Guest blogger: Caroline Fyffe
Up, up and away
I thought ‘How hard can it be?’ making the leap from traditional publishing to the self-pubbed route. My friends who’d done it said to be prepared for madness—at least at first. Ok, I laughed. I’ve had stressful jobs in my life. Twenty years as an equine photographer had taught me patience, fortitude, perfection—I’d thought!
It all started last year in August when my New York publisher announced that they were going straight ebook starting with the titles set to come out it September. Everyone was poleaxed. I’d just squeaked under the wire with my second book, Montana Dawn, which launched in August. I breathed a sigh of relief. But, what now? We were working on its sequel, Texas Twilight, due out in May of 2011. Hmmm. After much soul searching and talking with many others in the business, I decided to publish it on my own. The industry was moving so fast—still is. I didn’t want to get left behind.
So I finished the book and had it edited. Then copy edited. Sent it to four beta-readers. All the while a cover artist was busy creating three beautiful covers. Three, you ask? Yes, during the time I was finishing writing Texas Twilight, I also tackled the daunting job of trying to regain the rights to my first two books. It happened after a few months, with great jubilation on my part.
I was not finished yet. After all the editing was complete, it was time to format—which I hired out—and do the up-loading, the promotions. But, along with frustration comes great satisfaction when the job actually gets done. Is this where I thought I’d be when I landed my first publishing contract? No. But how many things in our lives that seem like road bumps turn out to be blessings in disguise? That’s how I’m looking at this.
So, here I am. Beginning a new journey. One that’s scary, exciting and full of new faces, plus more and more of the ones I already know. Up, up and away … to the universe and beyond!
Here’s the back cover blurb to Texas Twilight, the sequel to Montana Dawn. I hope my adventure in Rio Wells, Texas, 1886 will whet your appetite for more western historical romances …
Fresh out of medical school, John McCutcheon finds his stagecoach under attack by brutal outlaws. With the help of a feisty acquaintance, Lily Anthony, he manages to fend off the assault. Lily is attracted to the charming cowboy-doctor, with his chiseled good looks and teasing ways, then heartbroken to learn he’s engaged to be married.
Once settled in Rio Wells, Texas, John tries to ignore the fact that his cousin has taken a shine to Lily. When a bounty hunter shows up looking for a priceless jewel that Lily has found stashed away in her aunt’s belongings, Lily fears her dreams of owning her own shop–and of finding true love—are about to go up in flames … or, could that just be the glow of a beautiful … Texas Twilight?
Have you ever had your plans take a turn into the unknown? What did you do? How did it make you feel? In celebration of Texas Twilight’s launch, I’m giving away a copy of each of my three books, in ebook format. Leave a comment for your chance to win Where the Wind Blows, Montana Dawn or Texas Twilight.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Look for Sourdough Creek coming soon!
Caroline Fyffe grew up in the little town of El Dorado, CA, the youngest of five girls and whose main interest was the family’s horses. An equine photographer for over twenty years now, she has worked throughout the United States and Germany. Long days in the arenas present plenty of opportunity to dream up all sorts of stories. Her love of horses and the Old West is the inspiration behind her books. Her debut book, Where the Wind Blows, was the recipient of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and also the Wisconsin RWA’s Write Touch Readers’ Award. Montana Dawn, Book 1 of the McCutcheon Family Series, was a Maggie Finalist, Gayle Wilson Finalist and winner of a Laurel Wreath. Texas Twilight, Book 2 of the McCutcheon Family Series, is newly published. Watch for Sourdough Creek coming in January of 2012. Married for many years, Caroline’s most cherished achievements are her two grown sons.
You can find Caroline at:
http://www.carolinefyffe.com/
http://www.carolinefyffephoto.com/
Write to her at caroline@carolinefyffe.com. She’d love to hear from you!
Caroline’s giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Aimee, Shiona and Barbara.
Well done Caroline! That’s fantastic that you’ve gone down that path – more power to you. As an avid reader of ebooks I’m sick of being continually gouged by publishers and knowing that the increased prices don’t mean the author is getting any more of the cake.and I have even less flexibility with the book (like pass on to a friend to read). Am off to your website now…:-)
Thanks, Shiona, for stopping by and commenting. I have to say although the process has been new and a bit scary to me, still, it’s been a real joy so far. Thanks for checking out my site!
Well done … I think this is the way a lot of authors are going … I read more ebooks than paper ones ….hubby can’t see how big the TBR pile is lol
Barbara
Congrats on taking the plunge, Caroline! It must be daunting to start with but then the sense of achievement to see your book out on the shelf without the safety-net of a publisher must be immense. Well done!!
Life does have a tendency to slip in pot-holes and dead-ends… Twenty-six years ago I was working as an instructor in outdoor education in the UK as part of the typical Australian trip after after uni. I was only supposed to be there for a six week stint before moving on to the next adventure. Unfortunately I badly injured my knee playing football with the kids.
The man who scooped me up in his arms and carried me off the field is currently snoring on the couch and our twenty-fourth wedding anniversary is just around the corner. My knee still gives me a jab every once in a while, and that makes me wonder where I would have ended up but for an awkward tackle on a muddy field. Would I have chosen aviation as a career and then followed my dream to write? I don’t know, but I’m very glad life threw me the curved ball that it did!!
That’s a good point, Barbara! LOL I never thought of that!
This month I received a Kindle Fire from my husband for my birthday and I couldn’t be happier with it. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be and my KF really helps! I find myself making excuses to go to bed quite early these days and reading more.
Have an awesome day!
~Caroline
Helen, what an incredibly romantic meeting! I say, it’s better than most fiction set ups. And congrats on your twenty-four years together with that wonderful guy—that’s so cool.
It’s so true about life’s unexpected twists and turns. Wouldn’t our days be boring without them? It’s fun to trace back how things actually come to be. I’m certainly a believer in God’s will be done.
Thanks so much for joining in and sharing your story. Congratulations on your Australian Romance Readers Awards, as well as your RW of Australia’s Book of the Year!
Awesome Caroline! *clapping hands* Welcome to self-pubbing! I have many books with one publisher, and another with a second publisher. Last year I self-pubbed 2 contemporary romances in ebook & trade paperback, and while it was nerve-wracking and confusing the first time, it gets easier. And it’s so rewarding. I’m definitely doing it again!
Congratulations Caroline. It must be very rewarding to successfully self publish your books.
I love both westerns and family series so I’ll have to check out your website.
Aimee
(nonmoty)
Thanks, Angela–seems like everyday is exciting!
So happy to hear you love westerns, Aimskye! Woo Hoo!
My book winners are;
Where the Wind Blows-aimskye
Montana Dawn-Shiona
Texas Twilight-Barbara
Congrats to all! I’ll be sending an Amazon Gift to your in-box! Cheers!
That’s great Caroline, thanks so much. What a wonderful way to celebrate Friday
I have already received the Amazon Gift email, downloaded the book and will curl up with it tonight.
Thanks very much Caroline. I have already downloaded and am just waiting for a break to get into it!
Aimee
(nonmoty)