I'm finishing up my 48th book and getting excited about books 49 and 50th. I don't remember writing 47.9 books.
I remember a few hysterical moments along the way. Crying, sitting on the toilet as my husband was taking a shower with me trying to explain to him why I was selling my computer and never writing again. I remember his confusion as he peeked out and asked, "What are you talking about? You just sold your first book. Don't be silly."
And me wondering, "What is wrong with this man? Didn't he read my 17-page revision letter, especially the part where the editor said she liked the pacing and the characters but I could come up with a whole new plot if I wanted to?"
There's been more tears over the years, driven by deadlines and frustrations, panic and insecurities. But overall, I've been way beyond lucky. I've been blessed and I know it. I've had breaks that came out of the blue. Luck in having the same editor since about book 2 who became the senior editor of the Intrigue line.
So, yes, as some of you have asked, I do have to pinch myself. I started out dreaming about writing something someone might someday read and it just seems to get better and better.
Today I found out that book 4 in the Whitehorse: The Corbetts mini series, Smokin' Six-Shooter, made Borders top ten bestseller list for series. I owe it all to you, the readers, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can't tell you what joy you bring me every day.
Along with that news I got two wonderful emails about Smokin' Six-Shooter, one from a man, one from a woman, neither reads Harlequin books. The man said he bought the book by mistake but that it turned out to be the best mistake he's made. Both said they couldn't put the book down.
That is what I take home at night after a long day at the computer. Letters like that keep me writing when I'm exhausted and haven't a clue where the story is going or if it's any good.
So thank you for sticking with me. I'll keep pinching myself, knowing it can't last. But in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy all of it, especially hearing from you.
And if you live in Canada, check this out: http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/harlequin-not-just-ebooks.-innovation-comes-standard/
I'm hoping I get to try the cookies. :)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
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5 comments:
Wow! That's a lot of books! Congrats on reaching the end of your 48th...
So, inquiring minds just have to ask - how much of the plot did you end up changing on that first one, after you got done with the whole crying/never going to write again thing? (Who could blame you...17 pages, and a new plot? Good lord. Talk about humbling...)
I've awarded you the Honest Scrap award at my blog - you can take a look here, and participate if you're so inclined (if not, no problem). :-)
Jamie D.
I answered you by email but if anyone else wanted to know. I rewrote the book, had a friend read it, rewrote it again. The book went on to get 4 1/2 stars from RomanticTimes magazine (the most it could get) and was nominated for best new book that year.
I learned something very interesting -- the secret was writing a book "I" liked and would have liked to read. And that's the rule I use now. I have to like it or I scrap it and start over.
BJ
I'm in BC. Went to the store earlier tonight and pawed through many boxes of Peak Frean Lifestyle cookies and then all the regular Peak Freans. Nothing. All I came away with was hungry. Maybe they're only distributing the boxes of cookies with the free book download back east. Seems to happen quite a bit.
Oh Cheryl, that is a bummer. Don't feel too bad. I have yet to see any cookies either. I was told they would be distributed across Canada. Maybe it is too early for BC? I really want to try the cranberry ones.
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