When I heard the theme for April, I immediately thought of my book Kentucky Rain. After all, showers are on the cover!
I-64 between Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky
Sheets of rain pummeled the windshield, the steady flap-flap-flap of the wiper blades filling the silence of the SUV. Kate Lawrence gripped the steering wheel, unsure whether her blurred vision came from the glare of oncoming headlights reflecting off the rain or from the tears welling in her eyes.
It had been a month since her divorce was final, and tonight was the first time Jerry had taken their daughter. Visitation was an ugly, ugly word.
For the first time since my divorce years earlier, I was ready to write about it in Kentucky Rain. “Exchanging children” had been a staple of many Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.
Kentucky Rain is the last book in an eight-book series called Bluegrass Reunions. Each book is set in Kentucky and most stories deal with a reunion or second chance at love. Most books have a single mom, but she is a mom for various reasons. Not until Kentucky Rain did, I write about the aftermath of divorce.
When I received my rights back from the initial publisher of the series, I was able to revise each book. My editor looked at each one. I bought new covers to consistently rebrand them. Then my husband published the series on eBook sites for me. Being able to publish these books myself allowed me great freedom. They were better books after another review and edit.
That’s the joy of self-publishing. It’s plenty of work, but it’s worth it because I can write what I want to write. And when something doesn’t work out, I can make a change.
That’s what’s happening to another series of mine. My first three western romances are getting a new series title. I’ve revised each one of the three books. My editor has done her redlining. I have new covers. I’m ready to rebrand the stories of Brody, Mercer, and Liz into The Dawsons of Montana. Who knows? There may be a fourth book in the works. Big happy face.
Jan, great covers. Hmm, I like that Brody character. Looks like he's getting ready to invite you over.Kentucky Rain reminds me of the scene in The Notebook! Congrats on all those series. Lots of happy reading there. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love that cover, although I can't imagine being in the rain and not looking like a drowned...rodent. :-) And Nora's right. Brody looks inviting!
ReplyDeleteI love your Bluegrass series!! Well written and heartfelt!
ReplyDeleteJan, I really like the new name for your series, and the cover art is gorgeous. Very eye-catching with the color palette. Whenever I see your Kentucky Rain title, I think of that song. Someone put the song to some beautiful b&w photographs on YouTube. https://youtu.be/Czuc4q4axqU
ReplyDeleteI sure like the sound of Brody!
ReplyDeletePut a little bit of Brody in my life. The joys of getting your rights back and self-publishing is improving what you didn't get quite right. Beautiful covers.
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you. Love Brody's new look.
ReplyDeleteI think it's unanimous; Brody's a hunk! I love the whole concept behind this series and can't wait until I have a chance to dive in! Congratulations on your rereleases! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone, for your comments. My cover artist is Kim Killion. She always reads my mind and knows what covers to make for me.
ReplyDelete