Tuesday, 3 February 2015
Series: Dunnavin Saga Book #1
Release Date: 15th January 2-15
Publisher: Yes U Publications
Publisher: Yes U Publications
Genres: New Adult Romance / Women's Fiction
Why I Love Indie
Publishing
About the Author and Ever Locked
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Why I Love Indie
Publishing
By Jeannie Kaye
I began my writing career as an Indie author
in 2001 when I created a beautiful full-color Astronomy manual for children,
the first in a series of seven award-winning elementary science textbooks. I
had it printed, and sold about two hundred copies before a publisher approached
me. I can honestly say I’m very happy with the decision I made to go with a
traditional publisher for my science series. With all that said, I’ve decided to go
Indie with my fiction career. My first book Ever
Locked released in January, and it’s been a fantastic ride! So, why am I going Indie when things were
going so well with a traditional publisher? Good question! Here are a few of my
top reasons.
Content
Control
Traditional publishers have a lot at stake.
Because of that, they need to control the content in the books they publish.
The content must comply with their standards and opinions of what will be
acceptable and salable to the public. They will only publish books that “fit” the
categories that sell well. Ever
Locked (and the whole Dunnavin Saga series) doesn’t
fit in one specific category. The novel is a hybrid cross between New Adult,
Romance and Women’s Fiction. It’s New Adult because the characters are young
and hip and are trying to navigate this crazy world as adults. It’s romance
because the two main characters have fallen in love, yet everything stands in
their way. It’s Women’s Fiction because it tackles tough topics like abuse,
one’s past, family drama, rape, emotional healing and forgiveness.
As a self-published Indie author, I don’t
have to comply with the corporate mindset. My characters can be themselves. I
can write their stories boldly, with freedom.
Cover
Creation
Although many publishers allow you to have
a “say” in the final cover, they create the cover design. The designer gets to
decide the overall look and feel of the book. He chooses what he wants the
cover to portray, even though he hasn’t even read the book! The designer may do
a wonderful job artistically, but more often than not, the cover is not an
accurate reflection of the themes and heart of the book.
My cover designer worked closely with me
and was able to perfectly capture the intense emotions of my main character and
the self-sacrifice she makes to protect the man she loves. Ever Locked is a painful read at times, and I wanted the cover to
reflect that. From the fonts to the image of Iris to the compelling color, my
designer and I were able to make the cover so unique that it can easily be made
into a series with similar covers for each book. I loved being a part of the
process and having so much input in the cover design. Being able to look at the
finished product and absolutely love it is so important to me as an author.
Pressure
Points
I’ve been a writer all my life, beginning
with those tiny locked journals where I poured out my heart every single night
as a young girl. Writing flows naturally from me, like breathing. I can’t not write. It’s just who I am. Before I
wrote my first book, I was creating newsletters for every organization I
joined, writing articles for magazines and faithfully journaling. I loved
writing my first science book. It was a blast! I wrote another science book
shortly after the first, just before I was traditionally published.
My publisher asked for a science series.
So, I got to work. Well, guess what happens when you’re writing for a
traditional publisher? Deadlines. Do or die. Yeah, it got hard and writing
wasn’t quite as fun anymore. I didn’t want to write the books in the order I
was given to write them. I had a passion to write a chemistry book, but I was
told to write about animals. Not that I didn’t like animals; zoology just
wasn’t what was on my heart. But it didn’t matter. I had to write the animal
book. Sometimes it was like trudging through thick, soul-sucking mud. Not only
that, my dad was dying, my husband was sick, my kids were young and needy and I
was homeschooling. My life was a hot mess. But I had a job to do. Sadly, my
passion became drudgery.
Writers are artists. As an artist, freedom
of expression is essential for creating true works of art. Being an Indie
author gives me this freedom.
I love Indie Publishing because I can write
what I want, when I want, how I want and on my own time schedule. There is no
pressure from a publisher. No deadlines. I can churn out what’s on my heart to
write. It’s a passion more than a job. Writing is joy and heart, not tears and
toil. And I’m so much more productive when I’m allowing what’s on my heart to
hit the page.
