The answer?
It’s not magic.
It’s not luck.
It’s not winning the lottery.
It’s work.

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I started self-publishing in 2014. And when I say I started small, I mean small. No giant launch team. No massive ads budget. No overnight bestseller fairy sprinkling sparkles on my keyboard.

Just me.
A story (Wolf Moon).
And the willingness to keep going.

Over the years, I learned formatting. Covers. Marketing. Distribution. Direct sales. Kickstarter. Audiobooks. Wide strategy. What worked. What flopped spectacularly. What I never want to do again. 😅

I didn’t “suddenly” get fast. I built systems.

My qualifications? I don’t know. Life? I mean, yes, I earned a BA in English Lit. And i know, people love to joke that an English degree is useless.

But here I am.

My useless BA in English taught me structure, pacing, literary analysis, editing discipline, and how to think critically about story. It trained my brain to see narrative patterns. It gave me the technical foundation that now lets me write instinctively and revise efficiently.

So maybe, it wasn’t useless. Maybe it was training.

Now, back to my career. See, being a writer is my job. My profession. The thing I do that contributes to my household and family.

This is the part that matters most.

Writing isn’t my hobby.
It isn’t a side hustle.
It isn’t something I fit in when I feel like it.
It’s my career.

I work every single day on my craft—from the first spark of an idea to drafting chapters at lightning speed to reviewing proofs and approving covers. Even when I’m not typing, I’m thinking about story. About character arcs. About emotional beats. About marketing hooks.

Romance is fast-paced and emotional. And I write that way intentionally. My books are designed to move. To feel. To grab you by the throat (lovingly) and drag you straight to the HEA.

Some people ask why I don’t stay in one lane or why I don’t have a dozen pen names.

First, I know I genre hop. I do it a lot.

Paranormal.
Dark romance.
Sports romance.
Romantic suspense.
Small-town.
Romantasy.
Urban Fantasy.
Monster romance.

Why don’t I pick just one?

Because my brain doesn’t work that way.
Blame it on:
An overactive imagination
A curiosity problem
A slowly dwindling attention span
Perimenopause? (Honestly, who knows. 😂)

But here’s the truth. Genre hopping keeps me creatively energized. If I stayed in one lane too long, I’d burn out. Switching worlds refreshes my excitement. And excited authors write faster.

When I’m obsessed with a new idea, I move. Fast. That energy translates to the page.

Systems = Speed

Here’s what really allows me to publish quickly:
I know my voice.
I know my tropes.
I know my workflow.

I don’t reinvent the wheel every book. I have:
Cover design software I trust.
Editors who know my style.
Formatting software I can’t live without.
Marketing/Distribution plans ready to plug in and go.

When you’ve been doing something for over a decade, you build muscle memory. Publishing becomes a process, not a mystery.

But speed doesn’t mean sloppy. It means:
Strong habits.
Trusting your instincts.
Finishing what you start.

And that last one? That’s huge.
I finish the book. Every. Single. One.

The real secret to writing and publishing quickly?
Consistency.

Just show up. I know I do.
Even when I’m sick or tired.
Even when algorithms are weird.
Even when imposter syndrome whispers.
Even when I’m juggling three series and a Kickstarter.
Because this isn’t luck.

It’s work. It’s a craft I’ve been honing since 2014.
And I’m still learning. Still experimenting. Still genre hopping. Still chasing the next spark.

And honestly?
I wouldn’t have it any other way. 💕📚

Bottom Line?

Find what works for you and do it. Live your dream.
Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t cut your own path because you absolutely can.

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

Every book I’ve written. Every world I’ve built. Every character who’s strutted onto the page with attitude and heart… they all exist because of you.

Your support—your messages, your shares, your reviews, your excitement—is what keeps this indie author going. You’ve pushed me forward, lifted me up, and made every late night, early morning, and chaotic deadline absolutely worth it. Thank you for letting me share my shifters, witches, monsters, billionaires, and beautifully messy lovers with you.

And before I go any further, I want to say something to my fellow indie authors out there.

This is not a brag post.

If it were, I’m well aware I’d fail miserably in comparison to so many rockstars in our community. This is simply my end-of-year wrap-up — a moment of gratitude, a breath, a celebration.

Because life is short, and I believe in celebrating everything whenever you can.

It doesn’t matter who published more, who hit what milestone, who had a breakout year or a quiet one. Be proud of yourself. And spread the love! Cheer others on, too. I know I’m cheering for you. Always.

To my readers, my Pack, Pride, Coven, Crew—thank you for believing in me, for cheering me on, and for being part of every magical corner of my worlds.

To show my appreciation, I wanted to gift you something cozy, sweet, and perfect for the season. ❤️🐻🎄

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🎁 Here is your FREE copy of A Bear for Christmas → https://BookHip.com/SSLPDPA

Curl up with a mug of something warm and enjoy this holiday treat from my heart to yours.

Here’s to the stories we’ve shared, the worlds we’ve built together, and the amazing adventures to come in the New Year.

