Marianne's series over the last four weeks has been so encouraging! Like she came alongside us and urged us forward with the wisdom of someone who has been where we're going and knows there's a way through the fears and discouragements and trials. Thank you, Marianne, for all the cheering! ~ Annette
In Conclusion? Never, Ever Give Up
by Marianne Evans
Sometimes, in my writing life, I’ve been tempted to chuck it all. Like about five years ago, for example.
I had done fairly well in a series of writing contests sponsored by RWA. I had secured the support of an agent who was new to the market, but energetic and positive with just the right combination of aggressiveness and charm. Best of all? She loved my work. On my way to the HEA (happily-ever-after ending), right?
Well, what’s an HEA without conflict?
I kept writing. My agent began a full court press, submitting my manuscripts everywhere. We came close. Over and over and over again I kept hearing wonderful feedback...but never the magic five words: "We want to buy it."
After nearly a year, with an ever-growing stack of rejections, I lost confidence. I went into writer's remission, uninspired and incredibly sad that a dream I'd held for decades was doomed to go unfulfilled. I needed to go to work full-time because college money needed to be raised for our kids.
Meanwhile, as I stopped writing and stepped up my outside work life, my agent kept trying…
And I received yet another rejection. That was it. I told my agent as much in a very heartfelt, almost apologetic letter. She had been a tremendous advocate, and by that point, I felt like I was wasting her time.
She wrote back promptly – and with an equally heartfelt reply urged me to keep going, affirming a talent she saw, but I no longer believed in. She concluded by saying how much she was looking forward to seeing me at the upcoming RWA national conference.
I had nearly canceled my registration, but her note had me deciding to stick with it. Attending would be my swan song – and I'd get a chance to thank her directly for all she had done.
At the conference I checked in at the registration desk and who did I meet? My agent. She heard me give my name and came up to me immediately and gave me a hug. That was our first face-to-face communication. And, she was bubbling with excitement.
She told me Kensington was looking for publication-ready manuscripts for their new “Precious Gem” line of contemporary romances, and she hoped to meet Senior Editor Kate Duffy to get further information about the line...and tell her about me.
But that's not the end of the story. Minutes later, Kate Duffy walked past us! We introduced ourselves, and Kelly mentioned I had written a book that might fit the Gem guidelines. Kate was delighted to hear about it – and we chatted a bit further, then Kate left. A short, sweet, perfect meeting.
Less than a month later I sold book number one. A month after that? Book number two. Moral of the story? Timing and perseverance. If there’s a call on your heart, it’s there for a reason! Follow it!!
Never, ever give up!
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From This Day ForwardChristian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now.
Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.
For Better or Worse
But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation? How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?
'Til Death Do Us Part
When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.
http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/devotion-softcover
COUPON CODE: FALLPREVIEW 2012
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Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories she creates. Her acclaimed novella, Hearts Crossing led to the creation of the four-book Woodland Series. Next, Evans tackles the topic of a loving marriage in turmoil in her Christian fiction debut, Devotion coming in November, 2012 from Harbourlight Books. Also in 2012, Evans kicks off her second Christian romance series with White Rose Publishing. Search & Rescue will be book one of the Sales Place series, which revolves around the folks who frequent a cozy and historic riverfront diner in downtown Detroit. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is very active in a number of RWA chapters as well as ACFW and the Michigan Literary Network.
Connect with Marianne at:
www.marianneevans.com
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com
Facebook Reader Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744
Twitter Handle: @marmo212
