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Spotlight on Cate Rowan
 Posted by Gwynlyn MacKenzie Nov 29 2010, 12:01 am in author interview, Cate Rowan, e-publishing, Kismet's Kiss, new publishing avenues, romance, Ruby Release, writer's journey Sometimes, something about a person briefly met sticks in your mind. I first met Cate Rowan in 2007, but we were both GH finalists and, amid all the hubbub, had little time to do more than wave and smile. The sunshine in Cate’s smile is what I remembered most vividly. In 2009, we were finalist together again, and I got to know the multi-faceted lady behind that wonderful smile; I also discovered her sweet nature didn’t preclude a keen mind or a titanium backbone. NY had no place for Cate’s groundbreaking novel, Kismet’s Kiss, despite two GH nods and multiple other awards. It didn’t fit in any of the marketing pigeonholes. Cate knew she had a good story, a unique story, a story readers would appreciate and, being Cate, didn’t take no for an answer. Instead, she decided she liked being the unique bird she is and flew off to seek a new nest. She left the pigeonholes to NY (and the pigeons,) and set about creating an elegant niche for herself. Oops, the storyteller in me is taking over. Time to step back and let Cate share her journey. So, without further ado, please welcome our Ruby Sister (and resident Titanium Magnolia,) Cate Rowan!  So tell us, Cate, what made you decide to try your hand at writing romance? I’ve been scribbling fiction since Jr. High School–and let’s not calculate how long ago that’s been, shall we? Ahem. Thanks to my dad, who gave me Tolkien’s The Hobbit (the really cool version illustrated from the animated film!) when I was seven, I grew up loving fantasy. After Tolkien, I found C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series, Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, Ursula K. LeGuin’s Earthsea trilogy, and Anne McCaffrey’s Pern. Boom–I was utterly hooked. The Pern books led me toward romance, since many of them have a romantic subplot. I adored that aspect without even knowing there was more of it to be found in the world. I finally discovered the full romance genre in the 1990s, and all my writing after that melded fantasy and romance. Hooray for love! Kismet’s Kiss has a rather controversial premise for Romance. What spawned it? The hero, Kuramos, was something of a villain in a prequel. Hmm, “villain” isn’t quite the right word–“foe” is more appropriate. Anyway, he arrived in my head as the sultan of a desert realm, and like many historical sultans, he had multiple wives. But as I wrote that novel, I realized how much Kuramos fascinated me, wives and all. The whole story glowed when he showed up, even though he wasn’t the book’s hero. I knew he deserved a book all his own, and a woman who would teach him the real meaning of love–and of humility. So, when I wrote Kismet’s Kiss, the hero was a character with an established backstory and in the complicated situation of having six wives, as was required for the honor of a sultan and the necessary political ties of his rank. My challenge became how to bring about a Happily Ever After under those circumstances–and not just for him and the very monogamous heroine, Varene, but for all his wonderful wives, as well! Each of them is very much an individual. They’re women I came to respect and love through the story. I didn’t have a clue how I’d manage the HEA until I was two-thirds of the way through (and I’m usually a plotter, not a pantser!), but it worked out beautifully for everyone and paved the way for a series. Kismet’s Kiss has been a finalist in and/or won many contests, but the very thing that made it so special kept it from being published. Most writers would have written another, more commercial book, trying to please Miss Gulch and keep Toto alive. What prompted you to to leave Kansas and head to the magical land of Oz instead? Yep, the premise attracted attention. The King and I and Anna and the King are just two examples of our culture’s persistent fascination with true love and polygamy, not to mention Big Love and now Sister Wives. But at the time, NY didn’t seem sure what to do with Kismet’s Kiss. I also learned that romance houses thought Kismet’s Kiss had too much fantasy, and fantasy houses thought it had too much romance. This goes back to longstanding marketing constraints in traditional publishing. This book blends both of my favorite genres, but books need to be shelved in a particular place in physical bookstores–for example, either Fantasy/SF or Romance. Fortunately, online bookstores don’t have that constraint. Books–both ebooks