Thank you, truly.

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri 💖🖋️

Indie authors are the heart and hustle of the book world.

There, I said it. And I mean it, too.

We’re the ones working to bring readers like you bold stories, fresh characters, wild new worlds, and the kind of passion-projects you’ll never find on a corporate publishing slate.

We write the books that don’t fit neatly into a marketing spreadsheet—the ones that break rules, bend genres, and follow the spark of inspiration wherever it leads.

We’re the writers who stay up late after day jobs, who revise during lunch breaks, who outline in the school pick-up line, and who pour everything—our hearts, hopes, hurts, humor, and love—into every single page.

We take risks.

We publish stories because we believe in them, not because someone in a boardroom approved a marketing budget.

We create worlds that traditional publishers might call “too niche,” “too weird,” “too steamy,” “too emotional,” or “too much”—but some of you, the readers, call them exactly what you’ve been looking for—and that’s why we do this!

But, we do it all without an industry machine behind us.
No big PR team.
No paid bookstore placement.
No guaranteed reviews or media coverage.
Just grit, passion, creativity, and a whole lot of late-night caffeine.

Indies are the inventors, the rebels, the dreamers, the storytellers who build entire universes out of nothing but imagination, and your support is what turns those universes into homes for readers everywhere.

When indie authors succeed, readers succeed too—because your support keeps diverse voices writing, keeps niche genres thriving, and keeps your favorite comfort-reads, binge-worthy series, and spicy, magical, romantic chaos coming your way. 💖

And the best part?

Helping an indie author is EASY, and it’s totally free unless you want to buy a book. Because sharing is caring—and for us, sharing is EVERYTHING. A single post, review, or like can ripple farther than you think.

Here’s how you can make a BIG impact:

✨ Follow us
✨ Review our books
✨ Buy our books (or borrow on your fave app!)
✨ Post about them
✨ Share our posts
✨ Comment & like our content
✨ Subscribe to our newsletters
✨ Follow us everywhere you hang out online

Indie authors rely on word of mouth more than anything else. We don’t have massive marketing budgets, bookstore displays bought months in advance, or big-name publicity teams shouting our titles from rooftops.

What we do have is YOU.

Every time you read, review, share, or recommend an indie book, you’re doing something extraordinary—you’re directly shaping that author’s career.

Readers have more power today than ever before. You can literally change the trajectory of an indie author’s entire publishing journey.

We can’t compete with the big publishing houses without YOUR help…
but with you? We don’t just survive.
We thrive.
We grow.
We write more books.
We build the worlds you love.
And we get to keep doing what we’re meant to do—because you believed in us.

💕📚 Thank you for being the lifeblood of indie publishing.

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

P.S. If you want to show me a little love (and I’d adore you for it!), you can find me here:

🌐 Website & Newsletter: http://www.cdgorri.com/newsletter
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cdgorribooks
📚 BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/c-d-gorri
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/cgor22
🛒 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00IS7820W
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdgorri/
📖 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7899700.C_D_Gorri
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cdgorriauthor3
📰 Substack:

C.D. Gorri

I’m USA Today Bestselling Author C.D. Gorri, writing steamy Paranormal & Contemporary Romance with alpha heroes, curvy heroines, and guaranteed HEAs—no cliffhangers, ever. Set in New Jersey and packed with heat, heart, and magic.

Thank you for supporting indie romance—your support means more than you know. 💕📚🔥

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It’s true.

And while those books have never made much money or hit any bestseller lists, they’ll always hold a special place in my heart. They’re where my first Paranormal Romance worlds began to take shape.

In Hunter Moon, I introduced Rafe Maccon—that’s right, the very first paranormal romance male main character I ever wrote. Some of you might have met him already in my permafree book Charley’s Christmas Wolf (if not, grab it here ➡️ https://www.cdgorri.com/books/charleys-christmas-wolf).

But today, I’m not talking about Rafe or his feisty Jersey-girl mate, Charley.

I want to shine the moonlight on his sister, Catriona, from Cat’s Howl.

This story was my second-ever romance, and yes—it’s got a little of that classic Harlequin energy. The over-the-top emotions, the sweeping passion, the kind of wild, messy love that shaped me as a romance reader growing up.

It’s one of those stories that’s been sitting inside an author’s mind for years before the words ever took shape on the screen.

Anyway, I’d like to share it with you today.

🐾 Cat’s Howl

The Macconwood Pack Novel Series #2

Werewolf Tate Nighthawk tries hard to resist his attraction to Cat, his Alpha’s sister. But when he’s assigned as her bodyguard and they’re forced into close quarters, their chemistry becomes undeniable.

Will spunky Werewolf, Cat Maccon, find true love with her brother’s Wolf Guard, or is it too late for them?

When their enemies close in and Cat is captured by a rogue Wolf who wants to take the Pack for his own, she must rely on her instincts—and her heart—to survive.

And sometimes, the only thing left to do is...
Howl.

