Rocky Road to Publication by Terri Wangard

Terri Wangard

If you’ve ever met with an agent or editor at a conference, you’ll probably relate to author Terri Wangard’s experiences. If you haven’t pitched a manuscript yet, but plan to in the future, what she shares will help you prepare. Believe me, many of us have had similar encounters—some humorous—some not so much. ~ Dawn

Rocky Road to Publication

One frequently asked question on guest blog interviews is, what advice would you give new writers? My usual answer is patience. Landing a contract can take years.

Guests visiting our local writers group ask about finding an agent or editor. They have the idea that all they need to do is ask an agent for representation, and they’re on their way. I understand the feeling.

My first ACFW national conference removed such thoughts. I had one agent interview and one editor. The agent arrived five minutes late. She glanced over my sample chapters and told me it wasn’t something she was interested in representing. The editor interview was worse. My mind went completely blank. I couldn’t remember anything about my story. Reading from the one-sheet clutched in my lap surely didn’t make a good impression.

My next two agent interviews went well enough in subsequent years. I submitted my proposal and they declined. Another agent gave me hope. She made extensive notes as we talked. At the end of our fifteen minutes, though, she shocked me by saying she represented enough historical authors and was only interested in acquiring contemporary. This despite having historicals listed in what she was looking for in her conference blurb.

For an editor appointment, I carefully read the editor’s bio to find common ground for conversation. She probably felt like she was being stalked. Don’t try to be too friendly.

Not everyone replies to submissions. I’d hosted one editor’s workshop, so we had a nodding acquaintance before our interview. He seemed interested and encouraging. I never heard from him. Not even when I sent him an inquiry, asking if he’d received my material, after another editor showed interest.

The strangest interview was when the editor didn’t ask me anything. I tried to keep a conversation going, albeit one-sided, telling about my current story and what I’d already done. Finally, I asked if she wanted to ask me anything. No. She did give me her card to submit a proposal, but I never heard anything.

One editor talked with me for several minutes before asking me about my story. After I described how it was influenced by family history, she commented that was the first time I showed enthusiasm. I was so nervous, I came across as stiff and uncaring. Relax! They may reject you, but they won’t bite.

In 2015, I submitted my manuscript to a small publisher, and it was accepted! I was on my way, for a little while. The first two books of my WWII series were published in 2016, but one month before the third would release, the publisher closed down. After the initial shock, I signed with another small press that brought back my two books and published my next two.

So, when I’m asked about advice for new writers, I definitely recommend patience. And persistence. And develop a tough skin. 

Wheresoever They May Be

Wheresoever They May Be

Frank Swanson has plans. He has good job prospects, maybe even broadcasting in Hollywood. He has a beautiful wife. The war is an interruption to a good life he’s eager to get back to.

Lily Swanson longs to be a mother. Soon Frank should be home for good and they can furnish a nursery. Maybe even find a bigger house.

Joe Gallagher grew up in a small house with plenty of siblings. He loves the solitude of flying, but the war has dragged on for so long. He’s ready to go home.

Susan Talbot has a bad attitude. She’s estranged from her family and she doesn’t attract friends. But war can bring out the best in people and Susan’s surprised to realize she’s happy.

They all do their part in striving for victory in World War II. Sometimes, though, the danger can be hard to identify.

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction and has won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Connect with Terri:

Author Website: www.terriwangard.com  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terriwangard/

Twitter: @terriwangard

How A Daily Word Count Gave Me Freedom by Heidi Chiavaroli

I might be the only author who does this, but I can’t resist reading—just one more time!—the final, official copy of each of my novels. Part of me needs the reassurance that there are no glaring mistakes. Another part of me just wants to experience the novel one more time, as a reader soon will.

As I read The Hidden Side that one last time, I couldn’t help remembering the frantic writing that came with being on deadline for my second novel. The idea for this story came late, and I was adamant about not asking for an extension on my deadline. So I wrote. And wrote. And wrote.

Truth be told, the emotional intensity of this novel, which involves a family’s worst nightmare in the form of a school shooting, helped me to write quickly. I was emotionally invested in the characters and I wanted to see their journey complete as quickly as possible.

Yet I was a bit crazy as I wrote. Entirely tied up in the story, I was so preoccupied with it I often felt only half-present with my family, even on the weekends. I was too busy writing to have much time for living.

This year, as I sat down to write my next novel on deadline, I again wondered how I’d accomplish it (and with a new novel being released in the midst of it all!). I didn’t want my life to be filled with constant seasons of craziness, as it seemed it might if I was going to continue in this publishing world. With that in mind, I forced myself to sit down, and get organized.

I took out my calendar and chose a date two months before my deadline to finish  the story. (I wanted to leave ample time for edits.) Then I figured out how many words I would have to write, Monday through Friday, to accomplish this goal.

I cannot tell you how much freedom this gave me. To know that getting those 1,600 words in a day was my job—my responsibility—gave me immense liberty and released me from much stress. Once I completed my words each day, I was free to do chores or relax or read or whatever I needed to refuel my mind. And while my weekends weren’t completely free due to promotional efforts, they were lightened. I was living. Not just writing.

Two days ago I wrote THE END on my newest manuscript. I have two months to edit it before handing it in. This seems doable! I’m thinking I’ll stick with this method in the future. J

You know, this writing life is amazing. But it’s also often a wild, untamed thing. As creative people, we can be tempted to write only when the mood strikes us, or when we feel inspired. But as writers pursuing a serious career, we must set guidelines and get organized. A little bit of structure can provide a lot of freedom.

Do you give yourself a daily word count? How do you balance writing obligations with family obligations?

The Hidden Side:

New York — 2016

Every day Natalie Abbott offers sage advice to hurting listeners on her popular radio program. But away from the comfort of the studio, she struggles to connect with her family; with an out-of-control daughter and an uncommunicative and isolated son, Natalie takes solace in the daily woes of others, turning a blind eye to the pressing issues mounting at her doorstep. Her carefully constructed world implodes when a member of the family commits an unspeakable act. Known as the woman with all the answers, for the first time Natalie questions her way forward.

New York — 1776

Mercy Howard watches in abject horror as the man she loves, her fiancé Nathan Hale, is arrested and hanged as a spy. When asked to join the revolutionary spy ring in Manhattan, Mercy sees an opportunity to avenge Nathan’s death. But keeping her true loyalties hidden grows increasingly challenging as the charming Major John Andre of the King’s Army becomes more to her than a target for intelligence.
    
Mercy’s journals offer comfort to Natalie from across the centuries as both women struggle with their own secrets and well-kept shame—and wonder how deep God’s mercy truly extends. 

Amazon Buy Link The Hidden Side

Heidi Chiavaroli began writing eleven years ago, just after Jesus had grabbed hold of her heart. She used her two small boys’ nap times to pursue what she thought at the time was a foolish dream. Despite a long road to publication, she hasn’t stopped writing since! Heidi won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. Both her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, and her sophomore novel, The Hidden Side, are 4½-star Romantic Times Top Picks. Freedom's Ring was also a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi loves exploring places that whisper of historical secrets, especially with her family. She loves running, hiking, baking, and dates with her high-school sweetheart and husband of fourteen years. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle.

Links:

Website: www.heidichiavaroli.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeidiChiavaroli.Author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiChiavaroli
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16080793.Heidi_Chiavaroli
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hchiavaroli/boards/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidichiavaroli/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-chiavaroli

 

Stretching Ourselves as Writers by Missy Tippens

Have you ever declined a writing opportunity because you were scared or felt underqualified? Or have you felt as if all doors are closed and you can’t even get a toe in the world of publishing? Today, I’d love to encourage you to try again.