and physical books–can be cyber-shelved in multiple areas, and that means there’s more freedom for authors to write “out of the box” stories that still reach readers. You know your RS Sisters are in awe of your decision to self-publish to e-format and know you have long been a fan and proponent of e-books. Can you tell us some of the pros and cons you weighed in making this courageous decision? Was there any one thing that pushed your decision process over the edge? Whew, it was a long and complicated process. I’d been working seriously toward traditional publication for a decade by the time I made my decision. I’d had three agents, 36 contest finals (including two for Kismet’s Kiss in the Golden Heart), eight contest wins, and two publishing offers. I’d accepted one of the offers and soon realized it wasn’t the right situation. Fortunately, sometimes there are other great ways to achieve a goal. I’d been following the developments in digital publishing since late 2007 when Amazon announced the Kindle. I’d always sworn I would stick with paper books–the smell, the feel, the nostalgia–but when the Kindle was announced, I could see that a lot of things were about to change. Hmm, an e-reader backed by the marketing muscle of the biggest bookstore (and one of the biggest stores, period) on Earth? Well, sign me up! But even though I came to cherish the Kindle reading experience (I’m rebuying my library in Kindle versions because I prefer it to print!), it took me several more years to believe that self-published novelists could really make a go of it. Fortunately, they really, really can, and things are going to get even better. Authors are now able to reach a lot of readers without needing distribution in physical bookstores, and I think we’re just at the beginning of the digital publishing wave. This is terrific news for anyone who writes (or wants to write) books that stretch traditional marketing boundaries, or who wants to have more control over their product. (DIYers and perfectionists are perfect candidates for this. And yes, um, I resemble that remark.) There are so many more options now than there were even three years ago. Each novel may have a different “ideal publishing home” among the range of NY to small press to self-pub/indie, and there are plenty of reasons to consider different paths depending on a particular story’s needs. You run your own business and also write. It must be difficult to corral your creative urges into one format or the other when required. What’s your secret? I wish I could steal Hermione Granger’s Time-Turner so I could do more with both. 24 hours is a tad limiting, don’t you think? Before I built my business, I was employed full-time and was more productive with my writing–perhaps because I hated my job. If you could do one thing differently in your writing journey, what would it be? I’d self-publish earlier than I did. Oh–and write faster! What’s next in the continuing saga of Cate Rowan’s writing journey? AND how soon can we expect it to join Kismet’s Kiss on the cyber-shelves? When I first published Kismet’s Kiss, it was only available on the Amazon Kindle platform. Now it’s in every digital format known to readerkind, and can be found online at B&N, Smashwords, the Sony Reader store, Kobo, and even the iPad store (or so I’m told. Wish I had an iPad to check it myself, LOL). I’ve also just changed the bookcover to highlight the story’s sensuality. Aaaaaaand, Kiss should be available in print at Amazon by mid-December for about $7.99. Have I mentioned how much I love Amazon? They’ve been fantastic to indie authors. There are two prequels to Kismet’s Kiss (that I know of at this point, anyway!). The first is The Source of Magic. It was a contest finalist or winner sixteen times and should be available in the first quarter of 2011 at all the above venues. There are also sequels to Kismet’s Kiss on the way. Thanks for the Spotlight, dear Gwynlyn!
2007 & 2009 Romance Writers of America Kismet’s Kiss is available for the Amazon Kindle (both U.K. and U.S.A / worldwide), Barnes & Noble Nook, and in all other e-reader formats at Smashwords. Don’t have an e-reader? You can still read it as a PDF—or on any PC, Mac, iPhone, Android/Droid, Blackberry, or iPad. Share:
              
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Now I’m lucky to love my business and my writing, so they’re both a lot of fun for me and my creativity has many outlets. Plus I’m learning even more about marketing books, something that my business side has been interested in for a long time. I’m just getting started with that and have so much more to learn, but I wouldn’t trade a thing!