In addition to writing the Dunnavin Saga, I’ve
written a Young Adult Dystopian series that’s almost complete. At this point, I
plan to put out three books in the Dunnavin Saga this year, then start putting out
my Young Adult series. But, if I feel like I want to finish the Young Adult
series first, I can. It’s my choice.
What’s really amazing about being an Indie
author is that I can write at my own pace, without any pressure. Nevertheless,
as soon as the book’s done . . . it’s in the reader’s hands. Almost instantly.
Need
for Speed
One of my favorite aspects of self-publishing
is the speed with which you can get your book from your head to the market. When you work with a traditional publisher,
it can be like molasses to get your book out there. That’s because yours is not
the only book in the cue. You are not the priority, even if you are the
publisher’s best selling author. You have to wait for months to get the edits
back. You have to wait even longer for the layout and cover designer to begin
working. Then, when it’s all done, you still have to wait your turn for the
printing. There are other books in front of yours. Essentially, when you finish
the manuscript, it could be a year or longer before the book is available to
the public.
As an Indie author, my editors are fast. My
cover designer is fast. We work as a team on the same schedule. And once the
work is done, my novel can be out in a matter of days – not months, not years.
It’s phenomenal and fun.
Go
Indie!
There are lots more reasons why I love Indie.
If you’re considering it, I say . . . Go Indie!
About the Author and Ever Locked
EVER
LOCKED IS EVER HOPEFUL
Published Author and Life Coach
Turns to Indy Romance
ATLANTA, Ga. (January 6, 2015) -- There are more than 50 reasons why readers
will enjoy Ever
Locked,
a captivating debut romance novel by Jeannie
Kaye,
published author, life coach and counselor.
From the charismatic characters, suspenseful plot and refreshing PG
rating to the elements of conflict and forgiveness, Ever Locked is winning readers’ hearts with its inspirational
messages of hope and healing from abuse, neglect and abandonment (scroll down
for story details; read an excerpt here; read reviews on GoodReads). The first in a gripping series, the novel will
be released January 15 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others for $2.99.
Known as Jeannie Fulbright, Jeannie has enjoyed a long
career as an award-winning science textbook author and public speaker. Her
books are ever popular, with nearly 1,000,000 copies in circulation. Along with masters-level work in counseling, she
is a certified life coach and has taught marriage classes with her husband.
As a public speaker, Jeannie focuses on marriage, personal success, and emotional
wellbeing. Under pseudonym Jeannie Kaye,
she is committed to writing provocative romance stories that offer substance by
dealing with real life issues and emotionally stable resolutions.
Ever Locked, told from the
perspective of 23-year-old Iris Kent and 24-year-old Alonzo Locke, is a story
about new adults striving to navigate tangled relationships, relevant issues
and heart-throbbing romance. Many
romance novels today include explicit sex – and often the story itself is a
means to deliver sizzling scenes. Ever Locked strives to provide readers respite
from gratuitous sex, and instead delivers a powerful story of forgiveness and
love. (Even without explicit sex scenes,
one reader labeled the book steamy but dreamy!) To keep hungry readers happy, Always Tripped, the second novel in the
series, will follow Ever Locked later
in 2015.
About
Ever Locked
Ever Locked heroine Iris Kent, a dark
haired beauty relatively inexperienced with the complicated issues of career,
family and love, knows something isn’t right with her engagement to the charming
Dallas billionaire, Trip Dunnavin. His distance and verbal abuse are escalating
dramatically. Taking a break from it
all, Iris escapes to Austin where she struggles to keep her sense of self. Iris’s life takes an unexpected turn when she
meets a handsome stranger, Alonzo Locke.
Tortured,
passionate and controlling antagonist, Trip Dunnavin, is from one of the
oldest, wealthiest families in Dallas society.
With his magnetic charm, he’s hailed as the most eligible bachelor in
the city. But Trip is focused on one
thing only – marrying the bride his mother has chosen for him, so he can retain
his standing as the youngest billionaire in Texas and take over the family dynasty.
Protagonist Alonzo Locke is a
copper-eyed fugitive wanted for crimes he didn’t commit, with plans to bring
justice to the man responsible. He lives under the radar in Austin, loyally
raising his young brother, diligently working as a gardener and studying
pre-law at the University of Texas.
When Iris and Zo meet, the
connection is instant. After weeks
together, they forge a powerful bond. When Zo’s shadowy secrets are
discovered, Iris finds herself locked out of love and trapped in a web of lies,
greed and personal sacrifice to keep the man she loves safe. She returns
to Trip in Dallas to do what’s best for Zo – even though it’s tearing her
apart.
Jeannie
currently lives in Georgia and is married to an attorney who has been romancing
her daily since their meeting in 1991. She
has four children – two teens and two new adults, who are her very favorite
people on the planet. When Jeannie is not working, she can be found
boating with her family, traveling, reading and writing. Always writing. Visit www.jeanniekaye.com.
EXCERPT - CHAPTER 13
Pulling out of the boutique
parking lot, Mom tilted her head toward Iris. “Why don’t you take off that
sweater, Sweet Pea? You must be burning hot.”
“I’m fine, Mom.” Iris turned the
AC vents in her direction and visualized the ugly cocktail dress Natasha had
sent her to wear tomorrow night. She’d need a shawl or something to cover her
bruised arms. She clamped her teeth together and fisted her hands. A shawl in
the middle of a hot Texas summer. Lovely.
Arriving home, Iris stepped into
the foyer and halted. Really? Again? Every surface was covered with—of
course—flowers. Hundreds of irises filled the entryway in the same pattern as
before. Was she really that foolish? How could she have given into Trip so
easily? She felt manipulated. Tricked. Trapped. No matter how much she tried to
forget, his hateful words echoed in her brain: You’re barely pretty.
Her mother squealed, read the
card, and clasped her hands to her face. “Oh, Sweetie! You are marrying the
most amazing, thoughtful man in Dallas. You’re on top of the world!”
Iris huffed. More like a cliff.
Mom pointed a chiding finger at
her. “You should be more grateful for what you have.”
Grateful. Iris resisted an eye
roll.
Mom turned in circles, all
smiles. “I have to call Natasha. Wait. Let’s take pictures. She’ll be so proud
of that darling boy she raised.”
The
darling demon she spawned.
Iris attempted a smile—a smile
that most likely looked like an angry cat in a full-out hiss. She wrestled with
her expression while Mom pulled out her phone and recorded the deluded moment.
The truth pressed down like an eyeless oracle whispering taunts of future
misfortune. Flowers, flowers everywhere. Fear and flowers. Bruises and baby’s
breath. Peonies and punishment.
Peonies.
A melody of memories filtered
through her mind of one who nurtured flowers to life—made them blossom and fill
the world with beauty—a man who took care of fragile things. She pictured herself
on Zo’s back, their playful banter sending gales of laughter into the air. What
was he doing now? Oh yeah. Ella the beautiful had him.
Her mother beamed with radiant
joy. “Oh, Sweet Pea! I’m so excited about all the things ahead of us. Natasha
and I are planning the most elaborate centerpieces for the reception. And she’s
been such a help to me at the Junior League. I don’t know if I could survive
without her. It’s as if our two families have merged into one. And it’s because
of you! We’re so proud of you, of the woman you’ve become. I knew you’d do
great things with your life, but I never dreamed all this would happen.”
She sighed with a happy
contentment that struck Iris in the heart. “And did I tell you we’re planning
Christmas in Italy with the Dunnavins? We’ve reserved an enormous house in
Verona. Our own home in the city of Romeo and Juliet. Isn’t that romantic?”
Yeah. Just like Shakespeare.
Maybe she’d take a dagger and plunge it into her heart right where Juliet had
died. Blowing out a breath, she turned toward the staircase. “I have to get
changed.”
In her room at last, Iris tore
off the sweltering sweater and fell on her bed. What could she do? She’d
promised to give Trip a chance. She couldn’t break up with him now. But if not
now, then when? A breakup would cause a rift in the ground on which they stood.
Maybe even a fracture. But if she waited she’d meet an earthquake.
Her purse jangled, and Iris
reached for her phone. Oh great. The
Dallas Morning News. Probably that nasty Sue Tyler. Why had they assigned
that woman to the Dunnavin wedding? Everyone knew Sue hated Iris. The reporter
had worn a smug grin when she pushed the Natasha assignment onto Iris. Then she
practically spat in her face and called her a gold digger when she heard
Natasha had set Iris up with Trip. As if the whole thing had been Iris’s plan
all along. Ridiculous.
“Iris Kent,” she answered with
no enthusiasm.
“Back in town, I see.” Sue’s
voice bled crimson animosity.
“News travels fast.” Probably
Natasha’s doing—the publicity-stunt specialist.
“For whatever reason, they want
an article about you . . . again. Give me something interesting.”
Oh, right. So that Sue could pen
some condescending article with thinly veiled insults scattered throughout?
“Sorry, Sue. I got nothing.”
“Come on, Iris. Anything to get
them off my back. Unless you want me to make up something.”
Oh,
please! Iris slammed her fist
into the bed. “Fine. Trip just loaded my entire foyer with flowers to welcome
me home.” Sue would likely twist it into something sinister. Whatever.
“That’ll do. I’ll send a
photographer over.” She clicked off.
Without conscious thought, Iris
opened her photo app and scrolled through her recent pictures. She pinched the
screen to zoom in on the smile that could blind the sun. A hint of a dimple
punctuated Zo’s left cheek. If they had children, one of them would have
dimples. Maybe all of them.
Iris’s heart clenched with pain.
That could never happen. She studied Zo’s mouth then closed her eyes and
pictured his kiss in the hospital—the kiss that defied time and space.
Her eyes flew open. How could
she be so unfaithful in her thoughts? So weak-willed? She thrust her hands over
her face. Somehow, everything she believed about herself teetered on the brink
of death. What had she become? How had Zo so easily punctured a hole in her
armor of virtue?
Yet, what if Zo really was the
one? Her destiny, as he called it. If she refused him, would she live her whole
life in misery—longing for what could have been?
Maybe that’s what Zo meant when
he said she wouldn’t live up to her full potential. How can you become your
best if you’re always looking in the rearview mirror? But then again, maybe Zo
was a smooth talker. A chick magnet, full of wise and winsome words to lure
girls into his trap. Maybe it was all in her head. The whole thing.
Well, if Zo captured Ella’s
heart too, then what Iris felt clearly wasn’t destiny. He’d be a different sort
of charmer than the one whose ring she wore.
I
have to know. If Zo and Ella were
developing a romantic thing for each other, she would release him from her
daydreams—once and for all. She punched Ella’s number.
Ella answered immediately.
“Iripalooza!”
A hole opened up in Iris’s
heart. Entirely too chipper. Why? The obvious truth stabbed her. “Hey, Ella.”
Ella’s tone changed. “Iris? Is
everything okay?”
Iris took a deep, quivering
breath and brushed an unbidden tear off her cheek. “I’m fine. I was just . . .
sorry, I was just calling to see how things are going.”
“You don’t sound okay. What happened?
What did that scum bucket do this
time?”
“Nothing. I was distracted.
What’s going on? Are you having fun? How’s everyone doing?” Specifically Zo.
“Oh my goodness, Iris! It’s been
great. I went to work with Zo today and helped him landscape. Can you believe
that?”
Two tears cascaded down Iris’s
cheek while she listened to the details of Ella’s day. Her friend’s chatter was
punctuated by descriptions of Zo’s intelligence, his gentleness, and how he
told Ella she was pretty.
Of course he did. Iris forced
out an empty laugh. “I’m sure he’s got you falling madly in love with him.”
Resentment tasted bitter.
Ella’s voice drew closer to the
phone, as if she were cupping it so no one could hear. “Truth is, this boy’s
been pining like a madman over one particular girl that stole his heart.”
Hope burst through Iris’s soul,
only to be dashed by clouds of confusion. Trip, no matter how messed up, did
not deserve an unfaithful wife. As far as Iris knew, Trip was faithful to her.
How could she be so unfaithful in her thoughts? It was wrong.
Ella spoke to someone, her hand
covering the mouthpiece. “I gotta run. We’re taking Buddy to get a dog. See ya,
Sweetie! Take pics of the party!” She clicked off.
Iris stared at the dead phone as
if it had just cut her.
The doorbell rang. Surely, the
photographers weren’t that fast. When Trip’s voice echoed from below, a groan
burst from her. His footsteps grew louder as they approached her room. The
sound of doom. She pulled in a deep breath and resolved herself to her mission.
She would see this through. For better or for worse. She sat up and watched
wordlessly as he entered her room.
Eyes darting to her arms, Trip’s
face contorted. He spoke in a roughened voice. “Did your mom see those?”
Plucking the sweater off the
bed, she shook her head.
Trip fell to his knees in front
of her. “I brought you something.” He slid a light-blue box tied with a big,
white, silky bow onto her lap. Tiffany’s. With a limp half-smile, she stared
down at the box on her lap.
He untied the bow then opened
the lid to reveal a shiny, blue jewelry box. A hopeful, boyish look covered his
face. Everything reminded her of the last time. She didn’t budge or move toward
the gift. He popped it open. Inside lay a gold necklace with a
diamond-encrusted heart pendant housing a small keyhole in the middle.
A lock. How fitting. She looked
up into his eyes and sighed.
His eyes filled with worry. “I
need to know you forgive me.”
“I do, Trip.” But she couldn’t
forget.
“I called a counselor today,” he
said as he pulled the necklace from the box. “I made an appointment.”
She nodded, blinking slowly as
he unclasped the necklace. Then his blue eyes—which had once dazzled her and
made her feel special—gazed up at her, reminding her of how swept away she’d
been when she fell for him.
“Iris . . .” His voice whispered
with desperation. “Do you still love me?”
She studied him with new eyes,
trying to see the truth behind the exterior. When had Trip ever told Iris that
he loved her? She’d told him once, but he never returned the words. Hurt, she’d
decided he was uncomfortable with those three words. Some people didn’t grow up
in families as alive with affection and affirmation as hers.
As always, she made excuses for
him. How could she be so blind? Trip Dunnavin didn’t love her. Why then was he
so determined to marry her? Nothing made sense.
“Tell me, Iris. Tell me you
still love me.”
Adjusting her focus, Iris
brought herself back to his question. Love. Did she love Trip? That irresistible
pull of attraction escaped when his words grew harsh and bitter. Deep
tenderness had left after that night in the alley. The giddy thrill of his
undivided attention—gone.
What remained? Only a steadfast
loyalty, along with a long history of always doing the right thing. No, Iris
didn’t give up on people. She followed through on her commitments. But what if
she made the wrong commitment? Surely, there was room for error and course
correction in doing the right thing.
Whispered memories drifted
across her mind: Zo’s calloused fingers gently pointing out the purpose of a
flower; his strong arms rolling down the window; and his kind hands brushing
the tears off her face. Memories of tenderness, attraction, and the giddy
thrill of his attention flooded her thoughts.
Iris hung her head and willed
her mind to overpower her heart. She hated her desperate need for affirmation
and affection. What she’d had with Zo was just a crush. Infatuation. Zo didn’t
love her. He was just a charming guy who had almost lured her away from her
future with Trip. Would her future with Trip be perfect? No. But that wasn’t
the point. She’d made a promise. Trip needed her. He would change, and
everything would be better. Everything would be great.
A forlorn smile that seemed to
contain a note of understanding passed over Trip’s features. “It’s okay, Iris.
We’ll make it work. Love isn’t the most important thing in a marriage.” He
stood, put the locket around her neck, and clasped it from behind.
“Compatibility is what counts.”
Fingering the lock around her
neck, Iris narrowed her eyes. Compatibility? Was that an admission? Did he not
love her? Could she follow through on a marriage where she would spend her life
unloved? She pushed herself to her feet and pierced him with a challenging stare.
“What about you, Trip? Do you love me?”
He startled then curled his
upper lip as if she were asking him if he liked rancid milk. “Of course.”
She stared at him, willing the
truth from him until his gaze dropped to the floor. A lengthy exhale like resignation
escaped him. “I’d like to take you to dinner.”
“First, answer my question. Do
you love me or not?”
“I already answered. I said I
do. I have reservations at the French Room in half an hour.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “You
hate the French Room.”
“See? I’ve changed. I’ve never
taken anyone to that dark, dreary place with strange food before, but I’m
willing to do this to make you happy.”
Well, it was a start. She pushed
him toward the hallway. “Let me get ready.”
Hesitating at the door, he fished
something out of his pocket. “Here. Use this. It’ll hide the bruises.” He
dropped a small tube in her hand.
She looked up at him, confused.
“Tattoo concealer? Where’d you get this?”
“My mom suggested it.”
He’d told his mom? “She has a tattoo?”
Trip swallowed. “Uh, no. She
uses it to cover flaws and stuff.”
A strange thought niggled at
Iris’s mind. No. Surely not. She pushed the ridiculous idea away. The Dunnavins
were the most respectable people in the city. No way.
To her relief, the cream worked
perfectly. She wore a jeweled, Sherry Hill strapless cocktail dress and
sandaled wedges. After putting her hair half up in a twist, she slipped on the
earrings Trip had bought in Spain and the bracelets he’d purchased in Paris.
Sweet memories. Perhaps she’d get the old Trip back, after all.
When she walked down the stairs,
Trip gazed at her with a wistful gleam in his eye, the way he used to look at
her. Mom smiled warmly at the two of them, as if she beheld the happiest couple
on earth. Could they ever be that again? Could they really make a new start? He
couldn’t even utter three simple words.
I love the cover of the book, it's stunning!
Jeannie is an amazing writer! She has a way of captivating her audience. Love the book cover!
I love finding new books, new authors. We've enjoyed your traditional science books. I had no idea you had this other side, too!
From Science to romance? Some folks are just very talented
When I have time, I've been reading this book. And I LOVE it. :D Jeannie has a way with words!
Great read. Looking forward to future posts.
Jeannie is incredibly talented with words...this book is definitely my next read
Great post Jeannie! I love your science books and loved reading Ever Locked as well. I can't wait for the next one to come out! Thanks for the info on Indie Publishing. I have a book on Amazon and really appreciate your perspective.
Wonderful post. Very informative.
Jeannie you are amazing! I also want to say that my 15 year old daughter (who is an avid reader of fiction) can't wait for your next novel to come out and I assure you that she will finish it in one sitting. I'm so thankful that your books are uplifting and decent reading material for both young minds as well as mature readers, in addition to being exciting and crafted masterfully!
As for me, I'm also looking forward to reading your next novel!
Thanks for all your comments everyone! Love seeing your beautiful faces.
Please be sure to enter the raffle! You could win! Everyone could use an Amazon gift card . . . it's the EVERYTHING STORE. What can't you get there, except for maybe a Iced Venti Latte (What I'm sipping on right now).
What a great way to break into the publishing biz! Congrats on this release.
Everlocked is a great story! Your description of Indie vs. traditional publishing made me realize that my 9 and 8 yr old boys might enjoy writing more if I would let them be "Indie" as well! Thanks for the inspiration!
Please remember to enter the raffle by clicking the link just below my article.
Or click this link:
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e5e0f7521/
It will also give you options for tweeting, joining my newsletter and following me to get more entries into the raffle. The more you do, the better your chance to win!
Was a bit tricky to find the Rafflecopter link. :) Thanks for the hybrid perspective. (As someone who used to hang out with amateur astronomers and was a member of the local astro club, that's a cool background in non-fic.)
As another commenter has said: stunning cover.
Beautiful cover.
I have always loved your science books, so I was excited to read a book of a different genre and I was not disappointed! :) I loved the characters, the Christian outlook, and of course, the romance. Can't wait to read the next in the series!!
Thanks Lisa,
Although I don't write Christian fiction, because of my faith, my books will always reflect the hopeful and happy endings of my worldview.
Warmly,
Jeannie
I LOVE her science books and the way she writes!! I know this novel is going to be equally as awesome! Good luck!!
