The future of print books.

As I walked around Barnes and Noble today I asked myself if I’d be doing this again a year from now. All those lovely paperback, hardback, and coffee table books tucked into every square inch of the store put a smile on my face and a twinkle in my heart. (Not sure what the heck a twinkle in my heart is… but it sounds good) Still, with the closing of Boarders, and the utter devastation of all the Mom and Pop bookstores of years gone by, I wonder where the future of bookstores is headed.

I know first hand the digital market is where we are right now today…and where we will be in the future. Hell, my 12 year old son said and I quote “Books are soooo 3000 years ago, Mom.” Smart A$$...still he has a point and a very perspective view on what’s going on, even when the big publishing world doesn’t. B&N tapped into the Nook long after the Kindle took off. One has to wonder if Borders would have had a different outcome had they not placed their heads in the sand years ago when digital was in its infancy.

If a 12 year old isn’t inclined to pick up a paperback to get his information, chances are he isn’t alone. When he goes to college… “Please, Lord let him go to college.” His textbooks will be on a Kindle or a Nook and his newspaper will be delivered automatically to the same digital format or directly to his inbox. Either way, the paper trail is ending my friends. I think we’ll always see ‘some’ books in print. A coffee table book about our National Forests simply wouldn’t be the same if not in print… thought even I have seen those futuristic coffee tables at Disneyland where they have pictures and a touch screen below your coastered drinks. Those blockbuster authors will have books in print… but have you noticed how many of said authors are self-publishing (taboo until the last couple of years) their books via the digital format? Who knows, maybe even they won’t have print books 10 years from now.

As an author, I hate to see print go. I love holding my own books… probably because this is what I grew up with. I’d imagine a musician my age misses vinyl. Kinda hard to picture a platinum hard drive framed and hanging on a wall. LOL - *sigh*

The big six publishers are cutting back, (can’t blame them when they aren’t making the money) and not signing back their mid-list authors… said authors are self-publishing the work their publishers won’t buy and making a good living for the first time ever. And you, the reader, are able to eat up books for under a buck on your e-readers.

Where are we going to be a year from now?


*sigh*

Early Print Release or Redeeming Vows

Whoo to the hoo! Redeeming Vows is out early in Print!

So click here to order your copy today.

Here is the blurb:

For her own safety, modern day, single mom, Lizzy McAllister is forced to bow to the medieval men who surround her when she’s thrust back in time to the sixteenth century against her will. When Lizzie finds herself trapped in time with Fin, the one man she finds both irresistible and maddening, she agrees to combine forces with him to rid Scotland of the evil witch, Grainna.

Finlay MacCoinnich’s attraction to Lizzie sizzles the very air they breathe. Tearing down the solid walls the woman has built around her won’t be easy, but he’s willing to do anything to keep her by his side. When a spell cast by their deadliest foe throws them forward in time, will they manage to find their way back in time to save their family from peril? And will Lizzy willingly stay in his time, or abandon him altogether?

Amazon Reader Review of Binding Vows

I love waking up to a review like this.

Thank you True Jennifer for your kind words and taking the time to post them where others can see them.

Pleasantly Surprised, September 13, 2010
By
True Jennifer (New York, ny United States) -

This review is from: Binding Vows (Kindle Edition)

This book had me pleasantly surprised! I loved the way Tara and Duncan's story unfolded in modern times and traveled back in time. The author did not skirt over issues of a modern woman adjusting to medieval times nor did Tara simply forgive Duncan for bringing her to the past and just fall into his arms. The story tackled the problems and never took the easy way out. I definitely felt the draw to finish the book and never wanted to put it down. Tara was feisty and modern, Duncan was a true romance hero. Even supporting characters like Myra (who I believe the next book is about) and Duncan's brother Fin, were enjoyable but they weren't just people on paper, they felt real. Bybee definitely has a fan in me. If you love Highlanders, the magic of Scotland and the need to ground a fantasy in something relatable (like starting a fantasy in modern times before taking it back) then give Binding Vows a try.

Binding Vows in Print Today!

OMG! Here it is... completely unexpected. The print release of the first book in my MacCoinnich Trilogy. My official release date isn't until December 4th. In December those of you who will be picking up the electronic version of Binding Vows can purchase your copy.

So for today... I'm going to be sending one lucky winner a couple of promotional items along with two home-made Christmas Cards that you can send on to someone special. All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog.

Here is the blurb:

Duncan MacCoinnich’s task… Travel to the twenty-first century Renaissance Faire, deflower the Druid virgins, and go home. Only his job is not so easily accomplished with the virgin in question, Tara McAllister. Time is running out. The evil is closing in on them both.

Tara finds Duncan irresistible after what was supposed to be a mock Hand-fasting binds them.When Duncan whisks her to his home in Scotland she could accept that. But, can she forgive him for taking away her modern life when she finds herself in the sixteenth century?And is it love they feel? Or something else?

Click HERE for the buy link.