From Rejection to Publication

Before I had my dream come true moment of becoming a published writer, I had, as part of what I’d always considered my apprenticeship, eight complete manuscripts that hadn’t made the grade and four false starts languishing on my computer. It was my thirteenth attempt and entry into So You Think You Can Write 2013 which made it. But all those other stories put together make up a lot of words, time and effort and even though some were rejected, they were invaluable to me. Each and every word, each submission and rejection was part of the learning process.

None of the time and effort I put into those stories is wasted. Some merely form part of my apprenticeship, but others, with a fresh pair of eyes and a little more experience, could be rewritten.

But how do you know if a story can be rewritten?

For me it was simply that the characters just wouldn’t leave me alone. I first met Zafir and his horse whisperer heroine, Destiny over three years ago. I just hadn’t told their story right the first time and he was insisting I try again. 

Things to consider when rewriting a story.

1.           Your characters must thrill you, or as in my case, constantly linger in your mind long after the rejection has landed. They will all but demand their story is written again.

2.           Look at where you started the first time. Was that really the beginning? Can you start the story at a better point, one that see’s things changing for your characters, bringing them together more convincingly?

3.           Are they really who you thought they were? Interviewing your characters and getting to know them is crucial, but did you ask the right questions the first time? Did they tell you everything you needed to know?

4.           Delve deeper emotionally. This is what I always do, not digging deep enough, but by finding out more about your characters, their hopes and dreams, fears and aspirations it can lead to some surprising revelations – and a new story!

This is a process I’ve just been through with Zafir and Destiny and their brand new story was accepted last week and will be out next year. But if you want a sneak preview of the story, take a quick look at Zafir and Destiny's board on my Pinterest.

I hope this post fires up your determination if you too have just had a rejection. It doesn't mean the end for you or that story, so keep going!

First Book Excitement

The past six weeks have been full of excitement as my debut book came out. The first time I saw in on the shelves was in London, when I was there for my first Mills and Boon author party.

Locally I had a launch in a fabulous clothes shop, Duet. I signed copies of my book in a shop full of beautiful clothes whilst sipping bubbly. The support I've had from local people has been overwhelming, but it was a bit of a shock to find my photo on the front of the local paper!

In my hometown of Worcester, my mum, a piano teacher, organised another signing for all the pupils and their parents who'd supported me through the So You Think You Can Write competition last year and again now, by buying my book. This also gave me the chance for a quick catch up with my school friend Vanessa, who I've known since primary school. She has always urged me to keep writing.

I've also really enjoyed the photos friends and readers have sent me of my book on the shelves here in UK as well as in America.

Having my first book out has been an amazing experience, made all the more fun by the support of family, friends and readers. 

I hope you all enjoyed the book.

Thank You!

An interview with Elisabeth Hobbes

One of the great things to come out of So You Think You Can Write, is the friendships I’ve made and it give me great pleasure to have Elisabeth Hobbes as the first guest to my blog.

Hi Elisabeth.

First of all, congratulations on your success in last year’s So You Think You Can Write contest. I’m really looking forward to seeing your book on the shelves and of course reading it!

As a historical romance writer you have some fabulous excuses for research. How do you go about researching for a new story?

Once I have an idea for a story in mind and know who the characters are I love finding locations for the story to take place.  I grew up in York so was always surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings so I have a lot of memories to draw on.  My degree was in History and Art History so I have that to draw on in terms of factual information.

If you could spend a few hours with any person from history, who would it be and why?

There are so many inspirational people I’d love to meet but it would have to be Eleanor of Aquitaine who managed to influence politics and ensure her daughters were also able to make influential marriages.  We think of women being, until fairly recently, powerless but she ruled as regent and held her own in an incredibly male dominated society.  It must have taken an incredible force of will and that is something I wanted to have Aline, the heroine of Falling for Her Captor, discovering as she finds her inner strength.

Do you have a special place for writing?

I’m not disciplined so I have to go somewhere without internet access.  Luckily there are a couple of fabulous independent cafes and pubs where I live so I take myself off there (I’m in the pub as I write this) where I can get some peace and of course a nice pint or cake.  I may have to dedicate my next book to them!

When I am at home it’s usually in an armchair with the laptop balanced on the arm and a cat on my lap.

Are you a plotter or punster?

I’m a bit of both.  I know when I start writing where the story is going to end with essential plot points mapped out, but I end up deviating or adding things in.  Sometimes the characters insist on it, however much I try to make them do what I want!

What advice would you give to other aspiring romance writers?

Know your reader expectations.  I changed a fair bit of Falling for Her Captor to fit in with series guidelines for Harlequin Historical.  Also, the same advice I’d give to any writer: join a writing group or website and try get some critique of your work.  It’s nerve-wracking to put your work out there for people to read, especially with the sort of intimate scenes involved in the romance genre, but finding out what readers think is the only way to improve.

Finally, how did you celebrate getting ‘the call’?

I was on an early morning ferry from Calais to Dover when I got the call so I was a little seasick and tired having driven halfway across France before breakfast.  I wasn’t in a position to celebrate much at the time.  Once we docked I called my mum, my sister and got straight on to Facebook to tell everyone who had supported my through SYTYCW.  My husband and I had been skiing (our one child free indulgence) and were heading back to pick up our children from my in-laws so it was lovely to be able to turn up with such exciting news and a few bottles of Breton cider to celebrate.

What a fantastic call story Elisabeth! Thank you and good luck with the release!

Falling for Her Captor will be released on October 1st with Harlequin Historical.

You can find out more of what Elisabeth is up to on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHobbes?ref=hl

Or her blog http://elisabethhobbes.co.uk

Back from London and the RNA Summer Party

This week I went to London, for the RNA Summer Party to support fellow Write Romantic, Helen Phifer, who’d been nominated for The Joan Hessayon Award, with her brilliant debut, The Ghost House. It was also great to catch up with other writers and make new friends. You can find out more about those nominated and the winner, Jo Thomas here.

The official RNA photograph of the nominees.

This year the trip to London was extra special, because I met with my editor. This meant going to Romance HQ, a place I’ve dreamed of going to for so long. What I didn’t expect was to be shown the cover of my very first book, A Deal Before The Altar, out in October 2014. I was completely stunned into silence, but I absolutely love the cover and can’t wait to be able to share it here!

Whilst I was enjoying lunch in a fantastic restaurant with my editor and my mentor editor from the So You Think You Can Write 2013 competition a terrific thunderstorm erupted over London, but even that didn’t dampen my excitement. It actually made me think of a scene from my first book when a storm breaks out and Georgina is forced to deal, not only with her fear of storms, but the enigmatic Santos.

I found out later, that lightning had caused a bit of drama that afternoon in London, when it struck the Shard. Fortunately by the time I made my way back to my hotel the sun was shining again and I was on cloud nine. I’m still there!

My Main Character

Thank you Judith Arnopp for tagging me in Meeting My Main Character blog hop. You can read Judiths' leading lady here.

What is the name of my main character? Is she real or fictitious?
Georgina Henshaw is the heroine in my debut Harlequin Presents book. She is fictitious, although now, she feels quite real to me! She came to life in my So You Think You Can Write entry last September as a feisty lady, determined to achieve what she wanted.

When and where is the story set?

The story, set in the present day, opens in London as she visits the hero, Santos Ramirez at his London office. This is the first time they have ever met and sparks really fly!

Despite the story starting in London, the majority of the book is set in the glitz of Puerto Banus, Spain. Here Georgina experiences the sunshine and glamours lifestyle of Sanots's home.

What should we know about her?

Georgina has been married and widowed. It was a marriage not based on love, but one which would give both herself and Emma, then still at school, the security that has been absent all through their childhood. Having seen and lost too much as a child, she has no intention of ever falling in love, preferring instead to hide behind a facade of indifference.

What is the main conflict? What messes up her life?

Santos is her main conflict. As far as she is concerned he is standing in the way of her sister's happiness and she will do anything to prevent that. It is also Santos who messes up her life, with his sexy good looks and confident charm she soon finds herself falling for him - something she never wanted to do.

What is Georgina's goal?

Her goal is to ensure Emma has what she has been denying herself. A loving marriage and happy ever after. She will do anything for her younger sister, Emma. All she wants is for her to be happy and to be able to marry the man of her dreams. This is something she herself doesn't believe in after the hardships she's shielded Emma from as they've grown up.

What is the book's title?

The book is called A Deal Before The Altar.

When will the book be out?

A Deal Before The Altar will be published in October 2014.

Soon to introduce their main characters is

Marie Dry

Kate Blackadder

Anne Stenhouse

Valentines' Day

It's Valentine's Day. A day of hearts and flowers and a day for love and romance.

It's also my birthday! So what better day to share the fabulous new title for my first book.

My So You Think You Can Write entry, Behind the Scandalous Façade, which sold just three weeks ago to Harlequin Mills and Boon now has a sparkling new title.

A Deal Before The Altar

 

I love it and can't wait to see the cover! The release date is still to be confirmed but as soon as I can I will post details here.

The only thing left to say, is that I wish you all a wonderful Valentine's Day!

The Final Three

After what seemed like weeks living off the adrenalin of So You Think You Can Write, the winner was announced this week. I'd waited by the phone - just in case. I'd be a liar if I didn't admit to that!

The winner was Tanya Wright with her entry, If Only and I think it might be a good idea to grab a box of tissues before clicking on this link!

As for my entry, well I've still got my fingers crossed that an editor will like my story and want to work with me.

During the last few weeks life took on a surreal feel. I attended the RNA Winter Party, met with editors and authors from Mills and Boon, who all seemed excited by my Top 10 entry. Which leaves me with hope!

With Liz Harris

I also did something that has been on my wish list for a long time. I went on the London Eye, which was almost dreamlike again, as it was a guided trip with just two other people. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time!

Sunset behind Big Ben

 



I am a good way into my next story and hope it proves to be as successful as Behind the Scandalous Façade. I'd also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported my through all the stages of this competition. I couldn't have done it without friends like you!

A Toast to Success

Those of you who have been following So You Think You Can Write will know that the winner was announced last week. Seeing someone achieve their dream is great, but to know that person and to have been with them on at least part of their journey just makes it all the more wonderful.


Jennifer and I met two years ago in The Watermill whislt on a Romance Writing course run by Sharon Kendrick. It was one of the best weeks ever, the group was fantastic - and of course we were in Tuscany!

Here's Jen's call.




So all that's left for me to say is..

 Good Luck Jen!