Retooling for Writers

Amid all this Sheltering, I'm trying to catch up from the past really filled 2-3 years--Not Easy.

I've been Indy (a "hybrid" as I also have Publishers) for about 8-9 years and the path has been a hard one from the start--compared to the ease of today. I learned programming, not easy, to format books, However, now the ease using Vellum for formatting, etc., and other tools has also thickened the competition for buyers.

Back to Vellum: I cannot recommend this formatting software enough. With one .docx, you can spin out all sorts of book formats, complete with links, bios, basic ad work. However, at this time, I believe Vellum is only available in Mac format. BTW, I use an iMac and an iPad, and the crossover between the two comes just short of miracles. For instance, if in rough draft, I write something in either the iPad or the iMac, I can Save and pick it up on the other machine, whichever is convenient at the time. Over anything though, I recommend an iPad, which comes complete/free with Pages (word processor) and Numbers (spreadsheets, data keeping, etc.) and other programs.

With a large number of books (an inventory if you will), I am republishing as an Indy, some of my early books, reverted from the Publishers. The Bride Says No, now .99, a romantic comedy, is my latest updated cover, etc. Please note the meme, which is changed as needed. These are so handy, used for Twitter, Facebook and other places. !Also please note that I left the links visible. This is to show one way of marketing. Donna Fasano has been great to share her tips, as have other authors.

Now. Once you have a "meme" like this, you can edit, adapt it in many ways.

Now! #99cents

She knows the heartbreak of being jilted. When her sister dumps a grumpy rancher, Clementine just has to help…

>>The Bride Says No @CaitLondon

 https://amzn.to/2SQ0H1f

UK: https://amzn.to/2YNV0Vc

AU: https://amzn.to/2SN4NXT

iBooks: https://apple.co/2TmrjXM

Nook: https://bit.ly/2ZlY0sd

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2ZjrCGJ

#romanticcomedy #humor #nook #iBook #kobo

Right now, I am retooling my early projects, and frankly seeing that I have to add easier modes. There are two sides to being an author: First=Writing/Editing/etc. Second=Ad work, a must. Currently, I am looking at FiveRR.com for helpers. Whatever you do in seeking assistants, query, query, query.  That's my very best advice.

As for covers, I did this one with Adobe Elements, which I recommend. It comes with a number of backgrounds, graphics, etc. which you might otherwise have to purchase. I did buy the entire program, rather than a subscription.

I hope that helps you. Until next time--

7 Books .99 Each

For a Limited Time, 7 Books at .99 Each.

These are my earlier books, but readers love their return in ebook format, so... Stock up now!

You can catch the list at my WEBSITE, or below:

• A Lady's Desire: Amazon/Others 
• Angel vs MacLean: Amazon/Others 
• Apple Blossom Time: Amazon/Others 
• Lady on the Line: Amazon/Others 
• Donovan’s Second Chance: Amazon/Others 
• Maybe No, Maybe Yes: Amazon/Others 
• Midnight Rider: Amazon/Others 

****

I'd love to hear from you. Just EMAIL. You can also catch me at Facebook, Twitter and other places.

A Brand New Year

Here we go on a brand new year, 2019! We're setting goals and energized! I hope you're ready to read. Here's my new Fresh Start Series:

Three city women cross country in their RVs for new lives in a western small town.

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2EjupD2

Nook: http://bit.ly/2nqvMYU

iBooks: https://apple.co/2BDqQF6

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2DRumRW 

#romance #FreshStartSeries

Over the holiday, I binged on movies/TV, relaxed with family and tried to catch up from an overwhelming 2018, filled with Life Interruptus. I write about Life Interruptus, because I experience the drama frequently. But it all makes for good stuff to write, right?

Unfortunately, many of my friends also experienced drama/trauma. 2018 was just one heck of a year.

But it's behind us now, right? I was so busy last year that a friend reminded me that The Bride's Basket wasn't in print--so I hurried to get that done. The set is gorgeous.

Despite a somewhat frantic 2018, I managed to write 2 books, the first 2 of my new Fresh Start series. I also managed to get a start on a third, the intended last of the trilogy. Naturally, one of my goals is to get book 3 finished.

While my Basket Series is near/dear to me, my Fresh Start series focuses on three women starting new lives--just as many women, including myself have done. Just You is now in print and Just Love will be, but we are considering cover changes. Let me know what you think?

New Book Alert

I'm really happy with my Basket Series and have started a new series in 2018. JUST YOU is out now, and JUST LOVE is a June release.

JUST YOU Bk 1 Fresh Start Series

Kenna, Olivia and Crystal head West in their RVs for Fresh Starts

Kenna's Story:

Determined to survive, tormented Kenna Peck needs a new life. She couldn’t trust her ex-husband now, though a part of her aches for him, for what might have been.

Hugh Donovan wants to know why: Kenna suddenly cut him off and divorced him after a 3-year marriage. One challenge to their perfect lives, and Kenna changed her name and ran. He has to have answers...

And who walks into Kenna’s new life, her Fresh Start, demanding answers and stirring her in a new startling way, but Hugh…

***

REVIEW:

Amazon Reviewer: "Wow, we have another series that will be fantastic... I absolutely loved this book and cait wait for more to come."

JUST YOU is available here:

Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Kobo

Here's a Preview of JUST LOVE's cover, coming up in June. Hope you like my new Fresh Start series. Tip: Olivia's story is very different from Kenna's. Different man/woman and romance.

As always, you can write to ME, and I'd love to hear from you. 

60 Author Giveaway!

One lucky winner will win a Kindle and books. YOU can also get lucky when entering and receive books. It's all about Small Town Romances and 60 of your favorite authors contributed. ENTER HERE: http://bit.ly/small-town-rom

You can win my The Basket Maker's Wife, plus books from CurtissAnn Matlock, Debra Clopton, Lisa Mondello, Tara Taylor Quinn, Barbara McMahon, Karen Rose Smith, Cindy Proctor-King and others!

ENTER NOW at http://bit.ly/small-town-rom

>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

CONTESTS and NEW COVER

I'm set to do a lot of Contests, Giveaways, etc. for THE BRIDE'S BASKET (3) a November release. More in my NEWSLETTER.

Check Out: Excerpts from THE EGG BASKET Book 2.

Meanwhile, here's a brand new cover for MIDNIGHT RIDER. 

KINDLE/KOBO/NOOK/more soon!

BLURB:

Hannah Ferguson is back in Jasmine, Wyoming, and rancher Dan Blaylock is so ready. She’s ruined him for other women and now she and her ranch are under Dan's financial thumb. But Hannah isn’t the teenage girl who once wanted him, an older man. She’s a contrary, sexy redhead, and determined to stand on her own feet, despite the odds stacked against her. 

     While Dan’s set to have his fire-woman, she’s not that easy, set on her own path—desperate to find answers from the past. 

Yet neither can deny the fire between them....

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my ENEWSLETTER? As a new subscriber, you can pick up a free short story--SAM'S STORY. News is coming on Monday for a 60-Author Contest. You'll want to enter!

Maiden Mother Crone

I'm writing hard and pulling into the very last part of long project, The Basket Series.

The cover artist just sent me a gorgeous rough draft of THE BRIDE'S BASKET, November 2016 release. I'm really excited about this 3rd book in the trilogy. It is a super cover for the last book of my Basket Series basic trilogy.

This Rose picture symbolizes the basic premise  or Celtic theme I used: The Maiden, The Mother, The Crone. These are the different stages of a woman's life.

(These roses should probably be organized differently. But my rosebush did not cooperate.)

The Basket Series is a blend of Women's Fiction, romance and a dab of intuitive.

The Basket Maker's Wife 5-Star Reviews:
 "Wonderful story about the bonds shared by women, mother's love and friendship. A great example of the deep strength in every woman."

