Thursday, 29 November 2012

The mixed emotions of a debut novelist.

It is with a wide range of feelings that I am counting down the days until Crimson Romance publish Romancing the Seas on the 07.01.13. (38 in case you were wondering, oh and look at that date, could there be a more auspicious one?)


Great joy in the knowledge that the story I escaped into at a rather bleak time in my life will make it into ‘real life’. That the characters I love so very dearly will have their chance to shine from the page. I won’t be the only person they know, instead they’re heading out into the big, wide, wonderful world and hopefully, making new friends.  Jonathon is more reserved than Pippa, who tends to engage with folk easily. She takes the world by the horns {I know I’m mixing my metaphors!} and engages fully with whatever it throws at her. Jonathon is opening up though, simply by virtue of being on the same page as Pippa (b’boom – sorry, corny I know, but heck, I just had to say it J )

Tempered with trepidation. What happens if it bombs? How will I feel upon reading that first bland review, damning by faint praise? Or the {gulp} downright bad review? And the constant that is every author’s fear – what happens if this is my only sale?

And pride of course, I can’t forget pride. I did it!!

Swiftly followed by huge thanks. My family who’ve constantly supported, encouraged and help brainstorm book ideas. Janet, (chief whip cracker) we have so much fun brainstorming that I hope the actuality doesn’t let our giggles down. Helen who never fails to be uplifting, knowing the right thing to say at all times. It’s quite amazing you know, how you do that. Trevor, keeping the home fires alight allowing me to be relatively more settled in London. And of course, my wonderful parents who showed me how to be happy, gave me the strength to follow my dreams and are there right behind me, every step of the way.

Blurb for Romancing the Seas:

Sous-chef Pippa Renshaw thinks a change of scene will mend a bruised heart, so she swaps her job in a prestigious London restaurant to head-chef on a cruise ship sailing around New Zealand. A great plan until she meets her new CEO, the delectable Jonathon Eagleton, and discovers she has to share a suite with him.
Even though sparks fly whenever they are together, Jonathon steadfastly keeps her at arm’s length, which suits Pippa just fine because she’s still getting over the betrayal of the last time she had a relationship with the boss.
The situation is starting to feel like solitary confinement until a thunderstorm traps them in a tramper’s hut while hiking. Suddenly a different kind of storm unleashes inside the hut.
But will they be able to go back to their previous status now the line has been crossed?


What do you think…have I missed any emotions out? And can I ask what advice you would give a debut novelist for her book launch?

24 comments:

  1. Get as much done early as possible. Write blog posts, send for reviews. Welcome to the crazy world of publishing.

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    1. Great thanks, Lynn! Can I come by your blog mebbe?!

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  2. Congratulations, Cait! Feel free to post on my FB on your launch day :-)

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    1. Thanks Kay, I'll be seeing you on the 7th Jan then :)

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  3. Congratulations on your first release, Cait. I don't know if I would have made it without the Crimson authors! We've got your back!
    -R.T. Wolfe

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    1. That's such a relief too, to know that more experienced than I are helping. So nice, thanks heaps :)

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  4. sounds like a fab read, Cait! July is soooo far away...want to know *now*!!

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    1. Oh LOL this is another english/american thing -- the date is actually the 7th January...what a laugh. Thanks for pointing it out, Kristi!

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  5. Hi Cait, great post.

    I'm one of the other lucky authors having their debut released with Crimson on 7th Jan, so I know exactly how excited/terrified you feel. The thought of seeing bad reviews is daunting, but I'm thinking of it all as a growing experience. Your book sounds fantastic! I'm looking forward to reading it.

    All the best
    Christy x

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    1. Yay Christy for us LOL. Drop me a line at caitosullivan(at)ymail(dot)com with your blog details and I shall follow you. Would be lovely to be in touch with someone doing the same as me!

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  6. My advice would be to enjoy the moment. Look at the negatives as a learning experience and move on, but always remember - you did it! You're going to be a published author. No matter what else happens that is a huge accomplishment. Enjoy it!

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    1. Thanks Ally, you do forget all the positives under the wealth of things to do, don't you!

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  7. So excited for you Cait...you deserve it! This is a wonderful story with awesome characters.

    Everyone here is giving great advice...even though it's hard to write those blog posts before you have booked them...get writing...you'll be thankful you did later!

    YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. aw shucks thanks heaps my lovely friend and CP!

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  8. All of the ladies gave you great advice, Cait. I second Ally; enjoy the moment. Huge congrats on getting published!

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    1. Thanks Deborah...I shall enjoy the moment and banish all fears to the garden shed!

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  9. Aw Congrats Cait! You're worrying too much. Romancing the Sea will be a wonderful hit and there will be many to follow!

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  10. {smiles} thanks Calisa, I sure hope you're right!

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  11. I remember this story, Cait! I started to crit it in the other group. Best of luck with the release. I felt the need to hide in my closet when my first book release date drew near. Scary to have something you love exposed to the whole world.

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  12. Yes you were great Callie, thanks. It is scary isn't it, I missed that emotion out aaargh!

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  13. Congrats, doll! My BEST advice for you is to get a lot of reviews for Amazon and B&N. Start asking folks now. Also, blog ALOT! It helps. Hugs.

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  14. Thanks D'Ann...I'm getting on the case now then :)

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  15. Heartfelt congratulations Cait - you followed your dream and you did it - you will be a published author! How brilliant are you. Here's to a runaway success. Le gra agus gach dea ghui.

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  16. ah how brilliant are you, Mairead! Thanks so very much. Le gra agus gach dea agut fresin :)

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