So there I was, minding my own business this past January when a tweet flashed across my laptop from a seemingly nice editor lady named Angela James. “Send your historical novels to Carina Press!” she tweeted. “Our editors are hungry for historicals!” 
Historicals? I thought. I’ve written one that I love. Maybe this Angela lady will love it, too? What the heck? I’ll give it a shot.
And off flew my manuscript into cyberspace and so began my hopped-up-on-steroids but memorable publishing journey with the very cool and hip Carina Press.
Hey, book lovers! My name is Liz Fichera and I am thrilled to be one of the Carina Press launch authors. Formerly from Chicago, I now call the American Southwest my home. And the historical novel that I sent to Angela earlier this year is CAPTIVE SPIRIT, although it was originally called VANISHED. More on that in a bit.
CAPTIVE SPIRIT takes place in the Sonoran desert at the dawn of the sixteenth century. It’s about a young Hohokam Indian woman named Aiyana who isn’t like the other girls of her White Ant Clan. Instead of keeping house, she longs to compete on the Ball Court with her best friend Honovi and the other boys. Instead of marriage, she daydreams of traveling beyond the mountains that surround her small village. Only Honovi knows and shares her forbidden wish, though Aiyana doesn’t realize her friend has a secret wish of his own. When Aiyana’s father arranges her marriage to a man she hardly knows, she takes the advice of a tribal elder: Run! In fleeing, she falls into the hands of Spanish raiders and finds herself being taken over the mountains against her will, putting Aiyana on a quest to return to the very place she once dreamed of escaping. And she’ll do whatever it takes to survive and find her way back to the people she loves.
I’ll share more details with you later today about the story and what inspired me to write it. And, no, it did not come to me in a dream.
But first I wanted to share my Carina Press experience because it’s been the kind of experience you hope for as a debut author. Not only have I had the chance to work with the fab Elizabeth Bass, Kimberly the copyeditor extraordinaire, and Aideen O’Leary-Chung and her uber-talented book cover artists, but I’ve been able to connect with so many great writers who share a passion for rich storytelling. Thanks to them, my TBR pile has not only grown it’s exploded. Also, thanks to the support of my fellow Carina Press authors, it’s become very Sisterhood of The Writer Traveling Pants, although no one has suggested that we share a pair of faded bluejeans. Yet. 
Like most authors, my full-fledged publishing journey has been neither quick nor easy but it’s never been dull. There have even been moments when I wanted to throw my laptop out the nearest window, burn all my rejection letters, and take up basket-weaving. But I’ll always be grateful to Carina Press as well as their readers for taking a chance on this writer hidden amongst the saguaros and coyotes in the wild, wild West who likes to tell tall tales.
Before the next post, I invite you to check out my web site for the first chapter and book trailer for CAPTIVE SPIRIT. I’ve left a few clues in the book trailer that will help me to explain the inspiration behind CAPTIVE SPIRIT later today in my next post. Can you guess which ones? 
And if you tweet, friend, blog, or are just plain obsessed with social media like me, I’d love to connect with you on Twitter, Facebook, and My Blog.
Be back later! Rock on, Carina Press!
Remember that you can win a free copy of CAPTIVE SPIRIT, just for making a comment on this blog, Twitter, or Facebook. Commenting on any of the Countdown entries will also enter you into the big giveaway for a Carina Press promo prize pack. How cool is that?
Tags: Aideen O'Leary-Chung, Angela James, CAPTIVE SPIRIT, Elizabeth Bass, historical romance, Hohokam Indians, Native American
Your story sounds fascinating and I love the cover art. Congratulations on your first book being published! I’m really looking forward to all that Carina Press has to offer readers.
Another stunning cover ; ). Can’t wait to read it!
So, I’m definitely not for sharing jeans
but I am so impressed with your easy warmth and have experienced first-hand the way you reach out to people. I’m convinced your readers will feel this come through your story in some way. I too am intrigued with Native American culture. I can’t wait to read Captive Spirit and plan to check out the first chapter, next! Congratulations on your debut, Liz!
The trailer and excerpt are intriguing. What a facinating story! What inspires you about the Indian culture? How did you complete your research?
Maria, Thank you! The Carina Press artists are really exceptional. I love all of their covers.
Angie, Hope you enjoy it!
Rebecca, Back at ya! And thanks for your support.
Mary Z, Living in AZ, it’s hard not to be inspired by Native American culture because it is quite literally all around me. My house borders two Indian Reservations, as an example. I’m intrigued by the legends, the art, the people–all of it. The Hohokam Indians were particuarly interesting because they simply vanished around 1500. More on that in the next post!
Duh. I was about to suggest we share bluejeans.
I can’t wait to read this one and I do agree about the Carina covers. They’re stunning. I haven’t seen one I don’t like.
Liz: Captive Spirit is a winner. May you be the Tony Hillerman of historical novels.
Bests,
Elise
Shirley, you know someone had to bring it up!
Elise, *hugs*
Hi Liz – I love the cover, very beautiful and will definitely attract the eye of potential readers. The novel sounds very interesting too. I wish you the very best of luck in your new venture.
Ciao, Margaret
Just enough Captive Spirit lore above is taunting me for more. Great work, Liz. Now I can say “I knew that girl when….”
Margaret, Thanks so much! I loved the cover the moment Aideen sent it to me. That woman on the cover was Aiyana in my head.
Susan, So glad you stopped by! Thanks for the support!
Hi, I just read your summary and watched the preview for your new book. It sounds very interesting and well written! I’m very excited to read it! How long did it take you to write this book? What inspired you to write it?
Hi, Olivia! Between the research, writing, multiple drafts, and editing, it took about 1.5 years. Since moving to Arizona, I’ve become inspired by Native American history and legends. There are so many tribes within Arizona and each has their own stories, legends, and lore. Since doing the research for this book, I’ve become fascinated with the Hohokam. I’ll talk more about them in the next post later today.
I can’t wait to read it. Sounds fascinating.
Sounds like a fabulous tale. This is one novel I am definitely looking forward to reading. I enjoy reading novels with a twist on history and a look into cultural diversity. I find them pleasantly entertaining.
Congratulations on your journey with Carina Press.
This book looks very good. The cover is especially intriguing. How long have you been working on this book? Is it for sale yet? Keep up the good work!
Andrew, Thank you! Hope you enjoy it.
Ana Luisa, Me, too. I really like doing the research for historicals as much as writing them. Thanks for your kind words!
I echo that. Keep up the good work!
Hi Bailey, So glad you like the cover! I do too!! All together, it took about 1.5 years to research, write, edit, and publish CAPTIVE SPIRIT. It’s currently available on pre-order on Amazon.com. However, you can also find it on the Carina Press web site after the June 7 launch. Thanks for your support!
Aiyana sounds like my kinda girl
Looking forward to checking out yet another great read from Carina.
I’m very excited to take this literary journey!! How do you think the response from the Native Americans in your area will be ? Have you ever spent any time embedded on a Reservation?
Thanks Liz!! & Congrats!!!
Bernita, Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Anna, Aiyana is one tough cookie. I’ll talk more about her in my next post later today. Hope you enjoy it and thanks for the support!
Jen, I hope the response from Native American writers and readers will be positive. I’ve not found another fictional story out there with Hohokam Indians as lead characters which puzzles me since their story is so fascinating. My house borders two Indian Reservations, but I’ve never lived directly on a reservation. I’ve driven through many, though. Very intriguing, all. Thanks for the support!
Liz…After just reading the first chapter from your web site, I congratulate you and look forward to the rest of the book after publication. I have always been fascinated by the American Indian culture, with the deepest respect and awe. About 8 years ago, I made a trip to Monument Valley…most awakening as to what life is really all about and I know that was just the tip of the iceberg. I appreciate the time consuming research you have done. You are an inspiration.
Susan
I am a fan of historical fiction and am looking forward to reading your book. I found your summary to be interesting and the topic intriguing. What made you decide on the historical fiction genre?
Wow. This looks very interesting. At first, I thought you were gonna say Regency historical, but the cover just didn’t jive.
JZ, I’ve always wanted to write a historical and CAPTIVE SPIRIT was my first. I had so much fun writing it. Thanks for your support.
Yvette, Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!
Your book sounds very interesting. I love historical fiction and am looking forward to reading Captive Spirit.
Estella, Thanks so much! It was as much fun to research as it was to write. Loved every second of it.
The book sounds really interesting. It sounds like a lot of hard work went in to make this novel. I hope I’ll have as much fun reading it as you did writing it!!! <3
Thank you for sharing your road-to-publication story with us and Captive Spirit sound like a fascinating historical romance and once again an example of the different and unique historical romances Carina is delivering to us readers!
Meaghan, Thanks for the kind words! Be sure to drop by my blog and let me know what you think.
Pearl, You’re welcome! And thanks for all your support!
Susan, Monument Valley is such a cool place. If I ever did a sequel to CAPTIVE SPIRIT, I have it in the back of my head that I would want Aiyana to meet up with the Anasazi somehow!
Thanks again for your kind words and support!
Liz, this sounds wonderful–I’ll definitely be looking forward to Captive Spirit! Congrats on your debut with Carina Press!
My book club loves historical fiction. I’m adding it to our “must read” list as soon as it’s available!
Congratulations:) Captive Spirit looks and sounds amazing.
Fedora, Thanks so much! Let me know what you think!
Shelly, Glad to hear it!
If your book club decides to read it, I’d be happy to attend via phone or in-person if local!
Jacqueline, Thanks so much! I appreciate your support!
I’ve recently gotten into mysteries set in the Southwest, and this just sounds like the most fascinating thing. Thanks for adding another winner to the TBR pile
Thanks so much, Kathleen! Hope you enjoy it!
Can’t wait to read this! Sounds fascinating!! Is this your first book?
Hi Sara, Thanks so much! CAPTIVE SPIRIT is my first published book but it’s not the first book that I’ve written. Hope you enjoy it!
Liz, I have to say that copyediting your book was a treat. It’s an amazing first book, and to be honest I didn’t want it to be over. Very moving, very absorbing. I am impressed.
Kim, I HEART You! Truly!
This book sounds very exciting, adventurous and inspiring with a good moral! I’m sure it has taken a lot of effort and quite a bit of research, but it sounds like it was a successful journey and I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks so much, Rachel! It was a long time coming but I’m so glad to be able to share it. Please let me know what you think!
An outstanding plot and a wonderful sounding cast of characters. This is one book I simply must read. I’ve visited the southwest–my sister lives in Colorado near the New Mexico border–and I’ve been to Albuquerque and Tucson. The area fascinates me, and the description of your book grabbed me immediately. Also, your wonderful experience with Carina Press is something to cherish.
Joan K. Maze