Wednesday, June 25, 2008

One Step at a Time on the Road to Publication

By Kate

That moment last October when I got The Call was one of the best of my life. It represented the culmination of everything I’d worked for so long to achieve. Just one short phone call changed my life in so many ways.

And in so many other ways, everything stayed the same. I hung up the phone, did a little dance, shrieked a little (okay, a lot), but then it was time to go back to the day job. Later, I came home, did the laundry, cleaned the house.

Kept writing.

Life goes on, you know?

But every so often I'll have a week where I have to make some revisions, or I'll get an email or a phone call that reminds me all over again – Hey, I’m a published author!

There are so many little steps along the road to publication. Like, when I signed my first contract. Now that was exciting! My husband took my picture.

Then a month later, I received my first check. They paid me! I made a color copy of the check before I put it in the bank.

I got my cover copy. You know that description of the book on the back cover? Mine's brilliant! I wouldn’t change a word. Hey, there’s my name!

Oh, and I met my first deadline. Whew. I’m home free now!

Spoke too soon. I got my first set of editor notes. Yikes. Now what?

I made that deadline, too. I rock!

Then I saw my book listed on Amazon. Wow. No cover image yet, no description, nothing but the name of my book and an ISBN number – and my name. I’m the Author. It’s not much to get excited about, right? But I cried. And laughed. And told my whole family and my friends – who all immediately pre-ordered five copies each and forced their friends to do the same.

I sent in my author photo. Do I really look like that? I should have used more product on that hair of mine. Can you fix those wrinkles? But I like the books. And the wine. Hmm.

Then last week, on my birthday, I saw my book cover for the first time. It was surreal to see someone else’s notion of what image and design will best sell your book. I stared at the cover for hours. It’s absolutely nothing like I imagined or expected it would be. (A good friend admonished me that from now on, I am never to set expectations of what my book cover will look like. Good advice.)

I love my book cover and I'm thrilled to unveil it here in the Lair for all to see. I think it’s beautiful. It’s warm and charming and funny and slightly sinister. It’s colorful and perfect for the cozy mystery market. And it makes me happy. It makes me feel like a published author. Somebody pinch me.

So that was a week ago. Last weekend I had to finish some last minute revisions. Then I went to visit my mom. Took her shopping. Had a latte.

Then today, I wrote my book's dedication and all my acknowledgements. It was hard to remember all the people who have helped me along this road but I tried. I probably won't be able to mention everyone but it was humbling to look at that list.

And tomorrow, I’m back at the day job. Must remember to stop at the market after work. And I’ve got to call mom. And I desperately need a pedicure.

Life rolls on.

But now I’ve got a book cover. And an Amazon page. Woo hoo! I can’t wait to take the next step!

Do you ever feel like you're leading a double life? At one step, you're a writer or professional person, then you take another step and you're suddenly a mom-nurse-secretary-taxi driver-juggler. How do you cope? Or do you? What's the most exciting or scariest step you've taken on your personal road to somewhere? Please share! To celebrate my new cover, I've got a $15.00 Amazon gift certificate to give to one lucky random commenter!


105 comments:

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Sneaking in to snag the bird!! Whoohoo!

Kate Carlisle said...

Oh snap! You snagged the Golden One, Suz!

Minna said...

Congrats Suzanne on snagging the GR!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Kate, I love your cover and the title. And who wouldn't love a cozy mystery where the whole thing takes place in and around BOOKS!! Congrats again on the surreal world of being a published author...(she says knocking the little green-eyed monster off her shoulder.)

Some of the scariest things have happened on the road to where I am at now as a nurse. I graduated at the tender age of 20 and was a very scared naive nurse. One week out of orientation I had a woman try to bleed to death. It taught me a lot about who I am and how I function in an emergency. Let's just say I wasn't the heroine who saved the day, but I knew I worked well under pressure and was a team player!

After 9 years I decided to go into high-risk L&D...major scary step. Do the words, "I don't know nothin about birthin no babies" ring a bell? Many scary and funny experiences later, I realize one thing...I still have a lot to learn about medicine, patients and human nature.

And that writing career? Well there was the first finished manuscript, then the first rejection, the first request, the first contest win, joining the Romance Bandits, and each one is one more step along the path. (Now if the dang phone would ring!)

Kate Carlisle said...

Wow Suz, talk about trial by fire. And not just one or two times for you. Clearly you work well under pressure so I guess you could handle the little twists and turns I was talking about. LOL

Thanks for loving my cover. :-) And I know the phone'll be ringing any day now for you!!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Suz, cool going on the chook!

Kate, congratulations on that fab cover. Your book is screaming for me to pick it up. Wish it was out NOW!!! Hmm, delayed gratification obviously isn't my thing, which made my 27 years unpublished as a writer really tough ;-)

Actually every so often, I get that thought, "I wanted to publish a book all my life, I told everyone I ever knew I wanted to be a writer, and it didn't happen for so long but now it's happened! Whoo-hoo!" It's not that life as a published writer is nirvana (sadly for my pre-pubbed fantasies). But there's something mega cool about people all over the world reading about people who live in my head.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Oh Kate! I think I'm about a step-and-a-half farther along the publication road than you are, and it is ALL EXCITING!

LOVE your cover! I was scared spitless before I got mine. Then I opened the file and it was LURVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

I was scared of the copy edits (I'd heard horror stories). Scared of the galley proofs (more groundless stories). Now I'm scared about getting the first advanced reviews. But they are all the GOOD kind of scary. The one step closer to realizing my dream SCARY. I'm loving every step!

And I feel so honored to be making this journey with the other Banditas and our pals.

Congrats on the GR, Suz. And The Call is gonna happen for you too. Any minute now, I just KNOW IT!

AC

Jane said...

Lovely cover. Congrats, Kate. The scariest thing was realizing that I wasn't happy with my job and wondering if I was tough enough to do something about the situation. I did end up quitting my job without having another one lined up. Things are okay right now, but I guess I'm still trying to figure out what job I'll be happy with.

Congrats on the GR, Suzanne.

Helen said...

Well done Suz and I too know that that phone call will come and then I can read your book as well

Great post Kate love that cover yay team before we all know it we will be reading it holding it in our hands and loving it.

For me just trying to cope with a stressful job and keep house and spend time with my wonderful family and then find time to read can be so hard I admire all the hard work and effort you authors put into writing books and doing the normal things parents have to do. You are all so strong and I thank you all for the wonderful stories I have read and am yet to read.

Have Fun
Helen

Margay Leah Justice said...

Hi, Kate! yes, I'm totally with you on that duality issue. It's like - sometimes you feel so grown up and mature, then you do or say something silly and all of a sudden, you're seventeen again and you feel like everyone is gawking at you! My game plan when that happens: Change the subject ASAP! Good to have you here.

And great cover, btw.

Gillian Layne said...

Love that cover! I can't wait to read this book.

Deb Marlowe said...

Congrats Kate! That's a gorgeous cover, rich and eye catching!

I love to see you savoring all these fabulous moments! I think that is something we should all try to do in life. It's such a long, hard road in this business, we need to celebrate the highs! And thanks for letting us share in your happiness.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

I find the banditas totally amazing myself. I do good to find the time to just read the books, I have no idea how you guys make the time to write them.
Congrats on the GR Suzanne! What are the plan for the day?
I love that book cover Kate, except for the knife looks like a place I wouldn't mind being...:-D

Buffie said...

Hey Kate!!! I got goose bumps while reading your post. I am so happy and excited for you! It is going to be something when you see YOUR book on the shelf at the bookstore. Oh, and I love your cover. So many things going on in the picture that it makes me want to read your book all the more.

As far as a double life, yep I'm right there with ya. One life I am the working over-protective mother of two wonderful boys and the dotting wife of my own hero. My other life is my cyperlife -- the fun I get to have with all my gal pals talking about books and hot guys.

KJ Howe said...

Kate,

I loved your post today. I remember sitting with you at National chatting about perseverance...and your story proves that it pays off in spades. Congrats on all your success. It's great to see that you're celebrating every step of the way!

By the way, I think your photo is fabulous. Stop being hard on yourself, okay?

Gannon Carr said...

Great post, Kate! Your cover is absolutely beautiful--really eye-catching!

Joan said...

Well, Suz your day has changed for the better all ready...you've got our boy with you! (Take him shopping at the cool mall out there in Dallas...the one with Neiman's)

Kate such pure wonder and joy in your post. I found myself saying "Awwww." I take every instance of success for the Banditas and tuck it away for the day that the phone rings for me.

Your cover IS fabulous! And NOW I see the cat! But see, he looks like one sneaky cat and I suspect he had been in class with Kim and HE was the one threw that knife into the book! The butler didn't do it! Tabby did!

Buffie said...

Gannon -- love your celtic tree of life avatar! My nephew has a tattoo of that.

CrystalGB said...

Hi Kate. Congratulations on your beautiful cover.
Entering college was a scary event for me. I have always been shy and I was apprehensive about meeting lots of new people.
Thank goodness it was not nearly as scary as I imagined and every thing worked out well.

Carol said...

Congrats on snagging the birdy, Suzanne!
Gosh Suz I bet you have a huge store of wonderful anecdotes from your career as a nursing sister... Can't wait to read some in a book!
One of my favourite nursing authors of long ago was Lucilla Andrews! Loved them!

Kate , your cover looks fantastic... I want to know who actually gets to wear that Knife?
Cheers Carol.

Dina said...

Hi Kate, congrats.

Your cover is awesome, makes you stop to look.

Terri Osburn said...

I swear it's posts like these that keep me going. So excited for you, Kate. And that cover is beautiful! Love that red and it will POP right off the shelves.

I guess I took a tiny step last night when I bought a new dress and some makeup for my first National conference. I am so excited. Now I just have to kick those Pilates into high gear!

In my former life, I was a DJ and I can remember when I first went on the air I was scared spitless (as AC says). I must have had nightmares for weeks about dead air, CD machines not working, playing the wrong thing. After doing it for eight years, it's all old hat now. :)

Congrats on the Bird, Suzanne. And I have total faith that phone will be ringing soon.

Christie Kelley said...

Kate, first of all, great cover. I think it's fantastic and will sell lots of books. Second, wonderful post.

But really? Double life? How about triple or quadruple? Mom, wife, writer, real estate agent and of course, home remodeler. Lately, I feel so stretched that I might break.

So how do I cope? With my right hand back and forth. Sorry, a coping saw is a tool used to carve out the shape of an intersecting piece of crown molding. See...way too much home remodeling.

But with all this going on the only way to cope is taking things one day at a time. What's the priority of the day? Today for me, it's painting the molding in my dining room and taking my youngest to the pond. If I'm lucky, I'll get a little time down at the pond to read through my proposal. If not, then that will be tomorrow's priority.

Good luck with all your tasks.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Ah Diana, we're doing some exercising today. GR is stretching at the moment, then we're heading out for a 30 minute walk. Then after we write a while, we'll take Rocky the wonder dog swimming. So should be fun to watch Rocky chase the bird all over the pool!

Louisa Cornell said...

Kate, your cover is gorgeous! I am so excited for you!

Nice snag of the GR Suzanne! I can't begin to imagine doing what you do. I have an enormous respect for nurses as my BFF is a retired RN. Her last job was in the neonatal unit.

I think the first time I stepped on stage to sing my debut role with a real orchestra, with a real opera company and they were paying me was the scariest step I ever took. I had to take some scary steps before that too - auditioning for the Fulbright committee, auditioning for the Mozarteum, deciding to take the leap and move to Germany while the DH was in med school in the States. All of it was scary, but I think courage is probably being scared to death and doing it anyway.

Now I am pursuing writing and there have been some scary steps along that road as well. Entering those first contests and then continuing to enter after the judges HAMMERED me in those first contests. Entering the Golden Heart was one of the scariest things I have ever done. Then I had to make the decision to attend the conference in San Francisco. I have been so very lucky to have people in my corner, cheering me on and it makes it so much easier to make scary decisions because of those people - many of them right here in the Lair! So thank you, Ladies (and p226) for giving me the courage to take that really scary leap!

Hellie Sinclair said...

Kate, congratulations on being a published author...and congratulations on the 101 details that reinforces the fact you're a published author. (I would have cried too at seeing an ISBN with my name!) Your cover does look like a COZY MURDER MYSTERY. Very thrilling!!! :)

And yes, I very much have a double life. I'm a secretary by day, but a dutiful daughter by night...and a writing pirate all the time between. It's hard to keep the pirate under wraps.

Kate Carlisle said...

Anna, that whole delayed gratification thing is highly overrated, don't you think? But thanks for the congrats. :-)

That concept that people all over the world are reading your words is a big one, isn't it? I haven't gotten there yet and have no idea when it'll hit me. But as one of the many who love reading about the people in your head, I'm glad you never gave up!

p226 said...

Hey, cool cover.

As for the double life thing... no, not in recent memory. Though, I can relate. Long ago, both my wife and I worked on stuff we couldn't even talk about with each other. That was really hard. And that did feel like a double life.

I've always wondered if lawyers feel like that. They deal with a bunch of very sensitive information every day, and the penalties for violating privilege are pretty damned severe. Career ruining, life ruining. I guess that fits into the "leave the office at the office" kind of mentality. Doesn't that always feel like a double life?

Now I don't feel like that anymore. I'm just me, regardless of the setting. I don't really have to be a different person at work versus at home. The "masks" I wear (reference an earlier blog entry) are a lot thinner than they used to be. More transparent.

But then, I'm not a published author either.

I'm still disappointed that you guys don't get much input into your own covers! Though, I guess it's some consolation that you guys actually do get some pretty cool covers out of your publishing companies. I love the "recursive" effect on Kate's cover. A book presumably about murder, involving books, possibly also about murder... It's like standing between two mirrors. TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!

I know what I want on *my* cover if the trash I'm composing ever sees the light of day.

Terry Odell said...

You've got a great cover. I'm with small publishers, and author input varies. We get to fill out all these 'cover request' sheets, but I'm one of those who can see a cover only AFTER someone gives me a starting point. Of course, by then, all I can do is make suggestions, which may or may not be implemented.

But getting a cover makes the book REAL. And even the ones you don't like so much will grow on you. After all, as you say, they've got your name on them!

And I've only got 6 more days on my day job, which is really only part-time anyway, but was giving me full-time plus overtime stress.

But I don't think I feel like a 'real' writer because at the moment, I'm waiting for a release, which is a done deal. I got the email that the ARCs are in production -- it's a print book, so there are REAL ARCs. But it's a small house, so I didn't see page proofs. Crossing my fingers that all the final copy edits made it.

My agent is still shopping my next ms, and I'm writing another, but since I've got nothing under contract, I feel like I'm only half a step ahead of where I was when I started.

Then again, the thought of having to complete a book on a deadline is scary. I'm willing to face that fear, should it arise.

Fedora said...

Woo! Huge congrats, Kate! What a exciting time you're having right now--and terrific cover! I think I've had a couple slightly scary career moments--first when realizing that the thought of seriously trying to find work as an engineer (my major) scared me more than trying to work outside that field (I ended up working as an editor for an educational software company instead), and more recently when a couple friends and I started our own custom photo cards business and we received our first order. (Oh dear--can we do this for real?)

Of course, I'm not sure anything beats the afternoon they allowed us to take our first child home from the hospital--I'd wanted to be a mother for a long time, but sure didn't feel like one and wanted to beg one of the nurses to come home with us! It's been a few years since then, so clearly we managed not to kill anyone ;)

And congrats on the GR, Suz! Keep an eye on him--you'll want to be sure to grab the phone when it rings before he does ;)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Aunty! Yep, you're a few steps ahead of me and I love hearing about everything you're going through. Although I'm currently shaking in my boots, just reading about the copy edits and galley proofs and ACK! Reviews!!??

But I'm thrilled to be walking in your footsteps, and I know the rest of the Banditas are not far behind (Suz!!).

And you should LURVE your cover! It's spectacular!!

Joan said...

I know what I want on *my* cover if the trash I'm composing ever sees the light of day.

p226, does it involve a cat with a weapon?

If ya'll go to my website and see the, um torso there...THAT is what I'd like to see on my cover *VBG*

Esri Rose said...

Kate, seeing my Amazon page was the biggest deal for me, too. Much bigger than the cover. Isn't that funny?

I LOVE your cover and just went over and pre-ordered it, as I love cozies. A lot. :D

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Jane! Wow, that was very brave of you to leave your job. But smart, too, since you were so unhappy. Life's too short for that! I know you'll find something perfect for you, it's just a matter of time, right? Good luck! :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Helen, you're so sweet! Thanks. It is hard to juggle all those jobs we have, isn't it? You seem to do a wonderful job, though, and you still manage to save a few minutes to spend with us in the Lair every day. It's always great to see you here!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Margay -- you put it so perfectly! That awkward teenager moment where you realize everyone's staring! Ack! LOL

So glad you like the cover!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Gillian! Good to see you here. :-)

Deb, thank you so much! And yep, I'm all for celebrating the highs. Actually, I think the Banditas are specialists in that area! *g*

Hey Dianna, with your avatar, you fit right in with the juggling crowd here. :-) And yes, that knife adds a bit of...hmm...unease to the scene, doesn't it? Heeheehee

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Buffie! Thanks for liking my book cover. :-)

And I think we've all got that double life going on, don't we? Gotta get online and hang out with our pals! And sometimes my online virtual life feels a lot more real than my "real" life, you know? Okay, so now I'm really confused! LOL

Kate Carlisle said...

Kim, my darling friend! Yes, I remember talking in the bar (where else!) about perseverence. I think everyone here can claim that quality, don't you think? Otherwise, we wouldn't be here, right?

I can't wait to celebrate YOUR big moment--which is coming soon, I know it.

And thanks for liking the picture. I had fun with that photo shoot. :-)

cheryl c said...

Congrats, Kate! I loved reading your post, and I could really sense your excitement! The book cover is great! I think we should all have a round of Lusty Bandita Margaritas to toast you. ;)

Donna MacMeans said...

Kate - LOVE the cover. Love the knife, love the cat. Especially love the pile of colorful books in your author photo. I love the irony that HOMICIDE IN HARDCOVER will be in paperback *g* but it's only the beginning of many great things to come. Congratulations!

Caren Crane said...

Suz, congrats on the GR! Keep him away from the dogs, please. *g*

Kate, I love your cover! It must be thrilling to see YOUR NAME on it! As to scary things I've done, nothing is more nerve-wracking or humiliating for me than pitching. I always feel like a complete idiot when I pitch. Even when they request stuff, I feel it went horribly, terribly wrong somehow.

I think if I could either be completely spontaneous (in a planned way) or write something brilliant and hand it to them to read, I would be fine. I always feel like I'm putting on a (not very interesting) one-woman play when I pitch. And doing it badly. *sigh* Pitching is the worst!

traveler said...

Congratulations on the amazing cover. Great work.
Various times throughout my life I have encountered difficulties which scared me. We had to move away from a setting that was comfortable and familiar. Our move was a great improvement and no regrets.

Anna Louise Lucia said...

Kate, I completely identify with the double life thing! And that sense of going along as if everything's normal and then you sign your contract... or send in your book... or see your cover. Those strange, bizarre moments that give you that frisson of I'm-an-author-ness.

They're all just wonderful.

Keira Soleore said...

Suz, wtg with the GR.

Kate, that cover is gorgeous, simply gorgeous. The cover gods were exceedingly happy with you.

Your Call Story is so heart-warming. The struggles and the success. You brought tears to my eyes. I'm so-so-so glad your debut is coming up soon.

Pat Cochran said...

"Scary" moments in life: marriage and
taking on the double life of working at my job and working at being a
wife! Then there was having my
first child, then the second, then
the third! And they came without instructions!!

Pat Cochran

M. said...

that's a beautiful cover. draws you right in with a desire to curl up on that window seat! preferably without a dagger in your back, of course...

Elyssa Papa said...

Congrats Kate on the upcoming book release! The book cover is beautiful; it definitely makes me want to buy it!

And I love these types of stories too---it keeps me going and hopefully, one day, I'll be sharing my call story on here, too. Fingers crossed.

Maureen Child said...

Hi Kate....Cover is FABULOUS!!! And it's such a good book! Great new series, can't wait to see it on the shelves!!

And oh, I saw Esri here a while ago...Read your book and loved it! Really good.....

Beth Andrews said...

Kate, congrats on your gorgeous cover (my favorite color!) and I love your author photo - you look lovely as always *g*

As for a double life - yes, I've felt that way often. And I'd have to say finally writing my first book after wanting to for close to ten years was my most exciting step. I'm so glad I did and even more glad to have ended up where I did -a Romance Bandit!

Congrats on the GR, Suz!

Cherie J said...

I can so relate. I feel like I am constantly juggling. The scariest step I have taken was to make the decision with my hubby to have kids. Having been the victim of an abusive father I was not sure until having spent some time healing that it was something I would be able to do. I have a boy and a girl under the age of 5 and I am so thankful for them. They are a lot of work but so worth it.

catslady said...

I don't know how some of you ladies do it. I know I juggled a lot when I worked outside the home but since my husband isn't one to help with any chores other than the "manly" ones, I knew enough to quit working to raise the kids.

jo robertson said...

What a beautiful post, Kate, from a beautiful woman. Made me tear up in anticipation of my own writing journey.

Your cover is flat-out lovely, beautiful, so appropriate. I love everything about it.

I had the same feelings at the end of my first week as a school teacher. I looked around my then-messy classroom which I'd spent days and days fixing up, paying attention to every detail of desk arrangement and bulletin board themes. And I thought, "Wow I'm really a teacher."

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Gannon, thanks! I love your avatar, too. Beautiful!

Kate Carlisle said...

Minna, in all the excitement of Suz grabbing the GR, I didn't say hello to you this morning! Er, last night, really. Hi!

Kate Carlisle said...

LOL Joanie! You're so funny. I'm glad you found the cat. He does have a sneaky look in his eye, doesn't he? Too bad that knife's not a tomahawk. We'd know whodunit then for sure. :-)

p226 said...

Too bad that knife's not a tomahawk. We'd know whodunit then for sure. :-)

The tomahawk and the Bill Killjoy puddle on the floor?

Kate Carlisle said...

Crystalgb, if you're shy, you're in with the right crowd here. So many writers are horribly shy. Of course, you'd never know it here in the Lair! LOL. I'm glad everything worked out for you.

Hi Carol -- I can't give anything away yet, but soon! And I'm with you, I can't wait to read some of Suz's thrilling stories!

Hi Dina, thanks so much. I really like your fluttering butterfly!

Susan Sey said...

Yay, Kate! I love your cover! It *does* look cozy, right up until you notice the giant knife sticking out of the book. And the cat who seems perfectly comfortable with that. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

As for leading a double life, I've always enjoyed the juxtaposition between being a stay at home mom to little ones & writing romance novels. It's like my life got torn in half & labelled "grown up" and "kid stuff." Now that I think of it, this could explain why my characters always have such foul mouths. I'm channelling all my pent-up cursing into my work. :-)

Congrats again on the latest step on the road to publication! We're proud of you, bandita.

Anna Campbell said...

Awww, Kate, you're such a sweetie! Thank you!

Helen said...

Kate I get up around 6-00 am everyday so as I can visit the lair wouldn't have it any other way I really enjoy being here and reading all the posts and hearing from everyone.
I am really looking forward to the day when I can read everyone's books I know it will happen.
Have Fun
Helen

Kate Carlisle said...

Terrio, thanks! I hope you're right and the book POPS off the shelf. :-)

And this is your first national conference? How exciting! You know you'll have Banditas to hang with in the bar!

I love shopping for conference. Every year I tell myself I have enough stuff to get me through but no, I've always got to get a few new things...and ooh, good luck with those Pilates. That's another thing I've gotta do every year before conference. Ugh!

Kate Carlisle said...

Thanks Christie! And yeah, you know all about that double-triple and quadruple life. I don't know how you keeps all those plates spinning! But it sounds like the pond is a nice getaway. Hope you get a chance to relax!

Kate Carlisle said...

Ah Louisa, you know plenty about taking scary steps, don't you? On stage singing? Moving to a foreign country alone? Whew. And now you're putting yourself out there again with the contest circuit--and look at the results! Can't wait to meet up with you in San Francisco! There will be celebrating, have no doubt! :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hey mshellion, no need to keep that pirate under wraps here!

Thanks for the kind words. I've got to say, it really is thrilling, every step of it. I know you'll be experiencing the same thing very soon!

Hey, I'm a secretary by day, too! In fact, they keep making me work! I hate that! :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hey, P226, I love how you totally got the cover! But no, we don't have much input at this level, although my editor was very nice to ask me to submit photos of things I might want on the cover as well as examples of other book covers I liked. They took a bit of that and added their own creative concepts, along with their knowledge of the market and readers' expectations. I'm really happy with the result.

Kate Carlisle said...

Terry, I'm glad the stress-filled job is going away. I know how that feels.

And I hope you'll let us know when we can buy your book. Sounds like it'll be soon! And good luck with the next ms. Wow, you've got lots of things going on!

Kate Carlisle said...

Thanks, flchen1! You've had some wonderfully scary moments, especially starting your own business. And of course, bringing home baby is a whole 'nother level of terror, isn't it! LOL. Glad things turned out well. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Esri, I love you!!! I really hope you'll love the book. You've got a few months to wait, sorry.

Yeah, seeing that Amazon page was amazing, even without the photos and all. I was surprised how excited my family was, too. I think for them, it was finally "real." About time, too! LOL

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Cheri - thank you! Yes, I'm pretty excited about all this, guess you can tell. :-)

And how clever of you to mention Margaritas! Let me get a cabana boy to pass those around!!

Terry Odell said...

Kate -- I have 4 books out already -- hint, hint!

Two are both e-book and print (one's up for the Daphne) and the other two are e-book only.

You can read blurbs, chapters, behind the scene tidbits, etc., at my website: if you want to check them out.

Nancy said...

Suz--Congrats on the bird! Better luck next time, Kate.

Kate, congratulations on your debut. Your cover is fabulous, and it should draw attention on the shelves.

As for scary, I'd put parenthood right up there. It's wonderful and fun and amazing but a scary responsibility, especially at first. We're sorta used to it now.

Terrio, I'm glad I'm not the only one who makes a trip to the cosmetics counter as preparation. :-) I'm also glad you're going to national. The crowds can be overwhelming at times, but don't let it get to you. Retreat to your room if you need to. Just don't stay there and miss out on fabulous networking opportunities. Getting out of the hotel can be a good idea, too.

Nancy said...

BTW, Kate, that's a great photo of you!

Kate Carlisle said...

Donna, thanks! Yes, I'd better start collecting some good comebacks for the "paperback" question. I'll be explaining that for the next few years, LOL.

