Before I was published, all I wanted to be was published. There is no other goal writing wise. Other than constantly asking God for confirmation about this path of my life.
I was not obsessed with being published, but I knew it was the road I wanted to take. I never agreed with authors who suggested some of us “write, but not to be published.”
Also do not think every one writing to be published will be. It’s just the truth of the industry. I also don’t believe every one who is published now will stay published. It’s the way the business and our lives work.
Anyway, believing in being wholehearted, I put all of my eggs in the writing basket. I attended conferences and met people who encouraged me, some even offered a leg up.
I took every opportuntity I could to meet people, write with some one or for someone. I read, I listened to advice, submitted for critique and did whatever I needed to do. And finally, with another author’s help, my first book was published in Feb ’04.
Yay! The moment I’d been waiting for. When the contract came I was so excited. Until I saw my name was spelled wrong.
Oh well, a contract!
I tried to celebrate with my co-workers who were enthusiastic for about ten seconds and onto another subject.
Oh well, a contract!
So, I began to navigate the publishing waters. I knew right up front, not to think too much of myself, and be willing to always take the back seat. Don’t expect much for others or even readers, but you know, subtly, I hoped to get a vote for Heartsong favorite or find an envelop in the mailbox from the publisher with a hundred letter of how my story changed their life.
Nope. A few letter trickled in. Almost all good, but a few who were overly enthusiastic.
Cool, fine. I’m published. I wrote a few more Heartsong before discovering the wonders of chick lit!
Through connections and networking, I signed with an agent and my first chick lit sold. I was so sure it would get rave reviews, the editors would beg me for more material and RT would give me 4.5 stars, the highest ranking.
While the editors loved the book they bought, they weren’t knocking on my door for more material right away. And RT gave me 4 stars.
The books didn’t final in any awards as far as I know.
In the mean time, i sold