Next week I will t
ake a long and worshipful moment to count my blessings. The third and final book of the Deer Run Saga—Legacy of Deer Run—will release.
It has been a long journey with this saga that began in 2007. In fact, it became a “saga” all its own. I began my writing career knowing virtually nothing. I knew I felt called to write and I knew the topic to write about, but that was as far as my knowledge went about editing, publishing, or marketing.
Marketing? What’s that??
I was beyond ignorant. Since I knew so little, I took what I considered to be the easy path to publication: Self Publishing. It turned out to be expensive and the industry is filled with companies that want more of your money all the time. I fell for some of their schemes, until I grew wiser.
The first two books in my saga were published this way and the third was picked up by a reputable small publisher but I was responsible to find my own editor. So the original series received many kudos from readers, but little acknowledgment by the professional industry. At the time, self-published books were akin to those in the Bible who suffer from leprosy. It made me feel like I was carrier of the disease.
Then I started to attend writers conferences. I met many editors and publishers and soon connected with those in the publishing world who actually gave helpful advice. I was so grateful! I signed contracts for Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. A whole new world of publishing possibilities bloomed like my garden in spring.
But I always ached a bit when I viewed my Deer Run Saga sitting on the shelves. I loved the stories, but it needed more: Better edits, new covers, and a Christian publisher who believed in it. God blessed me with all three when I approached Tamara Clymer of CrossRiver Media. She loved the series and I am forever grateful that she looked past the deficits and envisioned what it could be.
The first book, Road to Deer Run, re-released last December. It was followed by Promise of Deer Run last June. And now, Legacy of Deer Run will join its sister books, complete with new covers, excellent editing by Debra Butterfield, and even book club questions at the end of each novel. The series, loosely based on my ancestors from the American Revolution, has now been given new life. And I am feeling blessed beyond measure.
Thank you, Tami Clymer and CrossRiver Media for giving me this special joy this Christmas!
Here is a brief synopsis of Legacy of Deer Run:
The year is 1800.
A young man makes weapons for the defense of America, still a fledgling nation. He also protects his heart from the allure of a young woman whose station in life keeps her out of his reach.
The lady fights her own battle against loneliness and grief. Despite her finery and airs, she is drawn to the young armory worker who is distant yet disarming.
Love is not the only entanglement. The nation’s enemies are afoot. They creep within the very walls where America’s defenses are forged. Who are they? When will they strike? Who will survive their terrorism?
Intrigue of the heart and intrigue of the times are only part of this compelling story—Book 3 of the Deer Run Saga. This series finale is a gripping mix of romance and deception, faith and forgiveness, transgression and trial.
Author Bio:
Award winning author Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of the Deer Run Saga—Road to Deer Run, Promise of Deer Run and her newest release, Legacy of Deer Run. Her other books include Saratoga Letters, Fields of the Fatherless, and Bethany’s Calendar, a memoir about her daughter’s battle with brain cancer. She has been captivated by the history of the American Revolution since she was young. She grew up in Massachusetts, the setting for many of her historical novels.
Cooper has been writing since she penned her first short story at age eleven. She began researching for her first novel in 2007. Her writing has also appeared in Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home by Edie Melson and the romance anthology, I Choose You. She has written articles for Prayer Connect Magazine, Splickety Prime Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, and Life: Beautiful Magazine. She began her professional writing career as a newspaper freelancer.
You can read more at her website/ blog, www.elainemariecooper.com
www.facebook.com/ElaineMarieCooperAuthor
twitter: @elainemcooper
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