Blog Tour Stop & Giveaway with Cathy Bryant

It's my pleasure to host a stop on Cathy Bryant's blog tour - A BRIDGE UNBROKEN is a Christian romantic suspense novel that's part of the Miller’s Creek series. Congratulations Cathy!

I haven't had time to read this book yet, but I have read Cathy's first two novels. She creates genuine characters that have great reader appeal, so I suspect that this is another engaging story.

Cathy's giving away an eBook copy of A Bridge Unbroken to one of my followers, check out the details below. Also, click on the link for her Launch Party on May 22 that includes a $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway.

Here is a peek at the story:

Letting go to build a bridge… 

Dakota Kelly wants her painful past to disappear. A plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with Chance Johnson, the man responsible for the scars on her heart. But Chance isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempt at forgiveness?

| Print Version | eBook Version |  Click HERE to read a sample chapter 

About Cathy

 
A native daughter of the Lone Star State, Cathy loves spinning tales about life in small town Texas. When she’s not weaving stories about the fine folks in Miller’s Creek, you’ll find her rummaging through thrift stores, feeding her reality TV addiction, or up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she shares with her minister husband of over thirty years. You can find out more about Cathy and her books at www.CatBryant.com.

Find Cathy: Website| Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon | Google+| 

Facebook Launch Party: $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

 








A Bridge Unbroken eBook Giveaway for Write Now Followers

• You must be a GFC (Google Friend Connect follower) and leave your email address with your comment.
• Open to residents of the United States.
• Deadline to enter is midnight EST Thursday, May 22, 2014. Winner will be chosen by random.org, notified via email, and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Have you read any of Cathy's books? What are you reading this week?

Have a great week,

Karen

Self Publishing Forum

Please join me in welcoming authors Cathy Bryant and Tyrean Martinson. They've graciously agreed to share their insight on the self publishing journey. 

Cathy's latest book, entitled The Way of Grace, is the third in The Miller's Creek Series, and can be found here.

Champion in the Darkness, Tyrean's debut novel and the first in The Champion Trilogy, is available here.

Cathy Bryant

Welcome Cathy and Tyrean! So glad you both could join us. What motivated you to self publish?

  

Cathy: Thank you! It's great to be here. The main reason I decided to self-publish was because I felt it was the direction the Lord wanted me to go. It wasn't an easy decision; at the time, self-publishing was writer suicide. Around that time I was devouring novels and would find scenes that seemed tacked onto the storyline for shock value. I really didn't want publishers and editors doing that to my stories.

Tyrean Martinson

Tyrean: Thank you Karen, it's a pleasure to be here! There were four areas that pushed me toward self publishing.

Research - I researched both traditional publishing and self publishing for several years and I discovered that most of the Christian fantasy authors published by the big, traditional Christian publishing houses had been previously published in another genre first. I looked up author and publishing house info, and agents, but I didn't see any easy "breakthrough" area for new Christian fantasy authors. I realized not long after I went with self publishing that I hadn't dug deep enough into the world of small press publishing. I'll be doing more research into that area in the next year or so, as I consider where to send future projects.

More Research - I researched independent authors and looked at their process. I found that I liked the idea of independent publishing and I added it to my bucket list of writing goals.

The Bucket List of Writing Goals - This list includes triple goals of getting published by a traditional publisher, by a small press, and through independent publishing.

Control - From content formatting to cover art, I wanted to experience creating a whole book and making my own decisions over everything. Not every piece went the way I thought it would for my first project, but I leaned a great deal through each part of the process.


I applaud and admire your motivation. I know it's no easy task! What were the biggest hurdles of the process?


Cathy:  The stigma of being self-published was a difficult hurdle for me personally. I've always been a people pleaser and my decision upset and distanced some of my writing friends. Plus it's a TON of work. In addition to writing the story, you're responsible for editing, formatting, book cover, marketing, etc. Get ready for loooooooong days.



Tyrean: A back up system that backfired took me by surprise, and I tried to push my way through to my self-appointed release date. This caused some problems, since the first 40 or so copies had some serious errors in them. I thought, even though I had lost my copy edited version just two weeks prior to my release date, that I had fixed everything in a second copy edited version. I was very wrong, and a bit embarrassed by that. My backup system had been dismantled because my computer underwent some repairs and the backup system wasn’t put back into place, and then my computer crashed and my most current files were fragmented. My solution now: new backup system, check on the backup system every week, and e-mailing myself and my husband current work. Plus, I learned that I need to hold off on setting a release date until I’m in the formatting stages of my book. My second project, a collection of fantasy short stories and poetry called Dragonfold and Other Adventures, didn’t get a set release date until I had my proof copy in front of me.

How did you publish your book, through a publishing service or other means?

Cathy: Printer. I cannot recommend going through a publishing service. Many companies out there are quick to take your money and give you nothing in return. My advice? Do your research!!!



Tyrean: I went through Create Space, which is Amazon’s self-publishing service, and Kindle. I also used Smashwords, Kobo, and PubIt for Nook originally, but currently my projects are only available in e-book format through Kindle Select. I’ve heard some great things about Lightning Source for print publications, so I’m peeking into that for potential future projects. 


