Kickstarter out Kindle is in.

One thing I have learned in my publishing journey is how hard it really is to get your name out there. It is really hard not to have that naive notion that all you need is to write the book and publishers will come. You have to live and learn that lesson the hard way.

Take Kickstarter for an example. Kickstarter is an amazing concept for those who are inventing some new gadget, or you’re selling something no one has ever seen before. But for those authors who come by the dozen you might as just stay on Facebook or Twitter. I made a whole 0 bucks on this naive notion that everyone loves romance and that my book will do great. I was actually told by other authors, who were also trying to publish through Kickstarter, that I would probably do better elsewhere.

Where is elsewhere? Kindle direct publishing. It actually looks pretty promising. You get to pick how much your book should sell for, how much royalties you can earn, and it is through Amazon where many go to purchase novels...so maybe.

Although, there is a downside to this; just like Kickstarter I am competing with thousands of authors who are all trying to sell they’re novels. This means I still have to network and post everywhere I can to bring people to my book. Now I’m all for some good healthy competition, but really how fair is it when you are placed among thousands in hopes someone might find your novel?

In other words I am paying Amazon for space but I’m still doing all the work. I guess we will wait and see if this was worth it.

By the way I did pick my cover.

 Turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. ;p

A Little Preview

Take a small look

Here is a little look at the book I have running on Kickstarter. If you want more please check it out at Kickstarter you can be one of the first to get a copy and get a chance to get your hands on original cover art. 

Beginning...

Linking their arms together, Amy began to guide them to the side garden. “Could you give me just a few more minutes of your time?”

“Sure.” It wasn’t that she didn’t want to spend time with her sister, it was just that she didn't want to hear about her perfect life, with the perfect man.

She walked along with Amy as she guided her to a small garden just off the dinner. The weather was warm but not overwhelmingly hot, a nice cool breeze gently glided along with them.  It was nice.  Unfortunately, she knew her sister had something important to say, and nice was about to go out the window.

“Colin left for Egypt today.” Amy began. “He’s been in and out of that awful country for the last few months.”

“Egypt isn’t awful. It’s full of rich culture and its history—”

“Oh, stop.  I hear enough from him.” Amy chuckled. “Any who. I was wondering, you know with Colin gone so often now, that you and me can hang out more.”

“Hang out?”  Ella asked unsure how to answer.

Amy nodded eagerly. “We don’t spend any time together any more.  I miss you.”

Realizing how unreasonable she had been acting, she let out a deep sigh and turned to her twin. “I miss you too.” She had been pushing her sister aside all over a stupid crush.

“Oh, good!” Amy smiled giving Ella another big hug. “I really need you right now.”

“Why what’s up?” 

“Colin wants to have a baby.”

A baby.  The world could’ve caved in at that exact moment and Ella wouldn’t have even noticed.  A baby was everything Ella had ever wanted and Matt denied her.  He had denied her even before they were married. Unbeknown to her, Matt had decided never to have children. When the subject finally came up after a year of marriage he admitted to that he had had a vasectomy. He said it as if it was no big deal, as if her feelings didn’t matter.

“A baby…” She choked out. “That will be nice.” It took a moment before she realized Amy was staring at her. “What?”

“You look like you are going to faint.” Amy acknowledged slowly.

Waving her hand in front of her as she gave an unconvincing chuckle. “Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just everyone talking change and I’m stuck up a mountain.”

“You don’t have to be.”

Disregarding her sister’s comment, Ella couldn’t help but think that everything was about to change. How?  She didn’t know.  But change was definitely coming…

Book Cover Art

Cover 1

This will be the cover art to my novel. I sat down with a very talented artist Mesina Larsen with a horrible drawing that I made of a headstone in a graveyard with vibrant roses. Mesina Larsen said okay and told me that she will see what she could do. Hers was a billion (yes billion) times better. When she sent me the mock-up versions of my idea, I was thrilled.

Cover 2

This is a bonus alternative cover that was also designed by a Mesina Larsen. Through Kickstarter you can receive both covers. I am so thankful to work with such a wonderfully talented artist.

For more information on my novel or if you want to get your hands on these original acrylic paintings go to Kickstarter.