Author Spotlight: Caera Everly
Love isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it
I have a secret. And since it’s not my secret to tell, I’ll just let you know that I’m really excited about it. What I can tell you is that besides being a horrible tease, I am also a fantastic secret keeper. Because I understand the value and necessity in keeping some things under wraps until it’s time for a big reveal. Things like pen names and pseudonyms. Sometimes they’re a strategic choice, like Janice Whiteaker’s use of pen names to differentiate her brands in writing. Sometimes they’re a protective measure, like several romance authors I know who are also teachers and don’t necessarily want the very young minds they know accidentally coming across their romance novels online until those young minds are of a mature enough age to read and appreciate what their teacher writes. And sometimes it’s a way to separate personal and work lives into layers that provide comfort, control, and safety until boundaries and expectations are set into place.
Whatever the reason behind it, Caera Everly has chosen to build her brand and establish her presence in Romancelandia with a pen name. And she entered the world with a huge bang early in 2023 with her debut novel Snow Write: …and the rest of the story. I was extremely grateful to work with her on the project as her editor. And it was such a fun experience to see her words and ideas come together into a complete story. And what a story it is!
While Snow Write is not your typical fairytale, Caera’s journey to publishing it is one many authors travel. A lifelong writer with several stories in the works, Caera has played multiple roles in her life that have helped mold her into the person she is today. And while writing and storytelling has always been a part, it’s never been at the forefront. So publishing Snow Write not only fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a published author, it also confirmed what she’s always know deep down—she can absolutely do this!
Writing a book is hard. Seriously, friends. There is so much that goes into publishing a story. And as most authors will tell you, getting that first one out into the world is super scary. Nevermind all the technical stuff authors have to do (editing, formatting, marketing, etc), the fear of failure, the imposter syndrome, the what if nobody likes it nightmares are ever-present. And they keep so many writers from ever pressing that publish button. So when one does, it’s a huge reason to celebrate.
And celebrate we did!! Snow Write started as a simple idea to have a bedtime story for Charm City Romanticon (CCR) readers to take home. And it kinda grew into a full-fledged novella from there. A steamy, why-choose, fairytale reimagining that left its characters (and readers) breathless. And then it went a little farther—thanks in large part to narrator Rob Brinkmann and Mo Sytsma of Audibly Addicted. In addition to gifting CCR attendees an ebook to take home, Rob and Mo collaborated with CCR and Rob recorded the prologue to be read at the 2023 CCR Pajamaramapalooza dinner and pj party. And it was epic!
Imagine you’re a brand new author and the prologue of your novel is being read by one of your favorite narrators! What an absolute thrill! And what a way to kick off a debut. We had so much fun. In fact, Caera had so much fun, she’s returning to CCR in 2024 as a Rising Star author. Her second story is in the works and heading to edits soon. And she is looking forward to connecting with friends and fans in real life once that all happens. Scheduling her big reveal for her first author signing is probably a little scary—ok, maybe a lot scary—but so was publishing her first book. And I believe she’ll have as much fun owning her author identity as she’ll have pressing go on her second book.
Get all the info about Caera
On her website: https://www.caeraeverly.com/
You can grab Caera’s books on Amazon
You can find Caera on social media here: Facebook Instagram
Join Caera’s Facebook reader group: Caera Everly Readers
