Category: 5 Things

5 Things: I’m Thankful For

Hi everyone!

It’s been a while since I’ve done a “5 Things” post. I love these for several reasons: first, lists rock; second, they help me focus; third, I ramble sometimes (like now), but when you limit yourself to five, there’s only so much rambling that can happen lol.

So, just in time for Thanksgiving, here is my list of “5 Things: I’m Thankful For.”

  1. Family. I usually save this one for last because I think it’s the most important. Today and always in my mind, it’s #1. I don’t have a large family, but the one I have is amazing. I love them so much. I’m so very thankful for their love, support, and friendship.
  2. Good health. People (myself included) sometimes take it for granted. But I’m so grateful for my health and that of those I love. Good health is something I wish for everyone. When I say “I hope you’re doing well,” I really mean it. A couple days ago, I got my booster vaccine, and though shots make me nervous, I am so thankful. I want to protect other people from getting sick. I pray and hope we can get out of this pandemic. Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope.
  3. Taylor Swift & Traveling Videos. Okay, so this one is a little different lol. I’ve been struggling, and I found some solace in Taylor Swift’s music (particularly the song “Evermore” which spoke to me on a very deep level during the crappy time) and short video reels of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Paris set to somber, moody music. It’s the little things ha.
  4. Dogs, Books & Movies. Because they truly make life, the world, and the bad days better.
  5. My readers. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: My readers are the best. Truly. The. Best. During my low times, they lift me up. They send the kindest messages of encouragement. They give my books and characters so much love. Just knowing anyone reads my books is still such a surprise–a very nice, unexpected, amazing surprise. My readers are wonderful, and I am so thankful for each and every one of them <3.

And those are my 5 Things!

To say thank you and because the CUPCAKE audiobook comes out today, yayyy, I’ve included a link to a giveaway below! The are 5 copies, so there will be 5 winners! You can enter here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, everyone!

Happy CUPCAKE Audiobook Release Day!!!

I hope you’re all well, and I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

5 Things: I’m Looking Forward To…

Hi everyone!

March has been flying by, and I can’t believe book baby #7 comes out next Thursday!!!

Yes, you read that right.

I have a book coming out next week! And it’s one that I love, love, love! Hooray!

So, I figured I’d do a post about the 5 Things: I’m Looking Forward To :).

Here we go!

  1. Sharing Viola & Dare with the world. Of course, this is #1! I can’t wait to put these characters and this story out there. Although it’s a bit scary, I feel like I’ve been holding onto this forever, and I just hope readers find and embrace WALLFLOWER <3.
  2. The WALLFLOWER Blog Tour. It starts Monday, eep! Not sure I’m ready–actually, I know I’m not lol! This is the part I dread and look forward to in equal measure: Finding out what people think. Gah. I really hope they like it.
  3. Holding onto the love. Okay, this one kind of goes hand in hand with #2. I just want to remember how wonderful it felt while I was writing and when I finished this book. There was so much love there. I hope I can always remember that.
  4. Sleep. No explanation needed lol.
  5. Writing, writing , writing. Currently at about 13k words on my WIP and very much looking forward to adding more, yay!!!

And those are my 5 Things! šŸ™‚ I’m also looking forward to spending time with my family–but this is always at the top of the list. I feel so very thankful for them. Also, my students have been working hard, and their dances are really coming together. It is such a privilege to teach them, so of course, I look forward to that, too!

Anyway,there are so many awful things in the world. And yet, there is so much to be thankful for.

Stay safe, be well, and I hope you have a ton of wonderful things you’re looking forward to, my awesome readers!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. WALLFLOWER comes out next week!!!!! Yay! šŸ˜€

5 Things: I wish…

Hi everyone!

Can you believe itā€™s already the end of October??? Goodness, where did the time go lol?

I wanted to see how everyone is doing and check in :). Not gonna lie, Iā€™ve been a bit down (which may be reflected in this post ha), but Iā€™ll try and keep it positive!

