I hope your 2019 is off to great start. I have to tell you, mine has, thankfully, been a whirlwind. It’s interesting that this year is my tenth anniversary as a published author. My first book, THE RATTLESNAKE SEASON (Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger #1) was published in 2009. I was 49 years old, so I got a late start. But, as you may know, it took me fifteen years of near misses, near heartbreak, and a lot of determination to get published. My hope was to write a book a year, but more than that, my real hope was to be able to keep writing, publishing, and get better. No matter what, I was going to write. And that’s still true today. I write every day.
I’m happy to tell you that my fifteenth book, THE LOST ARE THE LAST TO DIE (Sonny Burton #2), is slated for publication in November of this year (2019). This book is the follow-up to A THOUSAND FALLING CROWS, and I couldn’t be happier that Five Star is going to continue this series. It will be available in hardcover, ebook, and large print. The next Sonny Burton book in this early-20th century western/thriller series, WINTER SEEKS OUT THE LONELY (Sonny Burton #3), is scheduled to be published in mid-2021.
There’s more good news for Josiah Wolfe fans. The books in the Josiah Wolfe series have steadily and continually gained fans and readers since 2009. I’m happy to say that none of these books, which started out as paperback originals (PBOs), have been out of print, though the series did end with THE GILA WARS (#6) in 2013. Five Star has enthusiastically decided to continue the series with THE RETURN OF THE WOLF (Josiah Wolfe #7) to be published in mid-2020 in hardcover, ebook, and large print. The chance to revisit Josiah and the Frontier Battalion-era Texas Rangers ten years later is a thrill, and I’m really excited about the future of this series.
And finally, if all that isn’t enough to pop a cork for, I have also contracted with Kensington to write a new western series featuring U.S. Deputy Marshal, Trusty Dawson. Publication dates will be forthcoming, but the first one will most likely debut in late-2020. Once I know more, I’ll let you know.
I know some of my Marjorie Trumaine fans might be disappointed that I don’t have any news about that series. Don’t give up hope. I haven’t. Josiah Wolfe is a good example. A series can continue on a few years down the road. As it stands right now, SEE ALSO PROOF is last book in the Marjorie Trumaine series—but I have other ideas and irons in the fire for that series. Marjorie still has plenty of stories to tell as far as I’m concerned, and I hope there are more Marjorie books in all of our lives. The audio version of SEE ALSO PROOF will be available later this year.
In the meantime, I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to continue to write for and work with some of the best editors in the business. Ten years down the road, I could have never dreamed that I would be so lucky to get to write every day like I set out to do. Writing is something I never take for granted, and feel privileged to do. I’m lucky to have the support that I have from Rose, my agent, my editors, and everyone involved who make it possible for me to be able to tell the stories that I do. But none of this would be possible without the people who read and enjoy my books. Thank you. I’ll try my best to continue to entertain you.
THE LOST ARE THE LAST TO DIE (Sonny Burton #2/Five Star) – available 11/19
WINTER SEEKS OUT THE LONELY (Sonny Burton #3/Five Star) – available mid-2021
THE RETURN OF THE WOLF (Josiah Wolfe #7/Five Star) – available mid-2020
U.S. Deputy Marshal, Trusty Dawson series (Kensington) – dates forthcoming
SEE ALSO PROOF (audio) - available mid-2019
Looking for a great way to jump start your year? Want to learn how to grab readers’ attention and increase your readership? Join the International Sisters in Crime organization for the first in a series of LIVE Webinars with Dana Kaye. The first event is FREE to members and non-members alike.
“Your Author Brand” will be presented by Dana Kaye on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, 3:00-4:00 pm ET
Online Registration is available until: 1/14/2019
Each year, millions of books hit the market, both online and in-stores. How will yours stand out?
While some readers are willing to take a chance on a new author or a book they’ve never heard of, most want a guarantee that the next book they pick up is worth their time and money. That means the established names, the books getting tons of media attention and the current award winners get chosen.
So how can new or midlist authors tap into that buzz? How can you get readers’ attention and build an audience in such a crowded marketplace?
By establishing an author brand.
This workshop will lead you through the steps in identifying your author brand, creating a tagline or brand message, and establishing that brand online.
Dana Kaye is veteran publicist, social media pro, and brand manager. She founded Kaye Publicity, Inc., a boutique PR company specializing in publishing and entertainment in 2009. Known for her innovative ideas and knowledge of current trends, she coaches her clients on how to identify and establish their unique personal brands. Kaye is also the author of Your Book, Your Brand: The Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Book and Boosting Your Sales, and the creator of Branding Outside the Box, where she helps driven entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders become more memorable.
All registered attendees will receive an email with the time and log-in information prior to the event.
The next two SinC Talks will be:
Tuesday, February 12, 2019: Growing an Engaged Community
Social media and email marketing should not be a one-way conversation or a constant wave of self-promotion. The most successful authors are the ones that cultivate relationships with their readers and grow an engaged community.
This workshop will illustrate what happens after a reader becomes familiar with your work, focusing on email marketing, social media, and in-person events.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019: Launch Your Own PR Campaign
Whether you're self-publishing a book, working with a small press, or under contract with a Big Five publisher, most of the promotion responsibilities fall on the author. Between securing review coverage, booking TV and radio appearances, and locating influential bloggers, the book promotion process can feel daunting and overwhelming.
Following the live presentations, all webinars will be available for replay in the MEMBERS ONLY section of the website. Watch for additional programming. If you have any questions, please email us at Education@sistersincrime.org.
Sisters in Crime is an international organization that promotes the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of (mostly) women crime writers. However, male members are welcome. The organization offers networking, advice and support to mystery authors. The 3600 members in 51 chapters include authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians bound by our affection for the mystery genre and our support of women who write mysteries.
Speed City Sisters in Crime is the Indiana Chapter which meets on the fourth Saturday of every month at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 8675 River Crossing Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (next to Keystone at the Crossing).
Membership in Sisters in Crime is $50 per year, and membership in the Speed City Chapter is $15 per year. Information on membership can be found at https://www.sistersincrime.org and http://www.speedcitysistersincrime.org
I hope your 2019 is off to great start. I have to tell you, mine has, thankfully, been a whirlwind. It’s interesting that this year is my tenth anniversary as a published author. My first book, THE RATTLESNAKE SEASON (Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger #1) was published in 2009. I was 49 years old, so I got a late start. But, as you may know, it took me fifteen years of near misses, near heartbreak, and a lot of determination to get published. My hope was to write a book a year, but more than that, my real hope was to be able to keep writing, publishing, and get better. No matter what, I was going to write. And that’s still true today. I write every day.
I’m happy to tell you that my fifteenth book, THE LOST ARE THE LAST TO DIE (Sonny Burton #2), is slated for publication in November of this year (2019). This book is the follow-up to A THOUSAND FALLING CROWS, and I couldn’t be happier that Five Star is going to continue this series. It will be available in hardcover, ebook, and large print. The next Sonny Burton book in this early-20th century western/thriller series, WINTER SEEKS OUT THE LONELY (Sonny Burton #3), is scheduled to be published in mid-2021.
