Category: self-publishing


Apr
2022

2 More Days!

categories: doing what you love, Fauxmance, Romance, self-publishing, YA

Hi everyone!

There’s only 2 more days until the release of FAUXMANCE!!!

Yay, yay, yay! I love Magnolia & Hayden so much, and I truly hope readers will as well!

I realized that I never posted the book summary; and though it’s already up in other places, I’d like to have it on my blog, so here you go lol :).

Fauxmance (foh-mans): Term for a romantic relationship that is fake. Real feelings, like love, are strictly prohibited. See also: Why would anyone enter a fake relationship?

Eighteen-year-old Magnolia believes in true love.

Or she did.

When her boyfriend dumps her the day before her sister’s wedding, Maggie is devastated—but her broken heart is only part of the problem. Maggie is the maid of honor, and her sister insists: Every member of the bridal party must have an escort. No exceptions.

Thank goodness for Hayden Davenport.

Sarcastic, cocky, a surprisingly good listener and self-professed player, when Maggie gets stuck in an elevator with the handsome stranger, she thinks she’s found the perfect wedding date. Unfortunately, Hayden hates weddings. Like really hates them.

But one soul-shattering kiss changes everything.

Maggie needs a fake boyfriend. Hayden wants to prove he’s changed his playboy ways. Faking it should be easy. The hard part?

Remembering it’s all pretend and not falling in love for real.

This book features two opposites with sizzling chemistry, a sweet, hopeless romantic and a cynical bad boy who’ll steal your heart. Elevators, fake romance, and weddings, oh my! Get ready to swoon, laugh, and say ‘I do’ to this heartfelt YA romance.

*sigh*

I had so much fun writing this summary–and the book! Magnolia is totally a hopeless romantic. She’s smart, soft-hearted, and so hilarious! I hope readers relate to her and love her as much as I do. And Hayden…gah. He’s sarcastic, confident, attractive inside and out, a cynical musician with a beautiful soul. The chemistry between the two, their banter, is probably my favorite part of the whole book <3. The swoon factor is at 100 percent.

I loved writing their story.

I love Constance, Magnolia’s mom and cousin, the guys in the band, the bridesmaids.

Again, I just love it so much.

I can’t believe FAUXMANCE releases this Thursday. Trying hard not to freak out about that and just enjoy this time leading up to the release.

I hope you’re doing well my awesome readers!

And I hope you’ll check out FAUXMANCE when it comes out!

Only 2 more days!!!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Mar
2022

FAUXMANCE Cover Reveal!

categories: Adorkable, cover love, doing what you love, Fauxmance, Ninja Girl, Romance, self-publishing, YA

It’s time, you guys!

I’m sharing the cover for my upcoming YA romance FAUXMANCE!

It’s gorgeous, and I love it so much! Stephanie Mooney did a beautiful job! I hope it makes you swoon, sigh, and smile!

Without further ado…

…here is the cover…

for FAUXMANCE! <3

Ahhh, I just can’t!

The almost kiss, the swoony position, the gorgeous colors, the jacket, *sigh*. It all just reminds me how much I love this book! Magnolia & Hayden truly make my heart so glad! I hope they’ll do the same for you! <3

FAUXMANCE will release on April 28, 2022!!!

That’s less than a month away! So excited (and nervous lol)! I hope you’ll check it out, and I hope you’re doing well my wonderful readers!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Happy 6th Book Birthday, ADORKABLE! Happy (a-day-late) 5th Book Birthday, NINJA GIRL! Happy Birthday to my wonderful Aunt Colleen who I love so much! And Happy Cover Reveal, FAUXMANCE! <333


Feb
2022

Work-In-Progress

categories: doing what you love, Instagram, Romance, self-publishing, The Cookie Jar Newsletter, WIP, writing, YA

Hi there! I haven’t posted here in a minute because life has been full/stressful/crazy.

I actually had a health scare not too long ago. It both terrified and made me realize what’s important.

Currently trying to find balance in all the things (job, school, family, posting, sleep, writing etc.) while also avoiding burn out. I have a new respect for everyone who’s able to juggle everything at once. And SLEEP! Gah, I miss her–as well as reading and writing (that are not for assignments) :).

Anyway, I just wanted to stop in and say: I’m still here!

