Writer and Publishers

 

 

When you are a new writer, making the decision to self-publish or find a publisher to take your work, is an important one. I had a book. I thought the story was a good one, but the genre I chose to write in placed limits on where I could look for help. I didn’t feel able to do it on my own so I asked around and did some research to check out the publishers who took books in the mm romance genre. Top of my list was Samhain publishing, and even though I was told they took only five percent of the books. I submitted my story. They turned me down.

 

I did some more research, and more work on the book and sent it off again this time to Totally Bound. Thinking back, I’m not sure why I chose them next, but they were British, and that was one of the things that drew me towards them. They took a chance on a new writer, and so began the steep learning curve of producing the final product. My editor, Faith Bicknell-Brown, taught me a lot. In hindsight, I’m still amazed they took my story, so rough and ready was it on submission. They gave me a lovely cover, a finished product which I could hold in my hands, and help with publicity. Since then, they have taken most of my other submissions. Do I worry about having all my books with one publisher? Yes, sometimes I do. However, I don’t want to have to deal with getting royalties from the US any more than I want to deal with all the financial aspects of self-publishing. I’m not financially stupid, and I have filled in self-assessment forms in the past, but the financial commitment up front, not to mention all the technical stuff of finding a cover, an editor, formatting and all the rest, is something I still find daunting.

At the moment, my publisher is my safety net. Maybe one day I will be brave enough, but then more publishers will disappear. I do worry how much my books cost online when I see self-published books selling for so little. I used to think nothing of buying a print paperback book for £7.99 and more, but I’ll admit to not wanting to pay more than £5 for an e-book. I have paid that much for an author I know and love, because I tell myself this is not a lot for all the hard work that has gone into producing the book. However, with pirate sites out there and such a plethora of cheaper books, I can’t help being concerned about sales. How much are people willing to pay for the work of several people? As a teacher, I probably earned somewhere around £15 an hour. It’s hard to say exactly because I didn’t work fixed hours and a teacher’s salary is for a year and simply divided by twelve. Similarly, I’ve no idea how many hours I put into writing, redrafting and editing my first book It did all right for a debut novel, but the price fluctuated. I certainly didn’t earn a fortune, and I’ve no idea if I would have earned enough to cover the costs of producing a well finished self-published product.

For now, I will continue working with publishers. Maybe I should diversify and submit elsewhere, but I’m not good at dealing with too much change, or too many ways of working. However, with what has happened to Samhain, I have decided on one thing. If a book is priced over £5, I won’t walk away without considering it. It’ll be my way of supporting the author, editor, cover designer, and publisher in the only way I can – by buying a book.

 

Rainbow Snippets - February 20th/21st

Rainbow Snippets is a Facebook Group that invites authors to post six sentences of their work each weekend. It can be from anything you like, your current WIP, a recent release, the golden oldie that even you had forgotten you had written, or just a scrap of an idea (as long as it has six coherent sentences). Nothing of your own work worth mentioning? How about a six sentence review of your favourite LGBTQ+ story.

This week my snippet is again from Comfort Zone. In this scene we meet Gwen again, Joe's sister. Aron has been invited for dinner at Joe's parents' house for the first time. We all know how siblings can try to embarrass us

Gwennie fixed her brother with a stare then grinned. There was something entirely wicked in that smile, and Aron feared what was coming next. 

“Joe says you’re very fond of his donuts.”  Aron wasn’t going to back away from a challenge.

“Okay, I admit, you’ve got me banged to rights. I love his donuts. They’re so round and sweet. My favorites are the ones with the creamy filling.” He jerked forward as Joe immediately kicked his ankle and was gratified to see Gwennie almost spit out her food and choke. He wondered if he’d gone too far as her father patted her back. 

Andy winked at him. “I think Aron won that round, love.”

 

 

Buying Links

Publisher
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Kobo 
Barnes and Noble
All Romance

Rainbow Snippet 13/14 February

 

 

 

 

Rainbowsnippets is a Facebook Group that invites authors to post six sentences of their work each weekend. It can be from anything you like, your current WIP, a recent release, the golden oldie that even you had forgotten you had written, or just a scrap of an idea (as long as it has six coherent sentences). Nothing of your own work worth mentioning? How about a six sentence review of your favourite LGBTQ+ story.

 

This week’s snippet is again from Comfort Zone. I love Rhodri and I had to include him in one of these snippets. Rhodri is the eighteen year old son of Dai, Aron’s works manager. He has recently announced he is bisexual and his mother, Pauline was hoping that Aron might be his gay guru. In actuality it’s more the other way around. In this scene, Rhodri has come to do work experience with Joe as he is at catering school. Jonno is Joe’s best friend and already on Rhodri’s radar. It may be a smidge longer than six sentences – sorry.

 

 

 

SNIPPET

 

The way Rhodri gazed up and down, Joe couldn’t help but feel he was being assessed. 

“Hi, I’m Rhodri, and you are gorgeous.” 

Joe smiled when Rhodri’s face flushed. 

