Summer Plans (and giveaway!) Back to Blog

edie Thanks to Cynthia for inviting me to her blog!  I had another blog written for today, but on Saturday I read Shelli Stevens’ guest blog for Cynthia.  At the end of Shelli’s blog, she said to leave a comment with what summer plans we’re most excited about.  In that second, I knew I had to scrap my other blog and instead talk about that I’m doing.  Because I have FREAKIN’ HUGE SUMMER PLANS!  I’m turning indie!  I’m publishing my  e-book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.  It’s a decision that came slowly, but once I made it, it felt right.  More than that, it felt self-empowering.

So that’s what my June has been about.  I had to read an old ms., CATTITUDE, that I always thought was marketable.  It’s an award-winning book and I had an agent for it about five years ago.  She loved it but couldn’t sell it.  People who’ve read the blurbs on my old website have asked me to let them know when it’s published, so I know it hits a chord.

Because I don’t have an editor and a copy editor, I asked six beta readers to go over it.  It’s taking longer with so many readers, but I want to put out the best, most mistake-free product that is possible without going insane.  I think I have a high threshold for insanity, but your never know when your head might explode.  So six is my limit.  I’ve gotten three critiques back, and I’m waiting for at least two more before giving it to a friend who offered to format it in Smashwords.

In the middle of all of this, I realized I needed a new website. I wanted one in WordPress, so I can update it myself.  My fabulous, brilliant and uber talented CP, Michelle Diener, helped me put one up.  Meaning she did most everything and I somehow lost the blog until she told me how to find it again.

cattitude-cover1Many other people helped me with my ms. and are still helping me. But that’s going to be another blog.  This blog is about my summer plans, which are to become an indie author.  It will probably be another 2-4 weeks until I get my book on Smashwords et al (which in the publishing world is a sneeze of time), but as soon as the book is set up, I’ll send it out to one commenter, chosen at random. You can read an excerpt here.

Here’s the blurb for CATTITUDE:

Feline or Femme Fatale?

After Belle the cat switches bodies with a psychic on the run from a murderer, she wants her perfect cat body back instead of this furless human one.  But she doesn’t count on falling in love with her former owner.  Or that a CEO and a beauty queen want to use up her nine lives. Now is her chance to prove anything a human can do, a cat can do better. It’s all in the CATTITUDE.

So, what are you excited about in your life?

Edie Ramer

http://www.edieramer.com

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79 responses to “Summer Plans (and giveaway!)”

  1. Cynthia Eden says:

    Woo-hoo! Edie!! Those are some big summer plans! Congratulations! I can’t wait to read Cattitiude!
    (And thanks for posting with me!!)

  2. guest says:

    Cynthia, thanks! I’m getting my Kindle today, and my first purchase will be I’LL BE SLAYING YOU!

  3. Edie, I’m so excited for you. I love your cover, your blurb, and the excerpt. You’re on your way!! (Can’t wait to buy this and put it on my Nook)

  4. Edie, I know you are going to be successful. You deserve it!

    I’m excited about writing my new book, seeing the cover of my debut book (hopefully soon), going on holiday with my family (the first one we’ve had in three years, what with one thing and another) and my trip to the USA to the RWA National Conference in Orlando. Although its winter for me, my winter plans are BIG 🙂 .

  5. Cindy says:

    Those are great summer plans, Edie! Love the title of the book. Love the cover. I read the excerpt and it sounds like a great book.

  6. […] blogging at Cynthia Eden’s today about my HUGE summer plans. Which you know already if you’ve been to my site, but if […]

  7. guest says:

    Melanie, a big SMOOCH to you!

    Edie

  8. Lindsay says:

    i’m excited about being able to sit down and finish writing a story i’ve been trying to finish forever. & i can’t wait 2 read the books!

  9. guest says:

    Michelle, part of any success I’ll get is definitely due to you.

    I’m excited about all your books. I feel so bad that I won’t be at National to see you. Next year I plan on going. I hope you’ll be there too.

  10. guest says:

    Cindy, thank you! I know you’ve got great plans for summer too.

  11. guest says:

    Lindsay, that’s funny. I feel the same way too sometimes, just happy that I can write. Good luck with your book!

  12. The book sounds great! I really don’t have any exciting plans this summer other than to read as much as possible.

  13. guest says:

    Marlene, thanks! I’d love to read all summer. It sounds wonderful.

  14. Viki says:

    Hi Edie –
    Your book sounds like fun. Love the idea of the kitty falling in love with her owner. I will read it.
    Nothing really exciting is happening in my life right now. A month ago I’d have said my youngest got out of HS, he is happy.

  15. Lisa Anderson says:

    Hey Edie,

    Your books sounds wonderful. Congratulations!!!! As far as exciting things in my life…I think everyday is exciting. I always liked the line from Forest Gump..”Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going to get.”

    I can always find something exciting that has happened to me or my loved ones on any given day. Life is exciting and always a new challenge.

  16. Edie, how fun this sounds. I can’t wait to download it and read it. A woman in a cat’s body with all the characteristics of a cat. Wow! Does the cat keep any of the woman’s characteristics – like loving to shop or not being able to wear a thin teeshirt in a cold room??

    You so deserve this. Fingers crossed you’ll have much success with it.

    As for my summer plans, my biggest thrill is going back to Ohio for a HS reunion and being able to announce I have a book coming out. Both hubby and I were in the same class at this HS, so it will be a blast.

    Now to lose that da*n twenty pounds.

    Thanks for the wonderful peak at your story.

  17. Those are great summer plans Edie, I love the cover and the title, so funny, this is definitely something I can’t wait to read! Wishing you lots of success, it sounds so original and fresh 🙂

    I don’t ahve any exciting summer plans, I’m waiting for fall, when the weather will turn gray and awful, I’ll go away with my best friends for a 1 week wellness/spa outing! It will be amazing: no work, just sleeping, eating, relaxing, reading and of course non-stop chatting with my girlfriends 😀

    Thank you, Cattitude sounds awesome! 🙂

  18. Omg! That cover is great! Definitely as good as any ny publishers. And after reading that blurb, now i’m getting excited! Way to take things into your own hands. The thing is, even if you’re published with a print publisher, you have to do so much of the work anyway(promo wise), the pay is often low and you don’t get to keep your rights. I definitely think this is the way to go. I’m so proud of you!

  19. LaDonna says:

    Hey Edie, I’m so thrilled for you! Can’t wait to read, Cattitude, too. 🙂

    My summer plans are filled with enjoying my family, and working on a rewrite. I have a firm deadline in mind, and exctied about the possiblities out there. Doesn’t get any better than that.

    Hey Cindy, love your website! My baby girl is going to create a new one for me in the fall. Like Edie, I want one I can handle on my own. lol. Big challenge for moi.

  20. Quilt Lady says:

    I am so thrilled for you how exciting! There is nothing exciting going on in my life right now! No summer plans other then doing some painting! Thats no fun!

  21. Judy Cox says:

    Sounds like you have been very busy and good luck with your plans and with your sales of Cattitude!! The blurb sounds very interesting and I also love the cover!!

    My husband retired last October, so we have been catching up on visiting friends and relatives that we have not visited like we should.

  22. Edie Ramer says:

    Viki, thanks! Enjoy your summer with your son. It’s hard to believe this is the last day of June.

  23. Edie Ramer says:

    Lisa, I just read an article by a “happiness expert” doctor (can’t think of his name). He says ienjoying life every day makes it satisfying. It sounds like you have that down. 🙂

  24. Edie Ramer says:

    Does the cat keep any of the woman’s characteristics – like loving to shop or not being able to wear a thin teeshirt in a cold room??

    Liz, you crack me up. No, my heroine wouldn’t care if her nipples pebbled. She’s a human with a cat attitude.

    It will be awesome to announce your book sell to your former classmates. Who cares about a few extra pounds? Almost everyone else will have them too.

  25. Edie Ramer says:

    Stella, thanks so much! Your spa trip in the fall sounds fabulous. You can enjoy the summer and look forward to the fall.

  26. Edie Ramer says:

    Lori, my friend Laura did a brilliant job on the cover! It exceeded my expectations. Going indie is very empowering. I’m glad I decided to do this.

  27. Edie Ramer says:

    LaD, it’s great to have possibilities. Their like stars in the sky, adding sparkle to life. And you’re the sparkle lady. 😀

  28. Edie Ramer says:

    Quilt Lady, thanks! Other than my books and my sister and BIL coming to visit, I don’t have plans for the summer either. Just to enjoy the days.

