Friday, March 14, 2014

FRIDAY STIR FRY - YEA!!!!

Paperback Books
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/871147


Many of you already know my BIG NEWS. But, for those who don't . . . I signed a publishing contract for my book Beyond the Horizon!! Can you tell I'm excited? Breathless Press is my publisher. Check them out here  http://www.breathlesspress.com/

It's been a long journey. I wrote Beyond The Horizon during 2009 National Novel Writing Month. It seemed like a good way to get words on the page. I managed 50,000 words that month. Of course it wasn't complete and needed lots and lots of work. Instead of finishing it, I started three more books each of the following NaNoWriMo's.

Three years ago an agent and editor were invited to Ozarks Romance Authors conference and offering to take pitches. In order to take advantage of that opportunity, I needed a complete work. So I rolled up my sleeves and finished Beyond The Horizon. The editor I pitched to, asked me to send it to her. Wow! I thought I was on my way. Then the publishing house she worked for sold and she left and my manuscript landed back in my lap. So much for overnight success.

To tell the truth, it wasn't easy keeping my head up and pushing on. Thanks to my writer friends and their encouragement and belief in my abilities, I kept working on my craft and submitting my work. If you would like to become a part of these amazing group of people check them out. I couldn't ask for a better support system.

http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/      and     http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/

Twelve heart wrenching rejections later, I've found my home. I'm looking forward to the next chapter (pun intended) as I work with my editor polishing my baby until she shines.

I'll keep you posted.

12 comments:

  1. Pop the cork on the champagne, sister! Enjoy the moment! I can't wait to see you in person and give you a big hug to celebrate!

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    1. Thanks, but I think I'll stick with beer. Champagne gives me a headache.

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  2. Fantabulous news! See, people, Nanowrimo is worth it! A little tip: Don't abbreviate your book title. Yes, it's a pain to repeat it, but repetition is what you want to cement it in people's minds. They're not going to be able to find BTH to buy it. So stick with Beyond the Horizon. Again, congratulations.

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  3. Congratulations, Wanda. Persistence is painful but the only way to succeed. Thanks for sharing your story. We all need the reminder.

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    1. Thanks! I don't know if it's persistence or just plain stubborn.

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  4. So glad you stuck with it! We all knew this day would come for you.

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  5. Thanks for inspiring all of us. I can't tell you how excited I am for you. Your patience and determination is a great example for all writers.

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  6. They say a published writer is an amateur who didn't give up. Congrats on sticking it out in this emotionally trying industry.

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  7. Congrats on sticking with it. I know it was hard but I'm sure it's now worth it.

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  8. Wanda, I couldn't be any happier for you! Your persistence paid off big time! Now, you get to enjoy the editing and cover art process. So many of us were picked up this year for our debut novels. It's an exciting time. Big congrats!!! ~Beth (not sure why it says "Anonymous."

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  9. Never mind. Only on the editing portion did it say that. Sigh.

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  10. Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy for you!!

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