“Sorry, I meant your daughter. Shit, not that you aren’t good looking as well and oh hell, sorry, I shouldn’t have sworn in front of her.” His whole body sighed. “Could you close the door then open it again as if this never happened? I guess I’m nervous.”

The grin he broke into would have charmed anyone. Joe guessed Rhodri used his boyish charms to get his way over lots of things. He cocked his head and peered out from under his dark fringe with huge chocolate-colored, puppy-dog eyes. Ellie wriggled in Joe’s arms and reached toward Rhodri, who in turn held her hand.

“I think she likes you,” Joe said, laughing.

“She’s obviously got remarkably good taste. So can I come in?” Joe stood back, smiling to himself as Rhodri sashayed through to the kitchen. God help Jonno, because his lad had confidence written right through him like a stick of Barry Island rock.

 

Thanks for reading. You can find all the buying links for Comfort Zone here.

Rainbow Snippet 6th February

 

Rainbow Snippets is a Facebook Group that invites authors to post 6 sentences of their work each weekend. It can be from anything you like, your current WIP, a recent release, the golden oldie that even you had forgotten you had written, or just a scrap of an idea (as long as it has 6 coherent sentences). Nothing of your own work worth mentioning? How about a 6 sentence review of your favourite LGBTQ+ story.

This is another snippet from Comfort Zone, out last week. The first person talking is Gwen, the sister of MC Joe. She is talking to Aron about her brother. There's a lot of family in my stories and they always like to interfere. Gwen and Joe are close because as they often say their two other brothers are both dicks. In this chapter, Aron has been invited to a party and is unaware that Joe is the caterer.

“If you want to talk to him, he’s in the back now. You won’t find out unless you try, and maybe this time try asking him out somewhere rather than staying in and shagging. Shagging can be the easy bit, talking is much harder.” She looked over toward the door. “Go on, nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Aron examined her face for a moment. She was a lot like Joe, same dark hair and same green eyes.

“What do you do?” he asked.

“I’m at Swansea studying organic chemistry, why?”

“If you ever want to work in sales, come and see me. I’m sure you’d be able to sell sand to the Saudis.”

You can find all the buying links for Comfort Zone here

Comfort Zone Release Day Blog

 

 

I thought I'd have a bit of a giveaway to celebrate the release of Comfort Zone. I'm going to giveaway one e-book and one signed print copy. All you have to do is comment here or on my Facebook page.

 

After writing Sporting Chance, I wanted to give Aron a story. I felt guilty taking Dan and Aron apart and leaving Aron on his own, so I sat down and had a think. Now, I’m not really a planner, but I do like to have how they meet and some background and family and friends worked out before I start writing. After that all plans usually go out of the window anyway.

In Sporting Chance, about a chapter and a half were lost in the edits which gave a bit more detail of how Aron met Joe Walsh at the roadside so I decided to reunite them out of the blue. Joe is a caterer, hired by Aron’s PA Margaret, to cater the party to celebrate the one year anniversary of his technology company. There is a spark of attraction between them, but Aron has no expectation of following that attraction and during the dinner he makes a huge faux pas.

Now, I’m not going to give any spoilers, but let’s just say to begin with there is no love lost between the two men, and after their first encounter, each feels they have missed an opportunity. Aron meets with Iestyn, who, some might think is a surprising person for him to talk to, and Joe tries to talk to his best friend, Jonno and makes more discoveries.

Joe and Aron meet again by accident, and slowly, friends and family push them together again. Both of them have plenty of doubts and fears to overcome along the way. The attraction may be there from the beginning, but everything else takes time. Trust is not easily won. However, these two good men deserve happiness, if only they are prepared to step out of their comfort zones to embrace it and each other.

Book Blurb

What would make you reach outside your comfort zone?

Aron Roberts helped his previous love discover a new one, so now he’s on his own, living only for his work and the times he manages to escape into the sky. He meets Joe Welsh again—a man he met at the roadside a year ago, a man who became an out-of-reach figure in his fantasies. Aron discovers Joe’s life has undergone major changes since their last meeting. The spark of attraction ignites into flames only to be put out by uncomfortable truths.

Can Aron overcome his fears and step out of his comfort zone to find love? Can Joe help Aron to deal with his past and trust him enough to allow Aron into his life?

With the help of family and friends, and a very determined one-year-old girl, Aron and Joe have a journey to make and obstacles to overcome, if they are ever going to get their happy ever after.

Publisher's Note: This book is linked to Sporting Chance but can be read as a standalone novel.

Buying Links

 

Publisher

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Amazon Germany

Barnes and Noble

Kobo 
All Romance

Goodreads

 

 

Rainbow Snippets - 31st January

        


This is my first go at putting up a snippet for Rainbow Snippets. Authors put up six sentences from their stories for others to comment. I've read some interesting excerpts today. This snippet is from my novel, Comfort Zone and reveals where the title came from. The main characters are Aron and Joe. If you've read Sporting Chance, you will know of Dan Morgan, the rugby player, who is mentioned in this scene.

“Dan told me about a conversation he’d had with another player when he first started playing for the Giants and had some doubts about being out and open about his sexuality.”

“I remember he talked to someone.” “This bloke encouraged him to do what he thought was best for him and said how some good players might cope playing in different positions and make it outside their comfort zone, but that good people always do. He told Dan that by being open about himself, he could do an immense amount of good in the game.”

“I’ve always admired his bravery.”

 

“He told me you were a good man too, and you are. You’re my good man, Aron—mine and Ellie’s.”

 

 

 

 Comfort Zone goes on general release 2nd February. You can find all the links here.

Looking Forward to 2016

 

Challenging was the word we teachers always used, and I’d say 2015 fitted that description. My arthritis was a bugger, but on the plus side, I did gain another cat and write more stories.

I’m hoping 2016 may bring some changes - maybe a new house and not being on my own so much. I have my fingers and toes crossed. As for writing, I have four stories coming out in 2016, so far.

Comfort Zone, the story of Aron and Joe, goes on general release 2^nd February.

A Bell Rings, the sequel to Not Every Time, goes on general release 17^th May.

Choosing Home, book 1 in the Call of Home series, goes on general release 12^th July

Returning Home, book 2 in the Call of Home series, goes on general release 23^rd August

 

I’ve written about Comfort Zone elsewhere. I’m excited about its release as I loved writing every character in this story. There is a giveaway with this post.

           A Bell Rings, is the sequel to my Christmas story, and answers the question of who Raz really is. This story is from Jack’s POV. I didn’t intend to write a sequel, but this story arrived quickly in my head and demanded to be written.
 

The Call of Home series, and boy did my editor and I get through some names for this series of books, is set on the North East coast of Scotland. This is one of my favourite places, and I’ve stayed there on holiday many times. The theme of the series is home and how it can call to you.

In Choosing Home, Zac McKenzie flees from press intrusion into his personal life, losing both his footballing career and his marriage. He opens a hotel and builds a successful business with the help of friends. Several years later, Seth Pritchard enters his life. He is also attempting to flee his past, only to find, like Zac, that you can never really leave your problems behind you.

In Returning Home, Darach McNaughton returns to his home town after finding his boyfriend in bed with another man – again. He transfers to the local police force expecting life to be quiet after working in Glasgow. One night, he rescues a cat and meets her owner, a wheelchair bound, tattooed, man with attitude, Brice Drummond. Darach is immediately intrigued by the man and why he’s living in what he views as the back of beyond. They say, however, that curiosity can kill a cat. Well, Princess may be safe, but is everyone else?

On to my plans for 2016.

The third story in the Call of Home series is Staying Home. The first draft is written but it needs editing, betaing and submitting. One of the MCs is Sam Carmichael, the local Church of Scotland minister, who chose to take up his home parish rather than a more glamorous position in Glasgow. The middle one of five brothers, he has his own secrets. I’m not going to name the other main character, but he has never left the town, choosing instead to stay put.

The other story I’m editing is one which was a fanfiction based on a character who appeared in two episodes of a well-known programme. It is set in late 1960s America, so deals with civil rights and the problems of being gay when it was illegal in all but one state. Throw in a nasty set of crimes, and working in the White House and you have A Matter of Timing. Maybe this year, I’ll have the courage to submit it and see.

As for writing projects, I have two I definitely hope to complete. At the moment, I’m 15,000 words into a standalone story provisionally titled, Half Full, about Jonah Jackson, a maker of bespoke furniture and Owen Williams, a librarian. Jonah is larger than life on the outside, always positive and up for anything, while Will appears to be a shy bookworm who looks after rescue kittens in his spare time, and has a webcam set up for people to watch them grow. As he says the kittens are the stars not him. These men have some things in common. Jonah was thrown out of his home aged fourteen when he told his family he was gay. Mixed race Owen, was given up for adoption as a baby. With his disability and colour, getting adopted by a family in Norfolk seemed unlikely until the Williams family took him in and loved him. This story is demanding I plan more than I usually do, but I’m hopeful to get on with it in January.

The next writing project will then be the fourth in the Call of Home series. This one hasn’t got a name yet. The leads are Hamish Carmichael, the fourth of the brothers, and Cameron Kirkpatrick. Both are teachers and find they have an interest in common, although they don’t get off to the best of starts.

I have other ideas on my writing list. I hope to write my Scottish cowboy story based on an idea I saw on the programme, Countryfile. There will be Highland coos in this one, as well as a flamboyant designer and a closeted ranch owner with a secret passion. I’m hoping for less angst!

Maybe, this year will also be the one I write the historical novel, or the time travelling one, or the crime story I have listed on my ideas spreadsheet. Maybe I'll even write the young adult story that popped into my head about Josh from Sporting Chance. Being the panster that I am, I really don’t know, but it will be fun finding out.

So that's me at the moment. I wish you all a great year, and look forward to reading lots of wonderful stories.

I have e-copies of Comfort Zone to giveaway. Please comment here if you would like to win either a PDF or EPub copy of the story which is available for early download at Pride Publishing from 5th January.

Links for Comfort Zone

Publisher
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Amazon Germany
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Goodreads