Category: The Cookie Jar Newsletter


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


Sep
2020

Yay!!!

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

Hi everyone!

I’ve been sick for a bit. Blah. If you’re wondering, I was tested for COVID-19 (just to be on the safe side), but I’m very thankful to report the test came back negative. Whatever I’ve got is still hanging around. Hopefully, it will go completely away soon. But even with all that, I still managed to post on FB and Instagram, so yay?

Anyway, I wanted to let you all know that I reached another goal!

I didn’t tell anyone besides a few family members and one friend about it because I was afraid I’d jinx it and fail.

Story of my life ha.

My goal was to complete a 20K-word novella in ten days. And guess what? I did it, hooray! The story is a fun, swoony YA romance, and I’ll be offering to my newsletter subscribers for free just as soon as I can get a cover lol!

I’ll also make it available for $0.99 on Amazon because I’m not sure if everyone even knows about The Cookie Jar Newsletter–let alone this blog! *cries* But it’s cool! I just want everyone who loves my books (or wants to try my books ;)) to be able to read it, and from what other writers have done, I think that’s a good way to get the word out :).

I’ll have more on that later, but you guys!

Twenty thousand words in ten days!!! Not too shabby, especially for me and how slow I usually write.

If you have any goals you’re working on, I hope you reach them! I’ll be cheering you on from here and giving you virtual cookies along the way! Hope you are staying safe and having a wonderful week, bookworms!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Jul
2019

5 Things: I’m Working On

categories: 5 Things, Adorkable, promotion, Romance, The Cookie Jar Newsletter, writing, YA

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


Jun
2019

Good News & A Giveaway

categories: Adorkable, giveaway, Ninja Girl, Romance, The Cookie Jar Newsletter, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, YA

It’s been a while, but I’m back with good news and a giveaway. Yay!!!

Also, I want to say thank you SO much to everyone who helped me spread the word about the ADORKABLE Kindle Countdown Deal two weeks ago! Despite having no time to get the deal into newsletters on other sites, it was very successful, and I have you to thank for that, so again: Thank you!!!

First time I’ve ever made a creative (apparently ads are called that lol), and I love it :). If you have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t feel bad. I just made a little flyer/ad for the deal, and it turned out pretty…well, adorkable ha :).

Okay, now for the good news! It’s actually freaking amazing news imo, but…

The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad was #1 in three of its categories!!!!!

Holy wow, right?!? I couldn’t believe it either, almost passed out from joy when I first saw–but at least I remembered to get a few pics!

*Sigh* Thank you so much, you guys! <3 Sadie and Colton’s story is one that I love very much, and I’m so glad that readers are reading and enjoying it! Right now, it has 28 awesome reviews, and I’m so thankful.

So of course, it’s time for a giveaway! 🙂

I’m giving away 4 copies of the NINJA GIRL audiobook!!! Ash and Snow’s story, woop! Audiobooks are still new to me, but I really love how this one and ADORKABLE turned out (not that I’m biased or anything ;)).

***Enter to win using the rafflecopter here!***

Good luck, and please look out for The Cookie Jar Newsletter I’ll be sending later this week! There will be 2 other giveaways open only to subscribers this month since I missed last month :).

I have ideas for more posts, and I have so much more to share with you guys. Hope you’re still with me, reading wonderful books and having an awesome week!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Again: OMG, I still can’t believe The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad was #1 in three of its categories! *__* Thank you, thank you, thank you!


Apr
2019

NINJA GIRL Audiobook Release Day!

categories: audiobook, cover love, giveaway, Ninja Girl, Release Day, Romance, The Cookie Jar Newsletter, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, YA

It’s a very exciting day, you guys! NINJA GIRL is now available as an audiobook!!!

Did you see the cover? *__* Oh my Ash, I love it and hope you do, too!

I’m so excited about this release and the narrators. Emily Woo Zeller is amazing! I’ve listened to some of her other work and thought she’d be great for Snow–then I heard a sample of NINJA GIRL.

And you guys: She. Is. Perfect!!!

You should go listen because seriously, wow! Emily captures the exact right feel of the characters/book right from the start. Can’t wait to hear the brilliant Brandon Utah voice Ash as well! <3 Emily and Brandon are so talented, and I’m thrilled they brought NINJA GIRL to life in audio!

I hope you’ll check it out, and let me know what you think! And if you know anyone who loves YA romance, ninjas and audiobooks, as always, I’d be so thankful if you’d help me spread the word :).

Hi-yah, hooray, and heck yeah, NINJA GIRL is now an audiobook!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Congrats to Katharina for winning The Cookie Jar Newsletter Giveaway for April! Your $10 Amazon gift card has been sent :). For the latest updates on my books, access to free content and monthly giveaways, subscribe to The Cookie Jar Newsletter!

P.P.S. I plan to do another post, but: Thank you SO much to everyone who’s been out there supporting The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad! Truly, I am so so grateful. More on this later, but seriously hugs, love and good karma to all of you lovely readers! <333


Apr
2019

Blitz, Book Birthday Week & My First Newsletter!

categories: Adorkable, Ninja Girl, NINJA GIRL 100th Review Giveaway, Romance, The Cookie Jar Newsletter, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Unbelievable Inconceivable Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, Xpresso Book Tours, YA

First, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who entered the NINJA GIRL 100th Review Giveaway!!! This is a milestone for Snow, Ash and me, and I was so glad to see so many entries :).

I’m also very glad to announce the randomly chosen winner…

Irma!!!

Congrats, Irma! Thank you so much for entering the giveaway, and I hope you enjoy your $10 Amazon gift card! It should be in your inbox now :).

Second, I wanted to tell you about the Book Blitz for my upcoming release, The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad! <3

It’s being organized by Xpresso Book Tours (who made that beautiful banner *_*), and I’m very excited. There was a wonderful response to the cover which was so great to see!

Bloggers, if you want to help spread the word about The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad, I’d be so thankful!

Third, I didn’t realize but…it’s Book Birthday Week!!!

ADORKABLE, my debut, was published on March 31, 2016. NINJA GIRL came out March 30, 2017. And last year, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder came out April 5, 2018. You guys, all of my book babies have birthdays this week!

(Sidenote: It’s a hard time of the year for my family and me. Back when I released ADORKABLE, I was trying to make it better. Not sure it worked–but my books are something positive, and I hope they make people happy.)

If you follow me on Facebook, you’ll see all the Book Birthday pics I’ve posted–and I’ll be doing another Friday to celebrate Ethan! 🙂

And last, I sent my first newsletter! It took 7+ hours on Sunday (more before that), and I know there’s room for improvement lol. But it was sent–and according to MailChimp, actual people opened it, so yayyy!

The Cookie Jar Newsletter and this blog are really for my readers, to keep in touch with the people who love my books and want to know more <3.

There’s so much I want to share with you guys! I’ll be doing monthly giveaways only open to newsletter subscribers, offering fun free content and the latest news on my books :). If that sounds good to you, please subscribe here!

I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far, bookworms!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman