On the podcast Friday, I talk about “Preparing for a bestseller or how I’m adapting my self-publishing mindset, exploring my strengths for #TheLeftoverBride and no spoilers…”
I don’t know if “adapting” is really the correct term. I’ve been thinking about preparing the launch of #TheLeftoverBride and preparing for it as if it will be a bestseller so taking all the necessary steps so that if it does, my other books (my backlist) are also ready.
Following my conversation with Ines Johnson about her use of social media as author and Erin Bowman’s Instagram post about her own use of Instagram, I’m exploring my strenghts and putting the focus on my characters, creating social media profiles for #TheLeftoverBride, detaching myself a little from my book in a way.
Oh and I also talk about not reading spoilers anymore, and the struggles and smiles of my self-publishing and writing week.
If you want to check out my book’s website: www.theleftoverbride.com or if you’d like to listen to the almost first 40 minutes of the A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER audiobook, click here.
This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:dealing with declining profits from one year to another in my self-publishing business;the Kickstarter I'd love to do for Cancer Is Not My Brand (my upcoming nonfiction book) and why I'm not doing one right now, knowing my latest one for # The Leftover Bride audiobook Kickstarter didn't get fulfilled, but this isn't the only reason. I; about not going to InkersCon or the Write Better, Faster Academy digital conference this year, even though I really recommend both. about Ines Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter, which I just backed, and how I'm learning that it's possible to look up to other authors and also not chase what they're doing (still learning that one).about how the reality of missing out, for me, is twofold…sometimes it's I cannot physically or emotionally do this right now, and sometimes it's I cannot financially or time-wise do this right now because it's not the best for my author business, and those are different. And then there's a third thing, which I figured out while recording (as one does, right?), which is realizing you're not actually missing out at all, because it may not be what you need at that moment.If you're going through a hard time, I hope you feel a little less alone. That's the whole thing, really.Links and resources mentioned:InkersCon — http://www.inkerscon.com (I think Golden Angel has a $50 discount code)Write Better, Faster Academy — https://betterfasteracademy.com/Becca Syme on author business phases:- Phases for Author Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGX7gDqtvCM – Deep dives on each phase: https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme/shopInes Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-craft-a-complete-page-turning-story-blueprint/descriptionCleveland Clinic on FOMO, JOMO, and ROMO : https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomoPsychology Today on the reality of missing out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202506/understanding-and-managing-fomoQamber Designs (cover designer) : https://www.qamberdesignsmedia.com/If you want to tell me what you're missing out on or if you're currently more in a FOMO, JOMO, ROMO phase or all of the above, don't hesitate to send me an email: authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.comHappy writing. Happy reading.My website:www.elodienowodazkij.com
Okay…are you ready? I designed the cover and the illustration of Ryan and Sorcha was designed by the team at Qamber Emporium… Thank you so much!
**** Special pre-order price of $0.99 ****A second chance romance set during the holiday season in a small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: full of laughter and heartwarming moments (and some sexy moments), checklists, family dynamics, a stubborn cat, and a rescue dog.
All Sorcha O’Connor wants for Christmas is for her life to turn into a Hallmark movie—but sexier. Ryan Sawyer has a few things on his wishlist. First, he wants to stay away from Swans Cove. Second, he wants his NHL career back. And third, he wants Sorcha. Always has, always will.
All Sorcha O’Connor wants for Christmas is for her life to turn into a Hallmark movie—but sexier. Ryan Sawyer has a few things on his wishlist. First, he wants to stay away from Swans Cove. Second, he wants his NHL career back. And third, he wants Sorcha. Always has, always will.
When wedding dress designer Sorcha O’Connor got stranded at the altar and went viral as #TheLeftoverBride, she lost everything: her fiancé, her thriving business, her glowing reputation, and her dreams. To forget the upcoming first anniversary of that fateful day, Sorcha is ticking items off her “31 Things to Do Before the 31st” list and creating new dress designs—working day and night to get her life back on track. Not on her list? Falling for her former best friend —at one point more than best friend—hockey star Ryan Sawyer. Especially since he’s now known as the #HockeyHottie; Sorcha’s got enough hashtags for a lifetime.
