Anniversary of my 1st #Publishing Contract! #amwriting #saturdaymorning

I admit, I love the Facebook memories feature, where, when you log in, you see a post you made "on this day" sometime in the past.  Or, at least I love it when it was a post about something good--like today's!  Honestly, I may have forgotten this anniversary, being as it's so close to Christmas, New Year's, and two family birthdays, not to mention it was six years ago.  But I will never, ever forget that morning.  Only my younger son was still home when I clicked on the email...he would have been almost 10 years old and still in elementary school.  The subject line only included the name of my manuscript (SILVER LAKE submission), no indication of what news might be inside, and I'd already received 2 R&Rs (revise and resubmits) on my first manuscript from the publisher I longed to work with--and while R&Rs are a good thing, not a final rejection, they are no guarantee of a "yes" either.

Six years ago today...I even remember that it was a Friday!

So I clicked with shaking fingers and discovered, to my absolute delight, that this was the "yes" I'd been waiting for.  A publishing contract!  A company actually thought my work was a worthwhile investment, something they were willing to put money, time, and effort into.  I remember screaming with surprise and joy, my son racing into the kitchen, and the two of us hugging and dancing around the kitchen.  Both my sons knew how hard I'd been working, for years, and how much I wanted this.  I like to think my journey and tenacity sunk in as a lesson of sorts...keep working for your dreams, and don't give up.

Six years later, a lot has happened.  That first book, Silver Lake, has been a #1 Kindle Bestseller on several occasions.  A larger publisher purchased the electronic rights to the novel in 2015.  I've had 3 additional novels published, which have found their own success: another #1 Kindle Bestseller, various awards, and now my latest release, Haunted Souls, is being made into an audio book by my publisher.  I even got to sign books alongside one of my childhood idols, Mary Higgins Clark!  It's been a whirlwind six years!

Has it been all happiness and roses?  No, of course not.  Bad reviews are painful.  Sales slumps are disheartening.  Reaching new readers is a challenge.  And writer's block can be tortuous.  But I don't think I'd change my decision to write down my stories.  If I've given some people what I consider one of the ultimate forms of entertainment and pleasure--getting lost in an impossible-to-put-down book--then it's all been worth it.

How to make an author's day!

Now, back to my WIP, Dangerous Currents...only a few chapters to go!  But I'll treat myself to a little anniversary celebration today too...probably a mid-day break, where I climb under a blanket, pull up the covers, and read...bliss!  (Check back after the new year for my list of my favorite books of the year!  Here's my 2016 list.)

Probably will substitute water for wine in the middle of the day...
but then again, it's my anniversary!

Speaking at Cape Cod Writers Center Conference! #amwriting #CapeCod #Author Panel

The Cape Cod Writers Conference is “one of the oldest broad-based writer’s conferences in the country” (source), and it is returning to Hyannis for the 54^th year this August.  Last year, I was unable to participate in the conference, but the President and Editor-in-Chief of my publishing house attended as one of the presenters.  Later in the week, I was able to meet with her and other local (or at least within driving distance) authors who write for The Wild Rose Press, and we had a wonderful lunch together on the Cape.

This year, three of us will be speaking as an author panel during the lunchtime discussions on the first day of the conference—Friday, August 5^th—from 11:45 to 1:00 p.m.  Below is the summary of our session…I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to share my experience with other writers, and I hope if you’re attending the conference, you’ll come join us for an informative chat during the lunch hour!

The Writer’s Journey: Come hear three traditionally published Cape Cod authors discuss their long, interesting, and often circuitous paths to publication and beyond. Former CCWC President Kevin Symmons, Kathryn Knight, and Katie O'Sullivan, authors of 14 successful novels in various genres, offer insights, tell stories, and answer your questions.

For more information, here is the link to the homepage of Cape Cod Writers Center: 

Cape Cod Writers Center.  And don't forget to look for the book store at the conference for offerings from Cape authors!

Fiction Writing + Publication Class in #Falmouth #CapeCod #amwriting #writingtips

My "Fiction Writing and Publication" course is coming to Falmouth, MA, this winter!  In this 5-week class, we'll meet on Tuesday evenings beginning January 26th, from 6-8 pm, and we'll cover a multitude of topics related to writing fiction and getting it published.