Hi Caren! Now, I'm a little shocked that pitching worries you so much. Not because I'm so great at it (actually, I suck) but because you're so smart and clever and very witty. Sounds like we'll have to conduct a bit of role playing in San Francisco to get you up for it. I'll play the bartender. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi, traveler. Thanks for the congrats!

And I've moved a number of times and I know how traumatic it can be when things go wrong. I'm so glad your move turned out well. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Anna! Good to see you back here! I'm glad you can identify with that odd excitement I'm feeling these days.

And changing the subject completely...I just have to say that your photo is so beautiful! Very romantic. Er, which makes sense, I suppose. :-)

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Kate, everyone's right - it IS a brilliant photo of you! LOVE the wine!

Kate Carlisle said...

Oh Keira, you're so sweet! Thank you so much. So many of the comments are bringing tears to my eyes, so I know what you mean. The Lair is such a great place to get love and support (and laughs!) in the midst of what is normally a solitary occupation. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Wow Pat, you've had lots of scary moments! And no instructions seems unfair. Hmm. :-)

Hi M, I thought the same thing about the warm sun coming through the window. But yeah, without the knife, thanks! LOL


Elyssa, I hope you'll share your call story with us. We love call stories. Fingers crossed it happens for you soon!

Kate Carlisle said...

Maureen, my buddy!! Thanks for popping up in the Lair! Yes, I do love my cover and I think it looks particularly lovely against the Bandita colors. :-)

Esri's book was fabulous, isn't it? I do love a sexy elf...

Keira Soleore said...

The Lair is a fab place for us fans, too. Thank you, Banditas, for sharing your digs with us. I'm so-so looking forward to seeing y'all in SF. Four more weeks. Whee...

Joan said...

Sounds like we'll have to conduct a bit of role playing in San Francisco to get you up for it. I'll play the bartender. :-)

I'll play the cat with the knife...

:-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Aww, thanks Beth. :-) I'm glad I ended up here, too, with the Banditas. We have a good time!

Cherie, you are so brave to share your story and I'll bet you're a wonderful mom! Wow, two little ones under 5, it sounds like you've got your hands full!

Hi Catslady! Ah, the "manly" chores, LOL. I'm lucky that my DH was even more determined for me to write than I was, so he's always been willing to jump in and do laundry or groceries, all those non-manly chores...especially if he wants clean clothes and food to eat! :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Aww, Jo. You're making me tear up now! Thank you. And what a great image I have of you looking around that classroom and realizing you're a teacher. Well, there go the tears again. Must have something in my eye.........

Caren Crane said...

Wait a minute! Pitching was bad enough, but pitching to a bartender and a cat with a knife?! I may not survive this conference...

Really, though, I have pitched at about nine different conferences (national and regional) and it NEVER gets easier. Sure, I'm witty and a great conversationalist and all (she said modestly) but I can't talk about my books. I could talk about YOUR brilliant books all day long and sell them like ice cubes in a heat wave. But mine? Not so much.

I don't really get nervous, I just turn into a person with no personality or sparkle all of a sudden. Like someone hits the "boring" swtich. It's so not me!

What I really need is for someone else to read my book and write the pitch for me. Then I can pitch THAT. *g* Think that would work out?

Kate Carlisle said...

Hey Smoov, thanks so much! Yeah, the cat looks like he'd be cool with anything, as long as that knife stays right where it is...

LOL on the pent-up cursing! So what's my excuse??

Kate Carlisle said...

Helen, you're amazing! Thanks for your good wishes. I have the same hope that I'll be reading all the Bandita books soon! And all our Buddies' books, too. :-)

Terry, I'm so out of it. Sheesh! I'll check out your excerpts--I love excerpts! And your Red Room page is very cool. Are you signing in San Francisco? I'll come see you!

Terry Odell said...

Kate:
I signed last year, and my publisher isn't participating this time, so (sniff), no I won't be signing. But please come find me! I'll be there. I'm going to the Emerald City conference in October and should be signing there.

Fedora said...

Kate, yes, the whole no-undo aspect of becoming a parent is truly terrifying ;) Now we've got some experience under our belt, but it seems at every turn, there's something new in store--just when you think you've caught onto the rules of the game, it seems like the rules change, or maybe they switch games :) Can we hit a pause button so they stay a certain age for a while?

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Nancy! Great advice on attending the conference. I don't always take that advice about getting out of the hotel but for San Francisco I will. It's one of my favorite cities in the world!

And thank you so much for your kind words!

Kate Carlisle said...

Awwww, thanks Anna!! The wine helped. LOL

Keira, I can't wait for San Francisco, either! We're going to have us a Bandita Blast!!!

LOL Joanie! You're not helping!! Caren's getting very nervous!

Caren? You? Boring?? Never! You are all those other wonderful things but never never boring! But ya know, you've got a good strategy there. Have someone else write up the pitch for you. We'll work on that. :-)

Joanie, put that knife down!!

Kate Carlisle said...

Terry, too bad you're not signing but we'll just meet up in the bar and talk! I've heard the Emerald City conference is a fun one. I hope I'll make it up there some day. Meanwhile, I'll go read your excerpts....goodie!

flchen1, when you find that pause button, could you let me know? That would really help! :-)

Terri Osburn said...

Kate & Nancy - thanks for the advice about the conference. I'm so afraid it's going to be a whirlwind and before I know it, I'll be back home and not remember a thing. LOL!

I think all us supporters need shirts to wear around the conference that say, "I'm a Bandita Believer!" LOL! Someone get on that.

Christine Wells said...

Kate, congratulations! It's a fantastic cover, perfect for your book. And I love the deep red--I always think red is eye-catching but that deeper shade is also cozy and warm at the same time.

Hey, I've already solved the puzzle. The CAT did it! Bwahahaha!!!

Kate Carlisle said...

Terrio, that's brilliant! I'll get someone on it right now...

WARDROBE!!! We need a few hundred t-shirts, stat!!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Madame! The red is pretty, isn't it? Thanks so much. :-)

I think there's a consensus...the CAT did it. LOL

limecello said...

Great blog post - and I love that author photo, Kate! Hm... a double life? Maybe - there's the internet world, and then old friends, new friends, school, work... lots going on. Luckily (sadly?) sometimes some of them blend, which makes things easier. ;) I think it'd be a lot more fun if I had a true double life as a secret agent or something. And hopefully that would also offer job security :P

Trish Milburn said...

Kate, I love both your cover and your author photo. So many of your firsts are so fresh in my mind because I've just been going through them too. I think when I finally see the actual book, I might cry.

Unknown said...

Congrats on the cover! It's awesome!

robynl said...

For a number of years after my divorce I felt that way. I was working two jobs for some time and then 3 for a small amount of time.
I would go to one job where I was a MCO clerk - Merchandise Control Office and be a day worker in nice work clothes. Sometimes 15 minutes later I had to be at my other job which was not far away, thank goodness, and be a cashier or a stock room worker. One had to change mind sets very fast like.

kim h said...

congrats on teh book and cover.

Kate Carlisle said...

Limecello! I'm popping in late but still wanted to say hi. Hey, being a secret agent sounds like fun to me. I always thought I'd make a good spy. The reality probably wouldn't match my imaginery picture but still, it's fun to think about hanging with James Bond!

Oh Trish, I agree! There's no doubt there will be tears when I hold that book in my hands. :-)

Thanks, Amy S!

robynl, I worked two jobs like that for a while years ago. I felt a little schizoid, occasionally saying something completely inappropriate because my brain was at the other place! Luckily, that didn't last long. Sounds like you handled it better than I ever did!

Thanks, Kim H! And thanks to everyone for commenting on my cover and sharing your stories. :-)

Unknown said...

Kate, so sorry I'm late to your cover unveiling. Blogger would NOT let me post a comment yesterday. I about threw my laptop across the room. I don't know if it was my connection or what. Anyway...

THAT COVER IS FABULOUS! It IS very cozy-like. Love the knife in the book, love the cat...LOVE the red. I know you'd put it in the files but I hadn't gotten to look yet. This is the first time I'd seen it. I'm so excited for you!

Enjoy every minute of it.

Caffey said...

Kate, I got the goosebumps reading through this and your road to publishing your first book! Oh I agree, the cover is so perfect. It too is what all of us visiting here are, book lovers, and I for one am so looking forward to this series.

As a reader I haven't experience what you went through, but what came to my mind when thinking of an experience of a double life was and still is, with dealing with being on two ends, where one here at home with my family of my hubby and two young adults, as well as the occasional trip or visit from a friend of ours that is deaf like us. Coming into the home, there's no sounds on the TV, we all communicate with signing with our hands. Then when I go to visit my family, who never learned to sign, I'm more feeling alone, when I know and bet there is lots of 'noise' happening around me, and all the sisters and brothers and nieces and nephews are all there.

But when I'm with my family I created, there's alot of noise there with our hands and all, the visual kind. So its quite two different worlds I step into, that I grew up with and I adjust with each whereever I am!

J said...

Congratulations, Kate! As for double life, I keep my side that loves to read romance separate from my dayjob.