Ryan Sawyer skated out of Swans Cove right out of high school. And since then, he stuck to the one item on his wishlist he could control. He busted his ass, making sure he always had the perfect excuse for avoiding Swans Cove: hockey. But thanks to his injured shoulder, rumors about his uncertain future at the Tacoma Angels, and his mother’s birthday, he’s back for a quick visit. His publicist was crystal clear—Ryan’s got to lay low and avoid stirring up trouble or risk losing his spot on the team. But he can’t stop thinking about Sorcha, the redhead who knows him better than even his therapist. Ryan wasn’t there for her when she needed him most, and for that, she might want to shred him with her dressmaker’s shears, though… Maybe he could just pass by and say hello? When Sorcha’s former #RunawayGroom becomes the Most Coveted Bachelor in America, virtual eyes focus on Sorcha again. This time, Ryan’s not going to bolt—even when Sorcha blurts out on national TV that both she and Ryan are working on their so-called “Happy Lists”…together.
Will the spotlight finally work in Sorcha and Ryan’s favor? Or will their past—and their hashtags—get in the way of their Happily Ever After?
Some excerpts…
He watches me. I resist the urge to readjust my Santa hat and to ask him what else might be on his wish-list and whether he’s been naughty or nice.
The beginning of a beautiful love story…or of a Hallmark movie.
But in my case, it’d probably generate yet another headline and another lawsuit.
This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:dealing with declining profits from one year to another in my self-publishing business;the Kickstarter I'd love to do for Cancer Is Not My Brand (my upcoming nonfiction book) and why I'm not doing one right now, knowing my latest one for # The Leftover Bride audiobook Kickstarter didn't get fulfilled, but this isn't the only reason. I; about not going to InkersCon or the Write Better, Faster Academy digital conference this year, even though I really recommend both. about Ines Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter, which I just backed, and how I'm learning that it's possible to look up to other authors and also not chase what they're doing (still learning that one).about how the reality of missing out, for me, is twofold…sometimes it's I cannot physically or emotionally do this right now, and sometimes it's I cannot financially or time-wise do this right now because it's not the best for my author business, and those are different. And then there's a third thing, which I figured out while recording (as one does, right?), which is realizing you're not actually missing out at all, because it may not be what you need at that moment.If you're going through a hard time, I hope you feel a little less alone. That's the whole thing, really.Links and resources mentioned:InkersCon — http://www.inkerscon.com (I think Golden Angel has a $50 discount code)Write Better, Faster Academy — https://betterfasteracademy.com/Becca Syme on author business phases:- Phases for Author Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGX7gDqtvCM – Deep dives on each phase: https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme/shopInes Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-craft-a-complete-page-turning-story-blueprint/descriptionCleveland Clinic on FOMO, JOMO, and ROMO : https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomoPsychology Today on the reality of missing out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202506/understanding-and-managing-fomoQamber Designs (cover designer) : https://www.qamberdesignsmedia.com/If you want to tell me what you're missing out on or if you're currently more in a FOMO, JOMO, ROMO phase or all of the above, don't hesitate to send me an email: authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.comHappy writing. Happy reading.My website:www.elodienowodazkij.com
I haven’t done a “What’s Up Wednesday” in years. Literally. Since 2015 based on my post. And Jaime and Erin no longer blog, but I remember how fun those posts were and also how cute their designs were. I’ve added a few catergories…
What I’m reading
I am trying to carve time for the amazing book that is WILD WOMEN AND THE BLUES by Denny S. Bryce. It is really oh so good.
In a stirring and impeccably researched novel of Jazz-age Chicago in all its vibrant life, two stories intertwine nearly a hundred years apart, as a chorus girl and a film student deal with loss, forgiveness, and love…in all its joy, sadness, and imperfections.
“Why would I talk to you about my life? I don’t know you, and even if I did, I don’t tell my story to just any boy with long hair, who probably smokes weed.You wanna hear about me. You gotta tell me something about you. To make this worth my while.”
1925: Chicago is the jazz capital of the world, and the Dreamland Café is the ritziest black-and-tan club in town. Honoree Dalcour is a sharecropper’s daughter, willing to work hard and dance every night on her way to the top. Dreamland offers a path to the good life, socializing with celebrities like Louis Armstrong and filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. But Chicago is also awash in bootleg whiskey, gambling, and gangsters. And a young woman driven by ambition might risk more than she can stand to lose.
2015: Film student Sawyer Hayes arrives at the bedside of 110-year-old Honoree Dalcour, still reeling from a devastating loss that has taken him right to the brink. Sawyer has rested all his hope on this frail but formidable woman, the only living link to the legendary Oscar Micheaux. If he’s right—if she can fill in the blanks in his research, perhaps he can complete his thesis and begin a new chapter in his life. But the links Honoree makes are not ones he’s expecting . . .
Piece by piece, Honoree reveals her past and her secrets, while Sawyer fights tooth and nail to keep his. It’s a story of courage and ambition, hot jazz and illicit passions. And as past meets present, for Honoree, it’s a final chance to be truly heard and seen before it’s too late. No matter the cost . . .
The Chemical Engineer and I are currently watching FOR ALL MANKIND.
In an alternative version of 1969, the Soviet Union beats the United States to the Moon, and the space race continues on for decades with still grander challenges and goals.
We are on the last episode of Season 2, I think. Below if the trailer for season 1.
And we are also watching The Lost Pirate Kingdom on Netflix: The Lost Pirate Kingdom is a 2021 docuseries released by Netflix. This historical drama portrays the rise and fall of the eponymous early-18th century pirate republic based in Nassau, Bahamas. The series begins in 1715, shortly after the close of the War of the Spanish Succession, which pitted England against Spain. England had waged the war on the cheap, resorting to the use of privateers rather than incurring the expense of fully funding the Royal Navy.(Source: Wikipedia)
What I’m listening to:
I’m currently listening to several podcasts pretty regularly. Here are three of them.
My Imaginary Friends with L. Penelope: The My Imaginary Friends podcast is a weekly, behind the scenes look at the journey of a working author navigating traditional and self-publishing.
True Crime Obsessed: True Crime Obsessed Recapping True Crime Documentaries with Humor, Sass, and a well timed Garbage Bell!
The Murder Squad: Jensen & Holes: EACH WEEK RIDE SHOTGUN with retired cold case investigator Paul Holes and investigative journalist Billy Jensen as they attempt to solve an unsolved murder case using a variety of methods, from routine shoe-leather work to advanced technologies like familial DNA searches and social media geotargeting.
Revising #TheLeftoverBride…Part of this revision is adding 2 chapters of a Christmas Tree Lightning…And let me tell you: Sorcha and Ryan are pretty cute and those chapters are going to be very fun and Christmas-y. 🙂 And I’m getting some of my inspiration for those scenes from having gone to the Chincoteague Christmas Parade years ago…And some of the vendors on the way to the parade may be inspired by all the delicious food at the Christmas markets in Germany.
In addition to #TheLeftoverBride, quite a few things. You can hear details on my podcast: “A Self-Published Author’s Diary“. For example, I added the first almost 40 minutes of the A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER audiobook on YouTube…
Would love to hear what you’re waching, listening to, reading or writing these days! Let me know in the comments!
This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:dealing with declining profits from one year to another in my self-publishing business;the Kickstarter I'd love to do for Cancer Is Not My Brand (my upcoming nonfiction book) and why I'm not doing one right now, knowing my latest one for # The Leftover Bride audiobook Kickstarter didn't get fulfilled, but this isn't the only reason. I; about not going to InkersCon or the Write Better, Faster Academy digital conference this year, even though I really recommend both. about Ines Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter, which I just backed, and how I'm learning that it's possible to look up to other authors and also not chase what they're doing (still learning that one).about how the reality of missing out, for me, is twofold…sometimes it's I cannot physically or emotionally do this right now, and sometimes it's I cannot financially or time-wise do this right now because it's not the best for my author business, and those are different. And then there's a third thing, which I figured out while recording (as one does, right?), which is realizing you're not actually missing out at all, because it may not be what you need at that moment.If you're going through a hard time, I hope you feel a little less alone. That's the whole thing, really.Links and resources mentioned:InkersCon — http://www.inkerscon.com (I think Golden Angel has a $50 discount code)Write Better, Faster Academy — https://betterfasteracademy.com/Becca Syme on author business phases:- Phases for Author Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGX7gDqtvCM – Deep dives on each phase: https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme/shopInes Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-craft-a-complete-page-turning-story-blueprint/descriptionCleveland Clinic on FOMO, JOMO, and ROMO : https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomoPsychology Today on the reality of missing out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202506/understanding-and-managing-fomoQamber Designs (cover designer) : https://www.qamberdesignsmedia.com/If you want to tell me what you're missing out on or if you're currently more in a FOMO, JOMO, ROMO phase or all of the above, don't hesitate to send me an email: authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.comHappy writing. Happy reading.My website:www.elodienowodazkij.com
I’ll be revealing #TheLeftoverBride cover to the world on June 25th… If you’d like to help me spread the cover love just add your email address to this form: http://bit.ly/TheLeftoverBrideCoverReveal and I’ll send you all info prior to the cover reveal. Helping may just be forwarding the book info to someone you think might love this second chance holiday rom-com 🙂
Here’s a little excerpt…
The beginning of a beautiful love story…or of a Hallmark movie.