What advice do you have for writers who are interested in self publishing their work?

Cathy: Study the market, read lots of novels, research all the ins and outs of self-publishing.

Tyrean: Triple back up your work! Set your release date after you are either involved in formatting, or you have your proof in front of you. Do plenty of research into self-publishing options, and look beyond your first project to your next one – it keeps your writing habits healthy, and keeps you sane when doing final copy edits and formatting.


Great advice! Thank you both for sharing your experience with us!
 

Here's more info on these wonderful authors:


Cathy:  Cathy’s desire is to write heart-stirring stories about God’s life-changing grace. Her first novel, Texas Roads, was a 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis finalist. Her second novel, A Path Less Traveled, was published in 2010.  

The Way of Grace, the third book in the Miller’s Creek novels was released in 2012, and Pilgrimage of Promise was released in 2013. A native Texan, Cathy recently moved from the beautiful Ozark mountains of northwest Arkansas to the Sangre de Cristos of northern New Mexico. 

You can find out more about Cathy and her popular Miller's Creek novels at www.catbryant.com.

 
Tyrean: Tyrean Martinson lives and writes in the Pacific Northwest, encouraged by her multitalented husband and daughters. She likes to write, read, teach, ski, bicycle, and walk. Using her degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English, Tyrean homeschools her two daughters and teaches writing and literature classes at Harbor Christian Homeschool Co-operative.  

Tyrean has been published in print anthologies as well as e-zines like Every Day Poets, Every Day Fiction and Mindflights.  


Champion in the Darkness is a YA Christian Fantasy about Clara, who is ready to become a master swordswoman. She goes to meet with longtime mentor Dantor and is told she's destined to become the Champion, a fabled hero who arises in a time of need. Confused by this claim, Clara isn't sure she's ready to be a Champion. Whether she is ready or not, an evil threatens their land and Clara and her mentor Stelia must find the strength to overcome the darkness.  Champion in the Darkness is the first book in the Champion Trilogy. 

Visit Tyrean at tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com.

What do you think about self publishing? Do you think it's for you? Do you have any questions for Cathy and Tyrean?

Happy writing,

Karen

Fabulous Features & Favors

Coming Attractions

Authors Tyrean Martinson and Cathy Bryant will stop by soon for a forum on self-publishing. Tyrean's YA fiction, Champion in the Darkness, made its debut in February. The Way of Grace, Cathy's third book in the Miller's Creek series, was released last fall. Hope you can join us as these smart and savvy writers share their insight.
 
Alex Cavanaugh joins us in September when his third book, CassaStorm, is released. There's never a dull moment when Alex is in the house, so be sure and stop by to soak up some of Alex's wit and wisdom.

We'll also hear from Ann Gabhart, Cathy Gohlke, Jody Hedlund, and Sarah Sundin, whose new books hit the shelves before the close of 2013.

If you're a fan of The Emotion Thesaurus (And if not, you might want to be - read my review here), then you'll be excited to know that authors Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are working on two new Character Trait books on Attributes and Flaws. This is good news for writers of all genres. Will keep you posted on the details.

Oh No Volcano! is a new app, coming soon to an iPhone near you. How do I know about this? The Creative Director of the project is my son David Lange (so pardon me if I plug it:). If iPhone apps are your thing, hop over the Oh No Volcano Facebook page and check it out.


The Favor

On May 16 I signed a contract with Helping Hands Press for an e-book about homeschool learning co-ops. If you aren't familiar with what a co-op is, it's when homeschool families meet for cooperative learning and activities.

The lovely and talented Diane Estrella of That's What I'm Here For, is helping coordinate a blog tour, and we are looking for bloggers to participate. Might you be interested?

There are no set rules; posts can range from a blurb to a spotlight, interview, review, or similar feature. I will supply links, bio, and picture, and to make it even easier, I've a set of stock questions/answers if you are short on time or inspiration. 

Here are the details:

Title: Homeschool Co-ops 101

Release Date: On or about August 15

Projected Blog Tour Date: August 15 – 30

Synopsis: This book is for parents who are thinking about starting or joining a homeschool learning co-op. It provides info ranging from co-op benefits and getting started to scheduling, organizing, finances, resources, helpful hints, and more. Also included are ready to use, hands on unit studies for grades K-12, suitable for co-op and/or family use.  Author Karen Lange offers insight from over sixteen years as a homeschool parent, co-op coordinator, support group leader, and homeschool consultant. Whether co-oping with a small or large group, HC 101 offers insight and encouragement. 

The Giveaway:  A copy of the book and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. 

If you can help, that would be great! If you cannot join in or do not feel like this is a good fit for your blog, please know that I understand, and that you won't offend me! :) Either way, if you know anyone who would be interested, feel free to pass this info on.

Kindly let me know in the comments or email me at karenelangeATgmail.com if you'd like to participate. Thank you! :)

FYI: I am taking a break till July 1. (I want to avoid being a saboteur as discussed in last week's post. If you missed it, click here.)

What exciting things does your summer hold? Have a great week! 

Happy reading and writing,

Karen




Popcorn photo: Stock Exchange