Layne Harper's Blog, page 6
October 29, 2013
Release Date and Cover
Gosh! I have so much to announce/address. First of all, not to keep you in suspense any longer, "Finding Infinity" book three of the Infinity Series will be available on Tuesday, November 26 for the Kindle. For those keeping track, this is earlier than the projected release date of December :-)
I'm working hard to get some teasers ready for you, but I wanted to share a little bit about the book before I begin posting them. I've made it very clear since the first book came out that this is a series of four books. In my mind, I feel like the first two books gave you the background/history on the characters that you needed to fully appreciate the heart of Charlie and Colin's story. That doesn't mean that their story hasn't begun, but I think you need the perspective of where they started to appreciate where they end up.
"Finding Infinity" is much more about Colin than Charlie. I feel that at the end of "From Now Until Infinity" it was clear that Charlie has grown as a person. I don't spend too much time in this book beating a dead horse. Don't get me wrong there is still a lot of Charlie, but "Finding Infinity" is less about her issues and more about Colin and their relationship.
In your reviews and comments of the series, "Colin is perfect" is a common statement. I hope after reading "Finding Infinity" that your comments and reviews will say that "Colin is real." Unlike a lot of reality celebrities, Colin is famous because of he can do something that few other men in the world can do - throw a football far and accurately. I've thought about this idea a lot over the years. Having an extreme talent is such a blessing and a curse. I can honestly say that I wouldn't wish such a gift on anyone because as the verse goes, "to whom much is given, much is required."
This is by far my favorite book of the series. I've read it now probably thirty times. Each time I do, I still cry at a couple of the parts and laugh out loud at others. I can't wait to share it with you. For those who've become fans of Colin and Charlie, I hope that I've done their continued journey justice. To those who are still on the fence about the characters, I hope that you will give them another chance. As I've said before, did anyone really like themselves at nineteen?
I'll tell you now that I don't leave you with any cliff hangers (well, any big ones). In fact, I even debated that I ended this book too cleanly. I wrote an epilogue that made the beta readers cringe. I pulled it because I have faith in you. I have faith that after reading this book, you'll want to go to dinner with Charlie and Colin and get caught up on their lives one more time over a great bottle of wine.
Here is the beautiful cover. I'm in love...
If you'd like to add it to your Goodreads list, here you go (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18331953-finding-infinity).
Also, thank you so much to everyone who's reviewed and recommended the series. I hoped that when I hit publish on "Falling Into Infinity" that it would connect with one person. I'm overwhelmed by your love and support for the series. Hugs!
I'm working hard to get some teasers ready for you, but I wanted to share a little bit about the book before I begin posting them. I've made it very clear since the first book came out that this is a series of four books. In my mind, I feel like the first two books gave you the background/history on the characters that you needed to fully appreciate the heart of Charlie and Colin's story. That doesn't mean that their story hasn't begun, but I think you need the perspective of where they started to appreciate where they end up.
"Finding Infinity" is much more about Colin than Charlie. I feel that at the end of "From Now Until Infinity" it was clear that Charlie has grown as a person. I don't spend too much time in this book beating a dead horse. Don't get me wrong there is still a lot of Charlie, but "Finding Infinity" is less about her issues and more about Colin and their relationship.
In your reviews and comments of the series, "Colin is perfect" is a common statement. I hope after reading "Finding Infinity" that your comments and reviews will say that "Colin is real." Unlike a lot of reality celebrities, Colin is famous because of he can do something that few other men in the world can do - throw a football far and accurately. I've thought about this idea a lot over the years. Having an extreme talent is such a blessing and a curse. I can honestly say that I wouldn't wish such a gift on anyone because as the verse goes, "to whom much is given, much is required."
This is by far my favorite book of the series. I've read it now probably thirty times. Each time I do, I still cry at a couple of the parts and laugh out loud at others. I can't wait to share it with you. For those who've become fans of Colin and Charlie, I hope that I've done their continued journey justice. To those who are still on the fence about the characters, I hope that you will give them another chance. As I've said before, did anyone really like themselves at nineteen?
I'll tell you now that I don't leave you with any cliff hangers (well, any big ones). In fact, I even debated that I ended this book too cleanly. I wrote an epilogue that made the beta readers cringe. I pulled it because I have faith in you. I have faith that after reading this book, you'll want to go to dinner with Charlie and Colin and get caught up on their lives one more time over a great bottle of wine.
Here is the beautiful cover. I'm in love...
If you'd like to add it to your Goodreads list, here you go (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18331953-finding-infinity).
Also, thank you so much to everyone who's reviewed and recommended the series. I hoped that when I hit publish on "Falling Into Infinity" that it would connect with one person. I'm overwhelmed by your love and support for the series. Hugs!
September 30, 2013
Paying It Forward...
"Falling Into Infinity" and "From Now Until Infinity" are available in paperback. I've been struggling with letting you know for a couple of reasons. One, I feel like I'm cheating you by asking you to pay for the same book twice. I wish there was some way to refund the money that you've spent on the digital copy of the book if you purchase the paperback version. So far, I haven't found a way. Second, I feel rather pretentious in assuming that you would even want a signed copy of my book/books. I mean, my kids' school gets my signature for free almost daily. Don't get me started on the local merchants who ask me to sign credit card receipts. I've talked to other authors and bloggers and have found that this is a common sentiment. Although, I will say that I have a signed copy of Stephen King's "The Stand." It's one of my most prized possessions.
Anyway, I woke up in the middle of the night with what I think is a good idea. I hope you agree. For the month of October, I'll be signing copies of each book and donating the money to a breast cancer charity that is near and dear to my heart. So here's how this will work. You can email me at layne@layneharper.com and let me know what paperback book/books that you want to order. Please include a note of what you would like for me to write if it's more than just my signature. I also need the address where you would like the books sent. I'll send you a PayPal invoice for the total. The books retail for $12.99 (I didn't set the price. That's another blog rant). I'll donate all of the profit from every book sold to the organization The Rose http://www.therose.org/. They offer breast cancer treatment, diagnosis and screening for women regardless of their ability to pay. I apologize, but this price is only for US shipments. If you are international, I'll have to add additional shipping charges.
Also, as a HUGE thank you from the bottom of heart for supporting this great charity and paying for the same book twice, I'll be entering everyone who purchases a paperback copy of the Infinity series in the month of October in a raffle. I'll pull five names randomly and give the winners a ARC copy of "Finding Infinity." That means that you'll get the third book in the series two weeks before it can be purchased. But, you have to pinkie swear to not post spoilers.
So here's my PSA since you made it to the bottom of this post :-) I have three friends that have been diagnosed with breast cancer in their thirties. No history of breast cancer in their families. Thankfully they're all doing well. I'm honored to call these ladies my friends and their journeys inspire me everyday.
Anyway, I woke up in the middle of the night with what I think is a good idea. I hope you agree. For the month of October, I'll be signing copies of each book and donating the money to a breast cancer charity that is near and dear to my heart. So here's how this will work. You can email me at layne@layneharper.com and let me know what paperback book/books that you want to order. Please include a note of what you would like for me to write if it's more than just my signature. I also need the address where you would like the books sent. I'll send you a PayPal invoice for the total. The books retail for $12.99 (I didn't set the price. That's another blog rant). I'll donate all of the profit from every book sold to the organization The Rose http://www.therose.org/. They offer breast cancer treatment, diagnosis and screening for women regardless of their ability to pay. I apologize, but this price is only for US shipments. If you are international, I'll have to add additional shipping charges.
Also, as a HUGE thank you from the bottom of heart for supporting this great charity and paying for the same book twice, I'll be entering everyone who purchases a paperback copy of the Infinity series in the month of October in a raffle. I'll pull five names randomly and give the winners a ARC copy of "Finding Infinity." That means that you'll get the third book in the series two weeks before it can be purchased. But, you have to pinkie swear to not post spoilers.
So here's my PSA since you made it to the bottom of this post :-) I have three friends that have been diagnosed with breast cancer in their thirties. No history of breast cancer in their families. Thankfully they're all doing well. I'm honored to call these ladies my friends and their journeys inspire me everyday.
September 24, 2013
What I've Learned So Far...
I've been a published author for a little over three months now. For some strange reason, I'm feeling compelled to share with you what I've learned so far.
1. Amazon is unpredictable at its best and maddening at its worst.
2. Umm... I really did need a Facebook author page even though I didn't want one.
3. Writing a book is like creating music. Some will like it. Others will not. That's what makes the world so fabulous.
4. Trust my gut. Ultimately, I have to like the story that has my name attached to it.
5. Readers can love my characters just as much as I do. Faults and all. Their imperfections make them real.
6. Read the bad reviews with objectivity. I can learn from the negative.
7. Don't read the good reviews, but be very grateful for them.
8. Covet the wonderful messages from readers who have been touched by the story enough that they've emailed, messaged, etc. and shared their own similar journeys. Creating something from my heart that touches others enough that they take their time out of their busy day to let me know is more gratifying than anything else.
9. It's okay to be scared to death. It means that the amount of time taken away from my family means something.
10. Perfection will never be achieved. The story will never be good enough. There will always be one last tweak. Learning to let go and hit "publish" has made me a better person.
