I’m thrilled to share the great news: My latest novel, The Beached Ones, will be published in 2022.

I signed a contract with the fabulous and energetic CamCat Books a short time ago.

Here’s how they summarized the book recently on their library newsletter:

Believed by the world to be dead after a stunt-related accident, a freestyle motocross star teams up with an old girlfriend to save his younger brother from an abusive mother, only to discover it’s not his brother but himself that needs saving from the dark forces threatening to consume his soul.

My first draft on this book was dated 2012. That’s how long I’ve been working on it! My  mom and I took a memorable trip to research all the pertinent locations in 2014. You can read more about that in these previous posts:

After we got back from the trip, I got busy writing my next draft, but I came up against a wall time and time again. I knew the story I wanted to tell, but not how to tell it. It took me a lot of drafts and many sleepless nights before I finally figured it out. That was in early 2020.

Finally, I was ready to find a publisher. Then Covid-19 hit, causing many publishers to put any potential new projects on hold. I quickly realized that submissions were rather useless, so I put the project aside.

Toward the end of the year, I regrouped and started sending out the story once more. I had one of those feelings when I found CamCat. You know the ones—where something tingles a little at the back of your neck and you think, “This could be the one.”

How exciting when I got the call from the publisher! The Beached Ones has found a home, and I couldn’t be happier.

Right now, it looks like The Beached Ones will be available in all formats, including audio. I’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile, take it from me—if you hang in there and don’t give up, cool things can happen.

Meanwhile, thanks for your support, and check back here for future news on the book.

While still in progress, The Beached Ones was recognized in these literary contests:

  1. 3rd place unpublished novel, the Arizona Authors Literary Contest (read about it here)
  2. Finalist novel-in-progress, PNWA International Literary Contest (read about it here)

26 Comments

    1. Author

      Thanks, Laurie! Much appreciated. :O)

  2. Congratulations! It sounds fantastic.

    1. Author

      Thanks so much, Christine!

  3. Congratulations, Colleen! And thanks for passing on the name of this young publishing company. You always help us out in so many ways. Your persistence and resilience are an inspiration.

    1. Author

      Thanks so much, Pat! Yes, these guys are full of energy and their authors are happy folks. 🙂 I’m really looking forward to working with them. I so appreciate your support over the years. It means a lot! :O)

    1. Author

      Thanks, Sheri! Appreciate your support. 🙂

  5. Yeah!!!!! Congratulations and thank you for helping so many writers …. your good karma is magic.

    1. Author

      Thanks so much, Jeanne! I love it and writers are so supportive of one another. Thanks for helping me celebrate. :O)

  6. Colleen you are amazing! You have taught me so much about writing, and I thought I knew a lot-because I had a very robust PR and marketing career. Congratulations! I am in the throes of publishing my latest book, Paths – A Primer for Ladies-of-a-Certain-Age…A Workbook for the Road Ahead. It is due out in 2 weeks. Persistence – you are the queen!!

    1. Author

      You’re making me smile, Elizabeth! Thank you, and I’m so happy for how far you’ve come in your writing career. You’re proof that it’s never too late! Thank you for the support.

  7. Mazel Tov!! But most of all Thanks!! I’ve been working on my own novel about as many years. I’m almost ready to compile and print my first very rough draft. Your success gives a boost of confidence that my dogged persistence will pay off!

    1. Author

      Thanks, Ruchama! Oh good for you! Celebrate finishing that first draft for sure. That’s a big step forward. Good luck!

  8. Excellent news!!!
    Can’t wait to get it in my hands!
    So happy for you Colleen. So proud. So inspired!

    1. Author

      Thanks, Jim! Appreciate your support in reading my work. :O) And you can finally see what this one is about! I know I wasn’t explaining it the best. :O)

  9. What great news to come across while catching up on emails! Congratulations! Your journey sounds challenging and so rewarding.
    The main character in my WIP came to me while we were in the Grand Canyon, on an extended trip in the motor home, camped in Mather. I treasure that aspect of her deeply.

    1. Author

      Thanks, Jane! It was both, for sure. Oh that sounds interesting. I’m sure that does give her more depth in your imagination. I can imagine the Grand Canyon would be a great place for a writer to spend some time! :O)

  10. CONGRATULATIONS! That’s great news! I just could not be happier for you. You deserve all good things, especially after putting in an amazing amount of work to keep writers encouraged and on track. Way to go!

    1. Author

      Aw, very kind, Karen. Thank you so much! I appreciate your steady support very much.

  11. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your good news and, as always, your encouragement!

    1. Author

      Thank you, Lisa! I hope to be encouraging so that makes me feel great. 🙂

  12. How awesome, Colleen! I’m so glad to hear this! I, too, appreciate all you do. God bless you.

    1. Author

      Thanks Nan! Great to hear from you and blessings right back to you. :O)

  13. What a great story! Thanks for being a model of patience for us, persistence does pay off. Congratulations!!!

    1. Author

      Thanks, Rebecca! Yes, it does if we stay at it! Thanks for your support! :O)

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