Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Renée May
Hi Heather Renée, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My author’s journey began during the initial COVID pandemic. I was living full-time with my rescue pup in a 19 foot travel trailer in Spicewood, TX. I had started a podcast called Flipping Dreams, where I encouraged others that it’s never too late to flip your dreams and live your best life. I decided to take my own advice, and flip one of my dreams- to be an author. I started by challenging myself to write 1000 words a day. I did this in the early morning, which is my most creative time. Just as I would start to get stuck, I’d check my word count. If I hit my limit then I’d stop and get ready for my day job. After 2 months, I had the first draft of a manuscript that I sent to my editors in NY. Nine months later, I published my first novel, Cactus Christmas: A Texas Wine Trail Series (2021). I quickly followed it with Cactus Wedding in Spring of 2022, and Cactus Cradle, a mystery on the wine trail, just published October 1, 2024.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an author and self-publishing is not for the faint of heart. It is definitely a labor of love. I made the decision to do all formats (e-book, paperback, audiobook). I ended up creating my own publishing company, MayDay Publishing Ltd Co., as due to the pandemic the trad publishing opportunities slowed to a trickle, and it was impossible to find an agent. By self-publishing I kept more of the royalties, but also ended up having to cover more of the costs. I hired a cover & layout artist, editors, and managed all the marketing and promotional costs myself. Some people just focus on e-book which is infinitely less expensive. I wanted paperback books I could sign and sell at the wineries and markets throughout the Hill Country. My production costs were much higher and I had to cover printing and shipping costs and hope that I’d sell enough books to cover the expenses.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wear many hats; software engineer, musician, and author. When I decided to write a book series, I had the idea of creating a fictional story in real places where folks could visit. Like a fun travel guide. The Texas Wine Trail Series ended up doing just that- it’s the first fictional book series set in the wine country of Texas! Readers love the fast paced story, that blends RV life and travel, and uplifting contemporary romance, set in the beautiful backdrop of the Hill Country of Texas. In the back of each book, I list the locations the characters visit; wineries, restaurants, and local businesses, that readers can visit themselves. The over-arching theme of my books is to encourage others to travel, explore, and learn more about the grit that it takes to make really great Texas wine.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Trust your gut, and go at your own pace. It’s really easy to be overwhelmed by comparisons on social media, or see other authors maybe getting more recognition, and get discouraged. Instead, focus on what you know in your heart is your mission, your voice. I believe that we all have a unique voice and pathway. For instance, instead of focusing on just having my books in stores, I decided to do something different. I find my greatest strength is meeting my readers in person, and most of them are also fellow RVers or travelers. So, for my latest book release, I planned a book RV tour, and am visiting KOAs, RV parks, wineries, and markets throughout Texas for almost 3 months. It was a huge undertaking to coordinate, but so far I’m really happy with the results, and it’s made my book series stand out and become more of an experience than just a good read.
Pricing:
- $15.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heatherreneemay.com/
- Instagram: @_everydayismay
- Facebook: @heatherreneemay
- Youtube: @heatherreneemay
- Other: TikTok: @_everydayismay