I was just going to list ten things, but I came up with an eleventh.
11. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. This journey into the unknown is mine alone, but I'm so happy to share it with you.
1. Amazon is unpredictable at its best and maddening at its worst.
2. Umm... I really did need a Facebook author page even though I didn't want one.
3. Writing a book is like creating music. Some will like it. Others will not. That's what makes the world so fabulous.
4. Trust my gut. Ultimately, I have to like the story that has my name attached to it.
5. Readers can love my characters just as much as I do. Faults and all. Their imperfections make them real.
6. Read the bad reviews with objectivity. I can learn from the negative.
7. Don't read the good reviews, but be very grateful for them.
8. Covet the wonderful messages from readers who have been touched by the story enough that they've emailed, messaged, etc. and shared their own similar journeys. Creating something from my heart that touches others enough that they take their time out of their busy day to let me know is more gratifying than anything else.
9. It's okay to be scared to death. It means that the amount of time taken away from my family means something.
10. Perfection will never be achieved. The story will never be good enough. There will always be one last tweak. Learning to let go and hit "publish" has made me a better person.
I was just going to list ten things, but I came up with an eleventh.
11. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. This journey into the unknown is mine alone, but I'm so happy to share it with you.
September 19, 2013
Maybe the Summary of "Finding Infinity"
Here is what I think that I'm going to use for the summary of "Finding Infinity." I just think that Colin sums up the book better than I can...
"Fine Charlie.” Colin says dropping his hands in defeat. “Here's what I want. I want everybody to back the fuck off and let me play football. I want you to go back to practicing medicine because I’m ready for you to be happy again - not this forced shit that you keep trying to sell me. I want Brad to get his house finished because I’m tired of listening to his DIY project updates. I want Jenny to decide on a hair color. I want Aiden and Rachael to either figure their shit out or leave each other alone, because Aiden’s chick drama is annoying. I want Mark to quit trying so hard to be my buddy again. I want my parents to get off my back about us living in sin. I want you please pick a wedding date already. That’s what I want. What am I going to get? None of it because I have to grant another fucking interview to the press to try to patch the gaping wound that is my life with a Band-aid.”
"Fine Charlie.” Colin says dropping his hands in defeat. “Here's what I want. I want everybody to back the fuck off and let me play football. I want you to go back to practicing medicine because I’m ready for you to be happy again - not this forced shit that you keep trying to sell me. I want Brad to get his house finished because I’m tired of listening to his DIY project updates. I want Jenny to decide on a hair color. I want Aiden and Rachael to either figure their shit out or leave each other alone, because Aiden’s chick drama is annoying. I want Mark to quit trying so hard to be my buddy again. I want my parents to get off my back about us living in sin. I want you please pick a wedding date already. That’s what I want. What am I going to get? None of it because I have to grant another fucking interview to the press to try to patch the gaping wound that is my life with a Band-aid.”
September 16, 2013
Book Three - Third Try?
I can't name a book to save my life. It's truly a painful process equivalent to getting the flu vaccine and grocery shopping on Sunday mornings before the big football game. So, I decided to ask a couple of my beta readers for suggestions. Here's what I get...
Beta Reader #1: The other titles are so bad that you've really set the bar low. I think you should stick with Third Try.
Okay... So she's no help.
Beta Reader #2: Does it have to have "Infinity" in the title?
Me: Ummm... Yes! That's kind of the point.
Beta Reader #2: To Infinity and Beyond.
Me: Thanks for not helping, but the next time that my kids want to watch that movie, I'll be sure to send you a text each time Buzz Lightyear drops his most notable line.
Then the skies part and angels sing.
Beta Reader #3: How about "Finding Infinity?"
Me: Not bad. Let me sleep on it.
To my husband, "What do you think of Finding Infinity?" He responds with, "It's better than third try."
Sold! The title of book three of the Infinity Series is Finding Infinity.
Beta Reader #1: The other titles are so bad that you've really set the bar low. I think you should stick with Third Try.
Okay... So she's no help.
Beta Reader #2: Does it have to have "Infinity" in the title?
Me: Ummm... Yes! That's kind of the point.
Beta Reader #2: To Infinity and Beyond.
Me: Thanks for not helping, but the next time that my kids want to watch that movie, I'll be sure to send you a text each time Buzz Lightyear drops his most notable line.
Then the skies part and angels sing.
Beta Reader #3: How about "Finding Infinity?"
Me: Not bad. Let me sleep on it.
To my husband, "What do you think of Finding Infinity?" He responds with, "It's better than third try."
Sold! The title of book three of the Infinity Series is Finding Infinity.
