I know it’s been a while since I’ve last chatted with you, but trust me when I say that I come bearing no tricks, only treats! Before we get to that, I want to update you on what’s been happening with me over the summer and early fall.
As you know, the past nineteen months have been crazy for everyone. Although I’m doing my best to get used to the “new normal,” I can’t help but acknowledge how different the world has been for me. For example, I’ve only worked outside of my home twice since this whole ordeal first began. Prior to that, I used to leave my home every day and travel by plane on a regular basis.
You’d think that with all of this time spent at home, I would’ve written 6 full-length novels. Instead, I’ve been escaping in other ways just to keep my sanity. I’ve seen a few great movies in 4D, binged Bridgerton and Squid Game on Netflix, and I’m slowly coming back to life.
I can’t wait to get to that place where reading and writing are my refuge once more. I definitely plan on tackling my massive TBR list since I’ve completed my biggest writing projects for the year. Let me know your book recommendations! As far as writing goes, I do have one surprise project in the works. The cover is already done. Hopefully I can stay focused and not have to adjust my target date. We’ll see how I do in this upcoming NaNoWriMo. 😉
Making the Holidays Bright and Steamy!
“A Snowfall’s Chance” — Shane & Olivia are inspired by David Beckham & Zazie Beetz
Now, on to the “treats!” Last week, I turned in my completed manuscript to the formatter of the “Caught Under the Mistletoe” holiday anthology. My short story is called “A Snowfall’s Chance,” and the tropes are missed connection/secret admirer, and it ends with the main characters, Shane and Olivia, being snowed in together on Christmas Eve!
Shane’s and Olivia’s looks were inspired by hottie British legend David Beckham and gorgeous German-American actress Zazie Beetz. I did write an epilogue that takes place a month after the story ends, but I had to keep it out because it would’ve taken me over my word count. But fret not, I will ultimately share what happens to these two sometime after the anthology releases. In the meantime, you can preorder it for just $1.99. It comes out December 7th!
Georgia Returns to Vegas!
Book Signing in Las Vegas — November 12th
One week from now, I will be on a plane to Vegas for a huge author conference. On my last day in Sin City. I’ll be one of hundreds of authors signing books. It will be my very first in-person event! It all goes down at the Bally’s Convention Center on Friday 11/12 from 10 am – 4 pm PT. I have 4 big giveaways planned every hour starting at noon! To find me, just look for this big sign haha! Hope to see you there!
I’m thrilled to announce that On the Other Side not only scored five stars but earned a bronze medal in the 2021 Readers’ Favorite contest in the Contemporary Romance category!!! It’s a prestigious award earned by bestsellers and celebrities, including Jim Carrey!
For immediate release:
Readers’ Favorite recognizes “On the Other Side” by TK Cherry in its annual international book award contest, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WFHR5ZM.
The Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
We receive thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of these large submission numbers, we are able to break down our contest into 140+ genres, and each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against books of their same genre for a fairer and more accurate competition. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).
“When the right books are picked as winners we pay attention. We will be spreading the word about Readers’ Favorite.” –Karen A., Editor for Penguin Random House
Readers’ Favorite is proud to announce that “On the Other Side” by TK Cherry won the Bronze Medal in the Romance – Contemporary category.
You can learn more about TK Cherry and “On the Other Side” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/on-the-other-side where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
Readers’ Favorite LLC Media Relations Louisville, KY 40202 800-RF-REVIEW support@readersfavorite.com https://readersfavorite.com
Happy New Year, everyone! My first book of the year, Mercy or Pain, drops tomorrow (Friday 1/8), concluding The Family Business duology. This month, I’ll be digging my heels into the next release (An Insatiable Eventide), which is up for preorder. This book will conclude the original trilogy of Nighttime Cravings. However, I do have a couple of spinoffs planned, which I’m keeping tightlipped about. I also have some planned spinoffs for The Arcadia’s Crest series, so stay tuned. Be sure you’re in my VIP reader group for all the deets.
When I drafted this blog early Wednesday, I had led with “I’m so happy it’s 2021!” Well, as we saw by the afternoon, 2021 seems to be picking up where 2020 left off. 😬 I am praying for peace and some sense of normalcy for us all. I realized after the lockdown that I’d really taken things for granted. I think I’m done with that.