But in my case, it’d probably generate yet another headline and another lawsuit.
This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:dealing with declining profits from one year to another in my self-publishing business;the Kickstarter I'd love to do for Cancer Is Not My Brand (my upcoming nonfiction book) and why I'm not doing one right now, knowing my latest one for # The Leftover Bride audiobook Kickstarter didn't get fulfilled, but this isn't the only reason. I; about not going to InkersCon or the Write Better, Faster Academy digital conference this year, even though I really recommend both. about Ines Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter, which I just backed, and how I'm learning that it's possible to look up to other authors and also not chase what they're doing (still learning that one).about how the reality of missing out, for me, is twofold…sometimes it's I cannot physically or emotionally do this right now, and sometimes it's I cannot financially or time-wise do this right now because it's not the best for my author business, and those are different. And then there's a third thing, which I figured out while recording (as one does, right?), which is realizing you're not actually missing out at all, because it may not be what you need at that moment.If you're going through a hard time, I hope you feel a little less alone. That's the whole thing, really.Links and resources mentioned:InkersCon — http://www.inkerscon.com (I think Golden Angel has a $50 discount code)Write Better, Faster Academy — https://betterfasteracademy.com/Becca Syme on author business phases:- Phases for Author Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGX7gDqtvCM – Deep dives on each phase: https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme/shopInes Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-craft-a-complete-page-turning-story-blueprint/descriptionCleveland Clinic on FOMO, JOMO, and ROMO : https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomoPsychology Today on the reality of missing out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202506/understanding-and-managing-fomoQamber Designs (cover designer) : https://www.qamberdesignsmedia.com/If you want to tell me what you're missing out on or if you're currently more in a FOMO, JOMO, ROMO phase or all of the above, don't hesitate to send me an email: authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.comHappy writing. Happy reading.My website:www.elodienowodazkij.com
Today, on the latest episode of “A Self-Published Author’s Diary” podcast, I am answering two questions I’ve received from a reader named Amanda (Thanks, Amanda :-)):
Did I always know I would write for readers?
And where does that confidence come from?
I go back into my junior high writing of poems and my high school writing of romance and my later years of fanfiction writing to answer the first question. And when it comes to the second question and the confidence aspect, I try to analyze a bit where that confidence comes from. 🙂 And how fleeting it is throughout the process.
I talk about my very scientific writing process of “ooohhh” and “yay” and about my love for romance books. Readers pick up those books knowing what the ending will be and yet we still get so enthralled by them. I think that’s really a testimony to the magic and the art of writing romance.
I also mention the podcast “My Imaginary Friends with L. Penelope”‘s latest episode which I recommend for all writers struggling with their manuscript: https://lpenelope.com/podcast/
And I give an update on my upcoming plan for #TheLeftoverBride cover reval…Don’t forget #TheLeftoverBride is available for pre-order for only $0.99. Choose your favorite e-retailer here: https://books2read.com/TheLeftoverBride
As always, thank you for subscribing, rating and reviewing!
This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:dealing with declining profits from one year to another in my self-publishing business;the Kickstarter I'd love to do for Cancer Is Not My Brand (my upcoming nonfiction book) and why I'm not doing one right now, knowing my latest one for # The Leftover Bride audiobook Kickstarter didn't get fulfilled, but this isn't the only reason. I; about not going to InkersCon or the Write Better, Faster Academy digital conference this year, even though I really recommend both. about Ines Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter, which I just backed, and how I'm learning that it's possible to look up to other authors and also not chase what they're doing (still learning that one).about how the reality of missing out, for me, is twofold…sometimes it's I cannot physically or emotionally do this right now, and sometimes it's I cannot financially or time-wise do this right now because it's not the best for my author business, and those are different. And then there's a third thing, which I figured out while recording (as one does, right?), which is realizing you're not actually missing out at all, because it may not be what you need at that moment.If you're going through a hard time, I hope you feel a little less alone. That's the whole thing, really.Links and resources mentioned:InkersCon — http://www.inkerscon.com (I think Golden Angel has a $50 discount code)Write Better, Faster Academy — https://betterfasteracademy.com/Becca Syme on author business phases:- Phases for Author Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGX7gDqtvCM – Deep dives on each phase: https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme/shopInes Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-craft-a-complete-page-turning-story-blueprint/descriptionCleveland Clinic on FOMO, JOMO, and ROMO : https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomoPsychology Today on the reality of missing out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202506/understanding-and-managing-fomoQamber Designs (cover designer) : https://www.qamberdesignsmedia.com/If you want to tell me what you're missing out on or if you're currently more in a FOMO, JOMO, ROMO phase or all of the above, don't hesitate to send me an email: authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.comHappy writing. Happy reading.My website:www.elodienowodazkij.com
If you receive my newsletter, you may know which cover has won the poll I had sent at the end of last week, just by looking at this image. 🙂
I’ll be revealing #TheLeftoverBride cover to the world on June 25th… If you’d like to help me spread the cover love just add your email address to this form: http://bit.ly/TheLeftoverBrideCoverReveal and I’ll send you all info prior to the cover reveal. Helping may just be forwarding the book info to someone you think might love this second chance holiday rom-com 🙂
Here’s a little excerpt…
He watched me. I resist the urge to readjust my Santa hat and to ask him what else might be on his wish-list and whether he’s been naughty or nice.