So for todayā€™s post, Iā€™m doing 5 Things: I wish…

  1. I wish everyone had a dog. Or more than one. They are so lovely, so often better than people, and they really make life better <3.
  2. I wish my readers knew how much I appreciate them! THE KISSING CHALLENGE is doing awesome! That is thanks to all of you bookish peeps, and I am so very grateful! I truly didnā€™t know if anyone would read let alone enjoy my little YA romance novellaā€”or any of my books for that matter! Thank you SO much for reading!
  3. I wish I didnā€™t pay attention to reviews. Actually, no. I wish I didnā€™t let them impact me as much as they sometimes do. *sigh* Recently, there have been some good and some bad. Guess which ones get in my head and wonā€™t leave? Blah :/.
  4. I wish everyone would wear a mask. Because it protects others. Because we are all a part of this world and want to save each other from this virus. Because as Dan Levy (David from Schittā€™s Creek) said, it is basically the kindest thing we can do.
  5. I wish everyone was healthy, happy and hopeful <3.

Okay, so those are my 5 Things! šŸ™‚ I really and truly meant that last one. The times have been so dark and desolate for so many, and I just wish it would get better. I so hope it will <3.

Hope you are all well everyone! Stay safe out there! Have a very Happy Halloween! And maybe treat yourself to some peanut M&Ms and an awesome book!

Happy reading,

Cookie Oā€™Gorman

P.S. I have also been writing :). Itā€™s been slow-going, but the other day I hit 20k on my brand new WIP! Yayyy! Iā€™m really enjoying this story, you guys, and hope you will, too! Iā€™m also about to start a collaboration with another wonderful author, my first ever, and oh, Iā€™m so excited and hope it goes well! Very much looking forward to it! For my other bookā€”the one I completed just before my novella? If youā€™re confused thatā€™s okay lol!ā€”I think Iā€™ve found an awesome cover image. Hooray!!! Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know Iā€™m still writing, pushing through the bad times and trying to stay productive. Good vibes and positive karma to all of you, my awesome readers!

Less Than 2 Weeks

Hi everyone!

Positive post ahead :).

In less than two weeks, my 5th book, The Best Mistake, comes out!!! Yay, yay, yay, you guys! Oh, I’m so excited to share this one with you!

I cannot wait for everyone to meet Honor & Archer and all of the O’Briens!

I decided to post and focus on the positive because…well, tbh, I get a little overwhelmed sometimes and need to be reminded of things that are cheerful and good.

Here are a few of the things that have recently brightened my days:

  1. My family. I’m so incredibly grateful for the time I have with them. It is priceless. They are the best thing in my whole world. The few friends I have are wonderful as well.
  2. The ability to connect. Thank goodness for phones/mail/video chats/texts/email/nice messages from nice people.
  3. Good books/TV/movies. I’ve been reading a lot lately. Haven’t been writing–which stinks–but I’ve been stressed and escaping through books/TV/movies. So glad for the escape.
  4. Second Printing. A very kind editor from Entangled let me know this week that ADORKABLE is actually going into a second printing!!! I’m no expert–this is my first and only book that’s been traditionally published–but they’ve told me it’s done well, yay, and this means the book will be on shelves longer–which, to me, is AMAZING! <3
  5. Speaking of Amazing... A while ago, an awesome author friend asked when I’d have ARCS ready of The Best Mistake because she wanted to read it, and that just made my day! <3 Thank you so much, Theresa!!!

I’ve been struggling recently, as I’m sure a lot of you have, to stay in a positive place. The way our world is right now…how so many are suffering, going through the unthinkable…I just can’t help getting overwhelmed with sadness sometimes.

Trying to focus on the good things has cheered me up a bit, and I hope it helps you as well.

I hope to cheer you up even more in a couple weeks when The Best Mistake comes out! šŸ˜‰ But just to tide you over…here’s an awesome pic @lauren.bodiford posted a few weeks ago for The Best Mistake cover reveal!