Moving on, here some thoughts I had recently…
Diversity In Romance
I was chatting with an author friend the other day who suggested I include interracial characters in my next release. The main characters in my next book already exist in a previous book, so I can’t undo who they are, but it got me thinking. In my short time publishing books, I have a pretty diverse portfolio. Many readers enjoy relating to the main characters. They like to see themselves, be it in their appearance or background. But then there are readers like me who can read a book and not even think of color because I’m so engrossed in the picture the writer is painting. Books like the Nighttime Cravings Series, On the Other Side, California Love, and The Family Business Duet all feature white leads, but I personally don’t imagine these characters within the construct of our identity-conscious reality. I hope that no matter how I describe a character’s appearance or background in my books, every reader can still get lost in the journey. But with that said, I will continue to write about a myriad of characters from many walks of life.
Looking Forward In 2021
My mantra for this year is peace of mind and growth. As a result, I will be closing certain chapters and starting new ones.
Many of my readers first got to know me through fan fiction. Like many writers before me, I fell in love with a certain couple and needed more words in between the original author putting out the next book. In order to fill that void, I sought out fan fiction in 2015. I’ve read a couple of stories, with one really captivating me, but in the end, I was moved to start writing my own stories. I always wrote in a vacuum, never knowing who was reading. But then I began encountering fans and critics, which prepared me for today. Over the years, each story I put out improved, with my third attempt standing out the most. Needless to say, fan fiction was a solid training ground for what I’m doing now as a published author.
There’s one fanfic story that I’ve been writing since the end of 2018. My goal is the wrap that up well before spring. Once that’s done, I will probably be bowing out of the fandom to focus on several areas of my life: wellness, learning a new language, reading more, and improving my craft as an author (writing, marketing, etc.).
Not counting Mercy or Pain, An Insatiable Eventide, and my secret project, I currently have thirteen book ideas marinating on my spreadsheet. There isn’t a shortage of material, but there is a lack of time. Last year, I had a goal to release six books, not counting the anthology that I was a part of (Fall in Love). I ended up being two books short, though the fifth book is launching tomorrow.
I learned a valuable lesson in 2020. Even though I was home more due to the pandemic, that still didn’t make me crank out six full novels as planned. Because of everything that was going on, I went many days with my heart not really being into writing. You can make all the plans in the world, but if your heart’s not in it, you won’t put out a book you can be proud of. So, this year, my goal is just three books, with one of them already in the can. This means only two books need to be written. Book 1 is all plotted out and will be complete before March. Book 2 isn’t a long project and will only take me a couple of weeks to do. That leaves me with time to strengthen my craft and me. I’m hoping there’s a 4th book in 2021, but I promised myself that I wouldn’t take on any added stress.
By the way, sorry for taking so long to update this blog. I had read something about blogs being a waste of time. Still, I figured as long as I had this space, I should continue to document my journey as an indie writer. If nothing else, I’d like to be able to look back to see how far I came.
I’ll leave you with this snap of one of the gifts my dear, dear friend gave me for Christmas. She’s been my beta since A Nocturnal Rendezvous and continues to be by my side as a strong support and a critical eye. Every writer needs a friend like her—someone who will be honest and will ride with them every step of the way. I’m so blessed to have her.
Well, that’s all for now. Thanks so much for reading. Until next time… ❤️TK 🍒
What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, I had no idea where this publishing journey would take me. There have been ups and downs along the way. There’s the excitement of releasing a new book. Then comes the “am I even good enough” feeling, which sucks. What I am grateful for is whenever I’m feeling down, someone always seems to swoop in exactly when I need it and encourages me to keep on going.
Another thing that encourages me is being able to hold my words in my hands. Words that I’ve sweated and sometimes cried over. Nothing beats that feeling of seeing my hard work come to fruition.
If no one reads another word I write, I can still honestly say I am proud of myself for stepping out on faith and doing something I’ve always dreamt of doing. I am blessed that I get to do this, so I will never take it for granted.
Releases from June 2019 thru June 2020!
What you can expect from me is that I will continue to work hard and get better during these next twelve months. The TK you see today won’t be the same a year from now. I’m shooting for the stars because it’s in my DNA. I’m doing this for me and for all those in my family who had their dreams cut short. If I can step out on faith, anyone can. Trust me.
If you’ve enjoyed any of my books, I humbly ask you to encourage someone else to try me, either by word of mouth or by posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Your voice makes all the difference in the world. Thank you so much for your support. It means more to me than you know. 😍
A Young Moon: THE END!
Yesterday, I wrote “the end” to my sixth novel, A Young Moon. I really got engrossed with Asher and Laura, and I hope it shows. Here are some details about the two main characters:
Asher: He’s a rich southern boy who tries to masks the “southern” part when he moves north to Michigan to work his dream job. A dream job his big shot father helped him get. He’s an only child and is used to getting his way. Oh, and he doesn’t date anyone his age. He likes his women nice and seasoned.
