My Journey to Publication by Cecelia Dowdy

Cecelia Dowdy

When I first started writing, almost two decades ago, inspirational romance was not a very common genre. As a matter of fact, there was not a lot of inspirational fiction available back then. Initially, I was not a part of any writers group or organization. One day, I was on my lunch break, and I didn’t have a book to read. I pulled out a pad of paper and a pen and I started writing. I’ve been writing ever since. I took one of my proposals and sent it to a freelance editor. In her edits, she asked if my book was an inspirational romance. Unfamiliar with the term, I researched it and my world was opened up into this fairly new genre of fiction.

I decided to focus on inspirational romance because my secular novels had an inspirational slant. I spoke about faith, God and scripture – I was writing an inspirational romance without realizing that’s what I was doing!

I then discovered Romance Writers of America and I joined their inspirational chapter, Faith Hope and Love. By attending their annual conference, and the local meetings, fellowshipping with other writers, I was able to make my first sale through a unique deal with Doubleday’s Crossings book Club. My acquaintance with another Christian fiction author helped me to land the sale. I later joined American Christian Fiction Writers, and I continue to be a member of both groups.

Although I don’t always make the book sales that I want, I still continue to write books that glorify the Lord. I love reading fiction where the characters have a faith journey. I love showing people who struggle with real-life problems, while relying on their faith in God. I enjoy seeing how the inspirational market has mushroomed and exploded, even creating various sub-genres within the Christian fiction sector.

Currently, I’ve been focusing on indie publishing, and Raspberry Kisses, my first indie novel, is now available as an e-book.

About the Author

Cecelia Dowdy has been an avid reader since she learned to string letters together to form words.

While pursuing a business degree in college one of her professors tried to convince her to get an English degree since he felt she was a great writer. Years later, after receiving her BS in Finance, she took her former teacher's advice, and started pursuing her literary career.

She loves to read, write, and bake delicious desserts during her spare time. Traveling is another favorite hobby, and she's been to various countries around the world. Currently she resides with her spouse and young son in Maryland.

Website: http://ceceliadowdy.com/
Blog: http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1AIMlOh
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cdnovelist

Raspberry Kisses
Facing eviction, Rhea Morrison, a young grieving widow, must save her failing bakery. Her recently-injured twin sister, Raven, loans her money – stipulating Rhea attend a singles retreat to spy on

Raspberry Kissesby Cecelia Dowdy

Martin Lane, Raven’s new love interest. Disgruntled, Rhea attends the retreat and is attracted to Martin. She discovers that Martin can help save her bakery.

Pastor Martin laments over his secret, traumatic past mistakes. He’s destined to lead his father’s church, despite blatant rejection. He can’t love Rhea - he’s yet to forgive himself for his past, and if Rhea knew how he used to be, she would have no interest in pursuing a relationship with him. In spite of their shared attraction, he helps Rhea form a plan to save her business. Martin, a former successful bakery owner, can expertly create delicious pastry recipes.

Rhea feels torn about her attraction to Martin – he’s a pastor, and after her husband’s death, she vowed to never get involved with another pastor. Can Martin and Rhea overcome their past so that they’re free to love again?
Purchase link for Raspberry Kisses: http://amzn.to/1BiLYfM