"This book kept me up all night! I love to read about women who defy the odds, we are survivors !"

The Egg Basket 5-Star Reviews:
"This has to be one of the most fabulous series I have ever read! I adore them . The was so much raw emotion placed in these books that I cried, laughed was mad and wanted to protect everyone also."

"I liked this book because the characters are so belonging to each other and help each other grow stronger. There is stress, but also magic."



 I am so pleased with the reception of this trilogy. It's an unusual project and something I've waited to do. The journey has been fulfilling, interesting, and a learning project.

 I am so loving these characters, and so attached to them. Soon I will have to undertake a new project  (and can't wait to start that either), but it will be difficult to separate myself from this #BasketSeries.

I've already started a series of short stories for the Basket Series peripheral characters.

Info Tidbit: I read a lot of epic sagas, ancient history, mythology etc. and am noted in college papers as a writer who uses these themes.

If you haven't tried either one of these first books, note that they are in e-book and in paper. Gorgeous paper, may I add. They are best read in order:
1. >>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

2. >>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

Well, back to finishing THE BRIDE'S BASKET!

Nice Guy Short Story #1

SAM'S STORY

I'm currently working with my Good Guy short stories, featuring the Knight family.

Sam Knight is a remodeler. Divorced and not looking, he works, comes home, spends time with his parents/siblings and that's it. Then, one day on his way home, he sees this redhead and her little boy....

Author's Note: Sam's Story is told from the male point of view, and an interesting journey for me. Luke is already married to Cindy, but Jon and Ryan and Rose are in the wings.

Sam's Story is not for sale just yet. I'll probably gift it to my enewsletter subscribers soon. You might want to subscribe. :)

Bring You to the Writing Table

I bet you thought this was about food and eating, didn't you? Not so. This is about writing and what you, as a writer, bring to the table for reader fare.

We all have pieces within us, as people, that are stronger and more appealing to readers--some skill sets, some experiences that strengthen our manuscripts.

>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

Info Bit: When I started writing, I came to the Writing Table with Stories and Characterization (this according to my first editor). Looking back, she was right. I've always been able to churn stories--Dad was a storyteller, so maybe I picked up bits. He was a Verbal Storyteller. I am not. If Writers are lucky, they are both, because PR is essential. I belong to the Reclusive/Introvert Club when it comes to writing. :) Therefore, I am not prone to retreats or sessions or writers groups, though they are advantageous to many writers.

Personal Traits are on the Table Fare, too. If you are not a self-starter, need a guide, that's fine. But energetic writers, self-starters typically do better.

More Important Personal Traits: Regimented? Determined? Goal Setting? Handle a Calendar? Able to Multitask?

Info Bit: So I naturally (inside me) had the Stories/Lots of them and a grip of Characterization. Not a clue about Plotting--that little demon. Since starting, I've studied almost every plotting method possible. FWIW: I started with my first editor's direction: One paragraph per chapter, Build, MidPoint, Round Off, etc.

In my current WIPs, the Basket Series, I bring a whole lot of myself, my personal experiences. Rethinking this: In all my books, I bring experiences, i.e. How I Would Feel If? Selecting Friends, Animals, Perceptions, Who is Kind and Who is Not Likely to be my best bud, etc. A huge portion of my books are Simply Me. (That's scary, isn't it? :)

In the Basket Series, my past homemaking, sewing, canning, raising garden, working to create, home remodeling, raising a family, husband, etc. Life in a small town and the characters living in it, friends or foe/gossipers, etc. all comes out. I know what I'm talking about. Also, Nora is expecting in The Basket Maker's Wife, I understand that because I've had 3 daughters. She's tall, I know that. She fears, I know that. In The Egg Basket--yes, I've raised chickens, did the farm woman thing, made butter, bottle fed calves.

>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

 Now, here's where the If/Then comes in to smack you: I have NOT had some of the experiences, like weaving a basket, so plenty of research on that one and others. You fill in what you do not know.

