YA – Page 2 – THE COOKIE JAR

Category: YA

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

06
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

25
Dec
2021

Merry & Bright

categories: Adorkable, Cupcake, December, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, NA, New Adult, Ninja Girl, Romance, The Best Mistake, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge, The Perfect Play, The Unbelievable Inconceivable Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, Wallflower, YA, YA mystery

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas!

This time last year I could still hold all the books I’d published in one hand. I tried that this year, failed, broke an ornament, cleaned up the mess, then moved everything to the mantle lol. At least the picture turned out nice.

May your days be merry & bright. May you spend time with the ones you love (hug them, tell them how much you love them, and know how blessed you are to have that). And may the odds be ever in your favor <3.

Merry Christmas and happiest of happy holidays to you!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

23
Nov
2021

5 Things: I’m Thankful For

categories: 5 Things, audiobook, Cupcake, giveaway, Happy Holidays, Release Day, Romance, YA

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.”

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.
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.
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.
Dogs, Books & Movies. Because they truly make life, the world, and the bad days better.
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

02
Nov
2021

CUPCAKE Release Day!

categories: cover love, Cupcake, doing what you love, Entangled Publishing, Release Day, Romance, YA

Happy CUPCAKE Release Day!!!

I still can’t believe Ariel & Rhys’s story is actually going to be out there, yayyy! Book Baby #9! CUPCAKE is out in the wild! I hope readers love it and that it makes them smile! Most of all I hope it reminds people to love themselves and to be kind and that happily-ever-after comes in all shapes and sizes! <3

Again: Happy Release Day CUPCAKE!!!

I hope you’re well and having an awesome November so far! And if you check out CUPCAKE, I hope you enjoy it!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

11
Oct
2021

CUPCAKE Goodreads Giveaway

categories: Cupcake, Entangled Publishing, giveaway, Goodreads, Romance, YA

Can you believe it’s October already? Gah, I can’t. September was a busy month which is why I haven’t posted in a while. But there’s so much I want to share with you guys!

Today, I have an awesome giveaway for you!

Entangled is doing a Goodreads giveaway to win a paperback copy of my upcoming YA romance CUPCAKE!!! It ends on November 1st, and there will be 5 winners! Hooray!

Here is the link if you’d like to enter!

Good luck, bookworms!!!

I’ll also be doing a giveaway closer to the release date which is on November 2nd.

Yes, you read that right.

CUPCAKE, Book Baby #9, my first ever traditionally published book from start to finish, my first #OwnVoices book, will come out in less than a month. Ahhh! Trying not to freak out over here (and mostly succeeding…maybe lol).

CUPCAKE is a swoon-worthy, fun and funny YA romance, featuring a plus-sized princess named Ariel who loves baking, movies, and…herself–just as she is <3. It also features Rhys, the golden-boy quarterback who is slightly broody, imperfect, and *sigh* absolutely wonderful.

There are already over 60 ratings/reviews.

Again, freaking out a bit ha!

I’ve never had a book release with that many reviews/ratings.

Several early readers have picked out some of my favorite parts of the story, reminding me why I love it so much, and I’m so grateful for them.

I love that CUPCAKE features a teen girl who just happens to be plus-sized and who loves herself.

I love the swoon-worthy romance/chemistry between Ariel & Rhys.

I love the female relationships. Ariel & Toni. Ariel & her mom. Ariel & Lana. Ariel & all of the girls on Homecoming Court.

I love the supportive mother/daughter relationship.

I love Rhys and that he isn’t perfect.

I also love Zander <3, the movies mentioned, the funny and heartfelt moments. I could keep going, but I’ll stop lol.

Anyway, I so hope readers will love CUPCAKE, too!

Quick writing/life updates: I’ve been trying to write. It’s slow-going, but at least it’s coming, and I love the story so much!!! I hope to post more–life just got busy, and then I started to feel that fear again, like whatever I had to say didn’t matter; no one really wants to hear it anyway *sigh*. I’ve also been trying to stay positive.

And I’ll keep trying.

Whatever you have going on in your life, I hope you are well. I wish you so much joy and happiness. Positive vibes to you! I hope you’re having a wonderful October so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. CUPCAKE comes out in less than a month!!! Ahh, so excited! <3

31
Aug
2021

WALLFLOWER Audiobook Release Day!

categories: audiobook, cover love, doing what you love, Release Day, Romance, Wallflower, YA

It’s here, you guys!!!

Viola & Dare’s story is now available in audiobook! Woohoo!!!

Ah, they used the original cover (created by Stephanie Mooney), and I’m so glad because I love it! The narrator, Stephanie Einstein, captured Viola’s voice right from the beginning <3. The sample I heard was so wonderful! Can’t wait to listen to the rest!!!

Also thought the 2 Stephanie’s must be a good sign lol!

So, so excited! This is my first audiobook in a while, and I love this story so much!

Truly.

In addition to the ebook and paperback, I hope this new format will help more readers find Viola & Dare! Eep! This book is so dear to me. And it’s out there, you guys!

That’s an awesome feeling.

In other news, this coming month is going to be busy. I organize a charity event in September that is for a very important cause, and I’m praying and doing all I can to make sure it goes well. Please cross your fingers for me, you guys. I’m also writing a book for Entangled that needs to be turned in by Oct. 1st. My WIP will be taking a lot of my energy/focus. I love it, but honestly, I’ve been having trouble writing since July. Several reasons for this *sigh*. I also have a dance teaching opportunity coming up, which I’m very excited about. And then there’s the co-authored project I’m working on.

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!

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!
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!
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!
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!
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

24
Jul
2021

Lemonade

categories: lemonade, stay positive, struggling, writing, YA

Hi everyone!

This is one of the bitter times on this writing journey. *sigh*

Warning: There will be lemons.

Don’t worry, though! I’ll try my best to end on a positive note.

So, I’ve always considered the writing & bookish community to be something positive. I don’t reach out much (i.e. I almost never reach out lol), but that’s mostly because I’m an introvert and putting myself out there makes me nervous. I just keep my head down, do my own thing and write the best books I can with the hope that they will touch readers’ hearts as much as they do mine.

Writing is a very personal, solitary thing for me.

The ways that I do reach out/interact are few, and the people who I feel comfortable enough to reach out to are even fewer.

I heard something not too long ago that surprised and affected me far more than it should have. Basically, people were talking about me–in a bad way–calling into question my character.

Not gonna lie: It hurt.

A lot.

I felt totally blindsided.

I didn’t even know writers did that, talked about each other without the other person being involved. This is probably because I rarely talk to anyone outside my family, and gossip, in general, makes me uncomfortable. Confrontation does, too. If something bothers me, I usually just suffer in silence.

But writing is a source of positivity for me.

My books are something that bring me joy.

Hearing that people were talking behind my back?

Yeah. It hurt.

Anyway, to bring this back to the positive, I’ve never had this happen before, and I’ve been publishing for several years. So yay, I guess lol? Also, despite this, I’m going to focus on the good.

My books are still a source of joy.

I love writing.

And I understand that people like to spill the tea.

I just prefer mine with less lemon ;).

Hope you’re all doing well, reading awesome books, and having a wonderful weekend so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. I still think the writing community is good overall, and I’m glad to be a small part of it. Just wish it lived up to the ideal in my head.

P.P.S. Good things have been happening, too, and I can’t wait to share those with you!

P.P.P.S. This year I will have released more books than I ever have before. It’s been kind of stressful and crazy, but if you read any of them, recommend one of my books to your friends, write a kind review or send me a nice message, just know: It matters. Things can bring you down, or they can lift you up. And if you’re reading this, I want to thank you for brightening my days! Again, it matters. And I’m very thankful <3.

22
Jun
2021

CUPCAKE cover reveal

categories: Be Yourself, cover love, Cupcake, Entangled Publishing, Romance, Wallflower, YA

It’s time, you guys!

The CUPCAKE cover reveal is today, yay!!!

This is my first #OwnVoices book.

It’s a swoony, sweet, hilarious YA romance.

It’s also the first book I’ve ever had traditionally published from start to finish. Thank you so much, Entangled Teen!

I’m so excited to share this beautiful cover created by Elizabeth Turner-Stokes!

Annnd without further ado…

…here’s the cover…

…for CUPCAKE!

Beautiful, right?!?

Ariel “Cupcake” Duncan is a seventeen-year-old girl who loves movies and baking. She also just happens to be plus-sized. When she gets nominated to Homecoming Court, Ariel is surprised–and reluctant lol. She absolutely doesn’t want to be a princess.

Then she’s paired with Rhys Castle. The popular quarterback is…complex, hot one minute, cold the next. Ariel doesn’t know what to think.

Sparks fly as they complete a ton of fun/hilarious/romantic Homecoming activities.

Spoiler alert: The curvy girl in this book doesn’t have to lose weight to get her happily-ever-after.

She loves herself, as she is.

And that is my favorite thing about the book <3.

I also love Rhys *swoon*, Ariel’s awesome relationship with her mom, her best friend & their talks, the friends she makes on the Court, and all of the Homecoming fun.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, funny, and uplifting, I hope you’ll give CUPCAKE a try!

Hope you are staying safe and having a wonderful summer, bookworms!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. CUPCAKE doesn’t officially release until November 2nd–but it’s already available for pre-order on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Google Play! Hooray!

P.P.S. WALLFLOWER is now available in paperback!!! I will most likely do another post about this later bc it’s a big deal, and I have pics to share, woop!

P.P.P.S. Be on the lookout for another cover reveal this Saturday! That one is for my upcoming NA romance The Perfect Play! <3 Can’t wait to share it with you!