Hurray, Cate! I’m so so thrilled to hear that Kismet’s Kiss will be out in paper soon! (And I love the new cover.) I think I may have a Kindle by Christmas (if anyone in my family happens to read this…hint, hint!!) but I still love having my Sister’s books together on my shelves.
I wonder how many of us got our first taste of Romance from the Dragonrider books? I loved, loved, loved LeGuin too when I was young. You’re doing a fabulous job of following in their footsteps!
Wow, what a journey, Cate. I’m really looking forward to reading Kismet’s Kiss…just as soon as I open that wrapped box that’s sitting on my husband’s desk, which I’m pretty sure is a kindle for me. (Yes–I dropped some not-too-subtle hints about what I wanted for the holidays.)
And I love the new cover.
Thanks for the cover love, ladies! I hope you both get your Kindles. What a great gift.
Elisa, I think I read DRAGONFLIGHT in 7th grade (and let me say right now how much I appreciate the teacher who put it in my hands). I’m glad you had the same experience with Pern that I did. Each book had enough romance to whet my appetite for the next and then I was enticed into the genre fold.
And LeGuin is such a lovely writer.
Cate, I’m so not a fantasy person, but I loved Kismet’s Kiss. Very well-written, definitely a page turner, and I think what drew me in most was the historical feel to the fantasy. The marketplace, the palace, the clothes – all very reminescent of Aladdin.
I’m very proud of you for striking out on your own, and I know the more people who discover your brilliant story, the more we’ll see epublishing as a legitimate vehicle for a deserving author.
What a great warm fuzzy–thank you so much, Liz! I love hearing that you found Kismet’s Kiss totally accessible even though you’re not a dyed-in-the-wool fantasy gal. Kad’s desert setting, with all its details and sensuality, was definitely one of my favorite places to write about.
And ALADDIN! Now why didn’t I remember that one when preparing my marketing? It’s one of my favorite movies. Robin Williams is amazing.
“PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS! Itty bitty living space.”
>>>PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS! Itty bitty living space.
Hahaha!!!! Haven’t thought about that line in years! Loved it!
Heehee! There are plenty more listed at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103639/quotes. I need to go put the DVD on my wishlist…
Cate, it’s been so amazing hearing your journey step by step. Like your other Ruby Sisters, I wish you much success, and I look forward to reading your entire series!
Thanks, Tina! It’s a fun journey and I’m just glad to have such wonderful Sisters around to share it with.
As for the series, I look forward to writing more of it. I have the feeling that two of the wives in particular (Zahlia and Sulya) are going to take me for quite a ride.
Just goes to prove you can’t keep a good book down.
*happy sniff* Thank you, Kelly!
Sometimes, publishers’ perceptions of what’s marketable and what’s not gives me the fits. I wish they’d give readers more credit for flexibility and imagination. Thankfully we’re writing in a time where there are alternate methods to get fabulous stories the readership they so richly deserve.
Congratulations, Cate – and I’m so glad this book is being released in print!
Hi Tamara! Publishing is a funny beast, isn’t it? It blew my mind when I realized that big publishers consider the major distributors to be their customers, not the readers–not even bookstores.
Seems to me those extra layers of middlemen obscure information about reader’s tastes. I wonder what trends will emerge in the next decade as sales become more direct?
I must confess I haven’t taken to reading e-books yet, but I’m getting tempted to buy an e-reader. I’m happy to hear your book will be available in print soon. Congratulations on your success with self-publishing.
Thanks, Laurie! Yes, I think e-readers are becoming more and more tempting for everyone, especially as the prices come down. Amazon recently offered an $89 deal on their previous-generation Kindle. (They were gone in seconds, though, LOL.) By this time next year I wouldn’t be surprised if e-readers are closer to $50.
