This has been the most exciting year imaginable so far.
We’ve more than half to go, and I’m on a ride that two years ago I would have
thought impossible. We started the year, first week of January, being offered a
contract by Solstice Publishing for my novel Jacob Chance, U.S. Marshal, and
here it is, June 1, and the book is available in e-book and print.
During these past five months I have also had several short
stories published in magazines and literary journals.
On May 29, I was offered a contract on my fantasy/mystery
novel The Quest, again by Solstice Publishing. It is possible that book could
be on the market in time for Christmas giving. Amazing.
Maybe fifty years or more ago, I might have been enthralled
to see my name in print, but having been a reporter and editor at several
newspapers, magazines, and journals, that thrill doesn’t exist today. But since
changing from a newsy to a writer of fiction, which is nothing more than being
able to lie well, the thrill is the acceptance letter. Everything else follows
along, but receiving that validation is a heart stopper.
Whether the letter comes by way of e-mail or snail mail, you
know it can only be one of two things as you creep up on opening the missive.
Will it be yet another rejection form letter, or, praise be to all the gods of
ancient Greece and Rome, a contract offer? I’ve been known to let it sit,
unopened for more than a day. I’ve tucked it away, fearful of running the knife
along the envelope’s edge.
What sits in that unopened packet is a yay or nay on a
product that that I have sweat over, cussed out, loved on, and feared. For how
long? Jacob Chance took almost three years to write. The Quest did take a full
three years to write. So, now, I open the e-mail from Solstice and very slowly
read the words, “We would like to offer you a contract …” Yes! Bless thee, O mighty editor, it’s a
contract.
If it’s heart-rending writing the book, now the hard work
begins. Pick a cover. You laugh, but how many times have you picked up a book
because of the cover? Or a magazine, or bar of soap, or cut of meat? Yes,
Virginia, that cover is important. And the editing process is a killer, because
those are your words that are being discussed in less than positive voice.
Ah, then you get the word. Your book will be released on
such and such a date. In the meantime, you’ve already got 50,000 words into
your next offering, and the process starts all over again. It’s a wonderful
life. Or, did someone already say that?
Until next time, read good books and stay regular.
Will you join me on facebook from time to time?
Or Tweet with me, darlin’?
Congratulations, Johnny. And kudos to Solstice. They are addressing a big void in the publishing world ignored by traditional publishers, addicted as they are to sure things and profits, and not much else.
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