Experiencing the LOCATION is a necessity for me, like when I drove the Oregon Trail for Night Fire, or driving the gold trails, throwing that tomahawk. So I'm usually doing it--no sex jokes, please. We're so beyond that.

One Really Important Characteristic/Experience for you to consider: If you are overloaded in your personal life, the usual--kids, obligations, heavy duty job--I suggest not taking on an endless project, i.e. a detailed murder mystery.

And The Reason Is: Writers need assurances, pats on the back, affirmations of some kind. Look at your skill sets, who you are, what is your place in life, and create The Masterpiece that is your affirmation. Most of all, COMPLETE SAID MASTERPIECE. Completion is the best reward, good or bad--you did it, kid. :) That's your graduation certificate: a completed novella, stort story, novel, non-fiction piece.

That's it for now. We all have something unique to offer readers, or simply to satisfy ourselves. What do you bring to the Writing Table?

>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

A Trickle of Sweat

I'm working on book 3 of my Basket Series. "Working" means writing rough draft, editing, seeing what works, doesn't work, checking the pacing, seeing that the important threads/theme, etc. are consistent and not dropped.

Summer is when a lot of writers take time for their families and to write new material. We start up again on business in fall, etc. but in summer we're dealing with a lot. We may write slower, because Life Interferes, but we are writing.

Book 3, Tentative Title The Bride's Basket, is the last of the trilogy, unless I feel the need to add more. This book, in particular, because of Novel Interruptus/Life, was a struggle that is now coming along nice, cruising into about 3/4 of what I planned. I'm layering, editing constantly, and writing almost like a race to the finish. Layering a novel, deepening it with layers and contrasting layers, gives a book strength.

Yesterday, as I was taking a long necessary drive in the heat, I felt a trickle of sweat. This was a disaster. My AC was working fine; therefore I should be cool. I was even wearing my large white man's over shirt to keep the front window's sun from me.  Yet that trickle of sweat ran from my temple to my cheekbone.

That trickle of sweat was so important, I notified two daughters. You see how important that was. :)

While debating that trickle of sweat (just one), I somehow came up with two characterizations to add to one character who is not quite coming alive yet. She's a woman, a plus-size  model and while I had her backstory— very important, all backstories are very important — I wasn't seeing her as a hero would see her.

So how to layer in the necessities of attraction: Accessories help. She was already wearing a black formfitting jumpsuit to a community affair. Adding the fine details make up our model would skillfully apply, some glittery chandelier earrings, hair piled high, and a belt did wonders for this girl. I think I'll let her live.

Now. That high piled hair do, is perfect for a hero to release and let flow through his fingers. This gives him the opportunity to steady and feel her hair, which up is applying to the senses. We've got five senses to use in writing, each one important. With touch comes, what it feels like, when it reminds him of, and what he might dream of. There is more.

Now2:  As he touches her hair, what does she feel?

Okay. He sees her, etc. Things are moving between them, but how does she see him? For one thing, he needs clothing and a model would know exactly what he was wearing and probably the strength of the body beneath the clothing. This guy needs a shirt, suitable to the occasion, a belt, pants, shoes.

Dress the characters. Make them feel.

And yes, I did feel that trickle of sweat, a sensation I do not wish to experience again. :)

Baskets for Mothers

$.99 THE BASKET MAKERS WIFE ENDS 4/30. Get yours now!

Now .99: THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO.

Neat Mother’s Day Gift: One of my longtime readers (initials T.C. :)) is giving her mother The Basket Maker’s Wife (trade paper) for Mother’s Day, May 8. By that time, The Egg Basket, the second in The Basket Series will also be published. I am considering how to design a Mother’s Day gift card from me for her mother. (Shh!)

The lovely covers of this basket series, created by designer NajlaQamberDesigns fall right into place with stories for women who believe in love and happiness. The Egg Basket features Lynn Wallberg, the necessary link between Nora Elliott and Jessie Holbrook. Elderly Jessie, the owner of The Basket Shop, will not go to her beloved husband, Virgil, until she knows her legacy will be continued.