I recently learned of a writing project from my agent. I told her I might submit a short devotional, but then the illness and death of a family member kept me from writing the piece. Thankfully, the editor involved contacted me directly a few weeks later, and—despite my fear over trying my hand at something new—I told her I would send a writing sample asap. I was anxious, because up until that day, I had only written a couple of devotionals for my church. This felt like brand new territory. But I was glad I followed God’s leading and sent in my work, because it felt good to spread my wings. I’m pleased to say I heard back later that they’d like to include several of my devotionals in their project! I’m thrilled to be a part and hope to be able to announce the news soon. :)

I also have another project that was a first for me and terrified me because it was such a departure from my norm. I wrote a contemporary cowboy novella! I’d never had any experience on a ranch other than occasionally riding a horse. I wanted badly to do it but feared I should decline. However, I felt strongly God had given me this opportunity. So, with my heart pounding, I accepted the invitation. Then I immediately emailed two of my close writer friends who live on ranches and begged for their help with research. They were happy to support me and answer my many, MANY questions about building fences and birthing calves. Thanks to their help, I am now part of a boxed set, Cowboys of Summer, that just released this month! I’m so grateful to work with this group of authors I admire.

What about you? Have you had opportunities you’ve been afraid to chase? Have you had invitations to submit your work but chickened out? I hope the next time you get a chance to stretch yourself, you’ll think of my experiences and consider going for it! Here are some quick tips I’d like to leave with you…

--Look for writing opportunities everywhere! Follow all leads.

--Don’t be quick to decline something. Take a serious look at your qualifications, and...

--Challenge yourself. Try something new or maybe even take a class to learn how.

--Don’t forget to reach out to other writers for assistance if you need it. You can do this!

What project have you taken on that has stretched you as a writer?

~~~~~~

After more than 10 years of pursuing her dream of publication, Missy Tippens, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from near Atlanta, Georgia, made her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, Holt Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Romance Writers of America RITA^® Award. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com, https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens.readers.

All for One and One for All by Marie Wells Coutu

Marie Wells Coutu

Do you know Paul’s instruction about spiritual gifts applies to writers, too?

We hear a lot about writing being a team sport. And it’s true—to achieve success as an author, you need critique partners, encouragers, editors, (possibly) an agent, publisher, cover designer, promotions team, influencers, retailers, etc.

In a letter to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul wrote this about followers of Christ: “God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body” (1 Cor. 12: 18-20, ESV).

To adapt the verses that follow to the writing world, the author cannot say to the editor, “I have no need of you,” nor again the publisher to the designer, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the members of the team that seem to be invisible are indispensable.

But not only does an author need a “team,” he or she needs other writers. There are many examples in Christian fiction of writers who have banded together to learn and grow, resulting in each one of them getting published.

Jealousy and competition may be prevalent (so I’ve heard) at secular writers’ conferences, but they have no place among Christians. Now, I’ll be the first to confess the green monster inhabits me when I hear of certain other writers signing with a fabulous agent or winning a contest I entered or getting a multi-book deal with a big publisher, especially if they’ve not been writing as long as I have. At those times, I have to adjust my attitude and be happy for my fellow author.

Because Paul goes on to say this in verse 26: “If one member [author] suffers, all suffer together; if one member [author] is honored, all rejoice together.”

I’ve seen this attitude displayed in full force in ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Members pray for other members who are going through hard times, whether physically, financially, or career-wise. And members celebrate the finalists and winners in the various contests. I’m sure that’s true of other groups, too.

When one Christian author is lifted up, God is glorified. When one book sells well, it means people are reading, and readers want more books of excellent quality.

Awards season is beginning and, with God’s help, I’ll swallow my ego and rejoice with those who are rejoicing. We are a writing community as well as the body of Christ, and each writer is a valuable part of the body.

All for one and one for all, right?

How have you been encouraged by other writers? Leave a comment below and encourage our readers. 

About the Author

The Secret Heart
by Marie Wells Coutu

Marie Wells Coutu began making up stories soon after she began talking. Her most recent title, The Secret Heart, and its prequel, an e-book novelette titled The Divided Heart, are published by Write Integrity Press, along with the award-winning For Such a Moment and Thirsting for More. She and her husband divide their time between Iowa, near their two children and four grandchildren, and Florida, where it’s warm all winter. Marie is working on a historical novel set in western Kentucky, her home state.

Marie is a regular contributor to Seriously Write. For more posts by Marie, click here.