Indie Author

Now that I've published a whopping 2 books independently, I wanted to share my feelings on the subject. The thing is--someone has done that for me. :)

I like being an Indie Author. That's not to say I'd never sign another book contract, but I like the control afforded me as an independent. Knowing what I know now, it would take a significant draw on the part of the publisher to entice me to give up some measures of that control. Because right now--for better or worse--I decided how the cover looks. I decide what editing points to accept/reject. I say what the interior looks like. I'm working with amazing people on each of these segments, and together we bring together an amazing product.

And I LIKE that.

So here you go, my friend KAREN E. HOOVER's poem about being an Indie Author. She says it best.

"I am an Indie Author"

Not because I have to be,
And Not because I’m not good enough,
But because I choose my own way.
Just as Indie Music smashed the mold
And sang its unique song to a hungry world,
I write my own words
And hold them high against bestsellers
And traditional publishers.
I am not just good enough, I am great!
I beat and smash and build my work
Until it shines like the art it is.
The greatest joy comes from the word itself,
Because I am an Indie Author.

My review: The Armor of Light by Karen E. Hoover

I reviewed the book HERE on Mormon Mommy Writers Friday. Today I'm going to explore the book in more depth, so I'll dispense with the description. You can already tell by the cover it's going to be cool. Click HERE for the complete cover blurb.

I love this series. I'm going to tell you up front I would pit Karen's Wolfchild Saga against any bestselling fantasy series out there. If she keeps writing like this, she's going to be absolutely huge (fame-wise). And, having TRISTI PINKSTON for an editor can't hurt. ;)

In The Sapphire Flute, you met three primary characters--Ember, Kayla and C'Tan. Ember and Kayla are our protagonists; C'Tan the antagonist. In The Armor of Light, we get to learn more about these characters as their adventures continue and the dangers heighten.

What I'm loving is how each character grows. The girls are really coming into their own, while C'Tan is becoming an even more complex villain than we first saw. You know me; I have a documented weakness for complex villains. Click HERE if you don't believe me.

The magic woven throughout the story is believable, without being convenient. In fact, some things happen that the characters find downright inconvenient at the time. Ember makes a few new friends, and Kayla really comes into her own. I love the power and strength Kayla manifests by the end of the book.

The short is that these are characters you will love, and continue to love. Karen does a great job of finishing the story while leaving us longing to read more. I can't wait to see what's going to happen in book 3.

I've Been Tagged

The wonderful and talented Karen Hoover tagged me on her BLOG. This is a new one for me--my first tag, so I'll do my best.

Do you think you're hot? Seriously? Is this high school? lol. Um, NO.

Upload a picture or wall paper you are using at the moment

I'm getting ready to change it though.

When was the last time you ate chicken meat? Yesterday.

The Song(s) you listened to recently? I listen to music to help me fall asleep.
"The Climb" by Miley Cyrus
"Within You" David Bowie
"Wanted Dead or Alive" Bon Jovi
"Never Say Die" Bon Jovi
"As the World Falls Down" David Bowie
"Best I can" Queensryche
"Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)" Trans Siberian Orchestra
"Standin Outside the Fire" Garth Brooks

What were you thinking as you were doing this?
Exactly how much I wanted to reveal :)

Do you have nicknames? Really?
Cher-Bear (shortened to Bear)--long story
my kids call me Mommy
hubby calls me--ha! you didn't actually think I'd put that on here, did you? lol

Tag eight Blogger friends
Laura Bastian
Canda Mortensen
Angie Lofthouse
Deirdra Coppel
Ali Cross
Elana Johnson
Nichole Giles
Elizabeth Mueller

Who's listed as number one?
Laura Bastian--mommy, author and really insightful critiquer!

Say something about number 5.
Incredibly sweet. Really supportive.

How did you get to know number 3?
Through various writing circles.

How about number 4?
AMAZING-ly talented lady! She did two of my e-book covers, and writes pretty dang good stuff, too!

Leave a message for number 6.
So looking forward to your book release, Elana!!

Leave a lovey-dovey message for number 2.
I plead the 5th. lol! Love ya, Canda :)

Do number 7 and number 8 have any similarities?
Yes! They are both caring and really upbeat people. I love that!

Now, in all honesty, I'm not going to check up on anyone to see if they are continuing the fun. It's not that I don't care about you all, but I am crazy busy with edits this week. If Karen hadn't emailed me to tell me I'd been tagged, I'd probably STILL not know! :)

And here it is!!

First, I'd like to say hello to my newest followers. I think it's cool I'm writing something you find of worth. Thank you!

Now for the (more) fun stuff. Yesterday the Tooele Transcript Bulletin printed their article on local authors. Featured are yours truly, the talented Karen Hoover and Rachel Bird--all members of the mysteriously delightful Authors Incognito.

CLICK HERE

Kudos to Emma Penrod for an incredibly well written article and also to Maegan Burr for her great photography.

Happy reading!
Cheri

I'm addicted to Book Signings

Even if they aren't mine, which so far none have been. :)

Yesterday my sweet niece-in-law helped me take my daughter to our local bookstore, The Purple Cow, to attend a book signing for the newest graphic novel, Calamity Jack.

Now, don't get your dander up. This is a graphic novel, as in WITH PICTURES, not a graphic novel meaning with intense descriptive scenes of sex and/or violence.

Award winning author Shannon Hale co-wrote this book with her husband, Dean. And just by watching them entertain the crowd you can tell they totally LOVE working together. Even if it's not always smooth and easy, they have a special bond that is just too sweet to watch. In fact, I've observed them twice now and I have to say I keep seeing my dear hubby and I doing the same thing.

Nathan Hale illustrated Calamity Jack. Basically, you see Nate all over the book (as it's a novel with pictures). He does great work. I picked up a copy of his picture book, The Devil You Know, for my little baby nephew.

Poor Nathan, though. Through crossed wires, he showed up at the bookstore on time for the 2pm start. The Hales thought it started at 3pm. So Nathan entertained us by doing some illustrating on demand and telling fun stories.

One story was this: Nathan Hale did not live in Utah. He did not know Shannon Hale or Dean Hale. They met when Shannon's publisher bought Dean's publisher. But, they maintained that they are not related. Yes, same last name, but no relation. As Nathan told it, about 4 months ago they found out that Nathan's grandfather and Dean's grandfather are brothers, making them second cousins and, by default, Nate and Shannon second cousins-in-law. So, they ARE related. Maybe it's just me, but I find that truly hilarious. It really is a small world.

On a personal note, Isa Ventura--the very wonderful and generous owner of The Purple Cow bookstore--singled me out to the gathering crowd as one of Tooele's up and coming authors. She asked me about the status of my book, and I told her we are very hopeful that this time it will take.

Oooh, and she also let me hold in my hot little hands her ARC of Karen Hoover's book, The Sapphire Flute. That was awesome!!

All in all, a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Even if the main event was nearly an hour late. :)

I'm going to be in the newspaper!

My hubby is SO gloating right now. He's really having a great time with this. After hassling me for months to go to the local paper and let them know I'm here and I write, I got an email through Authors Incognito that a reporter for our paper wants to do an article on local authors. So I followed up on it and Monday had a phone interview with the reporter, Emma Penrod, about my memberships in LUW (League of Utah Writers) and Authors Incognito. She did mention that she had talked to Karen Hoover and I really hope she'll be in the article too so she can get the word out about The Sapphire Flute, due out this March.

So, this morning Meagan, the photographer, came to my house and took pictures of me. She said the article will hopefully be in next week's Tooele Transcript Bulletin; it kind of depends on the other authors Emma is able to interview and when that gets done. I have to say, for the record, it's the second time a newspaper photographer has come to my house and snapped my picture since we moved to Utah. The first time was in 2002 for The Deseret News. They had asked for contributors for an article on remembering 9/11, and I submitted my memories of that day. I got a call saying they wanted to print it, and that afternoon a guy showed up, snapped two pics, and left. Meagan took a few more. We have lighting issues in my house, plus I really am not fond of having my picture taken so I wasn't the most cooperative subject. I try, but I know I'm making some goofy face, or there's a reflection of my glasses, or my chin is too high, or my shoulders are stiff--and so on.

And, for the record, I live in a family of comedians. I texted my sibs and in-laws to tell them I was going to be in the paper, and my oldest brother asked me "How many people did you shoot/stab/maim and where do I mail the cookies?" When I mentioned that to my brother-in-law, he said, "Those thoughts did cross my mind, but . . . nah!" Sigh.

And my 5 yr old is convinced getting into the newspaper means it's going to make me famous. I love my kids.