WIP – THE COOKIE JAR

Category: WIP

23
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

11
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! 🙂

06
Apr
2021

Thankful

categories: Amazon, doing what you love, kindness, Romance, self-publishing, Wallflower, WIP, writing, Xpresso Book Tours, YA, YA Bound Book Tours

Hi everyone!

I wanted to check in with some bookish updates!

WALLFLOWER will have been out for 2 weeks on Thursday! The time has flown by. Honestly, I can’t believe how well it’s doing–and I’m so thankful.

Readers have been saying the kindest things about Viola & Dare’s story, and I’m just super grateful <3. Here’s a small sample of the wonderful reviews:

“All I kept thinking as I read this book was how much I loved it!”-Lisa, Lisa Loves Literature
“I think this book is my favorite contemporary YA romance that I have read in 2021 so far. It made me so happy, and I honestly just want to go back and re-read it again because I loved Viola and Dare so much.”-Michelle, Book Briefs
“Wallflower was impossible not to devour in one sitting! This story swept me away and the pages were filled with charm, humor and romance.“-Jen, Star-Crossed Book Blog
“One of the best parts of this story is the genuine friendships.”-Amy, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews
“I recommend this fun, charming, and clean YA romance with delightful characters and LOL moments. I couldn’t put this book down.”-Sharon, The Eclectic Review
“Definitely recommend if you want a sweet short read!”-Ceci, Goodreads Review
“I personally would trade all the other men I read about this week for Dare in a second and he was one of seven. #LetsKeepDare”-Ali Crean, Have Coffee Need Books
“I loved loved this book!!!!”-Kiana, Goodreads Review
“I think many bookworms and hopeless romantics will find part of themselves in Viola. Her growth and character evolution from start to finish was great.”- Lauren, SERIESous Book Reviews
“Overall, there was so much to love about this book and you’d be crazy not to read it if YA romances are your jam. I’m so glad I was able to revisit old characters while continuing on with new ones. This book was truly a delight!“-Ariel, The Book View
“It’s an opposites-attract (popular guy/ unpopular girl), friends to lovers and fake dating romance that will make you remember your first crush and first love.”-Kristee, Goodreads Review
“This is cheesy, cute and soooo romantic. I’ve been smiling wide enough for my jaw to hurt and have definitely leaked a few tears.
✓High school
✓Fake Dating
✓Coach’s daughter
✓Clean romance
✓Animal lovers”-Navya, Goodreads Review
“I could not keep from smiling the entire time I read this book.“-Gabrielle, Goodreads Review
“I really enjoyed reading Wallflower!! The banter between Viola and Dare was such a vibe!”-Amazon Review
“Love all her books. She is top of my one-click. Couldn’t wait for this and it didn’t disappoint.”-Amazon Review

You guys, seriously, bloggers are awesome, and readers rock! And the romance writing community rocks as well! Special thanks to YA Bound Book Tours & Xpresso Book Tours!!! I can’t say thank you enough, so again…to every person who has helped spread the word about WALLFLOWER, for every review/post/share/encouraging message/comment: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

WALLFLOWER is just a little YA romance. I’m pretty helpless when it comes to marketing. And yet, the book is doing well, and that’s all thanks to you!

Last week was Book Birthday Week, and I’m holding a giveaway here! There are still a couple days to enter if you haven’t already. Good luck, you guys!

I also finally hit 20k on my current WIP, hooray! It feels like it’s taken me forever ha. But I think that’s because I keep switching POVs–and just general writer’s block blech. But I finally hit 20k words woop! So thankful for that!

And I was able to get the COVID vaccine. Not going to lie. My thoughts were tinged with sadness. I couldn’t help but think about all of the people who were lost to the disease, how very grateful they would’ve been to receive a vaccine or to have their families in the hospital room while they fought it. How much those families would’ve given to be with their loved ones for their last moments.

Anyway, I am very thankful to have gotten my shot. I’m hopeful that these crazy, sad times will one day come to an end. And I pray good health, strength and healing is with you my lovely readers.

Hope you are well and that you had a wonderful Easter!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Here are a few of the screenshots I took for WALLFLOWER. <3 It’s been a #1 hot new release for several of its categories (in the U.S. & Australia), a #1 bestseller two of them in the U.S. and even hit #1 in Germany!

So many pictures lol, but who knows if this will ever happen again! Thank you so much for giving WALLFLOWER such a wonderful start!!!

19
Mar
2021

5 Things: I’m Looking Forward To…

categories: 5 Things, doing what you love, Romance, self-publishing, Wallflower, WIP, writing, YA

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!

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.
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.
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.
Sleep. No explanation needed lol.
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! 🙂 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! 😀

26
Feb
2021

Happy Reading

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

Hi everyone!

So, it’s the last Friday of February—can you believe the month went by so fast???

March is right around the corner, and I wanted to do a quick post to check-in :).

First, congratulations to Judy G.!!! She was the winner of my giveaway to celebrate ADORKABLE hitting 10,000 ratings on Goodreads! I hope you enjoy your gift card, Judy, and thank you so much to everyone who entered!

Second, I’ve been trying to write! I’m loving the book(s) I’m working on, but honestly, I haven’t quite mastered the skill of writing more than one project at a time lol. My brain takes a minute to flip between stories. I just want to be consistently productive. Still trying to get the hang of this!

And third, there’s less than a month until the release of WALLFLOWER, yayyy! I’ve been trying to make sure it’s ready. There’s a blog tour and blitz scheduled. I sent out a few ARCs. Trying to work up the nerve to contact some authors for newsletter swaps (cue the nerves LOL). I still need to work on my dedication and acknowledgments.

I’ll definitely be posting more about WALLFLOWER in the coming weeks :). I so love this book. I hope you will, too! Crossing my fingers so hard!

I’ve got a to-do list about a mile long and am slowly making my way through it. Also, in case you’re interested, my current WIPs are a co-authored YA and book 2 of the O’Brien Brothers, woop! What have you been up to? Anything interesting? 🙂

Hope you are well, bookworms!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

30
Oct
2020

5 Things: I wish…

categories: 5 Things, kindness, Romance, The Kissing Challenge, WIP, YA

Hi everyone!

Can you believe it’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, I’ve been a bit down (which may be reflected in this post ha), but I’ll try and keep it positive!

So for today’s post, I’m doing 5 Things: I wish…

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.
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 didn’t know if anyone would read let alone enjoy my little YA romance novella—or any of my books for that matter! Thank you SO much for reading!
I wish I didn’t pay attention to reviews. Actually, no. I wish I didn’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 won’t leave? Blah :/.
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 Schitt’s Creek) said, it is basically the kindest thing we can do.
I wish everyone was healthy, happy and hopeful <3.

Okay, so those are my 5 Things! 🙂 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 O’Gorman

P.S. I have also been writing :). It’s been slow-going, but the other day I hit 20k on my brand new WIP! Yayyy! I’m really enjoying this story, you guys, and hope you will, too! I’m also about to start a collaboration with another wonderful author, my first ever, and oh, I’m so excited and hope it goes well! Very much looking forward to it! For my other book—the one I completed just before my novella? If you’re confused that’s okay lol!—I think I’ve found an awesome cover image. Hooray!!! Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know I’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!

14
Aug
2020

Write, write, write

categories: doing what you love, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Best Mistake, WIP, writing, YA

Hi everyone!

I’m still here lol! And I’ve been writing! Yayyy!!!!

Tonight, I hit 50k on my current WIP, hooray! I am absolutely in love with this YA romance, and I’m hoping to finish it this week. That’s a big goal for me as I am not the fastest writer, but I’m going to try.

A little while ago, I attended a virtual writing conference held by The Writing Gals! (Sidenote: They are awesome and kind and so generous with the info they give to other writers! If you are a writer, I’d definitely check them out! :))

It was wonderful, you guys!

I haven’t gotten a chance to watch all of the courses that interest me (there were SO many awesome ones), but I did get to do a few things.

One of the things I did was writing sprints!

That’s where you sit down, set a timer for 20 minutes and just write as much as you can. I may have done this at some point, but it was never with a 20-minute time frame or with other authors. I always did at least an hour, usually two hours and would feel so disappointed if I got tired half-way through or didn’t end up with an awesome word count.

Long story short, the writing sprints have dramatically increased my productivity, and I am so thankful!

Now, I know I am capable of upping my word count, and it doesn’t feel so draining to sit for hours on end, hoping for the words to come. Who knew taking a little break and then jumping back in could be so effective? Everyone but me? Okay then, lol ;).

Again, I’m thankful for the conference and for Maggie Dallen’s course on writing faster and more efficiently (she mentioned sprinting, too, whoop!), and for all of the awesome live chats/panels I got to see!

It was just such a breath of fresh air, a bit of light in all this darkness, and it really has lit a fire under me to finish this book–and hopefully, many more to come.

I hope you are all doing well, my lovely readers! Stay safe, keep reading, and May the Force be with you!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. ICYMI: The Best Mistake is now available in paperback, and it is oh so pretty! <3 Have you got your copy of Honor & Archer’s story yet? 😉 I hope you love it!

13
Jul
2020

365 Giveaway and Writing Updates!

categories: giveaway, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Best Mistake, WIP, writing, YA

Hi everyone!

In an effort to make your Monday awesome…I have a giveaway for you!

Hosted by Tina Donahue, who recently celebrated a new release (if you’re into hot paranormal romance/reverse harem, you might want to check her out!), she let a whole bunch of authors be a part of her giveaway! Yay!

The prize is $365 in gift cards as well as a ton of ebooks–including The Best Mistake!

Enter here for a chance to win! And good luck, bookworms!

Also, an update on my writing progress :).

I hit 20K on my WIP this Saturday!!! Woohoo!

It’s a milestone for each of my manuscripts, and I’m so thankful to have reached it! The story is a YA romance, and I am absolutely loving it! Seriously, sometimes the joy of the process gets lost. It’s easy to celebrate the final product, but I really enjoy the writing–especially when I fall head-over-heels for the characters and their love story *sigh*.

Oh, I hope you’ll like it, too!

The downside is this means I haven’t been working on my next O’Brien Brothers book…BUT I do plan to write more in the series!

I’ve gotten questions about whether I’m going to continue the series, and every single time, it makes my heart glad <3. My first foray into the NA romance world has been going well! People are actually reading The Best Mistake! Honestly, I wish even more people would read Archer & Honor’s story! Ugh, I just love it! But I’m so grateful to the readers who have read and taken the time to send me their kind words and leave a review! It means more than they will ever know!

This weekend I formatted the paperback, and I’ve contacted my cover designer about the print cover, woop! So hopefully, that will be coming soon! I promise, I’ll let you know as soon as it’s ready :)!

Also, I’ve been in talks with Entangled about possibly doing another book with them, so yay! Hoping and crossing my fingers that wonderful things come from this!

And that’s pretty much all I’ve got. Just trying to hang in there, stay hopeful, and keep creating during this frankly awful time in the world.

I hope you’re doing well, my lovely readers! Hope you have a wonderful week!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

25
Jun
2020

Hello Again

categories: Adorkable, Goodreads, New Adult, nice surprise, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, The Best Mistake, WIP, writing, YA

Hello again!

I hope you’re all doing well! Yes, I’m still here and just…trying, every day trying, like everyone else.

My last blog post wasn’t sent out for some reason—and it was a nice one about a fun ADORKABLE bookish video I was able to do with some truly awesome people! <3 (ICYMI: here it is!)

I hope this one gets sent—and if it doesn’t, I guess I’ll ask the people at WordPress lol? Not really the best with technology, so I’ll definitely need help ha.

But anyway, here are a few writing/book-related updates:

I reached 10,000 words on my current WIP yesterday!!! Yay, yay, yay! I’m really in love with this book and the characters. It’s a YA romance with funny and swoon-worthy moments and…ugh, I hope to keep writing, can’t wait to finish and share it with you guys!
THE BEST MISTAKE, my New Adult sports romance, is doing awesome! It’s gotten some wonderful reviews, and I’m so thankful for all of them! Here’s a pic from back when THE BEST MISTAKE reached 100 ratings on Goodreads! *sigh* If you haven’t read it yet, I hope you’ll check it out, and let me know what you think of the O’Brien brothers!!!

Just found out Sarah J. Maas is writing another book in the A Court of Thorns & Roses series! Literally one of my favorite series ever! And it’s not just any book. It’s for two characters that I love: Nesta & Cassian! <333 Can’t wait to read!
A kind person at work got me a Kindle! It happened around Christmas, was totally unexpected and just really thoughtful. Because of this, I now have 3 free months of KU! Very excited to read all the books lol!

Also, on a totally different note, and because I’m a real person who cares about you and your loved ones, and I hope you care about mine: Please, if you have to go out and be around people, wear a mask.

I don’t know how this has become an argument. It’s not about infringing on people’s rights; it’s not even about you protecting yourself. The masks are worn to protect others. It’s about caring for those around you because you could have the virus, be asymptomatic, and spread it to a loved one—or to someone else’s loved one. I’ve had my own experiences, and I’ll share them here.

The first time I ever had to wear a mask was five years ago. It was to protect my best friend who had cancer.

Her immune system was down because of the chemo treatments. I’d caught a cold which of course wouldn’t usually be too concerning. But for someone with cancer and lowered immunity, a cold could turn into something far worse, like pneumonia. My little cold that I knew I’d likely recover from could’ve been life-threatening to her.

So I wore a mask.

To protect her.

Because I love her.

I had to do this a couple of times because I got sick again while she was undergoing treatment. I would’ve done anything to protect her. Wearing a mask was not a hardship. I wish I could’ve done so much more. She was and still is my favorite person of all time.

*And if you at any point while you were reading this thought: “Well, she was dying anyway” or have ever said something cruel like that to a person with cancer, please don’t buy or read any of my books. They are written for people with hearts. And I’m pretty sure you’ve misplaced yours.*

There are still people who I love that I want to protect. So again, when you go out and are around people, please wear a mask.

I hope you’re all safe and healthy, finding happiness during this time. Be well, readers.

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

28
Jan
2020

WIP Complete!!!

categories: Adorkable, Goodreads, Instagram, Ninja Girl, Romance, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Unbelievable Inconceivable Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, WIP, writing, YA

Okay, so technically, I should’ve posted this over two weeks ago lol.

But I completed my WIP, you guys! 😀 It has about 1,000 more words now because of edits–and I still have a bit more to do on that front–but WOOHOO!!!! It’s done, you guys!

And I love, love, love it so much! <3

There are a few things that I wanted to ask you, so I may do a poll later or something.

But for right now, I just wanted to tell you it’s complete–and I took this pic after lol–and once it’s ready, I cannot wait for you to read!!!

Also, I have some updates on my other book babies :).

The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad reached 500 ratings on Goodreads! Woohoo, yay, hooray!!!! I will have to do a giveaway to celebrate soon!

Someone wrote a one-star review of NINJA GIRL and tagged me in it…ugh (about the tagging, not the bad review. Honestly, one-stars hurt like a dagger to the chest, but everyone has their own opinion. I still absolutely love Snow and Ash and their story <3. Plus, someone else wrote a really awesome review, so it evens out I guess).

The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder has recently gotten a few wonderful reviews as well! That was awesome to see!

Oh yes, and ADORKABLE got a very nice review from Kirkus! My first trade review, you guys! Want to know my initial reaction? “I’m so glad they didn’t hate it” LOL!!!!! 🙂 But seriously…I’m so glad they didn’t hate it!

I hope you’re all doing well, accomplishing your goals for 2020 and reading wonderful books!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman