Creating My First Reader Magnet

September 12, 2026 by in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as , , , with 0 and 0
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One of the goals I set for myself this year was to write my first reader magnet. With my first set of deadlines now fulfilled, I knew this was a must. Plus I wanted something to thank all the readers who have been so supportive and encouraging to this newly published author.

blog header for historical romance author Denise M. Colby showing her book covers, logo and tagline

I had to consider what I should write. I had some ideas, but I didn’t want to use anything that could be a full novel in my series. At a conference last year, in one of the sessions, there was a suggestion to find something to introduce your series. And with that prompt, an idea took root that would fit nicely in my Best-laid Plans series.

What my reader magnet is about

In my very first book, I mention how there was a teacher that came before Olivia. But she was swept off her feet before even stepping foot in the one-room schoolhouse. And because of that, Mayor Martin and the school board had created a whole new set of rules going forward for the town of Washton when Olivia arrived.

So before Olivia set foot in Washton, there was Tilly Johnson. She was on her way to Washton as that first teacher. But none of those plans turned out. She may or may not have been swept off her feet. I’ll let you decide. But Grant, the hero in the story, might’ve been. Just a little bit. Especially after he offered a marriage in name only. But that all came after they ate ice cream.

How to get my first reader magnet

To receive my first 8-chapter novelette, click on the book cover. You may download the book when you sign up for my newsletter (but you can unsubscribe at any time).

The book cover for Denise M. Colby's first reader magnet, An Unplanned Marriage Proposal, includes a schoolmarm woman and a man on a horse in the background in a rural western town

An Unplanned Marriage Proposal

Two strangers. A marriage of convenience. An Unexpected love. 

Tilly Johnson has only ever wanted one thing—to teach. Wishing to make a difference in her own one-room schoolhouse, she crosses the country to California to follow her dream.

Railroad detective Grant Stone has purposely built his life on staying detached for reasons he can’t talk about. But he won’t sit by and watch when the stranded young woman whose name is on everyone’s lips needs assistance. Except the desire to protect her reputation leads to a marriage proposal he never intended to make…and a wife he never planned on wanting.

As feelings deepen and circumstances threaten to pull them in different directions, Tilly must decide whether to keep chasing the dream that brought her west—or embrace the unexpected future God has placed before her.

Perfect for readers who enjoy story tropes marriage of convenience, unexpected love, small town romance, protector hero.

A little bonus fun

I had a lot of fun writing my first reader magnet. I loved creating Tilly and Grant and writing their story. I also enjoyed creating images for them. Especially this one in the ice cream parlor. I love ice cream and I finally had an opportunity to write a scene in one (since schoolmarms are not really allowed to be seen in them unescorted).

Denise M. Colby's characters from An Unplanned Marriage Proposal sitting in an ice cream parlor in 1869 eating vanilla ice cream with strawberries

Denise loves to share about her writing journey (see all her posts here), including her word of the year (this year it is BALANCE), her debut novel When Plans Go Awry, and all the things in between. You can visit her at her website and blog at www.denisemcolby.com or on her facebook or instagram. Please note: some links include Amazon Associate links where Denise can earn from qualifying purchases.

Author Bio
Author Bio
Passionate about all types of stories—whether they are from songs, theatre, movies, or novels—Denise M. Colby loves history and constantly finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800’s. Combining her love of learning about history, and reading, Denise writes Historical Romance Sweetened with Faith, Hope, & Love. Her first novel, When Plans Go Awry, is the first novel in her Best-laid Plans series. A mother to three boys and soon to be daughter-in-love, Denise loves to read, watch movies with her family, sing 80’s and musical songs, tap dance, and spend date nights with her husband at Disneyland. Sign up for her newsletter or follow Denise on her social media. Newsletter: https://denisemcolby.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/ Website: www.denisemcolby.com Blog: www.denisemcolby.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisemcolbywrites/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisem.colby/
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Passionate about all types of stories—whether they are from songs, theatre, movies, or novels—Denise M. Colby loves history and constantly finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800’s. Combining her love of learning about history, and reading, Denise writes Historical Romance Sweetened with Faith, Hope, & Love. Her first novel, When Plans Go Awry, is the first novel in her Best-laid Plans series. A mother to three boys and soon to be daughter-in-love, Denise loves to read, watch movies with her family, sing 80’s and musical songs, tap dance, and spend date nights with her husband at Disneyland. Sign up for her newsletter or follow Denise on her social media. Newsletter: https://denisemcolby.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/ Website: www.denisemcolby.com Blog: www.denisemcolby.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisemcolbywrites/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisem.colby/

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