The Ups and Downs of the Writing Journey by Narelle Atkins

When I was a pre-published writer, I learned from more experienced writers that the writing journey is not for the feint of heart.

For writers seeking traditional publishing opportunities, the arrival of rejection letters becomes a normal part of the process. The rejection letters with constructive feedback provide a glimmer of hope that a future contract offer is possible.

For writers seeking independent (indie) publishing opportunities, there’s a steep learning curve in not only how to write well, but in learning all the steps involved in the publishing process.

I sold my first book to Harlequin Heartsong Presents in 2013 in a six-book contract. My debut contemporary inspirational romance released in February 2014, and I had a book releasing every three months until May 2015. In 2013 I also signed with my agent, Steve Laube, after meeting him at an ACFW conference appointment.

It was a busy eighteen months, from signing the contract in March 2013 to submitting book 6 to my editor in September 2014. And then it happened...

In November 2014, the month my fourth book released, Harlequin announced they were cancelling the Heartsong Presents line. I was fortunate to have all six books release before the cancellation date, but what next?

By 2014 many of my author friends had dipped their toes into the indie publishing world. I decided to join them. I released my seventh book in a multi-author box set in mid-2015, followed by two more box set novella releases in 2016.

2016 and 2017 were hard years from a writing perspective. Family commitments arose that limited my ability to write. I started a new day job in early 2016 with longer hours. I reached a point in 2017 where I was prepared to walk away from my writing. I was overwhelmed with life, in general, and I couldn’t see how I could add writing deadlines into my busy schedule.

I prayed and I waited. The answer I received was to persevere and keep going. The characters in my head started talking again, and I embarked on writing a new novella, Solo Tu, for an indie group project.

In 2017 I participated in a Writing Immersion retreat with Margie Lawson, and I’ll be attending another Immersion later this year. I made the decision to hold off on re-publishing my out-of-print Heartsong backlist. I want to update the stories before I indie publish them.

I’ve learned to be content with my writing journey, and to wait on His timing. My backlist will be available for new readers when the timing is right.

Have you experienced unexpected twists and turns in your writing journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

~~~~~

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.

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Enjoying the Journey by Narelle Atkins

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.

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“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.

The Nurse’s Perfect Match

The Nurse's Perfect Match

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

Blog: http://narelleatkins.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NarelleAtkinsAuthor

Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins