Will the Real Celia Cooper Stand Up?
A Brief History
Got rid of the booking photo. This isn't much better but it's amazing what can happen when one puts lipstick on a pig! I'm still going to spring for a "vanity" photo shoot but not this week.
As I pointed out on the front page, I am a professional gypsy. I was born into a military family and before the age of 5 had lived on the West Coast and East Coast at least twice-moving was a way of life.
I became so adept at packing I could be ready for a two week vacation in 20 minutes. While this did not bode well for a teenager's sense of belonging to "the group" my knowledge of all things American could fill a history book. I've lived in 14 states from Florida to New Jersey and Alaska to Hawaii. Each place has its special beauty and things I could live without.
It wasn't until I was well past the age of 21 that I found myself wanting to be a writer. I've been fortunate enough to encounter some caring knowledgeable teachers who have helped me to become better at my craft. I don't think I will ever be Margaret Mitchell or John Grisham but I may hold my own in a couple of years. Keep your eyes open.
Current Happening
Healthy Homicide was the launch book for Rogue Phoenix Press releasing in August 2008. The publishing house has quickly expanded having now published as of this September 2009 date nearly two dozen books.
February 2010 will bring the Valentine Day Anthology release featuring my novelette, The Lending Library, along with two other stories. I've ventured into the land of the Fae-faeries, leprechauns and night elves. It proved an interesting adventure.
Amazing how quickly current changes...
I've signed with a new publishing house, RoguePhoenixPress.com, under the pseudonym of C. L. Kraemer. My book Healthy Homicide will be published. The projected date was May of 2009 but the publisher contacted me and wants to move up the launch to as soon as we can get the book out. I'll keep you posted. You can find more information on www.clkraemer.com.
I've just had the book signing for my 4th book and will be planning another soon for book #5. It's been a journey of discovery and learning every step of the way. Book #4 is a romance titled "If Only" written as Celia Cooper. Book #5 is a mystery involving Egyptian antiquities and cats, ancient and real, entitled, "Cats in the Cradle of Civilization" written as C. L. Kraemer.
When I started this site, I was a novice-everything. In my quest, I've been very fortunate to meet extraordinary people willing to share knowledge and friendship. I now edit, copy edit and read for my own publishing house and for the day-to-day, bill paying job, I copy edit for the local daily newspaper.
I've learned enough to be able to share my knowledge with others in seminars I give about the mazes present in every publishing house in America and tips on navigating the paths. As most writers know, after the blush of the new contract wears off; they're faced with the realities of the business. Never doubt that it is a business, either.
My seminar gives the view of an insider. I can only hope it helps someone's trip into publishing a tad bit easier.
