First I’d like to thank Rowena and The Book Binge for having me here this week as a part of the Digital First Read-a-ton. *does a snoopy dance*
Back when I started writing the concept of e-books was still relatively new and certainly not what they are today. At the time my goal was to get published with Harlequin. I’m Canadian, so the chance to write for the iconic Canadian company was a huge pull. The problem was, the stories I wanted to tell didn’t quite fall within the parameters of the Harlequin guidelines.
Raunchy, smutty aliens (surprisingly) weren’t a line with them.
So I tried my hand at writing a historical (sucked), romantic suspense (boring), Blaze (too smutty) and then gave up. My voice didn’t suite their house needs. Okay, cool. I’m a big girl and there are other publishers out there.
But I was getting frustrated at this point. I really just wanted to tell a crazy little tale about a woman who showed up on a space station and had an alien fall madly in lust with her. Hell, if no one but me read the damn thing, I figured at the very least I’d get the story out of my head and could then try to write something “marketable”.
I sat down at my brand new laptop (hubby bought it for my 30th birthday and told me to write a book I could sell). I instead wrote The Bond That Ties Us. It was space smut, and I loved every word.
The problem was, I loved it so much that I really did want to see it published. Thankfully, I went to my local RWA chapter meeting (Toronto Romance Writers ROCK!!) and that’s where I heard the name Ellora’s Cave for the first time.
*insert choir of angels*
When I went to their website for the first time it was like my eyes had finally been opened. I could buy any type of book I wanted. There was no limitation on story length or topic. As an author I could do whatever the hell I wanted. I haven’t looked back since.
I’ve often been asked where I get my story ideas. It’s funny because I don’t normally have an answer for people. Anything and everything that pops into my head is fair game. My friends who are published with NY houses have specific limitations on them (for obvious reasons). These larger houses, while having the potential to have huge payouts for authors, come with a giant business behind it. I’d be lying to say I’d never want to have the “problem” of working with a NY house. But I’ve grown addicted to the freedom I have as a digital first author.
Whatever crazy idea that pops into my head, I can write. I don’t have to worry about how a house can market Dom space vampires to Walmart. My editors at Ellora’s Cave/Carina Press can probably find a home for it (as long as it doesn’t suck donkey balls). I can let my imagination go wild.
Digital first authors and publishers are the ones who push the envelope. We are the ones on the forefront saying, “Hey, readers want these types of stories”. It shouldn’t be a surprise that books like Fifty Shades of Gray got its start as e-first. Whatever your opinion on the book is, no one can deny it’s impact on readers and the publishing community.
Would I ever switch and write for a NY house only? No. I couldn’t give up the addition I have to my e-books. I love how quick they get released. I love the community of readers, authors and reviewers who are connected through their love of e-reading. I love watching people’s perceptions change from saying, “When are you going to write a real book?” to “When the hell is your next book coming out??”
And that, as they say, is that.
*ramble over*
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Multipublished author Christine d’Abo loves exploring the human condition through a romantic lens. She takes her characters on fantastical journeys that change their hearts and expand their minds. A self-professed sci-fi junkie, Christine can often be found chatting about her favorite shows and movies. When she’s not writing, she can be found chasing after her children, dogs or husband.
Christine is published with Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, Cleis Press and Berkley Heat. Please visit her at www.christinedabo.com and come chat with her at Twitter Christine_dAbo.
Very funny post! Thank you for sharing your story. It's just great that different books can be published thanks to digital-first publishers.
Hey Christine! Thanks for hanging out with us over here at Tracy's Place!
I can't imagine why those sticks in the mud wouldn't want raunch, smutty aliens? I'm glad you found an outlet for your aliens. 🙂