I hope you’re well, bookworms! <3

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. The idea that someone could be reading an ARC of The Best Mistake right now is nerve-wracking and exciting, eep! Oh, I’m crossing my fingers so hard that people like Archer & Honor’s story!!! I’ll be posting more about the book soon, and again, I hope you all have a great weekend! šŸ™‚

5 Things: I Learned @ the Writers Conference

Hi everyone!

First, I want to announce the winners of The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad Audiobook Giveaway!!! Thank you to everyone who entered and helped spread the word about Sadie & Colton’s story! <3 You rock!

Without further ado, the winners are:

Alyssa C., Michelle H., Cassandra D. and Grace B.!

Congrats, you guys!!! I’ll be sending your prizes ASAP, and I hope you love The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad!

Second, since itā€™s Friday, I wanted to do a fun post about the 5 Things: I Learned @ the M & M Writers Conference :). (Sidenote: I learned more, but I like lists of five ha ;))

Plus, since itā€™s NaNoWriMo, I thought it might give some of my writerly peeps some inspiration!

Here are my 5 Things:

  1. Someone out there needs your book. Every day started with a motivational talk from one of the big authors attending. The first was Alyssa Day, and though Iā€™ve not read her books, what she said resonated with me. Her favorite thing was hearing from readers, and if youā€™ve followed me on my publishing journey, youā€™ll know that hearing from my readers is my most favorite thing as well! She read us 10 messages sheā€™d received, some funny, others saying her books had helped them in some vital way. It reaffirmed my belief that writing is important, and books can change the world.
  2. Market vs. Heart. Iā€™ve heard this before, but in one class, they posed a question all writers have to ask themselves. Am I going to write to market or whatā€™s in my heart? My answer: Both. I always write whatā€™s in my heart, and my books just happen to be commercial. So, I donā€™t think you have to make a choice here. I think you can do both, write from the heart and still be successful. In fact, I donā€™t know how you can do it any other way.
  3. Ads, Ads, Ads! Most of the classes I attended mentioned ads; most authors were doing them (some with greater success than others), and everyone kept saying how you have to run ads now to be visible. In other words, there are so many books out there that running ads is imperative if an author doesnā€™t want their books to fade into oblivion or wants to build their author brand. I will tell you: Iā€™ve only run 2 Amazon ads. Ever. For two different books. They ran for a month and were at least semi-successful…I guess. I didnā€™t lose or gain a lot of money. It always seems to me like a crapshoot. The problem is I donā€™t understand ads (there are so many factors!) or the whole putting-money-in-to-get-twice/triple/more-on-the-return etc. Also, how do you know if your bookā€™s success is due to the ad, something else or just people organically finding the book? Anyway, I hope to learn more, maybe run ads, but for now, my books have done pretty well.
  4. Author Swag. One of the coolest things was the goodie room :). Maybe itā€™s because this was only my second conference, but I thought it was awesome seeing all of the author swag! Pens, chapsticks, bookmarks, magnets, all the book stuff! Iā€™ll be having my first book signing next month for the Entangled print edition of ADORKABLE coming on Dec. 3, 2019 (YAYYY!!!), and I bought some swag for anyone who comes out! Hopefully, Iā€™ll get to give some of it away lol!
  5. Books save lives. Again, my favorite part of the conference (besides getting to hang with my awesome family) was the motivational speeches. One of them was from Jennifer L. Armentrout!!!!!! šŸ˜€ If you just squeeā€™d that was me when I found out she was going to be there LOL! Anyway, her speech was wonderful. She told us so much about her journey as a writer, her amazing success, as well as her eye condition that she was recently diagnosed with that will eventually end up taking her sight. I nearly cried four times while she was speaking. She told us not to listen when people say mean things about writing romance. Told us romance and books save lives. She also told us to stop denying our hard work, to stop telling people our success was just ā€œluckā€ because we tend to give everyone else the credit and never give ourselves any. We diminish ourselves, all the work we put in, our achievements by doing this. Again, I nearly cried four times (ā€œnearlyā€ because I was in a banquet room full of people), but everything she said was so motivational, so right on. I loved hearing her and hope she writes for a very long time to come!

So, those are my 5 Things! If youā€™re doing NaNoWriMo, I wish you so much good luck and fantastic writing days! Hope you are all well!

Happy reading,

Cookie Oā€™Gorman

5 Things: I’m Working On

I can’t believe it’s already July! 0_0

When did that happen lol? But seriously, I feel like this year–especially these past couple of months–are just flying by.

Full disclosure: Last week, I wanted to do a blog post, but I stopped myself, felt like I had so much to say but nothing anyone would care about etc.

Luckily, this week I’m over it :).

There’s been a lot going on (some good, some not-so-good), and I’m excited to share with you guys!

Here are the 5 Things: I’m Working On.

  1. My newsletter. ICYMI, I have a newsletter now! I spent a ton of hours trying to get it just right. And do you know what? Even with all that time, I managed to misspell the word “newsletter” in the very first sentence! *headslap* Did anyone notice this? Are you just being kind and overlooking it? Anyway, I’m sorry for the typo but excited for future editions of The Cookie Jar Newsletter (see, I spelled it right here lol!).
  2. Being less of an introvert. So, I joined a writers group. Shocking, right? Introverted, awkward me trying to join other writer-ly peeps…sounds terrifying, which is probably why I’ve never done it ha! But they were so nice/welcoming. A lot of good vibes, knowledge and willingness to share in that group. And here’s a shocker: Some of the awesome writers even knew my books!!! That part left me dumbfounded but incredibly humbled/thankful. Am hoping my introverted tendencies don’t overwhelm, and I can actually be an active member of the group.
  3. Cross-promoting. This is still very new to me. I have a few things coming up with other authors–including a wonderful KU reading promo as well as my first author newsletter swap coming next week, woop!–and I’m looking forward to doing more!
  4. ADORKABLE woes. Okay, how to explain? I’ve taken ADORKABLE out of KU, and the rank is sinking on Amazon. Since book baby #1 released, it has been in KU, riding high–which is kind of amazing since it’s been out 3 years! Sales are still good. People are still loving the book (though I did get a couple not-so-nice reviews recently. *sigh* I also got a few nice ones which is what I should be focusing on). Anyway, it won’t be forever, but I just hate seeing it drop. I also took the paperback down in February (which gutted me), and it may have impacted the rank as well. I’ve been working on feeling okay with this since I know great things are coming for Sally & Becks. Whenever I get sad, I try to remind myself: There is good coming (which I will share with you soon!).
  5. Writing more. I’m trying to be more productive. My current WIP is a book that I started a long time ago, and I love it. Tonight, I wrote 1,036 words. I’m at about 5,000+ total. My goal is to finish this book and write more. Crossing my fingers!

And there you have it, my first “5 Things” post in a while :).

I hope it wasn’t too boring, and I hope you’re all having a great summer so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

5 Things: That are awesome!

It’s been a while since I’ve done a post like this, but I’m bringing it back because: Lists rock, and I found some things I think are wonderful and wanted to share them with you :).

Without further ado, here are 5 Things: That are awesome!

  1. Blooming Books. My mom got me these lovely bookish flowers made out of my debut novel, and I just had to share <3. Isn’t that the most ADORKABLE bouquet you’ve ever seen? šŸ™‚ I got one for my aunt made out of the Dr. Seuss books, and they turned out beautiful as well!
  2. Silver Linings Playbook. So yes, I’m late to the party, but I so enjoyed this movie! It took me by surprise, made me laugh and was just really well done. Thanks again, Netflix!
  3. Kindle Unlimited. I’ve been enjoying KU, wishing I read faster lol! I also remembered this cool article: 11 Titles Worth Checking Out on Kindle Unlimited. They mentioned ADORKABLE and NINJA GIRL, you guys! Yay, and thank you, Sarah!
  4. The Wicked King. You guys!!! Remember how my favorite book from 2018 was The Cruel Prince by Holly Black? Well, the second book, The Wicked King, came out in January, and I have it in my possession, exuding wonderful wickedness, just waiting to be read! Cannot. Wait.
  5. Instagram. Okay, so I still haven’t started an author/bookish instagram…but posts like this one about The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder definitely make me want to ;). I think I already said it, but thank you so much again, Jen!

