Looking back and planning ahead - Kaye Spencer's 2014-2015 writing reflections

As I look back on my 2014 writing year, I do so with a sigh of satisfaction. As my writing life goes, this past year was productive and creative. Here are a few reasons why I can look back with a smile.

1. I *joined* a sisterhood of writers at an up-and-coming publisher, Prairie Rose Publications. In doing so, I returned to my original writing roots: western historical romance. It feels good to be *home*.
2. I wrote three western romance short stories for Prairie Rose Publications that were included in anthologies. With the rise in e-readers and the capability to read on cell phones, the short story and the micro story are hot right now. I'm pleased to be riding that wave. *grin*
3. For the second year in a row, I had a free download micro story included in a holiday-themed anthology with the international writing group, Exquisite Quills.
4.  My Hand-Me-Down Family recipe was included in the Bake, Love, Write book (edited by Lois Winston).
5. I made three quickie promo videos that I shared with my compatriots in two of my anthologies and for the recipe book authors.
6. But what I'm really pleased about is...
7. I've received the rights back on five of my books/novellas. This was a big decision for me, because it left me with only two novellas in circulation (not counting Prairie Rose anthologies). But I understand so much more about the whole business of writing than I did back in 2005 when I waded into the ocean of publishing, that I'm better prepared to take control of my writing career and made informed decisions rather than the I'm-so-excited-to-be-published decisions. I know the ins and outs of editing and how to interact with editors, and I'm well-versed in self-marketing now. I have big plans for these five stories. My goal is to have each story ready as a second edition and republished in 2015.

 It'll be interesting to see how it all turns out for me. As they say, time will tell.

Until next year,

Kaye

Fall in love...faster, harder, deeper with Kaye Spencer romances
www.kayespencer.com

Twitter - @kayespencer

A Holiday Anthology, Genesis of a Story, and NaNoWriMo from Kaye Spencer

November was a darn good month writing-wise for me, and that feels fabulous after nearly a year of sailing around in the writing doldrums. As you read on, you’ll notice I’m a bit ‘link happy’, and I apologize for that, but I just have so many wonderful places for you to visit. ;-)
 
So, first on my happy writing list is how excited and honored I am be a part of an anthology of 15 winter-themed, family friendly stories that are offered as a FREE download on Smashwords. The anthology is A Holiday Anthology, Volume 1 from the international author group, Exquisite Quills. Rose Anderson, Exquisite Quills author, compiled the stories, and Carey Abbott of E-Book Cover Designs by Carey designed the gorgeous cover.

 
Romance author Victoria Adams invited me to her Blog to talk about my anthology story, Gifts to Treasure, which is set in America during the Great Depression: http://victoriaadams.blogspot.com/2013/11/kaye-spencer-shares-snippet-from.html 
 
As a way to help all of the authors in the anthology do a little promoting, I created a book trailer. Watch it on YouTube: http://youtu.be/yTph6-UV7mg
 
Now, for the most important link… Download a FREE copy of the anthology on Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/374815
 
For the second point on my list, on November 28th, I shared my "Genesis of a Story", on the Exquisite Quills Blog (Genesis is a weekly feature). I shared the influences and inspirations for my first published novel, Lonely Places, which is a western romance. This book is published under my other pen name, A.L. Debran.

 
Read my 'Genesis' here: http://exquisitequills.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-genesis-of-book-lonely-places-by-al.html

And, finally, my third point is I made it through another National Novel Writing Month. Since I’m still writing madly, because midnight hasn’t arrived at my house yet, I’m anticipating I’ll cross the finish line with around 35,000 words—just a tad shy of the 50k goal—but that's all right. I'm just tickled to be writing with more and more forward motion again.

Until December 30,

Kaye

Fall in love...faster, harder, deeper with Kaye Spencer romance

www.kayespencer.com

Twitter: @kayespencer