This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:dealing with declining profits from one year to another in my self-publishing business;the Kickstarter I'd love to do for Cancer Is Not My Brand (my upcoming nonfiction book) and why I'm not doing one right now, knowing my latest one for # The Leftover Bride audiobook Kickstarter didn't get fulfilled, but this isn't the only reason. I; about not going to InkersCon or the Write Better, Faster Academy digital conference this year, even though I really recommend both. about Ines Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter, which I just backed, and how I'm learning that it's possible to look up to other authors and also not chase what they're doing (still learning that one).about how the reality of missing out, for me, is twofold…sometimes it's I cannot physically or emotionally do this right now, and sometimes it's I cannot financially or time-wise do this right now because it's not the best for my author business, and those are different. And then there's a third thing, which I figured out while recording (as one does, right?), which is realizing you're not actually missing out at all, because it may not be what you need at that moment.If you're going through a hard time, I hope you feel a little less alone. That's the whole thing, really.Links and resources mentioned:InkersCon — http://www.inkerscon.com (I think Golden Angel has a $50 discount code)Write Better, Faster Academy — https://betterfasteracademy.com/Becca Syme on author business phases:- Phases for Author Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGX7gDqtvCM – Deep dives on each phase: https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme/shopInes Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-craft-a-complete-page-turning-story-blueprint/descriptionCleveland Clinic on FOMO, JOMO, and ROMO : https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomoPsychology Today on the reality of missing out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202506/understanding-and-managing-fomoQamber Designs (cover designer) : https://www.qamberdesignsmedia.com/If you want to tell me what you're missing out on or if you're currently more in a FOMO, JOMO, ROMO phase or all of the above, don't hesitate to send me an email: authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.comHappy writing. Happy reading.My website:www.elodienowodazkij.com
As part of my “A Self-Published Author’s Diary” podcast, I am chatting with authors on Fridays. And whenever possible, I am giving away a copy of one of their books. On Friday, April 30th, I talked with award-winning fantasy and paranormal romance author L. Penelope and this coming Friday (May 7th), I will share my conversation with contemporary romance author Mona Shroff.
My newsletter subscribers automatically get 5 entries in each giveaway, so don’t forget to subscribe (readers’ newsletter or weekly self-published author’s emails) Plus you’ll help me choose the cover for #TheLeftoverBride…
A second chance romance set during the holiday season in a small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: full of laughter and heartwarming moments (and some sexy moments), checklists, family dynamics, a stubborn cat, and a rescue dog.
All Sorcha O’Connor wants for Christmas is for her life to turn into a Hallmark movie—but sexier.
Ryan Sawyer has a few things on his wishlist. First, he wants to stay away from Swans Cove. Second, he wants his NHL career back. And third, he wants Sorcha. Always has, always will.
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“A self-published author’s diary” is available now!
The behind-the-scenes of self-publishing and writing with Elodie Nowodazkij, author of first kisses, second chances, things that scare the crap out of her and things that make her laugh out loud. Elodie’s been self-publishing since 2014.
