Today we welcome Anne Marie Becker to the DFRAT. She’s here to tell us about her jump into the digital publishing waters.
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I began seriously seeking publication for my romantic suspense manuscripts in a time when it was difficult for new writers to break into that genre. Though one of my manuscripts (Only Fear) had won the 2009 RWA Golden Heart® award for Best Romantic Suspense, and my agent and I had received “glowing rejections” at the traditional publishers, it couldn’t find a home.
At the time, many authors were still wary of the digital-only publishers. Traditional (print) publishing had been the hallmark of success for so long. But things were changing. Fast. And when I received an e-reader for my birthday a couple years ago, and was surprised at how excited I was to use it (I do so love the smell and feel of a paper book!), I knew the allure and convenience of digital publishing was here to stay.
So when a relatively new publisher…a digital-first publisher…a publisher who was taking on new authors and manuscripts that didn’t always fit into a nice, neat cubby hole, embraced Only Fear, I embraced them right back.
And that’s why I first fell in love with Carina Press, Harlequin’s digital-first imprint.
But the love deepened (as good, lasting loves do) when I “met” my editor and we fell in sync right away. Deborah Nemeth had a similar vision for my story, and for my Mindhunters series. Add beautiful cover art and a super-supportive staff and you’ve got a recipe for an everlasting kind of love.
I’m happy to say that Only Fear will soon be joined on the Carina Press “shelves” by Book 2 in the Mindhunters series, Avenging Angel. Here are the official blurbs:
After a violent incident with a patient leaves scars on both her mind and body, psychiatrist Dr. Maggie Levine craves isolation. A radio talk show host seems to be the perfect profession, a job where she can help people from a distance while staying safe. When a strange caller begins stalking her on the air and murdering people to get her attention, Maggie realizes she can no longer close herself off from the outside world.
A personal security expert, former Secret Service Agent Ethan Townsend is no stranger to tracking down the most violent monsters of society and bringing them to justice. Still, it will take all of Ethan’s skills to protect his new assignment, the irresistible Maggie, from a man intent on teaching her the ultimate lesson in fear…
Avenging Angel (Mindhunters, Book 2, to be released 07/30/2012):
Grains of sand glistened in the moonlight, bright against the backdrop of her wet hair. Her blue lips were parted slightly, as if she could take in that last breath she’d been gasping for. She was, in a word, perfection.
When his friend’s niece is murdered, Detective Noah Crandall vows to track down the killer. Since the victim worked in an art gallery with the well-connected and well-heeled Vanessa Knight, Noah questions her first. Despite the chemistry between them, Noah tells himself a relationship would be impossible. He’s a loner and their backgrounds are worlds apart.
Drawn to Noah and horrified by the death of her intern, Vanessa shares her insights into the New York City art world. As they work together on the case, she’s tempted to explore the possibility of a real relationship with the sexy outsider who ignites her desire. But what Vanessa doesn’t realize is that in order to complete his gruesome series of paintings, the killer has targeted her to become his next victim…
I want to thank Holly and The Book Binge crew for having me here today. I’ll be giving away an e-copy of Only Fear to one of today’s commenters. So, tell me (because I’m genuinely curious)…
What was the first book you downloaded to your e-reader? What was the most recent book? Where have you discovered new authors in an ever-changing e-world?
With two Bachelor’s degrees (Biology and Psychology) and a Masters degree in Counselor Education, Anne Marie has held many jobs in her life — tutor, waitress, personal and family counselor, and high school counselor, to name a few. Early on, she discovered a passion for understanding people (and her characters!), inside and out. (It must be why she enjoys writing such complex villains and vibrant main characters.)
As the mother of three young, active children, finding time to write is always a challenge. But Anne Marie believes it’s worth it to preserve her sanity. Writing is a way to “spice up” her daily life and, at times, it is a much-needed escape.
Of course, sometimes it’s the characters driving her insane, but she promises she has the madness under control.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I really like the cover of “Only fear”. And from the blurb, the book sounds very suspenseful.
I received a kindle for Christmas 2009 and the first book I downloaded was “Be still my vampire heart” by Kerrelyn Sparks. I loved this book! The most recent is “Slow Summer Kisses” by Shannon Stacey. I just finished and it was a really nice read. And I read the blog “The Book Reading Gals” to discover new-to-me authors.
Thanks for a great post and giveaway! I’m definitely interested in your book 😉
I first got a kindle for Christmas 2010 and the first book I purchased was Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler. I don’t know why I bought it. I really didn’t like the cover ( I hate the cartoony ones) but I’m so glad I did as I loved it! I usually find my e-books on blogs now and I do browse the Amazon “if you liked this, you’d also like this” slider bar. I download a lot of the freebies and if I like the author, I’ll usually pick up the backlists/new releases.
Congrats on the new release!
I got my Kindle for Christmas 2010 and started downloading free books from the eReaderIQ.com. The first book I downloaded was “20 Retirement Decisions You Need to Make Right Now” by Ray Levitre. I was retiring in 6 months and it was helpful. The most recent book was “You Send Me” by Toni Blake which I really enjoyed. I discover new authors through Facebook author pages – they are always recommending new authors! – and through email like Book Binge – I have found a lot of new favorites there! Looking forward to reading your books soon. Thanks for doing the contest. Jann
idahocowgirl90@gmail.com
Congratulations…on your new release.
My first ebook was OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. Had to read the book voted the best ‘romance novel’ of all time.
My most recent acquisition was-GLIMMERS by Barbara Brooke
I have discovered new authors at Goodreads, Amazon and throughout the many book review sites…
sandy@thereadingcafe.com
Thank you all for stopping by! I love talking about books, and you’ve reminded me of some I have yet to get for my e-reader. 😉
I’m a reader as much as a writer, so I love to discover new authors (especially since I’ve read practically everything by my old standby favorites – Suzanne Brockmann, Karen Rose, and Brenda Novak, to name a few).
Most recent was Hard Tail by J.L. Merrow. First I ever bought was a Susan Napier HP, before I actually had an ereader. Not sure what the first one I bought for my ereader was…
Thanks for sharing. I don’t remember what my first downloaded book was but my last was Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex. I discover new authors from different blogs, Goodreads and word of mouth.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net