My cover designer has gotten back to me, and we’re in the process of creating a cover for my new book–which I love, love, love and can’t wait to share with you!!! <3

This one has actually gone through a different process. It was initially going to be traditionally published–I wrote it under contract and with the full intention of going that route–but after much thought, I made the decision to self-publish instead. That was not at all an easy decision. But I think/hope it will ultimately end up being the right one. I love this book so very much. I know (as much as someone with recurring self-doubt can) that my readers will love the book, too. I think a lot of people still view traditional publishing as what it takes to be a “real” author. And it is one way to do that! But it’s not the only way ;).

My views on the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing are many lol, but that’s a post for another day. If you’re a writer, just know that: Your work is your work. There might be two fantastic, amazing options for publishing, and you have to choose the one you think will be the best for you and your book <3.

Again, more on that later! I hope you’re all doing well!

I’ve been making an effort to post at least once a week on Facebook and Instagram. So please follow me there if you like pretty book pics, random thoughts about life etc.! 😀

Also, I’d love it if you’d sign up for my newsletter!!! I try to post here, there and everywhere, but sometimes it can be a lot. My Cookie Jar Newsletter is the best way to stay up to date with new releases & bookish news! I hope you’re doing well, my awesome readers! You’re wonderful, and I hope you know it!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Jan
2022

Hello 2022

categories: Adorkable, Cupcake, kindness, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play, the pit of despair, Wallflower, writing, YA

It’s a new year, you guys!

We’re almost a week into 2022. Can you believe it? Also, have you actually tried saying the year? What do you say? Twenty-twenty two? Two-thousand twenty-two? Just twenty-two???

Regardless lol, I hope you are having an amazing year so far! 🙂

When I started The Cookie Jar, I promised to tell you about the sweet and bitter times in this writing journey. Honestly, 2021 was challenging. Still, there were good things, and I’d like to take a look back at my goals, see if I achieved them etc. The Hello 2021 post will help with this! Here we go!

Bookish/writing goals achieved last year: I published three books and wrote one half of a co-written story! Book baby #7, my YA romance WALLFLOWER was released in ebook, paperback, and audiobook, yay!!! Book baby #8, my NA sports romance, The Perfect Play, came next–it’s the second Southern U O’Brien Brothers book–which means I have an actual series, woop! Book baby #9, my #OwnVoices YA romance, CUPCAKE was published by Entangled and is now available in bookstores, huzzah! The Boys of King’s Prep Academy, co-written by myself and Michelle Pennington (under our pen name Cookie Michelle), is available now on Kindle Vella, Amazon’s new episodic reading platform! We only have a few more episodes, and our book baby is being read which is wonderful! Earlier in the year, ADORKABLE reached 10,000 ratings on Goodreads (thank you so much for making this happen!). I participated for the first time ever as an author at a conference (thank you RSJ Convention!), was part of an Entangled Teen Live Chat, had a wonderful conversation with Molly E. Lee hosted by Hub City Writers Project, and was part of a virtual YA panel hosted by Little Shop of Stories. I reached out to a few authors, and they agreed to a newsletter swap (thank you Maggie, Jordan, M.F., Sally, and Emma!). Some wonderful readers participated in the CUPCAKE Book Challenge, and even more played Cookie O’Bingo (still can’t believe people have read my books–but I’m SO grateful!!!). I didn’t write as much as I wanted to, but I wrote 2 books that I love (The Perfect Play and a new upcoming YA romance).

Now for the bitter.

I want to mention these things because…well, they happened. But no worries! I’ll be sure to bring it back to the positive!

In July, I got pretty down.

It blindsided me when another author–who I’d kind of thought of as a friend–said some hurtful things about me/my work to other authors. Part of me wishes I’d never found out (I don’t have many friends, hardly none who are writers), but I’m also glad to know. I’m so introverted; it just surprised me that someone would do that. Also, I hope to put my trust in people who would stand up for me, even when I’m not in the room.

Then something else happened. No details, but suffice it to say: social media tried to break me, and it nearly succeeded. I had heightened anxiety, the kind that affects you physically. I cried. A lot. I felt helpless, and unfortunately, that spread to my family. I broke down, wrote a depressing, way-too-real newsletter about my struggles, and sent it to my subscribers. And…I was definitely in the pit of despair. A big part was I never believed people could be so hateful. With how terrible people treat their fellow humans, I should’ve known, right?

But I didn’t.

And that was so disheartening.

Okay, enough of that lol. Let’s get back to the positive bc it far outweighs the negative!

Remember how I mentioned my newsletter?

Well, some of my wonderful readers read it and sent the kindest, most uplifting messages during that awful time. I don’t think they’ll ever know how much their words meant to me. How much light they provided. How their unexpected kindness truly touched my heart. My family was there, too, feeling it all, holding me up, giving me more love than I deserve. All that to say, I’m so very thankful.

I’m thankful for YOU.

Thank you for supporting me and my books.

Thank you for every bit of love and kindness you give to others.

Thank you for making the world a better place.

My goals for 2022 are: Write a book (hopefully 2-3). Write more and consistently. Publish a book. Start doing thankful/gratitude posts. Use the knowledge I’ve gained in writing courses, finally try running ads–but don’t stress. Send newsletter once a month–but don’t stress. Attend a writing conference and/or classes. Figure out how to be more a part of the writing/book community. Show my family that I love and appreciate them. Be thankful always. I hope to put more love in the world–I always hope that, but I want to be more vigilant about it. Try not to let the opinions of others (good or bad) affect me so much. Focus on the good.

Do you have any goals this year?

I hope you’re doing well, my wonderful readers!

Stay safe, keep reading, and I hope you have an amazing 2022!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Aug
2021

The Perfect Play Paperback!

categories: cover love, doing what you love, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, paperback, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play

Got some awesome book mail yesterday!!!

The Perfect Play paperback is out now, and it’s a beauty! I still can’t look at the cover without smiling <3.

Here are a few pics:

The lovely cover <333…

The spine…

Annnd the back cover and summary!

I’m biased since I wrote the book lol, but…

The paperback is so swoony/gorgeous!!!

My mom even said that she thinks it may be my prettiest one :D. I’ve been waiting for this and am so glad I can now add Chase & Charlie’s story to my shelves!

The Perfect Play paperback is out now, yay!

I hope you love the story as much I loved writing it–and I really LOVE this one, you guys. So much! Crossing my fingers that you fall in love with Chase & Charlie <3!

Hope you’re doing well and having a wonderful week!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. The Best Mistake and The Perfect Play look so good side-by-side *sigh* :). Do you just gaze longingly at books sometimes? Is that just me? Oh, okay lol! Again, stay safe, keep reading, and be well, bookworms!


Aug
2021

Bookish Updates

categories: Cupcake, Entangled Publishing, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play, Wallflower, YA

Hi everyone!

I hope you’re all doing well! I just wanted to do a post about some bookish updates :). Okay, here we go!

  1. RJS Book Lovers’ Convention. I’ll be participating in my first book convention (as an author), yay!!! RSJ is a virtual romance book con that celebrates diversity in publishing! Sounds awesome, right? I definitely think so and am so thankful to be a small part of this event. On Sunday, I’ll be on a YA panel, chatting with readers, talking about books, playing fun games etc. This has always been a dream/goal of mine–to be an author at a conference/convention–so I’m very excited! Hoping it all goes well!
  2. Entangled Teen Live Chat. Okay, so this already happened lol, but it was a lot of fun! Riki, Pamela, Sharina, and Marlene were so awesome, and we had a wonderful time talking about YA books! You can catch more info about my upcoming release CUPCAKE as well as a ton of my awkward facial expressions in the replay lol!
  3. WALLFLOWER audiobook! Viola & Dare’s story is coming to audio on August 31st! Hooray!!! I’m so excited! Can’t wait to (hopefully) reach even more readers with this new format! <3 Can’t wait to listen to WALLFLOWER!
  4. The Perfect Play paperback!!! That’s right, you guys! Team ChaCha is coming to paperback this month! Woop, woop! I’ve already received the proof, and it’s SO beautiful! *sigh* I really want to release tomorrow (Thursday, Aug. 5th) or at least within the week, so be on the lookout! Again: The Perfect Play is coming to paperback!!! Yayyy!
  5. Writing vs. Being Sick. I haven’t been writing much lately. I’ve been sick but am feeling much better now. Not 100% yet–but definitely better. I thought I might have COVID, though I’ve been vaccinated. The symptoms were there, but my test was negative, and I’m very thankful for that. Looking forward to getting back to writing!

And that’s it! 🙂

I hope your August is off to a good start!

Hope everyone who’s going back to school has an awesome first week!!!

Stay safe and be well!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Jul
2021

Thank you so much!

categories: kindness, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play, Xpresso Book Tours

Hi you guys!

The Perfect Play was released last Thursday, hooray!!!

Team ChaCha is doing well so far! Readers have been reading, and they’ve said some of the kindest things! I just wanted to share some of the awesome early reviews with you!

Absolutely amazing!  Cookie O’Gorman has done it again. This book drew me in and wouldn’t let go until the very end.–Nikki, Goodreads Review

The most delicious mix of sugary sweet & extra hot heat.–KristaReadsRomance, Goodreads Review

I always love it in a romance when the guy falls a little harder for the girl first and Chase is a book boyfriend coming to life.–Lauren at SERIESous Reviews

OMG! This is such a Great read! I love the O’Brien family!!–Cathleen, Goodreads Review

I’ve loved all of Cookie’s heroes and heroines, but I think these two might be my favorites.–Annie, Goodreads Review

Oh. My. I could not love this book more. Chase is so swoony. And Charlie…she’s my soul sister.–Talk Swoony To Me Blog, Goodreads Review

Thank you for another great book Cookie O’ Gorman. I just loved this book. It was just full of love and support from both the family and friends.– Alejandra, Goodreads Review

With my girl Cookie it’s a guarantee that the hero will be amazing and the heroine will be lovely. Yames Bond, Goodreads Review

Chase is my favorite O’Brien. I AM 100% MARRYING HIM. I swear, he’s such a sweetheart, but he also knows what he wants and goes for it, which I LOVE.–Clarissa, Goodreads Review

I loved loved loved this book so much!!!! Team ChaCha!!–Kiana, Goodreads Review

Ah, I’m so glad to know people are actually enjoying Charlie & Chase’s story! <3

I can’t tell you how much it means to see these wonderful reviews. It’s such an important thing–not only because they lift my spirits (which they absolutely do!), but they also let other readers know why they should give the book a chance! As an indie author and introvert, it’s kind of difficult to get the word out sometimes. I truly appreciate every review, and I just have to say: Thank you SO much to anyone who leaves one! You are awesome!!!

Also, thank you so much to Xpresso Book tours and to everyone who participated in The Perfect Play Book Blitz! You rock!

I’ve been working on the website a bit. I’ve also been taking a ton of screenshots of The Perfect Play lol! 😀 That’s basically what I do whenever a book comes out. I also had something not-so-awesome happen last week. I said I’d talk about all the bitter times as well as the sweet, so I may do a post about that. But if I do, I’ll definitely try to keep it positive!

I hope you’re all doing well and having a wonderful week so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. I really am thankful for the kind reviews The Perfect Play is receiving–and that people are reading! It’s out there, you guys! Team ChaCha is actually out there! 🙂 Hope you are doing well!


Jul
2021

Only 2 more days!

categories: doing what you love, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play

Hi everyone!

There’s only 2 more days until the release of The Perfect Play, yayyy!!!

I’m so excited for everyone to read about Charlie & Chase! I truly love them and this story.

This is book 2 in the Southern U O’Brien Brothers series–which means it’s an actual series! Ah, I’m so excited (and nervous)! Here is the summary in case you’re interested:

She’s playing to win.

Okay, so I probably shouldn’t have made that bet with Emmy. But come on! She was challenging me. Attract a guy in seven days? No problem.

Well…maybe just one.

The guy she chooses is her brother, Chase O’Brien aka golden-boy-Virgin and star pitcher for the Wolves. Unlike most guys, Chase seems immune to my charms—but I’ve always loved a challenge.

He’s playing for keeps.

Charlie never should’ve made that bet with my baby sister. But if she uses her magic touch to heal my arm and gets me back in the game? It’s all good.

Actually, the more time we spend together, the harder I fall. I always knew I’d recognize my soulmate when I found her—and Charlie’s the one.

Even if she doesn’t know it yet.

This new adult sports romance features a strong heroine with a soft center, a hot-bookish hero who believes in true love and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

Love is always the perfect play.

Charlie has such a confident, sassy, hilarious personality. She’s determined and unapologetic, and gah, I love her! And oh my goodness, Chase!!! He puts the ‘swoon’ in swoon-worthy. He’s thoughtful, sweet, sexy–and he believes in soulmates/true love/is a hopeless romantic. *sigh* Chase starts the story coming back from an injury, wanting nothing more than to play ball, and Charlie helps him heal. Sparks fly between them, and…oh, I just hope people will love their story!

I’ve been struggling to get the word out. I wanted to release this one ASAP, and because of that, I wasn’t able to schedule a blog tour. There is a book blitz, so I’m hoping that will help. Five awesome bookish peeps are a part of the ARC team for The Perfect Play, and I’m so very thankful for them!!! I reached out to one author whose books I’ve read and enjoyed about doing a newsletter swap. I had more I wanted to reach out to, but I didn’t know if I should/if that was frowned upon. I basically chickened out lol.

But I wish I could do more.

Again, I really love Charlie & Chase.

This is one of my favorite stories I’ve written. I wish I knew how to spread the word. I’m planning to run an ad and just hoping it will be successful. Anyway, this is obviously where the doubt sets in, so please, if you get a chance, cross your fingers for me and this little book <3.

I hope you’re doing well and having an awesome summer! I also hope you get this bc I still haven’t figured out how to switch from Feedburner to another service that will send my blog posts.

I’ll be working on that for the 10 awesome peeps who actually read these ;).

Good karma and virtual hugs to you!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Only 2 more days until The Perfect Play, hooray!!!!


Jun
2021

The Perfect Play cover reveal

categories: cover love, doing what you love, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play

Hi everyone!

The Perfect Play cover reveal is today, woop!!! Prepare yourself because: It. Is. Gorgeous. <3

This is book 2 of the Southern U O’Brien Brothers series. Chase & Charlie’s book, yayyy!

A new adult romance that’s sweet, sexy, laugh-out-loud funny, and totally romantic. Thank you to Stephanie Mooney who designed this beautiful cover!

I’m truly in love with it. Seriously can’t wait to share!

Sooo….

….here is the cover…

…for The Perfect Play!

Gah, I just think it’s so beautiful. Chase O’Brien is so swoon-worthy. I can’t even!

Seriously, though, don’t you just love it??? I’ve had this beauty since February, and I couldn’t share because I wasn’t finished with the book yet. The model is perfect for Chase (no pun intended ha!). That stare, the intense-yet-vulnerable look in his eyes…swoon. And then the gorgeous colors, title, and tagline set everything off.

I love it–and I hope you do, too :).

I hope it made you smile/swoon.

This book is truly one of my favorites I’ve ever written. Don’t get me wrong; I love ALL of my books.

But there’s something special about this one.

I love Charlie. I love Chase. I love them together, and oh, I had so much fun writing their story. ***This is a new adult sports romance recommended for readers 18+.*** If you love sexy-sweet stories featuring brothers guaranteed to make you swoon, I truly hope you’ll give The Perfect Play a chance!

Hope you are well and having an awesome weekend, bookworms!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


May
2021

Work In Progress

categories: Adorkable, doing what you love, Entangled Publishing, Goodreads, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, Wallflower, WIP, writing, YA

Honestly, I feel like that title describes my life lol.

Work in progress.

Trying, trying some more, hopefully progressing.

Anyway, WIP probably describes everyone’s life, so at least I’m not alone :).

Here are a few updates on my books and what I’ve been doing recently (I’ll try not to make it too boring ha).

WALLFLOWER is out in the world, and it’s been doing so well! If you’re reading this, I cannot say thank you enough. So: Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love Viola & Dare so much, and people are actually reading their book, enjoying the story, writing such sweet reviews! Ugh, thank you again!

I’ve actually been working on several projects–which is so crazy bc I’m used to only working on one at a time. It’s been…a learning experience lol! And it’s not done yet.

Project #1: Editing my YA romance for Entangled! I just turned in my first pass of the manuscript to my editor and can’t wait to see what she thinks! Hoping, hoping, hoping all of you will love it! The title of the book is CUPCAKE. <3 It’s actually already on Goodreads. I’ll post more about it soon, but I love this book! Ugh, can’t wait to share it with you!

Project #2: Another YA romance for Entangled! Still in the early idea stages with this one. I’m waiting for approval of the summary, but I already am so excited about it!

Project #3: The co-authored project I’ve been writing! It’s YA. It’s awesome. It’s almost finished…maybe. The last time we spoke we said it will likely come out in June/July. Very excited (and nervous) about this ha!

Project #4: The O’Brien Brothers Book 2!!! I’m so looking forward to finishing this one–not because I don’t love it, but because I do! The book is at about 56k words. Still a few chapters to go. I love it SO much, and I’m just trying to do the main couple and this wonderful family justice. Again, I can’t wait to share and hope readers will swoon! *Also, the cover is GORGEOUS!!!! I need to finish the book first, but I can’t wait to put that bit of loveliness out in the world! *

Those are my WIPs!

Besides myself, of course :-).

I was sick last week, so that kind of sucked. FeedBurner is apparently going to stop sending email notifications–like the ones you get when I do a blog post. So, I need to figure that out for the ten people who actually read these posts ;).

I hope you’re all staying safe and that wonderful things are happening where you are!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Oooh, and ADORKABLE is now available on the KISS app! It came out today! Yayyy!!! I think the publishing model is interesting; it involves tokens/chapters etc. Hope the KISS readers love Sally & Becks! 🙂