Nora could make Jessie's dream happen, but her life is in turmoil. Lynn, a woman like and unlike Nora, will help…. Watch for The Egg Basket to see how believing and love can happen to a woman who has given up on those dreams—for herself. That would be Lynn…

This .99 sale on The Basket Maker’s Wife is ending when The Egg Basket is published. Be sure to get the first in the series and/or trilogy at this discount price  as it will send returned to 4.99. We’re working on launch promotions  now, and several people are now included in my beta readers and a ARC promotion group. I am trying to come up with a snappy title for this enthusiastic group of longtime readers. Any suggestions welcome. Just send me a note and tell me about yourself and what you like about my books, your favorite one, etc..

.99 Sale Ending Soon: The Basket Maker's Wife, 1st in The Basket Series

Get Yours Now? .99: THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO.

Preparing A Book Launch!

$.99 THE BASKET MAKERS WIFE ENDS 4/30. Get yours now!

Now .99: THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO.

What's that line, "beyond our control"?
We should know within the next few days the firm launch date of THE EGG BASKET. Life interfered and I'm doing my best to catch up. Before life interfered, I had set up tentative promotions. The nice thing about having friends is: they stepped in to help.

Some exciting things have happened though, including a starting formation of beta readers and ARC people. I haven't decided what to call this group yet. Many responded from my NEWSLETTER, thrilling me, and are longtime readers. I sent out a few dishcloths, I tried to crochet. I'm not very good, but people seem to like them anyway. They do have mistakes. One person liked the blue and green combination, which is my favorite, too.

Recipients seemed appreciative, even with all my crochet mistakes. And several are waiting for THE EGG BASKET before they publish their reviews.

Then I had ordered a podcasting microphone recommended by THE CREATIVE PENN, whose podcasting I very much enjoy. If you're a writer, you will want to sign up for Joanna's podcast. The microphone is working great on Dragon dictation. I had used Dragon before with a PC, but had switched to a Mac.

I tested the microphone on a podcast, and have no idea where that podcast went, but hopefully this galaxy. That scared me. I'll stay off of podcasting until I know what happens to it when it leaves my computer. I do think that if you want to podcast you do have to have a certain gift of gab. I probably don't have that. But it's interesting.

This morning Joel Friedlander, The Book Designer, posted his blog about five necessary fonts, and I'm off to get them from FontSquirrel.

MEANWHILE: You could join my ENEWSLETTER? Lots of good stuff happening prior and during a Book Launch.

You see many distractions there are, and shouldn't be, just before a book is launched?

Now .99: THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO.

New Cover: Sleepless in Montana

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE 2.99

SLEEPLESS IN MONTANA (Re-release New Cover)

Available now for KINDLE. Other markets soon.
 

Reviews:

Sleepless in Montana seamlessly combines love stories for all the Kodiak family members into one intense and tightly packaged tale. Cait London delivers once again! Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times

“...entertaining storyline.” Publishers Weekly

Sleepless in Montana is an emotional, multilayered story that will linger in your mind long after you finish the last page. A must read! Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web

Blurb:

Contemporary Montana: To protect the most vulnerable of the Kodiak clan from a killer, the embattled adult children and their mother return to the Bar K. Hogan Kodiak, the eldest and the family’s outsider, is on his own ranch.

Bitterly at odds with his father, Hogan can’t rid himself of Jemma Delaney, his longtime nemesis, now the woman he desires. Determined to unite the Kodiaks and soothe Hogan’s troubled spirit, Jemma is no sweetheart as their romance fires up. As murder circles the Bar K, the Kodiaks untangle their past, their loves, and uncover the killer’s horrible secret.

NOTES FROM CAIT:

I'm an artist, so I really enjoyed linking with Hogan Kodiak's take on art. A lot of me is in this book (and every book) and I did enjoy researching this and other books in the great state of Montana.

Writing Fast or Slow or What?

Maybe No, Maybe Yes

Now in Re-Release:
Maybe No, Maybe Yes 

How do you write? Fast? Edit as you go along? Plotting? Plunging? Find out below.... but first a word from our "sponsors", that would be me.

~~~~

Melanie Inganforde, a petite beauty, is determined to climb the womanless ranks of a Kansas City investment firm. Tight underwear and shapeless business suits disguise her curves. Her irritating nemesis, the firm's "star player" and Romeo, Sloan Raventhrall enjoys rattling her while he scoops up the choice clients.

When Sloan is "off his game" with the flu and his visiting niece, "Mel" seizes her chance. In return for her help, Sloan trades his best client, Itty Bitty. Then, with a raging fever, Sloan discovers a sweet sexy nymph in his apartment and falls in old-fashioned love. As the nymph, Melanie discovers a sweet, disarming and romantic Sloan.

Recovered, back in his game, Sloan unwraps Mel's “bratwurst-body” disguise and finds his sexy nymph. He’s angry and determined to make Mel pay--and marry her. A Today Woman, a competitive list-maker to Sloan's free-wheeling style, Melanie has other plans and terms of her own, like equal footing in their fast-moving romance.

The love game is on: Melanie and Sloan, each playing for keeps in Maybe No, Maybe Yes.
~~~

Writing Fast or Slow or What?

Writers all write at different speeds. I'm a fairly fast, regimented writer. I believe it is important to keep that story warm and flowing; however much writing/words it takes daily. But I have no daily goal. It pretty much averages out.

However, some advise writing as fast as you can. Pushing yourself and your story, producing as many works as you can within any given time. Here's how some writers work, because we all create and work differently.

• The Plotter: This person take time to develop an outline or a synopsis, taking care of the midpoint, the 3-act play, etc. Answering all questions in the beginning--or not, if it is a series with an ARC. That's not Advanced Reading Copy. :) Mystery writers probably do this more, I don't know. There are tons of ways to plot, no one way is right as we are all different players. Plotters. nudge and develop, before starting the work. AND THEN; They write fast; they know the path they are to follow. In Maybe No, Maybe Yes, heroine Melanie Inganforde would probably be a Plotter.
• The Plunger: If good, and/or an experienced writer with scars :), Plungers have a pretty sturdy idea of where they are going and take right off. I see this as the Inner Organized Writer as the Plotter is the Outer Organized Writer. In Maybe No, Maybe Yes, hero Sloan Raventhrall would probably leap on instincts.
• The Plotter/Plunger Hybrid: That would be me. Since beginnings are difficult for me, I usually have an idea where I'm going and take off. After I get the "feel" of the characters--I write character driven stories--I'll back up, clean out, and dig into plotting. If you haven't yet, read some of my articles on plotting, listed in the sidebar. (I intend to use these in a How to Write Book one day.) In the Plunger stage, I pretty much try to lay down a lot of copy that I know will take editing, i.e. Chapter 2 is where the story really begins and I can filter in the rest.
• The Regimented Writer: That would be me, also. I'm pretty much at the keyboard putting in my creative story time, trying to lock into the pulse of the story that will carry me through.
•  The Editing as You Go Writer: That would be half-me. Sometimes I can't resist.
•  The Don't Edit As You Go Writer: This is part of a Write-Fast Movement. Just let that story flow out of you. You can write really fast that way, and you can write really easily in the wrong direction, costing time. I was just sick when I wrote really fast--natural to me--but I went off course for 30 pages and just into another story line, which didn't fit the WIP.
• The Perfectionist Writer: As writers we don't want to cut the WIP's umbilical cord; we don't want to let go of our baby. Snip. You have to do it sometime. If you are a Perfectionist, you are not likely to be a Write As Fast As You Can writer, but probably a pretty thoughtful one. 

But if we're true writers, we're going to get there somehow....

 What is your writing style? Tortoise, Hare or You?