Laura: A beautiful Arab American executive who’s fierce and strong. She’s a boss and a mother, but never had a chance to be a lover, thanks to her lame-ass estranged husband. For Laura, it was all work and no play. That’s until she crosses paths with Asher.
I’ve got some SWEET teasers in the weeks to come… way better than these, which I made 🤣
A Young Moon comes out August 28th and is available for preorder now on Amazon!
What’s next?
While A Young Moon is with my editor, I’ll be switching gears and jumping right into An Insatiable Eventide, the third and “final” Nighttime Cravings installment. I say that in quotes for a reason. 😏
By the way, I have a few surprises in the works that I’m pretty excited about. Can’t wait to share the news with you in the coming months. Make sure you join my reader group, Cherryville, for all the first looks. For example, the cover reveal for A Young Moon happens Tuesday, July 28th, but Cherryville will see it Monday, July 27th!
Hey everyone! I hope you had a chance to poke around the new and improved tkcherry.com. 😍 Just wanted to leave you a quick note letting you know that the celebratory raffle ends right at midnight, so be sure you get in on this while there is still time.
You can win this signed paperback swag pack with a $5 Amazon giftcard!
The Prize: One lucky winner will receive a $5 Amazon eGift card and a signed “Bernadette” paperback swag pack, which includes an insulated tumbler. Now, only US mailing addresses qualify for the paperback swag prize. However, all entrants worldwide qualify for the gift card.
How’s it going? I hope everyone has been staying safe. I’ve been holed up in the house, like most people, but I’ve been making the best of it. Here’s what’s been going on with me…
Crazy for Bernadette
When Bernadette launched last month, I was bummed that we weren’t able to do our usual taco and margarita celebration.
I miss dining out so much!
Regardless, I’m happy to be hearing great things from some of you about the book. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, please check it out on Kindle Unlimited.
TKCherry.com Relaunches This Wednesday!
Guys, I am super pumped to announce that this website will be getting a major facelift in two days! I can’t WAIT for you to see it. Meet Cute Creative did an amazing job. In celebration of the relaunch, I’m going to be doing a giveaway. Be sure to stay tuned!
Too “Hottie” to Handle
Last night, I sent the manuscript for my next book, The Hottie in Finance, over to my proofreader. Then a week from now, my amazing formatter will take the reins. This means that ARCs are right around the corner, and so is that cover reveal!
Be on the lookout for this very unique cover on Tuesday, May 26th. If you’re in my Cherryville reader group, you will get a sneak peak the day before. You want a special cover reveal postcard (they are gorgeous!)? Join my Snail Mail List!
My Current WIP
Yes!!! I have more time to get Asher & Laura right!
If you’re a member of Cherryville, you know that I revealed the next four titles that follow The Hottie in Finance. The story I’m working on now is book #2 of the Nighttime Cravings collection. I’ve been freaking out over this book y’all. When I first set my 2020 release plan in motion last year, I had no idea what the hell I was doing. Six books in one year?! Madness!
Well, it’s May and I’m already wrapping up my second book of the year. The next book isn’t set to launch until late August, so I have PLENTY of time to make this one real good for you.
I’ve been having so much fun with rich boy asshole, Asher, my hero in A Young Moon. And the heroine, Laura, is a strong mature woman that knows exactly what she wants and doesn’t pull any punches. This is a multicultural reverse age gap workplace romance (say that three times fast) that will include a ton of steamy moments. Here is a sneak peak of what you have to look forward to late August.
Preorder A Young Moon: Goodreads TBR:
Upcoming Events
I will be doing my first book signing next month! Well, it’s not really a signing, but that’s what we’re calling it.
I will be live streaming on June 6th over at the Love & Devotion Facebook group and chatting up my books. I will also have a few giveaways as well as reducing the price of signed paperbacks for this event only. I will post more details as the event approaches.
I also have a bunch of takeovers coming up, including two this week. There will be an “Events” section on the new site, which will have all my dates laid out rather nicely. For now, here is where I’ll be…
That’s all for now, good people. I’ll be in touch Wednesday with giveaway news. Stay Sweet! -TK
Disclaimer: Let me start out by saying that this blog post is going to come across as braggadocious, and maybe it is. You MUST brag on yourself, especially if nobody else will.
Now, there are a lot of people out there, me included, who enjoy finding out how other writers tick. Writers are all very unique individuals, so no two are alike. Everyone has their own process and cadence when it comes to morphing one random idea into a full-fledged story.
Last week, I cheesed while watching bestselling romance author L.J. Shen’s Facebook Live in her reader group. She talked about not struggling writer’s block and encouraged writers to just sit down and write. She admitted to having days where she’d write four thousand words only to delete them all the next day and start over again from scratch. Her point was: just because you write it doesn’t mean you’ll keep it. Just write.
For as long as I can remember, I never had issues with writer’s block. I was one of those kids who had an extremely active imagination. I had names and made-up songs for everything. I’d even make movies with my dolls in my dollhouse. Yes, I used to make them hump each other. 😆
When I started writing papers for school, it was easy. One professor in graduate school said to me, “You really have a gift when it comes to writing papers, when most people have no idea what to say.” Someone can give me a prompt, and I’ll go on for days.
Starting out in the world of fan fiction, it would be nothing for me to have fifteen thousand-word days. In the publishing realm, I will have five books out by the time my one year anniversary hits.
Not counting the three books in 2020 that I’ll have out by mid-June, I have ten more stories, all with synopses written out, that are planned through 2022. All four remaining books this years have titles. I LOVE giving titles. I don’t necessarily enjoy writing blurbs, but I do them. I love writing 2k-4k word summaries and putting them on the shelf to pick up a year later. It’s always a treat to see what I was thinking a year ago. Matter of fact, all the books I have planned were in the making a long time ago, so I’m not trying to ride some waive of popularity when I put out a book. I only write what’s my heart, and hopefully it resonates with readers.
So yeah, writer’s block has never been an issue for me. What IS my problem is distraction and procrastination. I am clinically ADD, which means I take medication for it. So when I have things like Facebook and friends/family texting me in the palm of my hand every two seconds, it messes me up big time. Not to mention YouTube and podcasts. And don’t even get me started on ebooks and audiobooks! 🤦🏾♀️
Distraction and procrastination is something I really need to work on. In fact, I drafted up this very blog when I should have been writing the last two chapters of my book to give to my betas the next day! 🤬
I will never run out of things to write about. It’s just a matter of actually sitting my ass down and writing. This year, I’ve moved editing and formatting appointments around twice because I didn’t stay on my game. And when I move things around, it puts everyone else, including my betas, in a bad position.
As writers, we all have our shortcomings. But hopefully as we put out each book, we learn and improve.
If you love writing, what are some of your strengths, and what are some of the things that you can improve on?
In the meantime, I’ll definitely be working on kicking procrastination in the ass. I hope you overcome that one thing that’s really been bothering you, too, be it procrastination, lack of confidence, or writer’s block.
At the end of the day, we need to just sit down and write, because someone out there is hungry for our story. ❤️
It’s been five months since I’ve blogged. Talk about slacking. 🤨 I’m so sorry, guys. I’ve been juggling a lot since the release of On the Other Side last September/October. 2020 has been an eye-opener for many of us, and we’re just three months in. I hope and pray that things only get better from here.
At the time of this blog post, many of us are in full social-distancing mode. Personally, I’ve decided to take two PTO days from my full-time job this week in order to take a breather from all the craziness and to work on my fifth next book. Yes, I’m on book #5 right now! 🤪 Let’s talk about the next release, the one before that, and the book I’m working on right now…
Bernadette
I’m in the process of preparing for the April 24th launch of my fourth release, “Bernadette.”
I’ve already shared this collage/mood board and several teasers on my Instagram and Facebook fan page, with more to come. This story is unique, so I hope you keep an open mind going into it. I’ve received feedback from my beta readers and I can’t wait until “Bee” gets out into the world. You can preorder it here. By the way, I just realized that my crazy butt already shared the blurb 🤣! No worries, it’s a kickass blurb. I’m so proud of it. I’ll keep it on the preorder site, but won’t pimp it until the cover reveal and giveaway in two weeks.
When signed paperbacks go up for sale, here’s what you can expect along with your book: A coaster, a magnet, and two hologram stickers (which relate to the story). You’ll also be getting a TKC standard bookmark and pen (not shown). Signed paperbacks will be ready a week before launch, so be sure to check the order form around that time.
As the image shows, the cover reveal happens at the end of the month. If you are on my snail mail list as a result of signing up for a 2020 California Love calendar refrigerator magnet, you will be getting a physical copy of that reveal! Those in Cherryville will see the cover a day before everyone else. ☺️
California Love
Speaking of California Love, I failed to promote that release as I should have. Since it came out two days after Christmas, the lack of promo was intentional.
