I’ve been writing for over 30 years now, “full-time” for about fifteen, more or less. After my husband had his double-stroke three years ago, I’ve also taken on freelance editing to help make ends meet. And yes, at times I’ve been more than a little burned out.
This year I want to focus the majority of my time on writing new books. It feels wonderful to be once again putting new words on paper. I was recently blessed to receive a six-book contract from Harlequin Love Inspired. The series is now officially named Rocky Mountain Family and is the story of six siblings who live and work on a Christmas Tree Farm and run a service dog facility.The first book, The Black Sheep’s Salvation, will be out mid-June (cover reveal coming soon!), and am currently working on Book Two (Thankful for my editor’s big thumbs up on that one—my hero is a gregarious, over-the-top alpha male and I wasn’t sure she would get where I was going with him.)
I’m also trying to focus more on my indie career. First up is my Weddings by Wilde series, an extended family who creates a western wedding family business. The first book is Wilde About You and is out now. I’m almost finished with Book Two, Running Wilde, and am well into Book Three, Wilde’s Melody. I’m hoping to get several in this series out by the end of this year.
I’ve also got a four-book series called Last Chance Ranch, four cowgirl sisters who run a therapy horse ranch together. I loved writing that first book, The Cowgirl’s Christmas Gift (out now), which has a VR-glasses-wearing geek hero. He was super fun to explore. I can’t wait to write the other three sisters’ stories.
So, I’m praying the Lord will allow me to be able to back off on my freelance editing to some degree and do what I love the most–putting new words on paper!
I’d love to hear your opinions and get your help on which direction to go next. Which of these projects most pique your interest? Any you’d like to read?
Here’s to continuing success in your 2020!
~~Love Courageously~~ Publisher's Weekly Bestselling, award-winning author of 30 novels, Deb Kastner enjoys writing contemporary inspirational western stories set in small communities. She feels especially blessed to be able to include faith as a natural and genuine part of her characters' lives. Deb lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and a pack of miscreant mutts. She is blessed with three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandchildren, but she also enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (The Texas Tenors are her fav), singing in the church choir, and exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback.
A LAST CHANCE RANCH story would be my first choice. Love the whole concept.
Hi Deb, they all sound fun, but I particularly love the sound of the Last Chance Ranch. Horses as therapy- perfect!
Blessings:)
Congrats on the contract!
The Rocky Mountain Family series definitely has my interest. I love the service dog aspect!
Hi Deb! This Midwesterner mom of three sons and two grandsons gamers is intrigued by the Last Chance Ranch series which has a VR-glasses-wearing geek hero. But I also am fascinated by Christmas tree farms. We have several nearby in Michigan. Best wishes. Enjoy your weekend. Happy writing.
Last Chance Ranch has me really intrigued!
All of them sound good to me!! I’d go with Last Chance Ranch, though.
Your Rocky Mountain Family series sounds neat. I enjoy reading series where each book focuses on a different sibling.
Congrats on your new venture. I love the one on the service dogs. Will be praying for The Lord to lead you on what He wants written. Be blessed.
All three series sound fun. Already hopped over to Amazon and grabbed the two that are out.
Me, too, Mary. My sister runs a rescue and sanctuary for horses so the whole concept is special to my heart. Plus, I’ve loved horses since I was a little girl.
I’m bringing in some children to interact with the horses. Oh–and a prince who can’t ride. should be fun.
Thanks so much, Toni. I love writing for Harlequin Love Inspired and feel truly blessed!
Ellie, the first book in the series, The Black Sheep’s Salvation, will be out on June 16th. I just got my first look at the cover today. Can’t share yet, but it has the hero and his son with a Great Dane puppy. So cute!
Hey Renate, The Cowgirl’s Christmas gift is out now right here: http://bit.ly/CowgirlChristmas
I knew I had to do this one as an indie book because I was determined to put my VR-wearing hero on the cover. I don’t know how it worked sales-wise, but I couldn’t be happier. PLUS the horses at the bottom of the cover are my sister’s actual horses!
Last Chance Ranch is winning by a mile. I do believe I may have to switch gears here and finish that series first! :)
Another Last Chance. Is there any part of Last Chance that particularly appeals to you, Trudy?
Hey Jessica,
My Winslow siblings are a wonderful bunch. They love each other and work hard on their farm and service dog program, but they definitely need to fall in love!!! I enjoy being able to put other family members in each book, especially introducing the character who will be the hero or heroine in the next book.
Hi Angela,
I definitely covet your prayers. I’ve heard from readers all over the world and have wondered how my books got there. It’s SO humbling when a reader says my book touched her and led her back to the Lord. The power of the written word is amazing. I don’t know who I will reach when I’m behind my computer.
So please, continue to pray for the authors you love. <3 We appreciate it more than we can say.
Aw, thanks Lincoln. I hope you enjoy them! Then you can definitively tell me which series to write next!!!
Partly because I’m one of four daughters, my oldest sister has four daughters, and one of my nieces has 2 living daughters, and a third in heaven. Mostly, though, because even though God gives us a lot of chances, eventually, we are down to only one last chance. Sometimes, that last chance is the one that totally turns us around!!
Honestly, though, they all sound great to me!! The Rocky Mountain Family is running a very close second with me!!
Hi, Deb!
Your Rocky Mountain Family series sounds awesome, I love series about siblings, and the Christmas tree farm and service dog aspects have definitely piqued my interest! I’m also super interested in the Last Chance Ranch series, I’m a horse owner and lifelong horse lover so I love the sound of that series, I’m off to check out the first book now!
Hey Caitlyn! I’m jealous you own a horse. I have to live vicariously through my sister, but at least I get to ride occasionally.
I’m torn between Weddings by Wilde and Last Chance Ranch..
May God bless your writings whatever direction you go.
Deb, I have been a fan of tours since I first read one of your LI books years ago. I am so glad you will again be writing a series for them.
Your Wilde series also sounds like a wonderful read.
Prayers for you and your husband. I too have had to care for a husband with health issues.