Things Would Be Different

The first novel I wrote was considered by Avalon Books in NYC. When they rejected it--this was December of 2008--I was crushed. I said at the time, on this blog, I feel like my sails have lost their wind. Now--instead of a writer being considered--I'm just a writer. I feel less validated. Like I have to start all over again...

It's been two-plus years.

Avalon is a quality publisher, and I have friends who've found success through them, but I'm glad my pacing was off, that the editors didn't care for my story's element of suspense, and that my hero and heroine lacked tension. I'm thankful they didn't pick me.*

The writer I am now, without that publication, is the writer I'm supposed to be.

I'm working on my third novel. Somewhere between that first book and this one, I've found my true writer's voice. I've learned that women's fiction is my strength. I've better-established and set the path to my long-term goals, not the least of which is agent representation. (Avalon does not require representation of their authors.)

I've added to my resume, and bolstered my confidence, and have become part of some awesome projects. I've honed and practiced and still continue to grow into a better writer.

If Avalon had thought differently, would I have grown in these same ways? Would I have found another path? Or molded to a certain style of writing, a particular avenue of publication that could have stunted my development?

How things could be different. I'm glad they're not. Really.

Do you have a similar story? Whether with writing or something else, has there been a near-miss you're now grateful for?

* I'm also thankful for the small nudge that Avalon's interest gave me, and my drive to write.

Q&A with Author Kathryn Magendie

Meet Kathryn Magendie. An unpretentious, eclectic soul with depth of heart, she is one who shares the beauty and peace of her Smoky Mountain home and its inspirations. This woman's worth knowing, just for those things alone. But there's so much more.

Kathryn, a writer, is co-editor/publisher for Rose & Thorn Literary Journal, where her expertise in craft is put to creative and directorial use. She's also chasing (and catching!) a longtime dream, making her way in the written world as a novelist.

Her debut title, Tender Graces, was released in spring 2009 and has been embraced by both readers and writers alike. Her raw and unique writing brings a fresh voice to literature, while lending relevance and relatability to her protagonist, Virginia Kate.

Today Kathryn takes a break from Virginia Kate's sequel, Secret Graces (coming soon!), to offer us advice and publication insights. Please welcome her with warmth!

Kathryn says:

I thought I’d answer some most-often-asked questions about the publishing side of things, instead of specifically about Virginia Kate. If you have anything you’d like to know (about the book business, or about Virginia Kate), ask me in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer!

How did you find your publishers?

December 2008, while half-watching a Christmas show in front of the fire, on impulse I googled “Southern Publishers.” Bellebooks’s motto “Southern Fried Fiction” caught my eye. After reading their submission guidelines, I thought, “Aw, they won’t want what I have . . .” but instead of giving up and passing them by, I queried them on the spot. By the end of that December, I had a contract with their imprint Bell Bridge Books, and by April of 2009, Tender Graces was in my hands. Sometimes impulsive actions work out!

Do you have an agent/Do you need an agent?

I didn’t need an agent to query Bellebooks. However, agent representation can (maybe) open other doors that smaller publishers may not be able to open, which is why I may consider querying for agent representation at some point.

The answer to the question “Do you need an agent?” is really one writers have to answer for themselves. You don’t have to have an agent to be traditionally published; I am an example of that. However, having an agent may, and I say may, open bigger doors, or more doors. Just remember: There are no guarantees in this business.

I hate/love/somewhere-in-between your cover(s)/title(s). Do you get to pick your covers and your title?

My publishers titled Tender Graces; we both then came up with Secret Graces. Both covers are Bellebooks/Bell Bridge Books cover ideas. Most of the time authors have no control over their titles or covers. Publishers study the market and make decisions based on what they think will capture attention for the author’s books. Covers and titles, for the author and for the reader, are very personal, and the publishers need to look at it from a “not personal” business point of view.

Will you read my manuscript and tell me what you think?

As much as love supporting writers, I now have to say “no.” I used to edit manuscripts for a fee; and as well, I used to read a bit here and there and give my opinion for free. However, now I have deadlines to meet, and I have to promote and market and this and that. It’s hard enough finding time to write my own words. I will, however, help and offer encouragement in other ways. I believe we should support each other.

Can I have a free book?

Writers have to pay for many things out of their own pockets, and giving away books or other promo items is one of them. I can’t tell you what I’ve spent on give-aways, because I’m afraid to add it up. *laughing* (Bellebooks/Bell Bridge books does their own part in promo/marketing, too, but that is separate from what the author does.)

When an author’s books first go to print, we do receive some free copies from the publisher (and Bellebooks is generous compared to many publishers), however, once those complimentary copies are gone, we pay for all our books plus any shipping costs to us and then to the receiver of the book, so that’s double shipping costs for the author!

Please, help out us poor writers and buy our books if you are interested—we do so appreciate it! This is one business where people want or expect free things because they don’t understand the costs to the writer, so it’s: write for free, edit for free, give away books and et cetera for free. Imagine asking your doctor for a free physical, or for free haircuts, free groceries, free handmade soap and jewelry, free manicure, free art, free meals at your favorite restaurant—this book business is still a business, even if it doesn’t always seem so. Just something to think about, okay? *smiling*

Once I’m published, I can quit my job while the money rolls in, right?

See above. *laugh*

Bellebooks pays a small advance, and their royalty rates are the industry standard, but know that some small/independent publishers may not pay any advance at all and only royalties. And folks, you should never have to pay your publishers for anything other than books you purchase from them!—if you pay fees this is self or vanity publishing. Be sure to do your research. Be knowledgeable, savvy, and aware!

On average, traditionally published authors receive less than a dollar a book in royalties. Yes, that’s right. Therefore, unless you are on Oprah, a best seller’s list, or have a movie made based on your book, the money trickles in instead of floods in.

It has to be about more than the money or else most writers would not be in this business. It has to be about love—of writing, of words, of language, of holding the published book(s) in your hands, of knowing people are reading your words you constructed with love and care and a bit of insanity (laugh). You just have to be a little bit crazy in love with this business, and expect to have an empty wallet, or else you should look into something else, perhaps? Or find a way to get on those best seller’s lists and stay there!

Thank you, Janna, for inviting me to your blog for my blog tour! Thanks everyone!

And thank you, Kat, for sharing your wisdom! Your answers were wonderful.

Don't forget to leave any questions you may have in the comments section. Kat will be by to check in.

This just in: Kat has some very exciting news today! Visit her blog for the details.

Progression, It's All I Ask For

I was loading laundry in the washer, thinking about (what else?) my writing, about where I want it to go in this new year. Initially, of course, visions of agent representation and publication bubbled up in my head, making me dizzy with want. And nerves. And fear.

But then, just as quick as I poured the detergent, I felt impressed to chillax, as my seven-year-old recently suggested. What I need to focus on became clear to me.

Just move forward.

Yeah, I could aspire to acquire an agent this calendar year. It's possible, right? And then beyond that, hope to get a book deal before the next ball drops? Forget that twelve months is rarely enough time to get the agent. It occurred to me that might not even be in the 2010 plan for me. It's possible I won't be ready. Or if I am at any point, that my agent match won't be.

Just move forward.

And you know, it really took a load of pressure off. Because I'm free to work on my craft, to read more, write more, learn all I can to get better. I can progress, see where it takes me.

That's what I want this year. As long as my writing moves forward, I'll be happy.

You?

I Promise

This is my mom, Deb.*

`

Notice the gobs of books behind us? This is one shelf of many at my parents' house. She could open a used book store; we tease her about it all the time.

`

My mom is the one from whom I got my love of books. A paperback was never far from her reach, and that kind of thing gets impressed upon a kid. It didn't hurt that she took my sister and me to the library frequently, as soon as we were old enough to appreciate it. I remember lugging home as many books as the library would allow, and relishing every one. The feel of the cool, smooth pages in my small hands. The musty, used smell. I love all of it. I love books.

`

It's also my mom who has encouraged me to write for as long as I can remember. Even as a young student, when I probably didn't attribute much to the idea of "being a writer," she'd pore over things I wrote for classes... There was one essay, Plaid Pants, I wrote about the polyester outfit she "forced" me to wear in the early 80's, when I was 5 years old. Ugh, it was horrible. You could feel my pain in that short blurb. Then, and other times, she said, "Janna, you should be a writer."

`

Somewhere along the way I started to feel the same. I never had an English teacher who took me under her wing, or helped cultivate my talent: It's something I found on my own. But my mom was always there with encouragement, kind of helping me unearth my potential.

`

Then, last year, a childhood friend of hers published a novel based on his boyhood. She was touched by his recounting of the growing up years, set in the area she was raised, during the telling of which my uncle (and Mom's brother), it seemed, filled the fictional role of the main character's buddy. She appreciated her old friend's talent, saw his achievement, the fact that he'd done it; written a book and seen it to publication. And she felt it. I think she understood everything my desire represents.

`

"Promise me, Janna. Promise you'll see your dream happen." And I did.

`

So see? Now I have to do it. I have to keep writing. I have to follow it through. Because I promised her. And because I promised me.

`

`

Have you made a promise? To yourself or someone else? If not, I suggest you do. It goes a long way in lighting one's fire, in holding oneself accountable.

`

And I wish you the best.

`

*This is one of my favorite pictures, taken just a couple months after her "surprise" double-bypass... She'd gone to the hospital one Friday afternoon, feeling "off" but suspecting what was happening - though she'd always, always been healthy, and by Monday morning she was having open-heart surgery. She was very blessed, and is now heart-healthy.

