Topic: I finally did it

After six years, three extensive edits (thanks to all the phenomenal help from TNBW colleagues), and several screw-ups, I finally published my first novel, The Merrow of Lake Michigan. 

I'm not here very often anymore, but I wanted to encourage all the new members to keep at it.  Read and review.  Over and over.  You will discover some wonderful books, make some great friends, and improve your writing immensely. 

The book is out now, on Kindle and in paperback.  It will be available for a free download on 3/7 and 3/18.  If you do download it, and manage to read it, can you do me a favor and leave me an honest review on Amazon. 

Thanks.  Every little bit helps.

Lots of luck to all of you, and thanks, Sol, for creating this wonderful workplace.

Best regards,
Madison
(aka Claire O. Fahey)

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Re: I finally did it

Congratulations, Madison! Once I get my new Kindle reader registered I will look for your novel on Amazon. Due to working on completing the first novel I want to get published, I don't know when I'll have a free moment to read it, but when I do, I will definitely leave a review on Amazon for you.

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Re: I finally did it

A big round of applause!

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Congrats!  And it's nice to hear and know it can be done!  smile

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You go, girl!  It's nice to know I may one day find the end of this tunnel!  JP

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Hi Madison,  well done. I'm interested to know if you are doing Print On Demand as well (Create Space)? I recently put a Travel Short on Kindle and did the POD, I was able to do all the layout and file conversions myself but it didn't take that long (and it has a lot of pictures).  I don't really expect to sell many if any POD but it did mean I could order up hard copies at a very low cost that I can either re-sell with 'Author signed' or use for promotion in my local bookstore.  Seems worthwhile to me. Dunecan

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Re: I finally did it

Good on ya, Claire! I remember the first draft, and how much fun it was to read Merrow. I shall probably buy a hard copy, since I don't have a Kindle. Just so you know, Jericho changed its name to Twisted to the Right, has been edited, and has 3 sequels... You have my email address. Let's keep in touch! Ceridwen

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Re: I finally did it

Good for you!

T

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Re: I finally did it

Ohmygosh, Madison!!!! Yaaaaayy! I am doing a happy dance for you! HUGE CONGRATS! I am running right over to Amazon this second!

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Good for you, Claire! As one who read the story on TNBW, I can attest to its excellence, so better late than never! smile

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A big fat congratulations, Madison Claire!! I loved your story and wish you success with the publication of your novel. I'll be checking out The Merrow of Lake Michigan online. later, Nathan

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Will it be available on the Nook, Claire? I can never figure out how to get an ebook on my reader unless I go through Barnes and Noble. smile

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Re: I finally did it

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the kind words.  Here's some extra info on my publishing experience - if it helps at all.

Dunecan - I did sign up for Print on Demand, but I don't expect to make any money that way.  I'm like you, I just wanted a physical copy of my book.  As for prepping the files, I am not very technical, and, after flailing around with Smashwords, I looked at my publishing budget and decided it was worth having a professional formatter do that part for me.  They provided files for all electronic formats as well as POD.

Corra - Eventually I will expand to other ebook markets, but at present I am on Amazon's KDP Select, which doesn't allow parallel publishing.  After 90 days I can expand or stay with DKP.  I'll keep you posted on what I do as soon as I figure it out.

Ceridwen - Wow!! Four books out already.  That's amazing!!  Congratulations, you power writer!!

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Re: I finally did it

Congratulations, Madison! I remember the early drafts of this book. I really enjoyed it! I'm so happy for you and for all the readers about to discover your work. Hugs and sparkles!

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15 Reply by Ann Walters (edited by Ann Walters 2015-03-18 00:09:00)

Re: I finally did it

OMG girl it's about time! Fabulous book! I will recommend it to everyone!  I just saw Kindle on Amazon. Is the paperback available?

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Congrats,

Zot.

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I've just downloaded it (sorry, for free). Gimmie two weeks to read it and I promise a honest review.

Kiss,

Gacela.

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Re: I finally did it

Ann, I saw your review - THANKS!!

Marianna, please don't apologize for utilizing the free download.  That's what it's for.  I don't expect to make much money on the first book, so I have absolutely no problem with giveaways.

If I'm still resorting to that on book three or four (provided I live that long) well, that's another story . . . .

Best regards to all!
Madison

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Re: I finally did it

Madison:

As promised I've just finished reading your novel. I never read it while you workshoped it here, which is sad because I missed a wonderful story. However, it's never late to right a wrong and now that I read it, I'm very glad I did. A nice book to read during sunset and early in the evening when the moon raises. A romantic story with a very particular touch. A story of healing and friendship.

I've already left a comment in Amazon and five stars. Contrats! Great story.

Kiss,

Gacela

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Re: I finally did it

Thanks, Gacela!  I'm so glad you enjoyed it. 

Where are you in the publishing process?  Still working on drafts?  Or already out on Amazon? 

Sorry our paths didn't cross while workshopping.

M.

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Re: I finally did it

You deserve all the success you can muster, cluster and bluster! What a joy it was reading at your novel... for I only read at it it, but not into the real meat of it and I regret that.

Nevertheless, certain passages of your novel still ring into my head... and that is a good memory.

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22 Reply by Linda Lee (edited by Linda Lee 2015-04-03 21:59:04)

Re: I finally did it

Congrats Madison!!!  I still think about that novel fondly--which is a testament to your story telling skills!  I hope sales are everything you deserve for such a fine tale.

Edited to add: left an Amazon review.

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Re: I finally did it

Max and Linda,

Thanks for the kind thoughts.  And Linda, THANKS TONS for the review!!

Max, I hope you are in good health, and writing along.  Do either of you have something out on Amazon that I can download and review?  I am more than happy to do so.

Just let me know.
Madison

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