I hope you had a chance to read Quen and Drew’s story. California Love is FREE on Amazon Kindle Unlimited, as is my first release, A Nocturnal Rendezvous. I hope these reads will get you through the social distancing mandates that are widespread all over the world.
Keeping Our Heads Up
I believe we’ll get through this trying time. Things may seem crazy now, but we’ve endured through much worse (i.e. terrorism, wars, natural disasters, and deaths of loved ones). We need to keep an eye on our elderly, our very young, and those who are high risk (those with pre-existing medical issues). Keep aware of what’s going on, but don’t overwhelm yourself with all the talking heads on television. Many of them are ringing up the cash register based on how much fear they can generate. I recommend you only pay attention to reliable medical experts, many who are being shared all around on social media. I highly recommend this interview with infectious diseases expert, Michael Osterholm, which aired last week on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Also, the CDC has a site that covers symptoms and how to best prepare your family.
What’s Next For Me?
As I mentioned, I’m in the process of writing my fifth book. It’s a romcom interracial office romance. (Say that three times fast, haha!) Make sure you’re in my Cherryville reader group. I’ve already shared a short excerpt of the tale that I’m calling “THIF” for the time being. I’ll also be doling out more sneak peaks as we draw nearer to promo and release time. In addition to Cherryville, I’ll be teasing long excerpts of book #5 in my newsletter, so make sure you’re signed up for that. By the way, signing up for the Cherry Picking newsletter gets you access to a FREE copy of Nate’s Fate: An On the Other Side Novella!
Other than writing, I’ve been going through so many audiobooks. If you follow me on Goodreads, you’ll see that I’m twenty books in so far in 2020! (Btw, I will be sharing my top recommendation in the next newsletter!) Audiobooks are my crack, seriously. I even have a bluetooth speaker in my shower, smh. I had to put the Audible app and headphones down until I finish this next book. NanoWriMo camp is also coming up in April, so I’ve gotta get geared up for that.
Bernadette ARCs will be ready the second week of April. In the backmatter, you will see the list of all the releases I have planned for 2020. My lineup for 2021 is set as well. I will be a writing fool between now and the middle of next year, but things will eventually slow down. I still have so much to learn about the world of indie publishing. Once I have a solid backlist under my belt, I plan on taking my time and soaking up as much knowledge as I can—whether it’s taking classes or participating in writing contests. I am learning a lot as I go, but I really want to cool my jets after next year. Maybe I’ll put out a book or two a year until I feel that I have this idie thing licked. Or maybe that’ll never happen, haha! Regardless, I will have fun trying. I truly love telling stories, so that will never change.
I hope you’re having a wonderful day. I look forward to chatting with you in Cherryville. I’ve shared lists of free books in the group from fantastic authors such as Colleen Hoover, LJ Shen, and Meghan March—just to name a few. I get tons of free books alerts on a daily basis and I love sharing them with fellow lovers of love stories, so make sure you’re in my group!
I will do my best not to wait so long in between blog posts. It took a day off from work for me to finally get my ish together!
What’s up, everyone! It’s been a week and four days since the launch of my second book. I’d like to thank those of you who continue to show your unwavering support of my dream to become a bonafide author. Right now, I consider myself as just a ‘writer’, and I’m so happy to be doing that. To be able to express myself through words and to have one or two people enjoy what I write is more than a girl could ask for.
Here’s what’s been going on with me since the launch of On the Other Side:
Launch Day, September 27th
Me on Friday, September 27, 2019
On the day of launch, I treated myself to a mani/pedi. Then, I did a release day takeover at Eden’s Garden (Eden Books) that evening and had a blast. During that time, I was at the salon getting my hair done, haha! Multitasking at its finest. 😆
Celebrating book launch with tacos and mango margaritas!
I left the salon much later than I anticipated. Thank goodness it was Friday and restaurants stay open much later. I was still able to take my adult son out for tacos and margaritas to celebrate the launch of my second book!
After Launch
On the Monday after launch, I mailed out the first group of signed books and swag to those who ordered, as well as those who’ve helped make this book launch possible. For each release, I have many wonderful people working with me behind the scenes. This is not a one-woman job. It literally takes a village to raise up a book, from those people who are listed in the acknowledgments, to the ride or dies who faithfully share the teasers on social media.
