Ever wondered what’s on an author’s bucket list? Today, Kaitlyn Davis, author of the newly released The Raven and the Dove, is sharing her list including what she’s accomplished as well as future goals.
My Author Bucket List
What I’ve Crossed Off and What’s Still to Come!
by Kaitlyn Davis
It’s funny to think back to 2011 when I published my first book, Ignite. At the time, I was working in marketing at a traditional publishing house. All my colleagues scoffed at the idea of independent publishing, but in secret, I sort of loved it. The genre I wanted to write at the time, paranormal romance, was unpublishable in their eyes. Not to mention that as a total control freak, I relished the thought of owning the entire process. If I failed, I failed on my terms. If I succeeded, well…it was almost too sweet to imagine.
But imagine I did.
Before that book went on sale, I would’ve been happy selling ten copies to ten people I didn’t know, just to be able to fulfil my dream of being an author. But as that series began to gain traction, eventually going on to sell over a quarter of a million books, my goals got a little loftier. Here are some of the ones I crossed off, and the ones I’m still reaching for!
Goals I Achieved:
- Seeing my books in hardcopy and on the shelves of a bookstore! – When I published my first book, indie publishing was still very new and getting hard copies was nearly impossible. I sometimes thought I’d never see my books in print. Now, all that’s changed! For The Raven and the Dove, I have paperbacks and hardcovers available to preorder for the first time, and they went on sale the same day as the ebook. Over the years, I’ve also been sent photographs from some wonderful booksellers showing my books on their shelves, which is a magical feeling.
- Creating audiobooks and listening to my characters come to life! – Again, back in 2011, audiobooks seemed like a pipe dream. Even traditional publishers were only doing that with their bestsellers. Now, about half of my books are available in audio and I’m starting to work on the audio for The Raven and the Dove as we speak 🙂
- Having my books translated into a foreign language! – This is still REALLY exciting because it only just happened a few months ago! Since I don’t have an agent, I never dreamed of being able to sell foreign rights to publishers overseas. However, last year I was contacted by two foreign publishing houses. I have one deal signed, and one in the works, which is incredible. I can’t wait to hold the translations in my hands!
- Hosting a book signing and meeting my readers! – I’m a really shy person, so book signings both terrify and excite me, lol. Because of that, I haven’t had many. BUT meeting the people who have read and loved my books is an amazing feeling, and I really should try to do this more. One year, I’d love to go to Penned Con and get a table to really push myself out of my comfort zone. I’ll add that to my future goals…
- Publishing in multiple genres! – With traditional publishing, it can sometimes be difficult to branch out with different genres, which is one of the reasons I love the freedom of indie publishing. I started out writing young adult novels under my maiden name, Kaitlyn Davis, and I was so excited when I launched my pen name, Kay Marie, to write contemporary romance as well. They’re my two favorite genres to read/write, and I’m blessed to be able to follow my inspiration wherever it leads me.
Goals I’m Still Working On (…and might never achieve, which is okay! A girl’s got to dream, right?!)
- To hit the New York Times or USA Today best sellers list! – One of my books was reviewed by USA Today, but hitting a list would be a dream. It’s more difficult as an indie author, but not impossible!
- To see one of my books made into a movie or television show! – I mean, I think every author secretly wants this to happen.
- To catch someone reading one of my books in public! – Please, someone, ride the subway reading one of my books and cross paths with me. I would probably faint!
- To stumble upon fan art of my characters! – I’ve had artwork commissioned, but to see someone draw my characters out of pure love for them would be so wonderful.
- Sell 1 million copies of my books! – It’s just a cool number to be able to say, lol. I’m a little more than halfway there, so I’m sure I’ll hit it some day!
I’m probably forgetting so many things, but that’s the list…for now! Are any of you aspiring authors? What are some of the goals you hope you’ll one day achieve?
About the Book
by Kaitlyn Davis
Series: The Raven and the Dove #1
Published on March 9, 2020 by Kaitlyn Davis Mosca
ISBN: 9781087812618
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 506
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Four fates collide in this avian-inspired, epic fantasy retelling of Tristan and Isolde perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo!
A princess longing to be free...
On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky waiting at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.
A bastard aching to belong...
Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother, Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.
Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart...
Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea ten thousand feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.
Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you'll never see coming, don't miss The Raven and the Dove!
About Austine
I'm a 20-something research proposal developer with a background in the life sciences and education. Reviewer of books since 2011, amateur photographer by day, and aspiring author by night. I believe animals (and books) are better than people.
Thank you so much for joining the tour and sharing this guest post!! I had a blast putting it together 🙂 So fun to look back on my career, and so motivating to think about all of the things I still want to reach for!
I love reading author interviews. Big congrats to this author for all her success!