Monday, April 16, 2018

Evolution & Revolution by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

Take a peek at one of my treasured writing mementos. What you see here is my ‘First Sale’ box, given to me by my local Romance Writers of America Chapter. Greater Detroit RWA has a wonderful tradition of awarding crystal boxes to those who cross the threshold from ‘pre-published’ to ‘published.’ It gave me quite a start to reflect on the date.

July 26, 1996.

An entire tidal wave of evolution has occurred in the industry since that long-ago day—a paradigm shift to which the world of publishing continues to adjust. Back then, publication avenues were incredibly limited. There were, perhaps, five ‘big’ publishers, with a variety of genres under their far-reaching umbrellas. Authors scrambled to claim a set number of publication spots that came and went in monthly rotations. Worse yet, in many cases, it took up to a year for an author to hear word on a submission and multi-submissions were not accepted. Imagine the crushing blow of waiting and hoping for that length of time with all your “eggs” in one basket, only to receive the dreaded rejection letter and somehow find the temerity to continue.

Well, been there and done that, friends. Too many times to count. To this day, great writers, great stories, fail to hit the relentlessly narrow requirements of winning entrée to large, traditional publishing houses. But the big publishers did not, and will not, have the final say.

So, where’s my dose of Monday encouragement? Right here: Enter authors on a mission. Enter—a revolution.

E-readers and E-books came alive during my writing tenure, changing the landscape of book-buying, and reading, forever. Once regarded by writers and publishers alike as nothing more than a joke, self-publishing transformed into a formidable force with increasing reach, impact, and importance. Why? Because authors took their craft, and their dreams, seriously. They refused to die. They created the stories of their heart, then pursued good editing and production value. Those efforts have taken publishing even further by storm and opened avenues for an increasing population of talented authors.

I’ve loved watching the way publishing parameters have expanded. More great stories, and great authors, are finding a voice in the new world of publishing. Reflecting on my 20-plus years in the industry makes me realize how blessed we are as the result.

So, ignore the shifts and shimmies under your feet and keep your eyes on the prize. Share a story from your heart that flows from head to page and into a world of publishing that is more welcoming than at any other point in history. The options are limitless.

CLICK TO TWEET!

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Every saint has a past…and every sinner has a future.

Country music bad boy Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction, and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up and comer, Pyper Brock, and instantly sparks ignite.

Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation, so despite a rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, she soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. Decades ago, her father, in a drunken rage, tossed her and her mother onto the streets. No way will Pyper make the mistake of falling for a man whose done battle with the bottle.

What happens when Chase’s quest to win Pyper’s love breaks down chains of resentment and eases the long-buried wounds of her childhood? And what happens when Pyper’s father shows up in Nashville, clean, sober and seeking a chance to apologize?

Can Pyper follow a pathway to peace when it comes to her father? Can she fully trust Chase? Above all, can a sin damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness?

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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 He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.”

Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. 

Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.