Category Archives: Writing

My Lifesavers: Rik Hall and Jian Chan

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Kourtney

Formatting the paperback book with Createspace was a massive mistake. Every step takes them 5-10 business days. For five minutes of work. For an hour of work. For 6 hours of work. Doesn’t matter. It’s always 5-10 business days. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Self-publishing, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

The Six Train to Wisconsin Cover Reveal

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Kourtney

Drumroll please….This is my book’s cover! Jian Chan and I spent hours and hours and then a few more hours on it  in February. He is the most patient and most talented cover designer. He took a couple of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Self-publishing, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Help Me Pick My Hook

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Kourtney

We’ve reached that point. The dreaded point. I need to have a one line summary of my novel, The Six Train to Wisconsin, for my promotional materials and my newly-created Facebook Author Page. I despise one line summaries. How do I boil … Continue reading →

Posted in Promotion, Self-publishing, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments

Amy Shojai Talks About Her Experiences with The Big 6 and A Smaller Press

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Kourtney

As part of August McLaughlin’s book release party for her debut thriller, In Her Shadow, she had an awesome raffle where entrants won copies of books and the chance to interview the author. I am incredibly excited to have won … Continue reading →

Posted in guest blogs, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Lucky Seven Game

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Kourtney

The lovely Naomi Baltuck has tagged me in a round of Lucky Seven. I adore her blog and her writing so I’m delighted to participate. I also have a new YA manuscript. I’ll put up a few lines from that … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

My Life In Books

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Kourtney

Jenna Bennett’s blog post on her life in books made me want to join in. It’s fun to answer these questions based on titles you read in 2012 and try not to repeat any titles. Describe yourself: Fortune’s Hero (Jenna … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 42 Comments

Self-publishing and a Free E-book

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Kourtney

Since Monday’s post was epically informative, I’ll link back to it today. If you want to learn about self-publishing from a multi-published NYT Bestseller, check out my Q&A with Jenna Bennett. Jenna’s first book in The Cuttthroat Business Mysteries series, A … Continue reading →

Posted in guest blogs, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

Jenna Bennett: 10 Questions on Self Publishing and Traditional Publishing

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Kourtney

Today, the fabulous and prolific Jenna Bennett has graciously agreed to answer all my questions on publishing. Jenna publishes the New York Times Bestselling Do-It Yourself Home Renovation Mystery series with Penguin under Jennie Bentley, publishes a futuristic romance  series with Entangled and … Continue reading →

Posted in guest blogs, Self-publishing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 52 Comments

Market or Die: Book Review

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Kourtney

As someone planning to self-publish in the spring, I’ve been doing lots of research. Including marketing and brand building. Yes, I have this blog, Facebook, Twitter, and a website. Did I have a brand statement? Uh no. So I dove … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 30 Comments

Reblog: JM McDowell’s Revision Molasses

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Kourtney

  Today, I thought I’d share one of my favorite blog posts by JM McDowell, where she talks about her recent revision battles. It’s an inspiring post and I hope you enjoy it! http://jmmcdowell.com/2012/11/17/either-im-getting-stronger-or-the-molasses-is-getting-thinner/#more-3870

Posted in guest blogs, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments