Today is a special purrsonal story, which includes the cover reveal of Defying Gravity, Fighting Gravity, and Pull of Gravity and also includes a chance to win the entire trilogy, but first, it's story time!
I worked off and on since December 2009 on Defying Gravity. It was short-listed for one anthology, which was cancelled. Then, I submitted it in 2011 to a publisher and never heard back, so I withdrew my submission and decided to self-publish the story. It expanded from an 8,000-word story from one POV to a 15,500-word story from two POVs. This story inspired the other two stories in the Gravity trilogy.
The reviews started rolling in, and the majority were four and five stars. Some people wanted more, but to be honest, I told the story the way I wanted it. Then, after a free run, a couple bad reviews almost ruined everything.
That's right. I almost gave up on Fighting Gravity and Pull of Gravity and was tempted to unpublish Defying Gravity too.
But I had promised a trilogy. I re-read Defying Gravity, and I still loved that story and believed in it. Those bad reviews taught me truly how subjective writing is. It was a humbling experience. And I decided to persevere and keep writing.
Fighting Gravity came out on May 1st, and I hope to publish Pull of Gravity by the end of July/early August.
And I decided that all three needed a cover makeover.
So without further ado, here is the Gravity trilogy!
I love my new covers, and I think they breathe life into the trilogy. I look forward in sharing Pull of Gravity with you soon.
And now, you have a chance to win a copy of the complete trilogy. All you have to do is comment on this blog post. I will announce the winner on Friday.
Want more chances to win? Some friends are also revealing the covers and hosting a giveaway of the trilogy, so please stop by their blogs as well.
28 comments:
The new covers look great!
Never let a couple bad reviews stop you from writing. They happen to everyone.
I am so glad you didn't give up on your trilogy. I downloaded Defying Gravity and am looking forward to reading it. (:
Great work Cherie, so very glad you didn't give up! I haven't had any bad reviews yet, except for old stuff on fictionpress.com ;) But I have had very negative feedback on occasion, and know well the way it can sting. The good feedback is what I try to focus on most, but the bad feedback tends sometimes to give us something good to go on, too.
Still, sometimes there's just no way you can agree with negative feedback. And it's your choice what to take & leave.
I'm glad you're publishing these works! Never give up, that's a motto a blogger friend has been spouting lately and she's so right!
Don't let bad reviews get ya. You should read some of mine the the UK site. Yikes! They hate my guts.
Congrats!
Those covers are fantastic! I'm glad you kept going with the books and didn't let the bad reviews bring you down!
This story is very inspiring to me, Cherie, thanks for sharing it. I'm glad you didn't give up!
The new covers are totally awesome, fantastic job. :)
Those are awesome!
I'm so excited to be part of your cover reveal. :) I'm so glad you didn't give up.
I loved the adventure and romance in Defying Gravity. I agree not to let bad reviews get you down. Congratulations on the cover reveal!
Awesome covers! yes, reviews are so subjective. Before you read them, you need to suit up in a criticism-proof suit.
Catherine Stine’s Idea City
Congrats on your new covers, they're beautiful! And I'm so glad you didn't give up. :)
Congrats! I love the covers, they are so unique and vibrant! I am so happy your didn't give up :D
It never occurred to me that this was a trilogy. Defying Gravity seems like a complete story in its own right. Sure, there were things I was curious about, but loose ends happen sometimes. I won't worry about minor ones. So… maybe I'll win and get my questions answered!
The 1-star reviews were obviously people who aren't fond of soft SF, and mistake their preferences for quality. A common thing that people do, unfortunately. I'm of an age where, when I get a bad review, I'll just call that "the East German judge" and move on. ;-)
I love your new covers Cherie. Never give up because you are a great writer and very talented. I saw some of the one star reviews you got, and I think you got trolled by the drive by "one-star anonymous Amazon bullshit reviewer". I got hit with one too. You are doing everything right. I can't wait to clear the plate for some more "gravity" books.
Love the new covers!
You already have learned this, but bad reviews are just speed bumps...meant to slow us down a bit and take notice of our surroundings...but the road keeps going! :)
The new covers are great! I'm glad you stuck with the series and followed through with the trilogy. Bad reviews suck, but just remember everybody gets them at some time. Good luck with the whole series!
Glad you didn't give up :)
I'm so glad you kept writing! The final book is the best of the bunch. I know readers will love it. :) Shall I mention again how much I adore the new covers?!
I love those covers! Especially the different color themes. That's my kind of deal!
Purrseverance wins the day, Cherie! Good for you!
Congratulations!
Good for you for persevering and finishing the trilogy despite the reviews.
I'm glad you finished the trilogy. I love the new covers!
Poo on those bad reviews! Someone said she didn't like Lord of the Rings because the characters looked too creepy. *sigh*
This is a great trilogy, and don't let those criticizers get you down.
Books are like music in a way - everyone has different tastes. It's hard to hear criticism, but don't doubt yourself or your vision. :-)
Those covers look great! Dont worry about bad reviews, focus on the positives, and as long as you love it then no one can change that.
I love those covers, they look fantastic!
I know how hard it is to write after getting a few not-so-great reviews. I still struggle with keeping my head clear after a negative review, and I think it will always be a challenge. for me. Let's not be afraid to lean on each other for support - we writers have to stick together!
I'm glad you kept on it! Writing is so subjective. Love the new covers :)
So glad you stuck with it. You deserve a well earned pat on the back. Good luck with your self publishing effort. I will follow with interest!
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