So much awesome! Also, I got a wonderful comment on my last post from a reader that really made my day. Thank you so much again, Karen! You rock! I’ve been re-thinking my goals for 2019, wondering if I really need a newsletter if I have a blog? I’ve also been working on my next book. Gah, you guys, I love, love, love it! The cover is in the process of being made, woot! It’s all moving right along, and I’m so excited <3.

Sending positive vibes your way, readers, and hoping your weekend is full of awesome!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Also, starting Monday, next week NINJA GIRL will be available for a limited time for just $0.99!!! I’ll do another post, but if you know anyone you think would enjoy Ash and Snow, please let them know! šŸ™‚

5 Things and The Happy Fall YA’ll Giveaway!

Hello October, and happy fall everyone! šŸ™‚

I haven’t posted in a little while, but it was for a great reason, I promise.Ā  To make up for my absence, I’ve got a new “5 Things” post and an awesome giveaway for you guys!!!Ā  I wasn’t sure what to write to be honest–it gets like that sometimes.Ā  My mind goes blank; I can’t find the words, don’t feel like I have anything to talk about etc.–but I came up with something that I hope you’ll like.Ā  So here is my list of “5 Things I Love About Fall.”

  1. Fall weather.Ā  It’s just the best.Ā  Hoodies, warm socks, crisp cool air, your favorite book and a nice blanket.Ā  It’s the perfect reading weather, you guys, what more can I say? šŸ™‚
  2. Ā It means I made it through September.Ā  Remember that “great reason” for not posting?Ā  And maybe you remember I had mentioned something about putting together an event for a great cause?Ā  Well, everything came together, and although I was my typical awkward self, if my count is correct (can’t know for certain yet because all of the funds have yet to be totaled), we managed to raise about $5,000 for a local charity that supports children and families battling childhood cancer!!!Ā  It made me realize there are still good people in the world and that maybe we can make a difference.Ā  We held this event on my Aunt Pat’s birthday, so I hope she saw and was proud.Ā  I still miss her every day.
  3. Ā Falling and getting back up.Ā  So, at the charity event, I actually fell down some stairs in front of an audience full of people–picture that girl Tai from Clueless at the school dance, and you’d have a pretty good picture of what happened lol.Ā  But I got back up, said “I’m okay!” and kept going.Ā  Did I mention I was awkward?
  4. Ā Outlander on Starz.Ā  If you haven’t read the book yet, for goodness sakes, GO READ IT!Ā  If you have and you’ve been watching the show, I think you know what makes me love fall: James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser.Ā  Enough said *sigh* <3.
  5. The Happy Fall YA’ll Giveaway!Ā  I’m giving away a signed paperback copy of ADORKABLE on Goodreads, and over 600 people have already entered 0___0.Ā  The giveaway started on September 28 and will run through October 19 when a winner will be randomly selected.Ā  So what are you waiting for?Ā  Enter here for your chance to win!

I really do love fall–and not for the pumpkin spiced everything like most people lol…though, the smell is nice.Ā  Since it is perfect reading weather, if you haven’t read them and need a new book, might I recommend YA romances ADORKABLE and NINJA GIRL?Ā  I hear they’re pretty good. šŸ˜‰Ā  I hope you’re doing well, reading great books and having a happy fall so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

5 Things: I’m reading right now

Okay, this is a bit of a cheat because what I’m loving right now is actually a series–but there are 5 books in the series, so it works ;).

About two weeks ago, I finally picked up the first book in The Selection series.Ā  I know, I know, I am so behind!Ā  One of my students (a girl who is always reading YA :)) recommended it to me…well, she said it was SO good and that I should read it, and she had that look in her eye that I get when I find a book I really love.

So, I got the first book, and Kiera Cass drew me in right away!Ā  I sped through book 1 and immediately got the next 3 books!!!Ā  I was semi-upset (I was very upset)Ā  that they didn’t have the 5th and final book, The Crown.Ā  Literally, I stood there for about 5 minutes staring at the bookstore shelf, hoping it would magically appear lol.Ā  It didn’t :(.Ā  And of course, I read through the next three books like wildfire, and book 4 actually did leave me hanging.Ā  Thank goodness the final book was available as an ebook.

photo

The Selection, The Elite, The One, The Heir, & The Crown

It took me about 5 days–5 freaking days!–to read these books.Ā  I couldn’t help myself.Ā  The endings weren’t really cliffhangers, especially in the first 3 books, but I devoured the pages.Ā  It was so addictive!Ā  There was some type of magic in there, too, because I did not start out loving the main heroine *gasp*.Ā  But she totally grew on me.Ā  And I actually loved several of the main guys!Ā  My favorite books were 3, 4 and 5; the first trio of books ended just right, and I loved how we got to see what happened to the characters we loved in the next two books as well as meet a whole new, awesome cast.

If I had to give one reason to read, I would say: Maxxon!!!! <333Ā  I totally get it, fellow Selection readers.Ā  I really do.Ā  A few more would be: America, May, Marlee, Kile (he was my personal favorite!), Henri and Erik.

There are mixed opinions about this series, but for me, it was very enjoyable.Ā  Loved it!

If you’re wondering what I have coming up, there will be a book blitz for NINJA GIRL the week of June 12th, which I think will be a ton of fun!Ā  ADORKABLE hit #1 several times in the last few weeks, huzzah!!!Ā  Also, I’m editing the book I think will be my next release and working hard on the rough draft of another YA book :).Ā  I hope your week is going well!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

5 Things: I Love About Romance

It’s the week before Valentine’s Day, and hearts, chocolates, cute little stuffed animals are everywhere.Ā  Love is in the air, people.

Romance is one of my favorite genres (of course!), so this list could go on forever lol!

That’s why I decided to limit myself to 5 :).Ā  And it is an awesome 5 if I do say so myself.Ā  I loved each of these YA and NA books for different reasons, but whether it was butterflies-in-the-stomach inducing or a tear jerker, the romance/chemistry is on point in each story.

If you need a little help getting into the V-Day spirit, here are 5 romantic reads that bring the swoon:

1EP

If you’re like me, this one will stay with you long after the last page.Ā  Sigh.Ā  Eleanor & Park has to be one of the most heartfelt, real romances I’ve ever read.Ā  I don’t think I’ve ever cried/sighed more when reading a book.Ā  Incredible writing, unforgettable characters and chemistry, I just love this book <3.

1F

What can I say?Ā  Rainbow Rowell is amazing!Ā  Fangirl is a beautiful, romantic, hilarious book.Ā  If you don’t fall in love with Levi and Cath, I’d be very much surprised :).

1D

Katie McGarry is one of the best imo.Ā  Dare You To is my personal favorite (Beth and Ryan forever! <3)–but seriously, all of the books in the Pushing the Limits series are awesome.

1A

If you love road trips, music, lovable characters (both main and side), I would recommend Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour.Ā  It’s a book that takes you along for the ride, puts you right there with the characters, and makes you fall in love with them.Ā  Loved it!

1E

Easy was my first New Adult read, and I absolutely loved it!Ā  I’ve read several NA books since and found some great reads.Ā  But I have to say, Easy is still #1 for me :).Ā  The swoon factor is strong with this one lol!Ā  This book has heart, heat, and a hero that I love.

If you’ve read any of these books, I’d love to hear your thoughts.Ā  If you haven’t, I hope they give you butterflies and make you see hearts <3.Ā  Hope you are well and that you find a ton of great romances to add to your shelves!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman