Kate M. Colby's Blog, page 23
October 22, 2015
Blog Tour: The Cogsmith’s Daughter by Kate M. Colby
Have you been wondering why Desertera is a wasteland and why the heck they would outlaw adultery? Head over to Teri’s blog for an excerpt that explains all!
Originally posted on Books & Such:
I’m honored to have Kate M. Colby as a guest on Books & Such today! Her book, TheCogsmith’s Daughter, was released on October 15th and Kate is here today to tell us more about the world of Desertera.
The Religion of Desertera
If you’ve been following my blog tour, you’ll know quite a bit about Desertera, the world of my novel, The Cogsmith’s Daughter. (If you haven’t been following, welcome to the party!) In short, Desertera is a dystopian steampunk world without steam—a desert wasteland that renders the steam-powered mechanisms of the former steampunk society useless. After all, without excess water to create steam, the society’s technology cannot be powered.
But how did Desertera get this way? How did the world go from a typical steampunk society (much like the traditional, Victorian-era London commonly depicted in books of the genre) to a post-apocalyptic wasteland? Here’s an excerpt…
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Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: book launch, desertera, dystopian, fiction, novel, science fiction, steampunk
October 21, 2015
What It “Really” Takes to Write and Publish a Novel
Have you ever wondered what it REALLY takes to write and publish a novel? Head on over to Amanda’s site to find out!
Originally posted on Reading Over People's Shoulders...:
Please give a big welcome to Kate. M Colby. This rad gal is an amazingly talented writer! I am excited to be hosting one of her articles in honour of her newly released book, The Cogsmith’s Daughter. You need to go check this gal out ASAP and snap up a copy.
I had the privileged of Beta-reading The Cogsmith’s Daughter for Kate early in her process. Her world building is beautiful and her characters are dynamic. You can’t help getting sucked in. I’m enjoying it just as much (ok, more!) the second time. It’s amazing to see how the work has changed from rough draft to a polished, professional, novel.
As an aspiring author myself I wanted some truth bombs straight from the horse’s mouth. Kate has graciously given us an inside look at what it really takes to publish a novel.
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Kate M. Colby is an author of cross-genre fiction and creative…
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October 20, 2015
Take A Tour Of Desertera with Guest Author Kate M. Colby
Today, I’m taking Helen’s readers on a tour of Desertera, the world of The Cogsmith’s Daughter. All aboard!
Originally posted on Journey To Ambeth:
Today I welcome guest author Kate M. Colby to the blog. Kate recently published her first book, The Cogsmith’s Daughter, a steampunk dystopian story set in the fictional world of Desertera. Today she takes us on a tour of the world she’s created…
The world of my novel, The Cogsmith’s Daughter, is Desertera. I call it a post-apocalyptic, steampunk dystopian wasteland—which is a mouthful…and not exactly that helpful to those who aren’t familiar with these genres. So, today, I want to give you all a little tour of Desertera and teach you more about this world that I’ve cooked up. But first, we have to start with a brief history lesson.
Roughly two hundred years prior to the start of my novel, the world of my characters looked very similar to our world from two centuries ago. They had an organized government (monarchy), cities with electricity, vehicles, and…
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October 19, 2015
New Author ALERT!
We’re kicking off week two of The Cogsmith’s Daughter Book Launch Blog Tour with an interview hosted by author Jonas Lee. Watch or listen to hear more about my writing process and plans for the Desertera series!
Originally posted on Jonas Lee:
Before I get to it, today marks my second WordPress anniversary! Woohoo!! Where’s the confetti and cake?? And… as far as presents, I have one for you instead. I sat down with author of the newly released Steampunk Dystopian novel, The Cogsmith’s Daughter, Kate M. Colby. We had a little talk about her processes, ideas and where it all came from. I hope you have a chance to listen and/or watch.
And if you already trust me in saying this is an awesome book, click on one of the links below! Buy an eBook and register to win a signed paperback version on Goodreads!
Amazon:
Click the PIC
Goodreads Giveaway Click HERE
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October 18, 2015
The Cogsmith’s Daughter by Kate M. Colby: A Review
Charles provided the first (and 5 star) review of The Cogsmith’s Daughter! Check it out!
Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
I read The Cogsmith’s Daughter by Kate M. Colby, and I loved this book. Ms. Colby’s novel is a combination of steampunk, dystopia, and social critique. Her antagonist, Aya Cogsmith, is a well-drawn and rich character, full of the strengths and weaknesses of a human being. We see fully developed characters in this novel, in addition to careful plotting and a well-thought out world that not only shows the characteristics of steampunk but also illustrates the problems with class and privilege in our society.
The pacing of the story moves quickly, and the plot holds together very effectively. At no point did I think–that wouldn’t have happened; rather, I was delighted with the deftness of hand that Ms. Colby used in crafting this excellent tale. In many ways, I was reminded of the novels of Charles Dickens as well as contemporary authors.
Ms. Colby has a singular authorial voice and…
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October 17, 2015
“Special Edition” Mid-Month Check-In: October 2015
Hey, there everyone! I’m going to do something a little different with this mid-month check-in and answer a few burning questions you all have been asking as well as recap The Cogsmith’s Daughter Book Launch Blog Tour, so you can catch up on any posts you missed.
So here we go:
When is the paperback being released?
Fingers crossed – the end of next week (or beginning of the following week). I have finally sorted out the issues with my print-on-demand distributor, and all I have to do is wait for my updated files to be accepted. This should take roughly three business days.
Where can I buy the paperback?
On all the same online retailers as you find the ebook AND on my site. I’ll have a PayPal link in the blog sidebar (pending any more unforeseen technological issues, of course!).
Can I get a signed paperback copy?
YES! I will be selling signed copies directly from my website.
When will the sequel be coming out?
Sometime in 2016. If you want to be the FIRST to hear about it (and read it), you can sign up for my author newsletter HERE.
If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments, shoot me an email, or get in touch via social media.
The Cogsmith’s Daughter Book Launch Blog Tour Recap
Monday, October 12 | What the Heck is Steampunk Dystopian, Anyway?
In this post, hosted by the wonderful Kate Evans, I explain the basics of both the steampunk and dystopian genres, as well as what attracted me to a “steampunk dystopian” mash up.
Tuesday, October 13 | The Evolution of The Cogsmith’s Daughter: From First Draft to Final Product
Here, I’m hosted by Ula, and I share how I went about writing my first draft as well as some “trivia” about how the final book differs from my first draft.
Wednesday, October 14 | Desertera: Conception and Construction
Zach asked me how I came up with the idea for Desertera, my novel’s world, as well as how I went about building it. In this post, all is revealed!
Thursday, October 15 | How I “Became” a Writer (and Stumbled Upon the Idea for My Novel)
Charles wanted to know more about my background as a writer and how I came up with the idea for The Cogsmith’s Daughter. This one goes way back, folks.
Friday, October 16 | Author Hall of Fame Introduction
Chris the Story Reading Ape was kind enough to add me to his Author Hall of Fame. As my introduction, I talk about how my sociology background influences the purpose behind my writing.
DON’T FORGET – As part of the blog tour, you can enter my Goodreads giveaway for your chance to win one of three signed copies of The Cogsmith’s Daughter – enter HERE.
Now…on to the normal check-in. I’ll keep it brief!
WRITING
Writing has taken a backseat to promoting my book launch and my new day job. I’m seriously considering doing NaNoWriMo to force myself back into it (after all, it worked out well last year!), but I’m not sure if I will or not.
BUSINESS
Beyond the blog tour, I’ve been trying to lay out specific plans and schedules for a few other projects I have in mind.
MARITAL
All good here. Daniel’s been super supportive during my book launch, despite his own obligations with school. Though, I think we could both use a week off to rest!
HEALTH/WELLNESS
Migraines are down, but still existent. Healthy eating is…less existent. I am walking two miles a day, thanks to my new public transport commute, so at least I’m getting some exercise!
All right. I think that does it for me! I hope you all are having a great October, and I wish you all the productivity and accomplishment you deserve!
How are your new year’s resolutions going? Have you been keeping up with your own writing goals? Share your progress and/or commiserate as needed!
Filed under: Writing Updates Tagged: Author Business, blogging, book, book launch, dystopian, fiction, goals, health, marriage, new years resolutions, novel, personal life, reading, resolutions, steampunk, writing, writing goals
October 16, 2015
#Read about Guest #Author Kate. M Colby
Wrapping up week one of the blog tour with the purpose behind my writing!
Originally posted on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog:
Hello, everyone! My name is Kate M. Colby, and I’m proud to say that, as of yesterday, I am officially a published author.
I began writing in the second grade, around age seven or eight. Writing was my first love (although I do confess a huge childhood crush on the white Power Ranger), and boy has our relationship been a tumultuous one. My first story was a picture book. We were learning about the U.S. Civil War, so I wrote a story in which a young girl escaped a plantation and followed the Big Dipper to freedom. My second grade teacher loved the story and encouraged me to keep at writing, so I did. Mrs. Cram, if you ever read this, thank you.
From there, and through high school, writing became scribbling in spiral notebooks. I would scrawl a few pages, a little snippet of some character’s life, and then…
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Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: blog tour, book launch, desertera, dystopian, steampunk, steampunk dystopian
October 15, 2015
The Cogsmith’s Daughter Book Launch Blog Tour: Day 4
In today’s post, I describe how I “became” a writer and the exact moment when I first thought of the idea for The Cogsmith’s Daughter.
The Cogsmith’s Daughter by Kate M. Colby Blog Tour – http://wp.me/p4WJHT-9U
Filed under: Nonfiction Book Reviews Tagged: blog tour, book launch, dystopian, indie author, novel, steampunk
October 14, 2015
Kate M. Colby Blog Tour: Inspiration Behind Desertera
In today’s blog tour stop, I share how I created the world of Desertera – including my original map sketch!
Originally posted on
WHEN THE STEAM-POWERED WORLD DRIES UP…
Two-hundred years ago, the steam-powered world experienced an apocalyptic flood. When the waters dried up, the survivors settled around their steamship in a wasteland they named Desertera. Believing the flood and drought were caused by a scorned goddess, the monarchs demanded execution for anyone who commits the unforgivable sin—adultery.
ONE KING RULES WITH ABSOLUTE POWER AND UNQUENCHABLE LUST…
Today, King Archon entraps his wives in the crime of adultery, executing each boring bride to pursue his next infatuation. Most nobles overlook King Archon’s behavior, but when Lord Varick’s daughter falls victim to the king’s schemes, he vows revenge.
UNTIL THE COGSMITH’S DAUGHTER RISKS EVERYTHING FOR VENGEANCE.
When Aya Cogsmith is thirteen, King Archon has her father executed for treason. Orphaned and forced to turn to prostitution for survival, Aya dreams of avenging her father’s death. When Lord Varick approaches Aya with plans for vengeance…
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Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: blog tour, book launch, desertera, dystopian, indie publishing, steampunk, steampunk dystopian
October 13, 2015
The Evolution of The Cogsmith’s Daughter: From First Draft to Final Product
Here’s day two of the blog tour. I’m talking about how I wrote my first draft and sharing lots of fun trivia on how the final product differs!
Source: The Evolution of The Cogsmith’s Daughter: From First Draft to Final Product
Filed under: The Cogsmith's Daughter Tagged: blog tour, book launch, dystopian, fiction, steampunk, steampunk dystopian
