Fresh Fiction Blog | Kat Martin | Hitting The New York Times Bestseller List

Twenty five years ago when I first started writing, my goal was to become a successful author. I wanted to be able to quit my real estate job and write full time. Fortunately, with my husband still working, I was able to make that happen fairly quickly.

Still, when I finally I sold my first book after months of trying and numerous rejections, I earned the whopping sum of four thousand dollars--not much money for a year and a half of working ten hours a day! But I never lost faith. I thought, “I can do this. I know I can.”

I think one of the toughest things about being an author is continuing to believe in yourself. Insecurities swamp you. Is this book any good? Is this book as good as the last one? Will my readers like it? Will the publisher renew my contract?

After twenty five years, those questions remain. It’s only sheer force of will that keeps a writer pounding the keyboard, sheer determination that keeps an author from quitting.

So when I hit the New York Times printed list (as opposed to the extended list, which I had been on a number of times), it was the kind of validation that keeps a writer going.

Someone must like these books, I thought. Ohmygod, it’s really selling! It was a thrill to get that phone call--a notification that usually comes late on a Wednesday night. That Wednesday, I didn’t get any call so I figured any chance I had was past.

Then early Thursday morning, my agent phoned. “AGAINST THE FIRE made the list! You’re on the New York Times!”

It’s a real moment for an author, the thrill of a lifetime. I had made the Times list last year for RULE'S BRIDE, one of my Victorian Historicals, but this was different.

My heart is in these books, AGAINST THE WIND, AGAINST THE FIRE, AGAINST THE LAW. Not only did I love the brothers, Jackson, Gabe, and Devlin, but I loved the ladies who snared these hunky men.

When I finished AGAINST THE LAW, I didn’t want to let go.

Couldn’t.

So I didn’t.

In Dev and Lark’s story, AGAINST THE LAW, three of Dev’s friends show up to help him rescue Lark’s missing four-year-old niece. Trace, Johnnie, and Jake were such amazing guys I knew I had to tell their stories.

Fortunately, Mira agreed, and in November, AGAINST THE STORM, Trace Rawlin’s story, is scheduled to hit the bookshelves.

I’m hoping by the time readers finish the Raines Brothers Trilogy, they’ll be wanting more of the yummy AGAINST men and their sexy ladies, and that they’ll be watching for AGAINST THE STORM.

Until then if you haven’t read AGAINST THE LAW, I hope you’ll look for it. And don’t forget AGAINST THE WIND and AGAINST THE FIRE, the first two books in the trilogy.

Until then, happy reading and all best wishes, Kat

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Interview with Kat Martin

Against the Law

Against the Fire

Against the Wind

Raines of Wind Canyon

Comments

I have never read any of your books and now I am going to go get the triolgy. Good luck on your writing and I hope you finally realize that you are a star.
(Kathleen Bianchi 12:10pm March 1, 2011)

Your interview has made me interested in your trilogy----I think it would be a fun read for me.
(Sue Farrell 12:27pm March 1, 2011)

Hi Kat--I read your Necklace trilogy, and it was very good. Now I'd like to win your new books. Congratulations for making the New York Times list.
(Ann Garland 12:30pm March 1, 2011)

Congrats on your best-seller status. Your "Against" books are on my TBR list. Thanks for visiting.
(G S Moch 12:42pm March 1, 2011)

Your books sound great...I would love to win a copy of them. All the brothers sound very wonderful and I love that you couldn't let them go and so are going to keep the series going with the friends!
(June Manning 12:59pm March 1, 2011)

love allthe book coves , you really got a good person fixing those

am already a friend of ur at fb. and joined your newstter and enter the contst on ur page, ( never seen flameless candles before/ i got the ,movie, but the candle really interested me
(Tasha Tipton 1:45am March 1, 2011)

I actually check The New York Times list so I know what else to add to my TBR pile. Congratulations!! That's massive.
(Mary Preston 2:06am March 1, 2011)

Congrats on new release and on hitting the NYT Bestseller list, Kat. I've been a fan of your romantic suspense and historicals.
(Jane Cheung 2:21am March 1, 2011)

I have been reading your books for what seems like a long time. You just get
better and better. I have never read a book from you that I haven't liked. Thank
you for so many hours of enjoyment. Please don't stop!!!!!!!
(Sandra Spilecki 6:14am March 1, 2011)

So glad the series will continue.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 7:34am March 1, 2011)

I love your books and can't wait to start your new trilogy.
(Robin McKay 7:43am March 1, 2011)

I can't imagine how it must feel to make that list! Congratulations! I just bought Against the Law but need to read the other two books first. I would love to win them!
(Stacie Deramo 8:08am March 1, 2011)

Congrats on the great books! Love the covers!
(Aleksandra Nearing 8:16am March 1, 2011)

I keep hearing how good your books are. I would love to read these.
[email protected]
(Debbie Penny 8:18am March 1, 2011)

I can feel the passion that you put into your writing, and although I haven't read any of your books yet, I'm planning on doing so. If they're half as good as your blog was, I'm sure I'll be glad that I gave you a chance. Good luck with your series, although I'm sure it won't be necessary. I can't wait to start reading!! :)
(Peggy Roberson 8:56am March 1, 2011)

Congrats and can't wait to get my hands on this trilogy..love when authors continue their stories
Thank you
(Dawn Staniszeski 9:27am March 1, 2011)

I have not read your books, but now is the time to order them. Thank you for the writing and Congratulations.
(Barbara Ryan 9:48am March 1, 2011)

I loved this series. Just finished the last one and am waiting to read the new one you mentioned.
Great job.
(Mary Branham 9:48am March 1, 2011)

This looks like a good book, cannot wait to read it.
(Christine Arcidiacono 10:00am March 1, 2011)

$4000.00 is probably more than you would net in selling real estate now the way things are. You did the right thing, or should I say the "write" thing! Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres.
(Karen Gervasi 10:08am March 1, 2011)

Kate - Thanks for never giving up during the tough times because your dedication has given us such wonderful books over the last 25 years!
(Jeanne Miro 10:46am March 1, 2011)

WOW that is Great. I have been reading your book for a couple of yrs and I am a BIG fan. The New York Times Bestseller List Congrats.
(Vickie Hightower 10:55am March 1, 2011)

Since you're on my "Must Buy" list of authors (when the budget allows for it!), getting the chance to win ANY of your books is a "must-enter" for me!!

I can't remember the first book of yours I read, but I do know that they all have stayed on my keeper shelf!!

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 11:11am March 1, 2011)

I love trilogies but I love books that continue a series even more can not wait to continue this series.
(Annetta Stolpmann 11:33am March 1, 2011)

After one of your newsletters this year, I bought two of your earlier books. I'm looking forward to a chance to read them. Would love to add these two to my reading list.
(Heather Pearson 12:14pm March 1, 2011)

I enjoy your books. I read Against the Wind on my Kindle, but want to find it in book form to add to my bookcase, the place where I keep those I enjoy the most. Now I'm anxious to read the others in the series.
(Anna Speed 12:31pm March 1, 2011)

Good morning! Or afternoon, depending on where you live. You guys have the most wonderful website. Such a great way for an author to get feedback. I want to thank you all for the Congratulations. I have to say it was a real thrill. My bouquet from the publisher finally wilted. But it was gorgeous and such a lovely thank you from them.
(Kat Martin 1:11pm March 1, 2011)

As I read through these comments, I am soo grateful for all the kind words. Writing is such a lonely occupation. There are only brief times that we actually get to connect with readers. To hear that you have been enjoying my books for all of these years makes the hard work all worthwhile.
(Kat Martin 1:13pm March 1, 2011)

One thing I noticed as I re-read your comments is that a number of you like books in a series...I'm thrilled with that since I've already written Trace Rawlins story, Against the Fire, and am hoping to finish Johnnie Riggs story this week, Against the Night. best of luck with the contest. very best to you all. back later, kat
(Kat Martin 1:14pm March 1, 2011)

Congratulations! I have all three books, though I haven't read them...yet!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 1:16pm March 1, 2011)

Continued congrats on such wonderful news... wishing you the best for your future writing!
(Colleen Conklin 2:11pm March 1, 2011)

Congratulations on making the list. I have always loved your books.I just finished Against the Law and loved it. I can not wait to see what you do with Trace's story.
(Cindy Olp 2:41pm March 1, 2011)

Kelli-- hope you like them all! I save books to savor. I'm holding onto a Susan E. Phillips right now.
Colleen, thanks for the congrats!
Cindy--Trace's story, Against the Storm, has a gorgeous cover. it's out end of Oct. kat
(Kat Martin 3:29pm March 1, 2011)

I am already a subscriber to your newsletter and would love to win these
books. In a way, it's good that some insecurity remains even after 25
years. It serves as a motivator instead of becoming complacent.
(Mona Garg 3:39pm March 1, 2011)

Hope to be where you are in 25 years! And I agree, believing in yourself is the most important thing. That, and being a good story-teller, of course :-) !
(Birgit Lehner 4:19pm March 1, 2011)

I'm so glad you authors have the "can't let it go" syndrome as
that's exactly the way we readers are. I have several series
that I've read and followed for a decade or more and still hope
to be reading new ones for the next decade.
(Lisa Richards 5:12pm March 1, 2011)

I am so looking forward to reading all three of these books, I've always loved bad boys
(Joyce Bruner 6:35pm March 1, 2011)

I just read Against the Wind and am about to start Against the Fire. I really enjoyed the first book. Jackson was a wonderful hero....not to mention hot!
(Jill Hayden 7:42pm March 1, 2011)

I've been reading the excerpts thru email--love it!!
(Linda Calderone 7:57pm March 1, 2011)

Gosh, I dart away from here to work for a couple of hours and there you are with a bunch more comments! I love this site. Such great input. I definitely have "Can't let it go," syndrome, Lisa. I'm that way about reading, too. Once I find an author I like, I read as much of their stuff as I can.
(Kat Martin 8:26pm March 1, 2011)

Birgit-- I hope you are exactly where you want to be in 25 years. I'm afraid my goals keep changing--which is great. Always a new challenge.
(Kat Martin 8:26pm March 1, 2011)

Anna-- what a lovely sentiment. there really is something special about an actual printed book, though I enjoy reading my kindle as well
(Kat Martin 8:27pm March 1, 2011)

Omg I love your stories. I'm so excited to hear that it will continue. The
way you write it's like your right there in the story . Keep up the awesome
work.
(Leanne Jacobson 8:36pm March 1, 2011)

I've read excerpts from a couple of the "Against" books and loved them. Winning 2 would be a great start on the set.
(r w 9:09pm March 1, 2011)

I've read many of your books over the years, looking forward to reading your 'Against' series.
(Suzy Roy 9:52pm March 1, 2011)

I love all your books. I can't wait to catch up on this new series!
(Pamela Stewart 11:09pm March 1, 2011)

Congratulations on the great news. I've been following the exceprts in my INbox. Can't wait to read the book.
(Lisa Kendall 11:20pm March 1, 2011)

I have always read your books. This time I believe the Raines Brothers Trilogy is by far the best.
(Kai Wong 12:00pm March 2, 2011)

Congrats on making "THE Biggie" of the book list!! Have loved your books/series & have bought them "new" & scoured new & used bookstores to complete a series. Look forward to some good reading with these, too!
(Jean Merriott 12:05pm March 2, 2011)

Wow, it's getting late and you guys are all still at it. YOu are probably up late reading! I hope you are reading my new books! It's been a real pleasure to be here today. I love hearing your comments and am excited to know that so many of you plan to read the new series. thanks so much for having me. very best wishes, Kat
(Kat Martin 12:08pm March 2, 2011)

I absolutely love Kat Martin's books! I haven't read one lately I have such a big stack of books at home I need to finish.
(Brenda Rupp 1:15am March 2, 2011)

I'm a Kat Martin fan, although not big on historicals. Next on my To Buy List is the Raines Brothers Trilogy - I am really looking forward to reading these books. Congratulations on making the Times printed list - I can see you doing the happy dance!!!
(Karen Cherubino 2:11am March 2, 2011)

I just picked up Against the Law and can't wait to read it! I loved the first two, and I'm excited to hear there will be more coming. Congratulations on making the Times list!
(HiDee Ekstrom 12:25pm March 2, 2011)

I have read many of your books, love them all and looking forward for more!!!!!!! Always page turners!
(Joanne Bozik 1:36pm March 2, 2011)

Love your books -- so glad you could give up real estate for writing.. at least you have some control!!! no more calls during dinner, holidays, etc. to go show a house to someone who's just plain bored and wants to take a peek at someone's home.
(Cate Sparks 1:59pm March 2, 2011)

Series are my favorite as we get to visit the same place, say
hello to old friends and then get down to brass tacks that much
quicker.
(Lisa Richards 7:04pm March 2, 2011)

I love stories that continue you get so hooked on the characters and it is just hard to say goodbye to them.
(Darci Paice 1:59am March 3, 2011)

Love your trifecta series. It's like a triple play in baseball or a hat trick in hockey, well worth the investment in characters and time to read.
(Alyson Widen 12:23pm March 8, 2011)

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