There's something for writers at every stage in this class.  We'll go over some of the basics, such as identifying genres in commercial fiction (necessary for meeting reader expectations, writing query letters, submitting to small or digital presses, and/or listing your book in Amazon categories), idea inspiration, staying on track and word count goals.  Once we've covered the basics, we'll move on to showing vs. telling, Goal-Motivation-Conflict charts, character development, and the hook. Common pitfalls will be covered, such as info dumps, cliches, Mary Sues, and POV (Point of View) issues/head hopping.

Finally, we'll get to querying agents or presses and writing the dreaded blurbs and synopsis. We'll go over all the different publishing options available as well as promotion and marketing.

Some of the quotes I received in feedback from my latest class: "Sequential and well-planned lectures.  Kathryn gave ample opportunity for discussions and questions...presented a wealth of information"..."Very good class, covered everything"..."Teacher was great!  Knows her subject!"

So if you're near Falmouth, follow the link for registration info: Falmouth Community School.

Hope to see you there!

Writing Inspiration ~ #amwriting #Nanowrimo

Last November, I tried NaNoWriMo for the first time ever, and while I didn't finish a complete manuscript in one month, I did "win" in terms of word count.  By February, I had typed "the end" to my fourth novel, and now Haunted Souls is awaiting a release date.  I decided not to participate in NaNoWriMo this year, as I've branched out into teaching writing classes as well, and to say I'm over-scheduled at the moment would be a tremendous understatement.  But I wanted to cheer on all the writers working on getting their daily word count in by posting the inspirational quote I keep on my keyboard.  And if your fingers need a break and you care to read the story behind the quote, I've included it below.  The original post first appeared as one of my contributions to The Pearls of Writing Wisdom ~ a blog co-written by ten published authors dedicated to sharing weekly writing tips on Tuesdays and inspiration on Fridays.

The quote taped to my keyboard came to me in a fortune cookie on New Year's Eve in 2010. It seemed appropriate for what I was feeling, since my resolution was to begin sending out queries for my first manuscript, Silver Lake.

Real courage is moving forward when the outcome is uncertain. - Michael Angier

Now, I'm not comparing writing to the kind of courage it takes to go into battle to defend your country or something like that.  But it does take courage to go after your dreams, especially when the dream is as big as writing a novel and getting it published.  It's easy to say "Someday, I'm going to write that novel." It's much harder to actually do it.  Even once those first words get typed, there's no guarantee your energy and inspiration will hold out until you get to "The End". A writer pours blood, sweat, tears, caffeine, and days spent in pajamas into a manuscript, and the outcome IS uncertain.  Will it all come together?

But if you don't start, you definitely won't finish.  And if you don't send queries out and risk rejection, you won't find a publisher willing to back your story. Putting your creation out there is nerve-wracking at best.  I knew I was about to enter a very unpleasant stage of the process for most writers.  And there was no guarantee that if I stuck with it, my novel would find a home.

I weathered the rejections.  I rewrote and made cuts.  I tried again.  I began receiving full requests, and then an R&R (a request to Revise and Resubmit) - with suggestions on what needed to be fixed.  Again, no guarantees, but I did the work.

And the day that contract offer came for my debut novel was one of the best days of my life.  December 16, 2011, almost a year after I opened that cookie and found the words of encouragement that remind me daily not to give up.

Keep at it, writers!

My #Kindle Book Disappeared...and I'm So Excited! #amwriting #romance #ghosts #NA

Last week I announced some exciting news...my debut novel, SILVER LAKE, was purchased by Amazon's traditional publishing house for their Encore imprint, which acquires "extraordinary" previously published books with untapped sales potential.  Amazon is a reputable publisher with fantastic marketing, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this line dedicated to "hidden gems".

My second-chance romance is getting a second publisher!

I have a release date--August 25th--but I just noticed yesterday that the Kindle version of my book has disappeared.  Now, I admit I panicked for a moment, and then I realized what was going on.  Amazon will now own exclusive rights to the book; as a result, it will no longer be available in any other competing format.  Plus, they make a few changes to the "new" books before putting them back up for Pre-Sale under Encore's Imprint...for example, a new ASIN will be assigned.

So panic turned to excitement once I figured out this was a sign things were moving forward! And since a number of romance authors from the former publisher were also selected for this program, those of us with the same release date have decided to celebrate with a big online Facebook party on 8/25!  Ten authors will host an all-day event, chatting about books, writing, romance, suspense, and giving away tons of PRIZES!  Raffles every hour, all day long...and you can come in and comment at any point to enter.  So come Join the party!  Here's the invite page, hope to see you there!  LINK

SILVER LAKE Sold to #Amazon Publishing! #amwriting #romance #ghosts #suspense

Amazon Encore:
Rediscovered Works

Exciting news: I'm pleased to announce the sale of SILVER LAKE to Amazon’s traditional publishing house!  Amazon Publishing’s Encore imprint focuses on acquiring successful small press books with decent sales and reviews and improving their exposure and sales potential.  Books within the Encore imprint will benefit from Amazon’s phenomenal marketing and promotion efforts, as well as be included in programs such as Kindle Unlimited.

A few months ago, Amazon contacted my publisher with an interest in purchasing the rights to my debut novel.  To have such a big name willing to back my book was – and continues to be – thrilling!  I decided to move ahead with this fantastic opportunity, and the contracts have been signed.  While the print version of this title won’t change, the electronic version will soon be re-released exclusively to Amazon.  At that point, it will no longer be available in e-format from other online vendors.

A haunting, an old flame, and secrets from the past...

My haunting suspense/second-chance romance is slated for release with Encore on August 25, 2015, and I’m so excited to share Rain and Jason’s story with more readers.  To celebrate the occasion, I’m joining several other romance authors whose books were also chosen by Amazon for an all-day Facebook event!  We’ll be chatting with readers, raffling off prizes, and giving away copies of some of our other books…so come join us and discover some great new reads!  To receive a reminder, just click the link below and “Join” the event; then visit the page when you have a chance on the 25^th and enter any raffles you’d like to win.  Hope to see you there!

FB Encore Romances Release Party

Check out the SILVER LAKE storyboard on Pinterest!

Ready to Write? Fiction + Publishing Class on #CapeCod #amwriting #Hyannis

New dates being added!

Update: new dates and locations for this class are in the works! Next class begins Jan. 26 in Falmouth, and another Hyannis class will be scheduled for spring 2016. Follow my FB page for details:
https://www.facebook.com/KathrynKnightbooks

My "Fiction Writing and Publication" course is coming to Main Street, Hyannis for the summer!  In this condensed version, we'll meet for three Thursdays in July, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and we'll cover a multitude of topics related to writing fiction and getting it published.

There's something for writers at every stage in this class.  We'll go over some of the basics, such as identifying genres in commercial fiction (necessary for meeting reader expectations, writing query letters, submitting to small or digital presses, and/or listing your book in Amazon categories), idea inspiration, staying on track and word count goals.  Once we've covered the basics, we'll move on to showing vs. telling, Goal-Motivation-Conflict charts, character development, and the hook. Common pitfalls will be covered, such as info dumps, cliches, Mary Sues, and POV (Point of View) issues/head hopping.

Finally, we'll get to querying agents or presses and writing the dreaded blurbs and synopsis. We'll go over all the different publishing options available as well as promotion and marketing. How will I fit it all into 9 hours?

If you're anywhere near the Cape, check out this link at Cape Cod Community College's WERC site for more info: Fiction Writing and Publication.  Even if you're not exactly local, a little trip to Cape Cod a few times this summer for a class gives you the perfect chance to enjoy some of our lovely beaches and attractions!  Happy summer and happy writing :)

Cape Cod National Seashore - setting for my ghost story +
romance GULL HARBOR

I Got "The Call"! Signed with an Agent #amwriting #romance

Very, very rarely, things move quickly in the publishing world.  Usually, it's a business only for those with a superhuman level of patience--which really doesn't describe me, but I tell myself nothing worth having comes easy--but sometimes pieces fall into place in rapid succession.

Earlier this month, I posted about finishing HAUNTED SOULS, my fourth manuscript--a contemporary romance featuring a military hero, intertwined with a suspenseful haunting.  Now, I pushed myself hard to finish this one, because in December, this manuscript won an exclusive submission to a literary agency via a First Page Contest.  While it was fine to enter the contest with an incomplete manuscript, I knew if the agency was interested, there was not much they could do with a partial manuscript.  So, I forced myself to wait on submission until it was done.

And then...I got "The Call"!  While I love the small press I've been published with in the past, having an agent will open new doors to publication in the future, and it's the right step in my career.  Not to mention a dream come true!  I've worked with a number of authors my new agent represents in the past, and I'm thrilled to be part of the team.

Used my "lucky pen" - a
gift from a friend when
I received my first
publishing contract for
SILVER LAKE

Of course, there will be more waiting in the future...lots...as the submissions on this new manuscript go out and we wait to hear.  But for now...time to celebrate!

A glass of wine waiting for the
celebration after I sign with
my new agent!  Woot!