New Ideas For The Back Burner

I spent some much-needed time with two friends today. During the lunch we shared, one told me she'd had a dream a few nights ago. In the dream she seemed an outsider, as we've all likely experienced before. A story unfolded in front of her and, subconsciously, she told herself, "I have to tell Janna of this. What a great book idea!" And as she relayed the dream to me, I had to agree. I absorbed all she could recall and quickly jotted down the most pertinent details. Maybe someday I can transform her dream into a novel.

It makes me feel good, as a writer, to place new ideas on the back burner. It means my inspiration and imagination are still intact, and I enjoy looking ahead to the publication of my current novel (it WILL happen!) with the reassurance that there's work to be done afterward.

***

The family and I'll be taking a short roadtrip over the next couple of days (yup, the one we had to reschedule due to snowy blizzards). As always, I'll be armed with my notebooks and pens, and I hope to do some handwritten work on the WIP... Which leads me to believe it's time to invest in an AlphaSmart, a magical word processor that weighs 2 lbs and lives on batteries for up to a year. Write on the go, then plug it into your PC at home, adding the new stuff to your WIP. Oh man, am I coveting one (I use that term 'coveting' loosely).

Sure, a laptop would do so much more, as my husband points out. But doesn't it stand to reason that a laptop would provide more distractions? And just look at how cute and compact the bugger is. One day, AlphaSmart, you will be mine. Oh yes, you will be mine.

Just When I Thought All Was Dandy...

I think I mentioned in my last post how I'd been down with the cruddies. Spent over a week fighting various cold and sinus symptoms, while at the same time not getting any writing done. Thought I was on the mend, slowly working my way back to energy and health, when a burning sore throat began Thursday evening. Then the aches started. Couldn't sleep through the night and awoke to misery Friday.

Hubby was my hero. He stayed home from work, taking care of the girls (and me). He ferried the oldest to and from preschool and also did some grocery shopping to boot (not his forte, but we can live on hot dogs and Frosted Flakes for a few days...). I couldn't have expected more out of him.

I spent the day on the couch, in and out of sleep. Finally made it to the doctor mid-afternoon, where both strep and flu tests came back negative. (I'd never had a flu test done... they stick a swab up your nose and twist. Ugh. Very unnatural, if you ask me.) But he gave me two medicines anyway; one for chest and head congestion, the other for body aches. My first doses along with a full night's sleep gave me the boost I needed to get back on my feet again. I'm moving slowly but, as hubby went back to work today, I can tend to my daughters' basic needs.

I'm sad no writing has been done. Before the ickies got me I had idea after idea boppin' around in my noggin. I think they're still there somewhere, but I'll have to unearth them from the snot and lethargy. If I can get enough energy up to make the house neat and functional again, I should be able to sit back at the computer and get some things accomplished. It goes back to my need for balance - if my house is out of whack I can't get any writing done. Make sense?

What's worse: My down days haven't stopped editors from rejecting my work. I've gotten two rejections via e-mail, and one through the mail. The letter response was from Guideposts and it might quite possibly be the nicest I've received. Gives me hope for both the article and future submissions to the publication. One e-mail reponse was very generic, just as you'd expect; the other quite pleasant. The editor said she liked my work but they didn't use any freelancers for the category my article would have fallen under. But, she's going to keep my info on file for the future. (Do you think that's true, or were they just words?) I, just a little bit ago, e-mailed her again, asking if there are any voids they need filled within their publication. Perhaps, if I build a rapport with her, I can still get something printed. Eh?

Anyway, just a long, winding blog as I gather my thoughts. Hope all are well and that you're succeeding in all your writing endeavors. Until next time...

My 2008 Goals... And Anthology Guidelines

I've decided to work toward a higher number of submissions (and hopefully publications) in the coming year. The exciting part is that not only will it continue to build my resume, it'll - potentially - pay well! I know it can be done, and this is my year to try it for myself. Magazine articles/essays are good possibilities, but I'm also really intrigued by anthologies, like Chicken Soup for the Soul.

And yippee! I've gotten a headstart. Last week I submitted pieces to both a Chicken Soup title and a newer anthology called True Real Estate Stories. Yesterday I sent off a first-person narrative to Guideposts, which, if bought, would be my first national publication. How cool would that be?! I've one more essay sub due to Chicken Soup at the end of this month, another later in the new year, and have been directed to a few websites that give submission guidelines for other anthologies. For anyone interested, they are:

Anthologies Online

Del.icio.us/Anthologies

Common Ties

Work on my novel has seriously slowed down; I haven't looked at it in at least a few weeks. Part of me is disappointed, but I was needing a long break from it. And I'm not ready to force myself with it just yet. I did come up with the concept for another novel (and Hubby likes it much better than my current WIP)... I may decide to start some work on it.

The good news is, I have 12 whole months (and beyond) ahead of me. What I can accomplish in that amount of time is up to me, and I'm excited to see what I can do.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas! May you be blessed in the new year.
Janna