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Excerpt from Cat’s Howl:

The monotony of the work was soothing after the day she had. Cat bobbed her head as she wiped and stacked. She joined Gene Simmons for a few verses, belting out lyrics and dancing around in her bare feet across the tiled floor.

Cat wasn’t afraid to let her hair down, especially when she was alone. Besides, a little bump and grind was just what she needed. She was having a ball too. Well, she was, until she heard the scrape of one of the high stools that surrounded the kitchen island. And then she smelled him.

Oh crap! Cat turned around to discover the one person in the world she wouldn’t be caught dead letting her hair down around. Tate Nighthawk.

He stood watching her with a half grin on his usually stern face. To see that smile on his lips was enough to make her almost drop a plate. Almost.

“Do you mind? I was watching that,” his deep voice cut through the rock and roll, making Cat’s pulse speed up.

“Yeah right,” she walked to the phone and quickly stopped her playlist, throwing them into a tense silence.

No way was she going to act like a fool in front of him. Not again, anyway. Been there, done that.

“I just packed up dinner. It’s in the fridge if you’re hungry.”

“No, I’m good.”

“Okay, so why are you in the kitchen then?”

“I love Kiss.”

“Oh.”

“So,” he pulled out the stool and sat down. His muscles strained against the black t-shirt he wore as he rolled his neck and arms to get comfortable.

“How was work? Sheriff’s Department treating you okay?”

“Yup. Fine,” she cringed at her one-word answers. When would she stop acting like an imbecile around this man?

“I think we can do better than that, Catriona, don’t you?”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Sorry, I forgot.”

“Like hell you did.”

“What? It’s a pretty name.”

“Yeah, right.”

“I remember when you were eight, and I mispronounced your name after reading it off your homework, I called you Ca-tree-oh-na instead of Ca-tree-na, and you called me stupid.”

“I did not!” Cat’s cheeks burned. She was a difficult child, always on the defensive, but she couldn’t believe she had said that!

“Yes, yes, you did! You called me a stupid jerk-faced boy and said I couldn’t even read.”

“Oh geez, look I’m sorry-”

“Nah, you don’t have to say sorry. It’s funny, you know, because I couldn’t. Read, that is. Not well anyway. My mother was sort of absentee. Hardly noticed when she swallowed those bottles of pills. And my dad, well, he was hardly, a father. I don’t blame them, understand, they did the best they could with what they had. It wasn’t until I lived here that I learned anything about anything.”

“Tate, I-” Cat’s heart hurt for him. She felt a sort of controlled emotion emanate from him. Sadness, solitude, heartache. But mostly loneliness. She wanted to do something, comfort him, hold him, but she remained where she stood.

She knew his mother had committed suicide. Another Werewolf driven to madness and grief for missing her Wolf. She even remembered the day her father brought him into their house.

He was older than her, of course, closer to Rafe’s age. He was thin and scarred, with chin length black hair and the darkest pair of eyes she had ever seen. His shoulders were hunched, his clothes old, but clean, his expression grim, and the chip on his shoulder as big as a mountain.

“No apologies necessary, Cat. We were just kids.”

“Yeah. It was a long time ago,” she watched him as she resumed scraping dishes and placing them into the washer.

“Well, you’re certainly not a kid now. You weren’t one the last time we were alone together either. You remember that night, don’t you?”

“Look I don’t-”

“Not one day has gone by in the last seven years that I haven’t thought about it,” his whispered confession hit her as if he had shouted it. She wasn’t ready to hear whatever this was from him. Before she had a chance to speak, he continued.

“God, I have pictured you, standing there with the surf crashing just a few feet away. I can still taste the salt that clung to your skin. You looked for all the world like a sea nymph. Soft and glowing in the moonlight, designed by the gods to make a man crazy from wanting you.”

Cat froze. This time the dish slipped right out of her trembling hands. Luckily, it landed on the countertop where it wobbled noisily until coming to a standstill. It was the only noise in the room after Tate’s astounding revelation.

Had he really pictured her? Did he think about that night?

Coupon:

Read more here https://www.cdgorri.com/books/cats-howl and get 50% off with coupon code KXFGJMHJ (Coupon is good for any of the Macconwood Pack Novel Series books through Nov 30th)

Popular Tropes:
🐾 Fated Mates
🐾 Curvy Heroine
🐾 Sassy Heroine
🐾 Rejected Mate
🐾 Werewolf Curse

Series Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “So many sweet moments that had my heart gushing and me smiling so broadly. Gorri truly is an artist when it comes to writing.” — BookBub Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Off the charts steamy and sweet, handsome werewolves, one strong sassy human woman, a beautiful love story.” — BookBub Reviewer

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Dear Pack,

I just want to take a moment to say THANK YOU. 💖

Your support—whether it’s opening my emails, reading my books, or cheering me on as an indie author—means the absolute world to me. I couldn’t do this without you, and I never take it for granted.

As a little token of my appreciation, I’m thrilled to share a FREE audiobook with you!

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