This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:dealing with declining profits from one year to another in my self-publishing business;the Kickstarter I'd love to do for Cancer Is Not My Brand (my upcoming nonfiction book) and why I'm not doing one right now, knowing my latest one for # The Leftover Bride audiobook Kickstarter didn't get fulfilled, but this isn't the only reason. I; about not going to InkersCon or the Write Better, Faster Academy digital conference this year, even though I really recommend both. about Ines Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter, which I just backed, and how I'm learning that it's possible to look up to other authors and also not chase what they're doing (still learning that one).about how the reality of missing out, for me, is twofold…sometimes it's I cannot physically or emotionally do this right now, and sometimes it's I cannot financially or time-wise do this right now because it's not the best for my author business, and those are different. And then there's a third thing, which I figured out while recording (as one does, right?), which is realizing you're not actually missing out at all, because it may not be what you need at that moment.If you're going through a hard time, I hope you feel a little less alone. That's the whole thing, really.Links and resources mentioned:InkersCon — http://www.inkerscon.com (I think Golden Angel has a $50 discount code)Write Better, Faster Academy — https://betterfasteracademy.com/Becca Syme on author business phases:- Phases for Author Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGX7gDqtvCM – Deep dives on each phase: https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme/shopInes Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-craft-a-complete-page-turning-story-blueprint/descriptionCleveland Clinic on FOMO, JOMO, and ROMO : https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomoPsychology Today on the reality of missing out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202506/understanding-and-managing-fomoQamber Designs (cover designer) : https://www.qamberdesignsmedia.com/If you want to tell me what you're missing out on or if you're currently more in a FOMO, JOMO, ROMO phase or all of the above, don't hesitate to send me an email: authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.comHappy writing. Happy reading.My website:www.elodienowodazkij.com
A second chance romance set during the holiday season in a small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: full of laughter and heartwarming moments (and some sexy moments), checklists, family dynamics, a stubborn cat, and a rescue dog.
All Sorcha O’Connor wants for Christmas is for her life to turn into a Hallmark movie—but sexier.
Ryan Sawyer has a few things on his wishlist. First, he wants to stay away from Swans Cove. Second, he wants his NHL career back. And third, he wants Sorcha. Always has, always will.
Do you want to help me choose the cover?
I have two versions of the cover and in a couple of weeks, I will ask my newsletter subscribers to help me choose...If you’d like to help me choose, just subscribe to my readers’ newsletter before May 15th.
You’ll also receive exclusive access to a bonus content page with bonus scenes, audiobook excerpts and more!
I’ve shared a few excerpts already (including on Goodreads in my status updates).
The first sentences…
“Dear unknown-reader of the future, or alien archiving information on the human race (I have so many questions for you), Christmas is in the air. Well, not Christmas per se. But buttery apples and cinnamon and maybe ginger?”
Meet Ryan…aka #HockeyHottie:
In the past year, I got caught on video bitching about Stevens and how he’s handling the team. I punched my “sperm asshole donor” at a black-tie event. And I was involved in a fight that almost kicked our team out of the NHL.”
Trouble seems to follow me. Or maybe, as Sorcha told me once, it’s not that trouble follows me; it is that I am trouble. But the way she said it all breathy and with that secret sexy smile of hers? It didn’t seem terrible then.
Oh and did you know I have a podcast?
“A self-published author’s diary” is available now!
The behind-the-scenes of self-publishing and writing with Elodie Nowodazkij, author of first kisses, second chances, things that scare the crap out of her and things that make her laugh out loud. Elodie’s been self-publishing since 2014.
This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:dealing with declining profits from one year to another in my self-publishing business;the Kickstarter I'd love to do for Cancer Is Not My Brand (my upcoming nonfiction book) and why I'm not doing one right now, knowing my latest one for # The Leftover Bride audiobook Kickstarter didn't get fulfilled, but this isn't the only reason. I; about not going to InkersCon or the Write Better, Faster Academy digital conference this year, even though I really recommend both. about Ines Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter, which I just backed, and how I'm learning that it's possible to look up to other authors and also not chase what they're doing (still learning that one).about how the reality of missing out, for me, is twofold…sometimes it's I cannot physically or emotionally do this right now, and sometimes it's I cannot financially or time-wise do this right now because it's not the best for my author business, and those are different. And then there's a third thing, which I figured out while recording (as one does, right?), which is realizing you're not actually missing out at all, because it may not be what you need at that moment.If you're going through a hard time, I hope you feel a little less alone. That's the whole thing, really.Links and resources mentioned:InkersCon — http://www.inkerscon.com (I think Golden Angel has a $50 discount code)Write Better, Faster Academy — https://betterfasteracademy.com/Becca Syme on author business phases:- Phases for Author Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGX7gDqtvCM – Deep dives on each phase: https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme/shopInes Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-craft-a-complete-page-turning-story-blueprint/descriptionCleveland Clinic on FOMO, JOMO, and ROMO : https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomoPsychology Today on the reality of missing out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202506/understanding-and-managing-fomoQamber Designs (cover designer) : https://www.qamberdesignsmedia.com/If you want to tell me what you're missing out on or if you're currently more in a FOMO, JOMO, ROMO phase or all of the above, don't hesitate to send me an email: authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.comHappy writing. Happy reading.My website:www.elodienowodazkij.com
This article is available as podcast episode on my podcast: “A Self-Published Author’s Diary”. My podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and more…
Before starting, I am very excited to share books I should be receiving very soon. I ordered them on One More Page Bookstore’s website and I loved the commented that those books are great choices. 🙂 I agree of course but it was a nice touch to see those words as I opened my email…
From the author of Once Upon a Sunset and The Key to Happily Ever After comes a heartwarming and moving novel following three Army wives—estranged friends—who must overcome their differences when one of them is desperate for help.
