"What a feeling, being's believin' I can have it all." That line got me inspired to write, to edit, to cut, to add and change some of the characters. In essence, making it worthy ( in my mind anyway), to send it out. Many us realize this is a very scary time. The story you spent night after night up with it, cried over and prayed over it, is in the hand of someone else. They have the ultimate chore of telling you what they thought of it.
Every writer out there who dreams of seeing their stories in print ( or digital) know the let down in your heart when you hear back from them.
"We like the story, but..." or You're a good writer, but...." and the most common line I heard..." We like the story, but it just doesn't fit our line."
I knew I should have stuck more sex in there!
After some discouragement set in, I picked up another line from the lyrics and decided to make it my theme and push me to move forward.
"Take your passion and make it happen!"
So I did.
I wrote on other stories and let my baby sit for a while. Thanks to some very savvy DARA authors who blazed the trail, I woke up to Indie publishing. So I pulled my baby down, did some serious changes of some characters and thus the sex did finally fit in. I was ready. I was going to Indie Publish my book.
I already had a preliminary cover prepared. Still I wanted to shop it around one last time. I am so very glad I did!
On May 1, 2014, after nine years trying to get this book published, Senior Editor of Soul Mate Publishing offered a contract to publish my NINE LIVES, TWO DOWN. Contracts are signed and I now await further from her. SO EXCITING!!!
I wonder what their version of my cover will be??? The first book of yours will always hold a special place in the authors heart. I wanted Nine Lives, Two Down to be that first book. Now, I can kick my heels up and celebrate. But I have stories to write!
Oh and my new song? "HAPPY" by Pharrell Williams.
10 comments:
WooHoo! Major congrats, Phyllis. So excited for you. I also wrote for years and shopped my books around before selling my first one. There is no describing that feeling when you get that call. Pure awesomeness!
I'd really be doing a happy dance, but been sick. My celebration day will come. I am SO looking forward to my white rosé!
Well, dancing has never been one of my talents. My dad taught dance after WWII and was convinced he could teach me to follow music. He finally declared that I was my mother's daughter and gave up. But what the heck! Maybe we should have a new Plotting Princess tradition and all dance to our successes.
OH, Phyllis, I am so HAPPY for you. What a journey. I'm finally getting my first published and love it. May you have many, many more. May all the PPs have many more. Hugs!
Phyllis, I love that song. But I also love that cover that you chose and I think you should show it to Soul Mate, they may just use it. Sooooo happy for you and now I wish you many many sales. You know you have one from me.
Thank you, Vicki. I remember reading your first one and I'm ticed pink that TE found a home.
Thank you Sylvia! When we get to the point we are talking covers, I'll send this one to look at.
I am so, so happy for you Phyllis! Can't wait to read it when I can buy one!
So Happy for you Phyllis!!! way to go!!!
Kudos to you for sticking to it and working until you made your goal!
Hooray!!!
So happy for you Phyllis!!!! Way to go!!!!!
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