I’m not much of a gambler. I don’t quite get the appeal of laying out my hard-earned cash on the off-chance there will be more of it because of some lady named Luck. Vegas holds little appeal for me and I can’t remember the last time I bought a lottery ticket. I guess I just don’t think I’m a lucky person; everything I’ve ever earned took so damn much work.
But last week, I gambled. I spent a little money (just under four figures, for those who are interested) blew on my dice, and threw them across the table with my eyes closed. Well, I not exactly. But I did upload a novel to several sites and became what is known in our industry as “an indy author.”
I self-published Space In His Heart.
This, my friends, is what I’ve lovingly called “the astronaut book” — my first manuscript that for quite some time has been, well, lost in space. Then, a few months ago, my husband woke up and said those five words that terrify and thrill and mesmerize and, occasionally, infuriate every woman who ever had a husband.
Honey, I have an idea.
And, as it turns out, this was one of his better ideas. My husband suggested that the time was right for me to self-publish the astronaut book. I admit I was skeptical at first — this was my first manuscript, though it had been heavily revised over the years and actually contracted by Pocket Books to be my second book. But in 2003, I pulled it from consideration when tragedy struck NASA and we lost the space shuttle Columbia, an eerie coincidence that mirrored the suspense in the book and stunned my friends and neighbors here on the Space Coast of Florida.
Sure, I’d been dying to dip my toes in the swirling waters of self-publishing, but only with the right story. Only with a book I would be every bit as proud of as those I’ve traditionally published. Did “the astronaut book” meet that criteria? Would the story hold up a decade later? Would the writing be strong? Would it reflect my voice, my style, and, most of all, would these characters and this premise appeal to my readers?
I started reading with a skeptical eye…and finished with a teary one.
As much as I hate to say this, my husband was so, so right.
Before self-publishing, of course, I had some work to do. I revised the story to make it relevant to the present day, and I polished and edited until I felt that it read as well as any book I’ve ever written. Then I shared the story with beta readers, who agreed I had a winner. I hired a copyeditor (Anne Victory – amazing!), professional proofreader and formatter (Amy Eye – and, boy, does she have a good one!) and one of the most talented cover artists in our industry, Kim Killion of Hot Damn Designs. (The blistering cover speaks for the quality of her work!)
I really believe that Space In His Heart is everything I want a book with my name on it to be — emotional, romantic, sexy, scary and fun — and the reaction from readers after just one week is confirming that. Readers are telling me this is a “feel good story” that kept them up all night and left them cheering and crying and wanting more. Oh, and the Navy fighter pilot-turned-astronaut hero? Hawt.
Christi Snow, a reviewer with www.smittenwithreading.com, gave it an A+(what more could an overachiever ask for?) and said, “This is easily one of the best books that I have read this year and will definitely be making my top reads of the year. I HIGHLY recommend that you pick this one up. If you love contemporary or romantic suspense, I truly think that you are going to enjoy reading this book. Trust me on this.” We do, Christi!
Honestly, I don’t think I can adequately explain what this response has meant to me. These characters — the first two ever born in my imagination — have always been dear to me, but to have Deke and Jessica loved so much is a thrill beyond anything else I’ve experienced in this business. I always thought this one was a winner, I was just a little afraid to take the risk.
The moral of the story: listen to your husband! Kidding! Let’s not go crazy. The moral is maybe we should gamble once in a while…you never know what could happen!
All right, you know what’s next! The commercial! The blurb! The links! And, yes, there are trading cards!
You MUST read Space In His Heart! It’s available in every e-format (print version will be out in the next two weeks) for only $3.99 – a full-length, never-before-published romantic suspense with a smokin’ hot astronaut hero and the spin doctor who sends him straight to the moon!
Jessica Marlowe is an ambitious PR superstar who has been given the task of “making America fall in love with space” for her client, NASA. Her brilliant idea to pick one super-sexy astronaut and make him “the face of space” thrills her client, but doesn’t appeal to Commander Deke Stockard, her chosen rocket man. Deke wants no parts of this lame PR blitz, especially when he’s in charge of the safety of the next launch…and some very questionable things are happening behind the scenes. But he can’t ignore orders, nor can he ignore Jessica’s sexy, sassy spirit and style. Before long, their highly-charged working relationship turns intimate…but will their love survive a threat of sabotage that could spell the end of the space program?
But of course I’ll give one away! In fact, I’ll give away three today! Just leave a comment and let me know the biggest gamble you’ve ever taken and how it worked out for you. Oh, if you’ve read Space In His Heart already, you’re still entered…this will make a wonderful Christmas present for a friend.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome cover and a fantastic book!
Thanks, Deb. You know EXACTLY how exciting this is! xo
I do!!!
Well, having read Space in His Heart, and having loved every bit of it with all my soul ♥, I just want to say a few things.
It’s funny, you said one of your doubts would be if it’d would hold up a decade later. I was born in 1988. The story happens in 1999. I was just a little piece of human being back then, and, to me, it didn’t make any difference. In fact, I didn’t even remember that’s when the story happened until Jess twisted the cord on the phone (OMG, corded phones, lol!) or something like that. It fits completely TODAY, the story, the characters. And, your voice, your characters, the story, the premise? They would, and have, appealed to your readers, including your YOUNGER readers, at least it did to me.
I ADORED Space in His Heart. It’s by far, one of the best books I’ve read in my life. And that’s because of the chemistry between Deke and Jess. They have such a strong chemistry from the start, that even when they’re bickering and arguing, the sparks are flying and it’s just HOT all around. And it remains consistent the whole time throughout the book, until the whole romance novel thing happens!
And OMG, ♥ My Deke ♥ is soooo funny and sexy and cute and witty!!! Because, as you know, I’ve claimed him my own from day one!!!
I’m SO GLAD you’ve gambled with this, Rocki, because the this book, it needed to go out to play. It really is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I’m sure I’m not the only one! I’m glad it’s out there for everyone to read it and reread it and love it as much as I do!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Oh, Barbie. You make me blush and smile and want to jump up and down with joy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I’m really pleased with the way the story worked out as a flashback — setting the prologue in the present seems to be something readers like a lot. And Deke and Jess do seem to have a magical chemistry, so I’m crazy happy it comes through!
I know – corded phones, right? You’ve missed one of the great feminine joys in life: that heart-pounding thrill of closing your eyes and twisting a phone cord while “that boy” is on the other end, whispering right into your ear. Sigh.
Love you, kiddo. Thanks for the support. xo
You are amazing this book was Awesome! loved Jess and Deke what a pair
loved every word of this book
but loved all of your books
Sue! You are the best reader and fan and I know you hate to comment on blogs, so this means the world to me. Thank you, sweetness!! xo
I’m just starting the book now. Corded phones huh?? I still have one in the garage!
Good luck I know the book will be a hit.
I admit I have one upstairs – princess style. Remember??? Thanks, Catherine! xo
Good luck with your voyage into self publishing. It sounds like you’re on the right track by doing it professionally with editors and proodfreaders. I read a recent post by Ilona Andrews talking about how important quality is for self publishing authors, especially those who are already established.
I’m not a risk taker at all. The biggest ones to date have just been purchasing cars, my biggest expenses. The first one, a Corolla, is now 16 and still going strong in my sister’s hands. My new used one (2009) is almost at the 1 year mark with me with no problems. So I’ve done well.
Oh, someone with a car older than mine…your sister! LOL! Thanks for stopping by! xo
it’s great to see you setting an example for other would-be indies – getting each piece of the book exactly right before “launching” it (ha, couldn’t resist). Maybe being a perfectionist is the perfect preparation for this venture. You have just about the best cover I’ve seen yet on an indie book, too
Launch jokes are welcome!! I’m sure the book isn’t perfect – in fact, I know it isn’t. I found a typo after it had been up a few days and my proofer/formatter (after wailing in agony) had new copies in my hands in minutes and I reloaded the book. That’s the BEAUTY of doing it yourself. I find typos in my trad pubbed books and they are there FOREVER. This one was fixed in minutes. xo
I already have it and it’s next in the queue. I have some “waiting in line” time the next few days and I know it’ll keep me highly entertained!
I have two unsold series that I adore and if they don’t find a publishing home, I’m going the self-pub route myself. You and Deb are so brave to lead the way! All the best with this one Rocki. May you have mega sales! 😀
Thank you, Silver! I hope you love the book and the lines are short! xo
It’s on my Nook. Welcome to the world of indie (with help–yes, it’s still a team effort) publishing. With your name, talent, and following, you’ll do well. VERY well.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Thanks, Terry. My expectations are (were) very modest, and they’ve been blown away in five days, so I’m really optimistic about this business! That’s a GREAT feeling! xo
I’d love a chance to win a copy. I LOVE LOVE your characters. Congrats on the book. May many more follow.
Thank you, TrishJ! You are SO entered!! xo
Congrats on your release! Sounds like an amazing book. I can’t say I have ever gambled, lady luck is just not on my side.
Nor mine, QL. I don’t believe in luck – just hard work! Thanks for stopping by! xo
Meeting someone in a chat room 11 yrs ago. As i was driving to see him i said to myself what the hell am i thinking, he could be a psycho buthere we are and next july it will be 10 yrs we’ve been married!!!
Whoa, Maria! That IS a big gamble. So glad it paid off. But, if you were my daughter, I’d kill you. 🙂 xo
I am sooooooooo freakin’ glad you pubbed this book on your own. Knowing what I know now after reading it, how did I get through the day without it??? 🙂 Loved every bit of this book. I bought it with the intent of getting to it at some point…my TBR is enormous and I’m trying really hard to read the stuff that’s been sitting for awhile. But, one of my book club friends posted that I must read it now. She posted in ALL CAPS, so I knew this was not to be ignored!!! 🙂 I’m a smart girl, so I listened to her and am soooooo glad I did!!! Those of you who haven’t read it yet…forget Christmas shopping, forget work, sleep, whatever…stop what you’re doing and READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
Oh, Kris, thank you SO much! I’m so, so honored that you loved the book! Go kiss your friend for me!!! xo
Rocki, I’m reading it now and loving it! Congratulations!
Thank you so much, Jen!! xo
I chose this book as an anniversary present from my husband to me. He knew it was on my list and that I couldn’t wait. He knows me so well :). I am a NASA fan to the core and could not wait a moment longer to read this book. In fact, I even entered and won Toni McGee Causey’s contest last week and WON a copy but it was too late. I’d already read the entire book.
As a teenager I spent a week at Space Camp and even majored in engineering in college. Life got away with me and I chose family over career and never made it to the Air Force as planned (I married a Marine instead). I’ve been known to wear my flight suit as a Halloween costume. I was in junior high when the Challenger happened, a day I will never forget. Columbia was another sad day.
This book touched my heart in so many ways. It was real to me, I could picture all of it in my head. I could actually picture the Endeavor in the hangar and all the technical aspects. The mechanics of the shuttle itself were clear pictures in my head. The way this book was lovingly written made it all so easy for me to see!
My favorite connection had to be how Jessica not only fell in love with Deke (how could she not?) but how she fell in love with NASA. It is a passion as important as loving Deke.
Thank you for pouring your heart into this book. And THANK YOU for publishing it yourself. This book is at the top of my favorite list and will always remain there.
We are going on a cruise in Aug 2012. We (I) planned it specifically so we could depart out of Cape Canaveral so I can spend a day at Kennedy. We are even staying in Cocoa Beach. If it is possible, I feel the vacation will be that much more amazing since I’ve read this book. I really cannot wait. Don’t tell my husband, but I’m more excited about visiting KSC than the cruise itself.
Thanks again for believing in Jessica and Deke and the magic of Space in His Heart. I LOVE IT!
Heather E
Heather!! Crying!! Wow, what a beautiful letter. I read it three times and you gave me chills. Yes, Jessica falling in love with NASA and what the organization stands for is a BIG part of the story to me — but I don’t make a huge deal out of it because that’s not what romance readers want.
To be perfectly honest, this book was ROUNDLY rejected when I first started writing because, New York said, no one wants to read about an astronaut or space. So glad they thought that because there is an extra special joy that comes with self-pubbing a book of one’s heart.
I love the Kennedy tour – I’ve taken it several times. (The Astronaut’s Memorial is just breathtaking.) You will be in my neighborhood next August! We should have a drink and toast Deke and Jessica!
Thank you again for that note and all your support! xo
Would love to have a drink with you to toast Deke and Jessica! We’ve got a long way to go until August, but I’ll shoot you an email when it gets closer. If we can meet, great. If not, I completely understand. Really looking forward to my first trip to Florida! Merry Christmas!
Biggest gamble was deciding to go to grad school with no money in my pocket. Worked out pretty well, since I met my hubby there and we’ve got two great kids now. It’s been 31 years so far! (Oh, and school was fun, too!)
Good for you, Sue! Congrats and thank you! xo
Biggest gamble I have taken was marrying my husband after 4 months of dating. We have been married 8 years and it is going great. 🙂
Congrats on your book. 🙂
Four months doesn’t seem like a long time, so that is a huge gamble! No wonder you’re a romance reader! You live one! xo
Rocki, congrats on your gamble paying off. So nice to hear about “winners”! Will have to check the story out because if its anything like your other books its going to be fabu!
My biggest gamble – saying yes when my boyfriend of a few months asked me to marry him. Here we are 15 years later and still going strong. Some times, it pays to gamble.
And another who gambled on love after a few months! Congratulations – you are obviously a winner in love! xo
I don’t gamble often because I already know I have an addictive personality. But I am loving the thrill of self-publishing. Of watching the sales grow by the day. Of getting emails asking for the next one. (That will never get old!!)
Oh yes!! The numbers are fun. (Every morning for five days, my husband rolls over and says, ‘Go see what you sold overnight.’ I know, so romantic!)
The reader response on this book is, without a doubt, the biggest thrill of all! I know you know the feeling! xo
My biggest was when I quit my job and moved cities without having a new one yet. It did end up working out as I got one better suited to what I wanted to do, starting entry level again though is hard. But was a scary couple months.
Oh, Donna, moving to a new city is hard and without a job is doubly hard. BIG gamble! xo
Having you on FB is a great help in watching what you are doing and keeping up with your new books. Downloaded Space in His Heart the first day you said it was available, but have been sick with the flu. Unable to read as all my plugs aren’t sparking right now, but am so looking forward to when my brain is twisted back in correctly. Then I’ll give it a shot again and knowing all the other books of yours I have already read, I’m quite sure of this one’s success already. Thanks for sharing your talent with us all, as we of little talent can appreciate your gift all the more.
Peggy, get better soon!! Something icky is about, so just rest and take care of yourself. Thanks for downloading the book – I hope you love it! xo
I just *adored* this book! I adored it so much I stayed up until 3 AM reading it. I adored it as a romance reader but maybe moreso I adored it as a former Space Shuttle contract worker. For twenty *&^$% years I’ve said NASA needed a good PR firm to get America interested in space again.
I grew up with the space program. My mother missed my 4th grade play to stay home and watch Alan Shepard launch. When I met him years later I told him I forgave him. LOL!
I watched in horror when Challenger exploded, and then rode out the re-building years in a town that is called Rocket City USA because this is where von Braun and his team lived and worked. Then came the Columbia disaster and more recovery. And when Atlantis made her last launch, I did some research and discovered that on the same day in 1994 I watched Columbia launch from the VIP section at Cape Canaveral (the ex-husband WAS good for something!).
I understand why this book was so close to your heart. I read the last page, sighed a romantic sigh and turned off the Kindle. And every so often I think of Deke-the-namesake and sigh again.
Kiss your husband for me for whispering those 5 words. I’m so glad he had the idea and so glad you pursued it. We’re all swooning and sighing as a result.
Biggest gamble? Going back to work after a divorce and a 15-year absence from the job market (the Shuttle job was my last one). So far it’s working out pretty good for me.
I love your perspective, Marilyn, and thank you so much for your amazing review on Amazon! I’ve already sent it to my local paper, LOL! A different angle on the book, which should get some coverage here on the Space Coast. Thank you for being such a good reader and dear friend. I’m so PROUD of you for taking that gamble! xo
So exciting, congrats! I haven’t found it for my ereader yet so I’ll look out for the paperback edition (and keep my fingers crossed for the draw haha) A guy in a spacesuit is just as sexy as all the other men in uniform!
My biggest gamble was actually dropping out of university (I know, generally frowned upon!) I spent 3 years learning to become a teacher, what I’ve wanted to do my whole life, when I just realized it wasn’t for me. So I dropped out, moved home and now I’m doing marketing in the library I’ve worked out since I was 16. I’ve found my niche and LOVE marketing! And I’ve moved out of my parent’s basement into my first apartment. This gamble paid off for sure!
Nicole, what do you mean you haven’t found it for your ereader yet? This terrifies me! Can’t you get it on http://www.smashwords.com? What kind of ereader do you have? What format do you need it in? I’ll help you!! xo
I have a Kobo, and it isn’t available through the kobo website or another ebook website I frequent (booksonboard).
I didn’t even know about Smashwords though! Thanks for pointing it out to me, I am not the proud e-owner of Space in His Heart! Can’t wait to read it!
I think it will be up on Kobo shortly. I’m waiting for a few “approvals” and I think that’s one of them. There’s so much to learn in this self-pubbing gig! Thanks, enjoy! xo
Whoops..glad you could see I meant now and not ‘not’. haha
i don’t even know?? Getting married? Hubby would love that. Going in the Army i guess that’s a gamble but i’m here so it’s good. Losing weight? I’ve lost 27 lbs since July joining #RBW and i need 3 more to mee my goal for the 6 months. I’ve never tried to lose weight before so it was a gamble to put myself out there and risk screwing it up and being made fun of for not losing. Paying off big!! so far. 4 weeks to go til the end of the challenge.
I am so happy that you got this book out there. I remember you telling me before a year or two maybe about it. Now was the perfect time i guess. I haven’t bought it yet because my life is always nuts in December and everything that can happen does to me. lol I will this week though unless i win one of course. Then i’ll buy one in paperback too.
Congrats on another successful book!
Lisa B
TWENTY SEVEN POUNDS SINCE JULY!? Go you! That is amazing!! Congratulations to YOU! xo
Congrats! Can’t wait to read it. Love your writing.
Thanks, Joyce. I’m pretty sure you’ll love this one, too! xo
I loved this book, my fav read in awhile!! I didn’t know to much about NASA so that part of it was very interesting, I was on the edge of my chair hoping Deke would make it safely home!! The biggest risk I’ve taken was to live my dream by buying a restaraunt with my husbands blessing and then learning all the ins and outs of the industry. I had to learn to cook, I was the Hamburger Helper queen, learn book-keeping, managing staff, and a whole host of other things to numerous to mention. It was a very stressful time for me but I’m so glad I took the challenge, we’ve had it 11 years now and it’s getting easier. Always go for your dream, you don’t know what you can achieve unless you try!!
Thanks, Jacquie! I don’t think I knew you owned a restaurant! You MUST read Louisa Edwards fabulous culinary romances! Congrats to you on following your dream – that’s a great story! xo
I’m not much of a gambler but when mu Hubby was let go, we decided to move from where we both were born and start fresh in another province.
Fresh starts are a GOOD thing, Diane! xo
Hi Roxanne
Congrats on the self pub success (told ya lol). I’m so looking forward to reading & reviewing SPACE. Even though I have this book I’ll tell you my biggest gamble.
Hubby proposed 3 weeks after we met. We worked for the same company in different cities & had only talked on the phone till then. We got married 6 months later. 29 years later he is ‘still the one’.
Three WEEKS!?! Wow. You know, all these proposals-after-weeks gamblers makes me want to do a blog on the subject! thanks for stopping by…can’t wait for your review! xo
Biggest gamble for me? Getting married? Having kids? Normal life is full of such big gambles.
Congrats on the release!
So true, LSU – crossing the street is a gamble. Fortunately, I’m on deadline and haven’t made it past the mailbox in a week, LOL! Thank you! xo
Hey Rocki, sorry I’m late to the party. I bought this book on release day, and I love it. My headspace isn’t great right now, and it is hitting me on a very emotional level. I love the push and pull between Deke and Jessica. This book has my heart racing and I have to stop because the imagination takes off. I am savouring it…reading one or two chapters a night…that’s how much it’s affecting me. It’s a great read and everything I expect from a Roxanne St. Claire book. Glad you took that gamble. Great job, and thank you so much for creating stories that help to make my life a little brighter. Hope all is well.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
And it’s not a party until you’re here! Hey, December is never easy for a lot of people (I’ve resisted the urge to blog about how I feel about the holiday season) and 2011 has just been a bag of rocks for so many!. You are one of the sweetest, kindest people I know…I hope the book gives you cheer, that Santa is good to you, and you know how much you are loved! xo
I moved from one side of the country to the other to make a fresh start. It worked out very well for me. Life is good.
Good for you, Mary! Moving and marriage seem to be the big “gambles” on this topic! xo
Well, I’m still in the middle of my gamble:) A couple years ago I sold my website and decided to focus on writing both fiction and nonfiction. I’m still working on doing more with both. The nonfiction is going good, but I’ve been writing that a long time. The fiction is slower going since it’s new to me, but I’m getting there!
Congrats on your gamble!
Biggest gamble was leaving my job to provide parental care. Although there were times I felt like banging my head against the wall, I don’t regret the years
involved.
SPACE IN MY HEART is next on my list to read, followed by Lori’s COWBOY CASANOVA.
Sorry- meant SPACE IN HIS HEART!