From the author of Once Upon a Sunset and The Key to Happily Ever After comes a heartwarming and moving novel following three Army wives—estranged friends—who must overcome their differences when one of them is desperate for help.
I’m currently still reading CINDERELLA IS DEAD (and loving it). Next, I have a loan from the library: PRETTY LITTLE WIFE and then I’ll read those two. 🙂
On another note: Did you know you can send me audio messages for my podcast via the message button on anchor.fm? That means you can also send me questions. Don’t hesitate. Or you can leave me a comment or send me an email (authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com).
Over the years, I’ve given quite a few interviews to bloggers, reviewers, even journalists (like the wonderful Brittany Britto when she worked for the Baltimore Sun). I still remember driving early Sunday morning to several gas stations to get copies. And yes, it hangs over the computer in our office.
I’ve also written quite a few blogposts so for a little flashback Friday, here are some of the questions I’ve received most often over the years.
What was the inspiration behind ONE TWO THREE?
If you do not know ONE TWO THREE was the first book I published. The tagline to that book is: When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love.
I used to love dancing ballet as a kid, and I won a writing contest to go see the Opera de Paris. We saw the dancers train, it was magical. Those moments stayed with me. Then, one day, I was talking about the movie Center Stage on Twitter and Natalya’s voice came into my head. At first, all I knew was that she was seventeen and an accident had killed her hope of becoming a professional ballerina…The accident turned into a car crash that also took her father’s life…
Her voice was full of longing and full of hope and I had to tell her story.
Tea or coffee?
I drink both. If I had to choose, probably coffee.
Dog or cat?
I will not choose.
Are your characters inspired by people in your life?
Ummm, yes and no. No and yes. Some things might be inspired by real life. The mom’s perfume in ONE TWO THREE is Chanel 5 which might be the perfume my dad has gifted my mom for many years. And the mom in ONE TWO THREE is named Natalya which is my mother-in-law’s name.
In FEAR ME, FEAR ME NOT the main character’s name is named Erin like one of my nieces and the book is dedicated to her. There may be a beagle mix in FMFMN. I have a beagle. In one novel, I think I named a dog Friday. And Friday was a wonderful lab. In A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER, you meet Svetlana…which is my husband’s aunt’s name.
The siblings dynamics (the healthy ones), the ones I get complimented on a lot is inspired by both my sisters who I love very much and are amazing.
Oh and my husband will tell you he has inspired a lot of my characters.
And so much more. Really, I could share a lot more. So again it’s not really a moment, it may be a feeling or it may be something specific or an Easter egg.
In three words:what do you enjoy about self-publishing?
Flexibility, control and creativity.
When you think about writing, what three words come to mind?
When I think about writing, the three words that come to mind are: balance, patience and love.
And I am so so happy to let you know that in the coming Fridays, I will share interviews with wonderful writers at different stages in their careers. Some are traditionally published. Some are hybrid. Some are self-published. Some are not yet published…Some may not even think about getting published…
Next week, I will be chatting with the wonderful L. Penelope.
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(2) A newsletter for my readers: full of bonus scenes, updates on my books, shows I’m watching, books I’m reading, exclusive giveaways and more…
Click on this link and just add your email and you’ll receive access to a page full of exclusive content! Plus my emails include pictures of my cat and my dog…and they’re pretty adorable…:-)
You can ask me questions about self-publishing, writing and/or my books by sending me an email authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.com or you can also send me a message via the anchor.fm website. I'll be answering those questions on the podcast!
I'm also announcing Spotlight Friday with amazing writers!
The books I mentioned are:
IN A BOOK CLUB FAR AWAY by Tif Marcelo.
WILD WOMEN AND THE BLUES by Denny S. Bryce.
All links (including to sign up to my newsletters) as well as partial transcript are available on my blog:
https://elodienowodazkij.com/2021/04/23/the-one-with-the-flashback-friday-and-qa/
Social media: @enowodazkij
Add my next book (rom-com) #TheLeftoverBride on Gooddreads.
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It already has several episodes available…including an interview…with…The Chemical Engineer!
My podcast also a trailer…which you can watch below!
On today’s episode I not only interview The Chemical Engineer, I also share about Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Awareness Week and talk about the Ulman Foundation and their conversation with Tamika Felder. They talked bout her experience with cervical cancer and what led her to inspire others to share their stories as well. They also talked about racial disparities in healthcare and other factors that impact AYA cancer care and will continue to share part of that discussion on their Instagram throughout the month. The Ulman Foundation means a lot to us as Megan, Director, Service & Care Delivery at the Ulman Foundation, was part of our support system during my treatments for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
If you’d like to know more about the behind-the-scenes of launching a podcast, you can read one my recent blog posts on the topic (or listen to it on my podcast). And don’t forget about signing up for my weekly emails about self-publishling if you’re interested in receiving the links and the topics I am discussing in the podcast directly in your emails.
ANNNNNNDDDD BOOOOOOOK NEWS!
I might be *slightly* excited about this.
Are you ready to (a) read more about my upcoming novel #THELEFTOVERBRIDE, (b) pre-order it maybe (you can do so on Amazon , Kobo, iTunes, (c) Add it to Goodreads, (d) Join the first readers group (just subscribe to my newsletter as I’ll send more info in the coming weeks)?
I have set the pre-order date for August 18th, 2021. Why? Because it’s my birthday. And I’m going to turn 40. And I feel like releasing a book would be a pretty awesome way to celebrate. I’ve started writing this book in December 2019, not long after my autologous stem cell transplant. It has been a book that has been taking me so long to write and revise. It’s going to be the first book (original) that I’m releasing since September 2019.
And as an indie author, I get to decide my release date. Plus, that will give me time to draft the second one in the series and the prequel short stories and start drafting MISS ME, MISS ME NOT (the story of Nadia and Gabriel will be coming your way soon-ish).
Here’s the summary for #THELEFTOVERBRIDE:
A second chance romance set during the holiday season in a small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: full of laughter and heartwarming moments, checklists, family dynamics, a stubborn cat, and a rescue dog.
All Sorcha O’Connor wants for Christmas is for her life to turn into a Hallmark movie—but sexier. Ryan Sawyer has a few things on his wishlist. First, he wants to stay away from Swans Cove. Second, he wants his NHL career back. And third, he wants Sorcha. Always has, always will.
When wedding dress designer Sorcha O’Connor got stranded at the altar and went viral as #TheLeftoverBride, she lost everything: her fiancé, her thriving business, her glowing reputation, and her dreams. To forget the upcoming first anniversary of that fateful day, Sorcha is ticking items off her “31 Things to Do Before the 31st” list and creating new dress designs—working day and night to get her life back on track. Not on her list? Falling for her former best friend —at one point more than best friend—hockey star Ryan Sawyer. Especially since he’s now known as the #HockeyHottie; Sorcha’s got enough hashtags for a lifetime.
Ryan Sawyer skated out of Swans Cove right out of high school. And since then, he stuck to the one item on his wishlist he could control. He busted his ass, making sure he always had the perfect excuse for avoiding Swans Cove: hockey. But thanks to his injured shoulder, rumors about his uncertain future at the Washington Angels, and his mother’s birthday, he’s back for a quick visit. His publicist was crystal clear—Ryan’s got to lay low and avoid stirring up trouble or risk losing his spot on the team. But he can’t stop thinking about Sorcha, the redhead who knows him better than even his therapist. Ryan wasn’t there for her when she needed him most, and for that, she might want to shred him with her dressmaker’s shears, though… Maybe he could just pass by and say hello?
When Sorcha’s former #RunawayGroom becomes the Most Coveted Bachelor in America, virtual eyes focus on Sorcha again. This time, Ryan’s not going to bolt—even when Sorcha blurts out on national TV that both she and Ryan are working on their so-called “Happy Lists”…together.
Will the spotlight finally work in Sorcha and Ryan’s favor? Or will their past—and their hashtags—get in the way of their Happily Ever After?
A week after it releases, I will move it to Kindle Unlimited, so make sure you pre-order it on your preferred platform.
Helping may just be forwarding the book info to someone you think might love this second chance holiday rom-com 🙂
Elodie Nowodazkij 