve got four releases in 2023 so I’m sure I’ll get one of them right.
With all that said, I’m finally at a place where I can do the thing I really, really enjoy about this whole self-publishing thing. Any guesses? Yep—the actual writing. Since I’ve already written and had ARPIP edited, the next candidate would be In the Moment During, Novella 2 in The Coyote And The Coyote Companion Series. But I’ve already gone through that twice. I’ll probably comb through it another two times before I bring in my BETA readers (could be you! Check out how to become a VIP fan yet?) but for right now, I’m done with it. That means it’s onto the next story which is the second book in The Coyote And The Claw Series, set to release in September 2023. We ready for a name? Yeah, I think so too.
The Coyote And The Claw Series
A Royal Pairing in Perish – Releases March 24th 2023
A Return of Ghosts – Releases September 22nd
Name to be announced – Releases March 2024
So, there you go! A Return of Ghosts. It seems silly talking about it when you haven’t even read A Royal Pairing in Perish, which isn’t even the next thing releasing. Sometimes (most times) you have to be almost ten months ahead to get things done. But I got this.
Also—might be worth noting, but maybe not—I’ve decided I’m going to start doing bimonthly newsletters. That’s right. We’re talking the fifteenth and thirtieth of every month, so instead of a whopping twelve emails a year, you’ll be blessed with twenty-four of those fabulous little babies delivered right to your inbox. I know. The good news never ends around here. But this change is taking place in January 2023. Or next month. Haven’t really decided yet.
Thanks for sticking around for all the updates. I’ve been skimping on the ol’ blog and that’s just not right. But I should be good going forward except that the holidays are upon us so who knows. I certainly don’t, but I know what I’m doing in around nine to ten months. Crazy how that works.
Have a great week!
~ Lady Caitlin
*noob isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I definitely don’t know what the hell I’m doing. Just like a newbie at anything. But, we all start somewhere, right?
So, I wrote a post last week…and definitely forgot to post it. STILL NOT DEAD. Just forgetful. But just so you know that I’m not sitting over here doing nothing. I am. I’m hustling and grinding behind the scenes and sometimes, things slip my mind…like posting that blog from last week. It was a short one. But, for reference:
A MONTH.
In The Moment Before releases a MONTH from today. A MONTH. I still can’t believe it. I wrote this back in July and I’m actually releasing it next month as the first story in the world of Perish, Florida. Never heard of it? Probably because it’s 1) not a real place and 2) you’re new to this blog because I’ve talked about writing Perish Florida since earlier this year, when I thought I would be publishing A Royal Pairing in Perish around June. But I wanted to do the launch right this time, so I put it on pause, researched the HELL out of self-publishing (again) and after a trip to Tampa, I discovered a new/side story that I wanted to write that ended up becoming the first story in this world and it’s releasing NEXT MONTH.
I still can’t get over it. I feel like I’ve done a thousand things to prepare, but I still feel like I have billion more to do and all I really want to do is to work on the next story in the series (the writing portion. So far working on this has been 60/40 writing vs business.) I feel like I’ve come a long way with setting up this launch. I’m trying new things and I’m definitely throwing a lot of money at it (reasonably) but I know it takes money to make money and so far, I’ve been pressing the publish button and that’s it. It’s time to do more. I am doing more.
To celebrate re-stablishing myself (establishing for the first time?) I’m passing the awesomeness to you! During the month of December, I’m putting my Better Than This series on sale, with the first book as free and the others at .99. It’s my thank you for being an awesome supporter of me, my work, and reading in general. We need more people like you 😉
And because, why not? Gotta feel comfortable pimping my stuff:
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:
Need Character name assistance
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).
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.
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?
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.