You have been one of my favorite writers in the homeschool world for a long time. We are currently reading your Anatomy book for science this semester.
After reading Ever Locked, I can say that you are also a gifted fiction writer. Keep on writing, my friend.
Ever Locked is a perfect getaway fiction read. I enjoyed the time I spent relaxing and reading. The story lingered with me for days afterwards thinking about how I might help and pray for victims of domestic violence. I am looking forward to the second book in the Dunnavin Saga!
Glad to hear - I'm working on a devotional and a children's book, so I've been praying for direction :)
Very we'll put, and I'm in full agreement! So looking forward to reading EVER LOCKED cover to cover! Blessings and God's favor on your work for the Kingdom, Jeannie!!
Fantastic message that I will be sharing with my dear daughter who has a book thisclose to being finished. Thanks a million, Jeannie, for your heartfelt honesty!
Fantastic message that I will be sharing with my dear daughter who has a book thisclose to being finished. Thanks a million, Jeannie, for your heartfelt honesty!
You are so welcome. There's never been a better time to go Indie!
I love that you decided to self-publish this book. I created a series of novels with my young daughter and it was a blast as well. We've been approached by traditional publishers and so far the answer is still no. Someday it might turn to a yes.
I have read your book and loved it enough to allow my sixteen year old to read it. She liked it as well. Both of us were sad to see the book end. That is the sign of a great author.
Thanks, Felice and everyone who has read Ever Locked. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
One of my favorite books in 2015.. Be prepared to experience soul consuming love that will leave you breathless. The emotions portrayed will pull at your hearstrings and never let go.. I highly recommend this amazing book..
Love how you thoroughly explain the ins and out of Indie! Great article! And I just finished "Ever Locked" last night, couldn't put it down, I stayed up WAYYYY too late! Very well done my dear, very well done!
I am so happy that you are able to enjoy writing again, on your terms. I can't wait to read your novel.
Great article. I hope one day to be an Indie publisher myself. :)
Great article and interesting insight to writing for different publishers. Loved the excerpt and thought the story was both enlightening and intriguing.
Great article and book preview! Planning to purchase the book :)
I am looking forward to reading your book. Thanks for sharing about your writing journey. Go Indie!
I love your elementary science books - my 6th grader absolutely devoured the Anatomy book this year! I am looking forward to your new fiction novels. The insight about publishing is helpful as well, I've written a home school course for girls and so far have published it myself. I've had an offer from a small publisher but am torn about whether or not to go that route.
Thank you for the wonderful post and for sharing your ideas with the rest of us.
Angela
The Diligent Woman
Wow, I definitely didn't expect this!
I will definitely be purchasing this book. My daughter is an aspiring author so I will share with her your thoughts on indie publishing.
Ever Locked sounds amazing! I can't wait to read it!
Congratulations, Jeannie! I can't wait to read this. Loved reading your thoughts/experiences with indie publishing, too.
I am more comfortable with PG rating books. Thanks for this one!
Cheers!
~Icky.
After schooling with your science books for years, I'm anxious to dive into this book for sheer pleasure.
We love your science books! I appreciated you sharing why you went with a non-traditional publisher. I'm glad you can control the content!
Oh my goodness, Jeannie. I'm an Apologia Mom who covered all of your elementary series and loved your conversational, easy voice to teach my girl the sciences. Thank you!
I'm also an avid reader of fiction and a budding Author who is so curious in your fiction skillz! ;) Congrats with your new venture and thanks for the giveaway.
blessings,
Shan
The How-to Guru
My kids and I love the science book series but Ever Locked kept me transfixed. It made it really hard to get chores done when I wanted to go see what happened next!
LOVE this book! It was a quick read filled with romance, suspense, hurting and healing. The characters are charismatic and interesting, and I'm looking forward to hearing more about them in your upcoming books! Will Iris and Zo make appearances in Always Tripped?
Jeannie, this is a great post! It's so great that writers have viable options now, because they are artists, and their expressions from the heart very often need to be heard unhindered. Thanks for being bold with this article!
So glad to hear of your new adventure writing fiction!