What a great interview, Cate and Gwynlyn!!! Cate, you are so adorable. I can’t wait to read this. I am working my way through Ruby books right now and yours is coming up, squee!!! I’m so excited!!!
~D~
I used to be a fast reader who went through several books a week, and now it’s more like a book a month (arrgh). But I have all the Sisters’ books in a special category on my Kindle and I look forward to all the Ruby goodness. I’m eagerly awaiting your Kindle release, gal!
Cate, love the new cover and congrats on the upcoming print release! Do you think you’ll ever transition to traditional publishing or are you planning to stick with self-pub for good?
Thanks, Vivi! I hope my publishing decisions will always depend on what’s right for a particular book. So far I’m happy self-publishing this series, whereas books set elsewhere might need a different approach. As a business person, though, I’m always open to new opportunities–as long as they make more sense than what I’m already doing, and are likely to remain sensible in the longer term as the industry changes.
Cate, you know I loved Kismet’s Kiss, and I love my Kindle!!! So what other biz is it that you’re in? Color me behind the times, as usual.
You’re not behind, I just tend to keep it kinda quiet.
It’s http://Women-Ink.com.
Woot! LOVE the redesigned cover.
Thank you for sharing your publishing journey with us. I’ve learned do much. Here’s to continued success with Amazon. You deserve it.
I’m delighted you love the cover, Rita! Robin Ludwig did a wonderful design based on my original one. I’d been a little worried about whether a romance-y couple would turn off some fantasy readers, but I think it helps express the sensuality of the story…and maybe that’s always a good thing.
Like YEAH- Sensuality sure does sell.
How interesting that Kuramos started out as sort of an antagonist in the previous book. I remember hints of that story creeping up in Kismet’s Kiss.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kismet’s Kiss and would love to read the prequel. Love the new cover too!
Love the new cover, Cate! I know some of us saw previews of it, but the final font for the title is terrific!
And as always, I’ll point out how much I loved your book! I might just buy a couple print copies as Christmas gifts this year!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jeannie Lin, Cate Rowan. Cate Rowan said: A 5-star fantasy romance in a mythical desert realm–learn about an indie author's journey: http://bit.ly/f1HHHg #selfpub [...]
Thanks, Jeannie and Kim!
Yes, Kuramos was a delicious antagonist in that previous story, and he earned his redemption in it. I look forward to getting that prequel onto the shelves next year.
Kim, I love the final title font, too. The first one was beautiful, but I think this one fitst the story better. I must have looked through 500 Arabian calligraphy-style fonts, and although most were gorgeous, they lose readability at thumbnail size–a real bummer. This one is a nice blend of readability and appropriateness.
Cate, I think in a few years we’ll be looking back and calling you one of the first to break through with best-sellerdom and marketing brilliance in self-publishing in the e-pub revolution. As a dyed in the wool follower, I’ll be watching your career evolve into the stratosphere as I stand on the ground and say “I knew her when.”
That’s aiming high–I like the way you think, Kate!
I’m fortunate that there are a number of smart indie authors leading the way and sharing what they’ve learned. They include Zoe Winters, April L. Hamilton, Amanda Hocking, J.A. Konrath, and Edward C. Patterson, among many others. Some of us were traditionally published before heading out into the Wild Blue Yonder and others jumped straight into the Wild, but we’re all figuring out the Wild as we go. Fortunately, the discovery process is a lot of fun!
Ooh…how great (for me) that _Kismet’s Kiss_ is coming out in print! I’ve asked for a Kindle for Xmas, but if that doesn’t happen, I’ll still finally get the chance to finish your book after having been lucky enough to read the first few chapters. I can’t wait!
Aww, thanks, Elise!
I should have gotten the print version done sooner. Truth be told, I was a little afraid of how much work the formatting would be. It was definitely a p.i.t.a., but I’m so glad I did it and learned how. Formatting the next book should be much faster, now that I’ve learned from my mistakes and created a system.
I still hope you get that Kindle, though, just because they’re great!