  29. Heidi Shafer-Wilson says:

    I can’t wait to read Cattitude and I’m going to give it to my sister for xmas….she collects cats and I now she would like this story…..
    Lots of luck…..
    Heidi

  30. Edie Ramer says:

    Judy, thanks! Visiting friends and relatives and catching up on your life is pretty good way to spend your summer.

  31. Heidi Shafer-Wilson says:

    oh, forgot plans,,,just staying healthy and watching my 4 yr old son play in the pool…..lots of cookouts and friends/ family around.
    Also reading everything I can get my hands on…..
    Heidi

  32. Sue R says:

    I am excited for the 4th July weekend. I cant wait to go away for the weekend.

  33. Karinb Tabke says:

    Edei, I am soooo excited for you!! I really can’t wait to read CATTITUDE again after all these years. 🙂

    My summer excitement is coming in August. My brother and sil are coming out for my birthday!

  34. LSUReader says:

    Wow–You have been a busy bee. Congratulations on Cattitude. I’m excited that I’ll be accompanying my Hubby on a business trip to Scotland this summer.

  35. Cynthia, thanks for hosting Edie at your blog.

    Hi, Edie,

    Those are some exciting summer plans you have! I love the cover and blurb for Cattitude, and I’m sure you’re going to do well with it.

    As for me, I’m looking forward to working. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But I’m home from the day job for the summer and enjoying all the extra time to write.

    Barbara

  36. Valerie says:

    Oh, congrats!!! Exciting!!!

    I’m excited about my oldest daugther’s wedding party on the 10th. I’ve been sewing gowns that past three weeks and have one more to go!! Phew!!!

    Valerie
    valb0302@yahoo.com
    in Germany

  37. Colleen says:

    My nephew’s 2nd Birthday is this weekend!!! I can not wait to see his face when he opens his presents and gets cake!!! 😀

  38. I am so excited you’ve taken the big leap off the self-publishing mountain! Now, spread your wings and soar.

    I’ll buy Cattitude THE DAY it comes out!

  39. Edie Ramer says:

    Heidi, I hope your sister has an e-book reader. For now it’s the only way to read it.

    Your summer sounds like the best ever. You could probably even take a splash or two in the pool with your son. Some hot days that sounds like heaven.

  40. Edie Ramer says:

    Sue, enjoy your weekend away!

  41. Edie Ramer says:

    Karin, you’ll find some changes. For the better, I hope! But Belle is still Belle. 🙂

    I know you’ll have a fabulous birthday. You always have a great time!

  42. Edie Ramer says:

    LSUReader, I would love, love, love to go to Scotland. Two friends have gone recently and they already want to go back.

  43. Edie Ramer says:

    Barbara, thanks! I didn’t know you were home. I bet you’re really enjoying it.

  44. Jane says:

    Congrats, Edie. I’m just looking forward to visiting my cousin and her family in Michigan. I’m hoping I can persuade her to drive up to Toronto for a few days.

  45. Edie Ramer says:

    Valerie, you must be talented! I envy people who can make clothes. Your daughter and her friends must love you for making the dresses.

  46. Edie Ramer says:

    Colleen, I can imagine his smiling face. At two they’re old enough to realize it’s all about him. 🙂

  47. Edie Ramer says:

    Aw, Cyndi, you’re the best! And I’m eager for your first book to get on the shelves, so I can buy it. 🙂

  48. Edie Ramer says:

    Jane, thanks! Enjoy your time with your cousin and her family. I’ve been to Toronto, and my best memories are the people and the food. Everyone was so friendly.

  49. Liz Kreger says:

    I think you’re going to have a bizzee, bizzee, bizzee summer, Edie. Congrats on your decision … which I think is fabulous … to go to Kindle, etc. I think its gonna be a great fit.

    Summer-wise? Hard to say. Relaxing is always my number one goal, but that rarely happens. I’m trying to plan a trip out to Seattle to see one of my oldest friends … so that’s one of my summer plans.

  50. Fedora says:

    Wow, Edie! Yay for you!! Nothing quite so big in my future 🙂 We’re just anticipating some family time with friends later this month, and then a trip to Canada–ought to be beautiful 😀 (If only I can figure out a way to encourage the kids to get along ;))