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“How’s the writing going?” I drape my towel over a chair near the hot tub.
Her shoulders relax. “A bit better. I got some words flowing last night before bed, and I’m past the part that was giving me trouble.”
“That’s great news. What are you planning to do with the story once it’s finished?” I step into the water and settle across from her.
“I’m shopping it to some agents right now, but I’ve faced a lot of rejection.”
“That’s a long, hard road.”
“You’re telling me,” she says.
“I probably could have gotten an agent if I’d used my real name on the book.” I brush my hands over the top of the water like I’m smoothing out wrinkles from a tablecloth. “But instead, I went online and researched the way to market and write a book so it would appeal to the people looking for crime thrillers. I found a freelance editor, cover designer, and formatter. Then, I hired a marketing team. But I only allowed myself the kind of budget that an average writer would be able to afford. I want this business to support itself without me putting in extra money. I don’t want any of my money giving me an unfair advantage over the other books in my category.”
“That seems like a lot of work,” she says, wrinkling her nose.
“It is. But it’s a lot of fun too.” I cock an eyebrow at her. “Since when were you afraid of hard work, anyway?”
She laughs. “I guess you’ve got me there.”
“I’m not telling you what to do, but there are more options out there than just submitting to agent after agent and constantly getting rejected.”
“But if I don’t have the approval of an agent, how do I know my book is any good?” The concern on her face makes me want to take her in my arms and quiet all her fears.
“You get beta readers.”
“What are those?”
“They read your book after you have it pretty much polished up. They give you feedback before it goes to an editor. If they like it, you have a pretty good idea of how people will receive your book.”
“How do I find beta readers?”
“You join some groups on social media and let them know you’re looking for beta readers.”
“How do I know they won’t just steal my story?”
“Find beta readers that are trusted by other authors. You’d be surprised at how many people aren’t out to steal your story. But if you don’t take a risk, you’ll stay paralyzed and nothing will happen.”
“I don’t know…” There’s so much fear on her face.
“I know it’s scary, but you can do it. Even if you want to keep shopping agents, it won’t hurt to find some extra people to look over your story.”
“I guess you’re right.” She lifts her gaze to mine. “Do you know what groups I can join?”
“I’ll email you a list.”
Warmth floods her expression, and hope lights her eyes. “Thanks, Kaison. It’s really nice of you to help like this. I wasn’t expecting anything like that.”
“I’m happy to help.” And I mean that. The more I’m around Ariana, the deeper my feelings develop. And this isn’t just another girl to check off my list. It started with me wanting to win her over to say I could, but now there’s been a distinct shift. I want to know her for her. She’s different from any other girl I’ve met before, even the relationship I try to avoid thinking about.
And that’s what scares me the most.
17
ARIANA
When Kaison got into the hot tub shirtless, my brain just about went on vacation. And then he started talking about publishing? It’s a fascinating subject, to be sure, but those abs! And biceps. Let’s not forget his pectorals. How he finds time to get that ripped is beyond me.
My idea of exercise is walking to the fridge to grab a pint of Ben and Jerry’s in between writing sessions. Today’s walk in the woods was enough to prove to me that I’m not coordinated enough to be a fitness goddess. And of course Kaison had noticed. It wasn’t like I could have gotten away with hiding my mishap. Nope, of course not.