A Dream Come True.
Writing is something that has always been a part of my life.
When I was young I’d write stories about anything I thought was interesting. As
I got older the act of writing became so much more than jotting down stories
about my neighbour’s quirky cat. It was a way for me to express what I felt
passionate about and wanted others to know. Writing fiction is no different, at
least for me it isn’t. When I sit down and begin a story, I need to have passion
in order for the words to flow. I need to connect with my readers and this is
the way I do that.
When I began thinking of ideas for CHASING CLOVERS, I knew I wanted to write a novel that would touch
my reader’s lives. This was a long thoughtful and time consuming process. I
wrote character biographies that were so in depth I wondered if I’d ever
actually write the book. However, this process was essential to me and my
writing. I needed to know my characters well enough to write about their trials
and tribulations—to be able to feel empathy for them. After I finished the
biographies I needed to do research, this was the fun part. I loved learning
about Mail Order Brides, and how people lived in the 1800’s.
I wrote a chapter outline, and I didn’t follow it. Once I
was half way through the book, the characters went in their own direction and
my chapter outline went out the window. Scenes changed and the story evolved
from a small portion of my brain to consume me, keeping me up nights. I grew to
love my characters and I strived to help them with their plight.
After I had the rough draft of CHASING CLOVERS completed, I hired an editor. Together we worked on
making the book what it is today. A few months after the final draft, I
prepared my query letter, and synopsis. I had done a bit of research on
publishers during the editing process, and since I knew my target audience was
women I looked for that genre. After antagonizing over whom to send out to, I
decided on a handful of publishers. The manuscript was bound by elastic bands
and slipped into a brown envelope. The Postal worker, a polite gal, had to pry
the manuscript from my white fingers, as I tried to hold it for a little bit
longer. She reassured me it would be in good hands, and I left feeling as if a
part of me was gone.
Soon rejections arrived in my mailbox, along with
discouragement and wondering if this is what I should be doing as a career.
With the help and encouragement of my family and friends, I kept sending out my
manuscript. It wasn’t until six months later, and more rejections, that I was
offered a contract from Imajin Books, June 1, 2011. I cannot express how happy I was when I’d
read their letter.
Since I’ve signed on with Imajin Books, I’ve not only been
welcomed into a great group of authors, but aided by their publishing team
about marketing my book and getting my name out there. CHASING CLOVERS has been #2 on Amazon's Bestsellers List for Western Romance, and on several other Amazon Lists in the UK and Germany! I couldn’t have asked
for anything better, and the whole rejection process was all worth it!
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