September 8, 2013
Infinity Series Playlist
Hey guys! It's been pointed out to me that there are actually people who don't listen to old country. So... I made a play list on Spotify of the songs mentioned in the first two books in the Infinity Series. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to post the link directly here so you have to get to it via my Facebook page. Here's the link https://www.facebook.com/pages/Layne-Harper-Author/384782861629645. Enjoy!
August 16, 2013
Where do I start?
First of all, thank you to everyone who's read the first two books in the Infinity Series. I don't mean that flippantly. Seriously, I know that you spent your hard earned money to read my little story. Wow! Thank you! I also know that you put off time with your family, cleaning your kitchen, watching "Big Brother" or whatever other sacrifices that you made to read my books. I know how valuable your time is, and thank you!
Telling Colin and Charlie's story has been a dream of mine for so many years. The fact that their story has connected with you is HUGE. I mean GIGANTIC. It's like the Christmas that I got the Barbie Dream House and Corvette from Santa HUGE.
If I ever get the chance to meet you in person, I owe you a glass of wine and at least dessert first.
A Love Affair With Books is doing a giveaway of two sets of the books. They are wrote a lovely review for which I am very grateful. To enter the drawing and read the review click here (http://www.aloveaffairwithbooks.com/2013/08/from-now-until-infinity-by-layne-harper.html).
They also made the lovely picture above. It's perfection!
August 14, 2013
It's Live!
Allow me to get sappy for a minute... I've been a published author for exactly two month and five days. Sharing Colin and Charlie with you has been a life long and very scary dream. Imagine posting a picture of your child on the Internet and asking complete strangers to give you their honest opinions about his or her appearance. That's essentially what authors do. Knowing that so many of you have connected with CharCol's story (think my baby is pretty) is overwhelming. I hope you enjoy "From Now Until Infinity" as much as I did writing it. Here's the link! (http://www.amazon.com/Now-Until-Infinity-ebook/dp/B00EJMQW4S/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376497913&sr=1-2&keywords=from+now+until+infinity+by+layne+harper)
Also, thank you to SubClub Books (http://thesubclubbooks.com/?p=15363) for the awesome review and banner!
"From Now Until Infinity" Countdown Recap...
In honor of "From Now Until Infinity" coming out...
1. Eight is Colin's football number.
2. Eight is the symbol for infinity.
3. Eight is the number of years Colin and Charlie were separated.
4. Eight is how many more days that you have to wait...
Here's a spoiler for ya... "From Now Until Infinity" starts SEVEN DAYS after Charlie and Colin run into each other again!
SIX is the number of Collins girls... Chelsea, Caroline, Amy, Julie, Sarah and Tiffany. The first five names all have something in common. Any guesses on what it is? It's revealed in book three.
FIVE DAYS after Charlie returns to Houston, Colin and her have plans to spend the weekend together. Remember who won the confession run bet in "Falling Into Infinity?"
FOUR is the number of books in the Infinity Series!
"I am going." THREE simple words that changed the course of two lives forever.
TWO is the number of years that Charlie and Colin dated in college.
I hit the publish button for "From Now Until Infinity" ONE minute ago... It's now in Amazon's hands. I'll post the link when it's live.
1. Eight is Colin's football number.
2. Eight is the symbol for infinity.
3. Eight is the number of years Colin and Charlie were separated.
4. Eight is how many more days that you have to wait...
Here's a spoiler for ya... "From Now Until Infinity" starts SEVEN DAYS after Charlie and Colin run into each other again!
SIX is the number of Collins girls... Chelsea, Caroline, Amy, Julie, Sarah and Tiffany. The first five names all have something in common. Any guesses on what it is? It's revealed in book three.
FIVE DAYS after Charlie returns to Houston, Colin and her have plans to spend the weekend together. Remember who won the confession run bet in "Falling Into Infinity?"
FOUR is the number of books in the Infinity Series!
"I am going." THREE simple words that changed the course of two lives forever.
TWO is the number of years that Charlie and Colin dated in college.
I hit the publish button for "From Now Until Infinity" ONE minute ago... It's now in Amazon's hands. I'll post the link when it's live.
August 7, 2013
Eight More Days...
In honor of "From Now Until Infinity" coming out...
1. Eight is Colin's football number.
2. Eight is the symbol for infinity.
3. Eight is the number of years Colin and Charlie were separated.
4. Eight is how many more days that you have to wait! It's not that long :-)
1. Eight is Colin's football number.
2. Eight is the symbol for infinity.
3. Eight is the number of years Colin and Charlie were separated.
4. Eight is how many more days that you have to wait! It's not that long :-)
