Twists and Turns

 by Catherine Dilts

As my fellow Type M for Murder authors know, these books ain’t gonna sell themselves! I’m trying to push myself out there. Pitching my books to strangers is not my cup of tea, but it is a necessary part of being an author.

One who makes a profit, anyway. So far this year, I am in the red.

Thus, my participation in Mountain of Authors.

My table at Mountain of Authors

At great risk of exposing myself as a dinosaur, I make this confession. I am such a terrible salesperson, I am not even set up to take credit card sales on my phone. I went to MoA mainly to support the library (which has my books in circulation), to meet readers, and to schmooze with other local authors.

Fangirl moment with fantasy author Z. S. Diamanti

When I came home, there was a box of books on my porch. I kinda sorta knew they’d be coming some time before June, but I was still surprised. And elated. It’s always fun to see your stories in book format.

Publishing is an interesting business. You never know what twists and turns your path as an author is going to take. When I learned that Book One in my Rose Creek Mystery series has been selected as a Harlequin Mystery WWL, I didn't know what to think. Previously released by Encircle Publications, this re-release by Harlequin brings new eyes to my work.

The Harlequin Worldwide Mystery version of my novel

The Worldwide Mystery is sent to thousands of subscribers to the Harlequin monthly book club. Plus, my novel will be available for order in mass market paperback format from Harlequin in late August.

One thing involvement in the publishing industry requires is the willingness to change. I’ll be attending more events when they make financial sense. And I’m experimenting with different approaches to publishing.

I’m not in this business of writing fiction with the expectation of making oodles of money. But I don’t want to leave potential profit rotting on the vine, either.

To relieve the stress of being an artist struggling along in a business world, I walk and run. This Sunday I participated in a fundraising fun run at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Today, it’s back to work!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo fun run