Before the turn of 2019, I set a goal to put out at least one book this year. Today, I’m holding two! The journey I’ve taken so far has invigorated me. I am now starting to dream big. Look, I’m still an introvert. I don’t desire fame or anything like that. I’m just darn happy that I’ve finally realized a lifelong dream. People don’t often get to say that they’ve turned a passion into something that they can touch with their bare hands.
And let’s be honest, I can’t be in this for profit. Indies like me just starting out don’t even know what the word “profit” is. The fact is, I’ve loved to write since I was a little girl. As an adult, I’ve used that love as an escape from the stress of the world.
Since discovering the online fanfic community, I’ve been able to escape real life off and on for the past twenty years. Four years ago, that very escape reenergized me. Seeing those who’ve “escaped” just like me turn their talent into something more has been awe inspiring. They made it easier for folks like me to take that leap as well.
Today, I am smiling at my potential, and so are my family and friends. With hard work and determination, I hope to only get better. Back in June, I joined Romance Writers of America and I’m involved with the Carolina Romance Writers group. I’m learning from one book to the next, and hopefully it shows. Look…I’m not getting any younger, so if writing is something that I hope to do full-time one day, I need to pave a way to make that happen. That’s why I have a website (which I hope to improve). That’s why I decided to do an author photo shoot last Tuesday. I’m not “there” yet by any stretch of the imagination. I only have two books under my belt. However, it doesn’t hurt to get a head start on what I hope is just the very beginning of my journey as a lifelong author.
I am beyond grateful for my faithful readers in the fanfiction community who’ve decided to follow me into indie publishing, and I hope to continue to cross paths with potential new readers. I have so much planned, including one final book in 2019 (I’ll tease that more in the coming weeks). The plan for 2020 is to complete the “Nighttime Cravings” collection, which is a part of the A Nocturnal Rendezvous universe. Also, there are two other unique stories that I can’t wait to jump into. Then, I plan to close out 2020 with the start of a new series, which my fanfic readers are very familiar with.
What Matters Most
Me just after changing into my cape for my mammogram
The day before the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I was at the radiologist getting my yearly mammogram. Ever since I’ve been getting them, my mother has been at the forefront of my mind. Ma was still with us when I had my first one of these. Today, she’s been gone for well over two years. This is a very sobering procedure for me, but I need to always keep it in perspective. Had Ma and my good friend M.F. (who passed away earlier this year) done this as frequently as I am, they’d probably still be here.
Never take life for granted, folks. We only get one. Make sure you are getting checked regularly. And if you have a family history like I do (my first cousin is currently battling the disease), you have more reason to do so.
Lessons Learned
I decided to do a wide release for On the Other Side due to the subject matter. This does not mean that I won’t pull the eBook from wide for a time and place it in Kindle Unlimited.
I am also considering an initial wide release for my third book. The benefit of working with an aggregator is that it’s a one-stop shop to get your book out to all of the ebook outlets. You don’t need eighty passwords to manage your uploads.
Working with a third party for print has also helped me to avoid the issue that I had with my first release. Last time, I didn’t have the benefit of having a Bookbub “New Release Alert” eblast since my paperback was listed on Amazon for sale before the official launch. This time around, I was able to ensure that both the paperback and the eBook came out on the same day. I was also able to have that New Release Alert, which I was happy about.
What went wrong? Well…as you can see in the image above, Apple Books did not update the cover after the reveal, nor did they update the actual eBook on their site. So, if you downloaded On the Other Side from iBooks, you did not receive the final copy of the book. My apologies to everyone who ordered the book from there. I am still working hard to resolve this issue. As a result, I’ve taken down the Apple Books link from my universal links page for the book and I am not pushing folks to go there. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play and Kobo all have the right version. I’m not sure why it’s so hard for my aggregator to work with Apple.
If you have downloaded from iBooks, please send me an email at tkcherryfiction@gmail.com, and I will personally send you the correct EPUB as a workaround until my aggregator and Apple get it together.
Next time, I’ll be sure to not upload anything wide until it’s absolutely ready to go. No more placeholders for me, unless it’s just on Amazon. A lesson learned on my part. C’est la vie!
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to the winners of my two release day raffles! They both have been contacted and their prizes have been disbursed. If you like what you see in the signed book swag pack, you too can get it by ordering it here.
Alright folks, back in the writing cave I go. It’s been a jam-packed week and a half. I have one more takeover to do over at the Dirty Moms Book Club Party Room this Thursday at 5:30 pm to celebrate Lilian Harris’ debut release. After that, I’m done with the takeover circuit until I finish this third book!
