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| Narelle Atkins |
In the big picture, few writers have the ability to write
full time without other responsibilities—like “day jobs” or children. Author Narelle Atkins knows what it’s like to
work around her family’s needs while not giving up personal dreams. Today she
shares her path to publication. ~ Dawn
Enjoying
the Journey
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the
journey that matters, in the end.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
I’ve always loved writing stories. I was the four year old kid
who had numerous imaginary friends, and thought that was normal. I started
writing my first book in 1998, and I discovered I had a lot to learn. I believe
it takes time, diligence, and perseverance to learn the craft of writing. And,
patience to wait for the right opportunities in God’s timing.
I took a long break from writing while my children were
small. I admire anyone who can write around small children. One of my kids
didn’t sleep well for years, and sleep deprivation drained my creative energy. I
didn’t lose my burning desire to write, and if anything it grew stronger during
those years.
In 2006 I was more determined than ever to revise my first
book and start my second book. I used to write for two hours every Friday
morning while my children were attending pre-school programs. In 2007 I entered
my first book in a number of writing contests in the US. My goal was to receive
constructive feedback on how I could improve my stories. I was a finalist in
four contests and received a full manuscript request from a Love Inspired
editor, who left the company a few months later. I submitted the book and
received a form rejection.
Over the next few years I wrote the second inspirational
romance book in my Sydney series, anda runaway bride sweet romance. I’m an
Aussie, and my passion is writing contemporary inspirational romance set in
Australia with Aussie characters. I was aware that my traditional publishing
options in the US, if I continued to write Aussie inspirational romance, were
very limited. In contrast, there were many market opportunities available for
Aussie sweet contemporary romance stories.
In August 2012 Harlequin announced they had purchased the
Heartsong Presents line from Barbour. I emailed a query and sold my first book,
Her Tycoon Hero, in September 2012.
My editor asked if I’d written anything else, which led to writing proposals
for three brand new stories.
I signed a six book contract with Harlequin Love Inspired
Heartsong Presents for two 3-book series in February 2013. I rewrote my runaway
bride story as an inspirational romance, and it became my debut release, Falling for the Farmer. My second book,
The Nurse’s Perfect Match, is
releasing this week.
At times it seemed like my desire to publish Aussie
inspirational romance stories was an impossible dream. My love of writing is
what kept me going during those long, pre-publication years. I enjoyed the
journey, and I’m blessed to now have the opportunity to publish multiple books
in my chosen genre.
Tweetables:
“It is good to
have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
~ Ernest Hemingway Click to tweet.
It takes time,
diligence, and perseverance to learn the craft of writing. Click to tweet.
It takes
patience to wait for the right opportunities in God’s timing. Click to tweet.
NURSE
AMY WILKINS HAS COME HOME
After
her marriage ends in tragedy, Amy returns to Snowgum Creek to rebuild her life.
There she meets widower Ben Morton, who's not looking for romance, though his
young children are eager for Amy's attention. She's given up on her dream of
being a mother, but can't ignore how she's drawn to Ben's little ones, and to
their handsome farmer dad.
As love
kindles between Ben and Amy, she worries how she'll ever measure up to the wife
he lost. And Ben is concerned about how Amy will ever truly fit into life on
the farm. They could be the answer to each other's prayers—if the
secret Amy is keeping doesn't tear them apart.
A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on
the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in
Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found
the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's
contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and she is
thrilled to have the opportunity to write for Heartsong Presents.
To learn more and connect with Narelle, please visit:
Website: http://www.narelleatkins.com
Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins
