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Welcome to the Journey . . + Giveaway!!
Welcome to the Journey of a Debut Author Blog Tour!
Although my debut FEVER doesn’t come out until Spring 2012, I thought it would be fun to let readers in on what goes behind the scenes of getting a debut author prepared for publication. Also, I’ll be giving away books from some of my favorite authors on every stop of the blog tour! This week, we’re starting with The Call. Yes, The Call. Even as romance readers, you’ve likely heard of how important this moment is for any writer.
A writer receives The Call. An agent who you’re interested in wants to represent you and you give your whole-hearted yes! What happens after you’ve finished Snoopy-dancing?
Well, you might know that there’s usually an extremely difficult process writers go through to get that agent. It starts all over again, only on a higher level, with an extremely specific target and pinpoint accuracy.
But first…edits.
Yes, again.
Depending on the agent—how hands-on he or she likes to be in the creative process—it’s not unusual for her to request changes on the manuscript before submitting it to editors. And depending on your project, those requested edits could be extensive or they could be minimal. Normally, if the agent wants big-time edits, they will discuss those prior to offering representation, because if a writer isn’t willing to make the changes the manuscript needs in order to become what the agent believes she can sell, well, then a partnership between the editor and writer would be moot. In my case, Paige Wheeler loved FEVER immediately. The only changes she requested were minor and related more to clarity than character, plot or structure.
Once those alterations are made, the piece gets a shiny new jacket and nudged out the door into the big scary world of publishing. The shiny new jacket is a cover letter from the agent, describing the work to the editor, where she could see it fitting into that house’s lines, what the author brings to the table–things really not all that different from the cover letter a writer creates to inspire interest from an agent. Most agents keep abreast of what editors and houses are looking for at any given time, what they recently purchased and what trends are taking place, so they typically know who to target with what type of work. Again, similar to how a writer targets an agent. An agent might also make a phone call prior to sending material to pitch a piece in an effort to gauge or even elicit interest beforehand. After researching the market and talking with editors, Paige sent FEVER to ten publishing houses.
In the case of FEVER, I remember receiving responses within two or three weeks. The bulk of answers returned between the three and six week mark and we went back and forth with a couple of houses for another couple weeks thereafter. Luckily, none of the rejections were negative—meaning it wasn’t because they didn’t like FEVER, but because of what was going on in the house at that time. Two large houses were merging when we were submitting, and both houses had decided not to accept submissions during this time. Another house had just acquired a story similar in plot and voice to FEVER and didn’t want to acquire another so soon. In other situations, an editor loved the book, but a more senior editor had championed something different, or the story didn’t fit the new direction a publisher’s line was taking.
In the end, we narrowed down the list to two houses, both very interested in FEVER and the books to follow. There were major considerations to weigh, including the editor I’d be working with, the strength of the publisher’s romance line, the house’s marketing plans for FEVER, their overall reputation, etc.. It was all very confusing and angst-ridden for me—in a good way of course, and Paige was endlessly patient in answering my questions and offering insight, yet not pushing in any one direction. She was great about asking me what I wanted, where I wanted my career to go, where I thought I’d be more comfortable.
When it was all said and done, I believe we started submitting in March and I signed a contract in June with Alicia Condon at Kensington Brava. I’m thrilled with my choice and have never looked back. Kensington has been wholly supportive of me as an author and Alicia has helped me improve my storytelling and structure, which has brought out the very best in FEVER.
Of course, my story is only one in a myriad of tales, each as individual as the author it belongs to. Today I’m giving away two books from one of my favorite authors, Lauren Dane.
Lauren Dane has been writing for publication just under eight years now. She sold her first book in 2004 (the first year she started writing). She has published 42 novels and novellas with another six, most likely 7, books out over the year. She’s been a multiple National Bestselling author, Bookscan bestseller list, USA Today list and the New York Times!
Her most recent release, NEVER ENOUGH – a contemporary erotic romance and last of the Brown Siblings series, hit the USA Today list! Just before that ONCE AND AGAIN hit the USA Today list and the NYT List as well. Taking Chase, a five year old book hit the USA Today list in the late summer.
Let’s hear a little about Lauren’s submission process as a debut author back in 2004.
Joan: Did your agent tell you how many editors she submitted the manuscript to, and if so, how many were there?
Lauren: My agent is very straightforward. When she pitched my first books especially she would give me a basic touching base mail on what she’d done. Where she’d pitched, who requested, that sort of thing. It’s been several years now but I think my first manuscript with her went to something like six editors.
Joan: How long did it take for you to receive an offer from the time the manuscript went on submission?
Lauren: Ha! Never on that book. Or the book after that. It was the third project she pitched for me, a novella written on a whim actually, that was my first sale to NY.
Joan: How many offers did you receive? Did the manuscript go on pre-empt or to an auction?
Lauren: I’ve sold twenty-three books through my agent. None of them was part of an auction or pre-empt. Some of them had multiple offers, some were option sales.
Joan: What did you do to take your mind off the submission process while you waited?
Lauren: I worked on the next project.
Joan: Did your agent have you make many revisions before the manuscript was submitted to editors?
Lauren: My agent is very editorial. At the beginning she and I would go over things back and forth a few times. These days it’s less, though she does almost always have editorial suggestions, etc on my manuscripts.
Joan: How did your agent decide which editors to send the manuscript to?
Lauren: Any agent worth their 15% is going to be very familiar with the market. Is going to make sure everyone who buys books like yours, or close to yours for lines that could be potential homes to your book. Sometimes it’s going to be a bad fit for a whole host of reasons – the editor is having a bad day, the editor hates your voice, the editor has just bought something similar to what you’ve just pitched, that story is one of his or her hated tropes or they just didn’t like your execution. But it is totally your agent’s job to figure out who the best audience for your manuscript is.
Joan: Was the manuscript a stand-alone or a projected first book in a series?
Lauren: Originally, the book she first pitched for me was a standalone, but I ended up writing a connected book. 
We all go thru journey’s, mine was publishing, what has your recent journey been & how did you find, or, are you finding your success?
Also, don’t forget to visit www.joanswan.com for more details about the continuation of the Journey of a Debut Author Blog Tour and to keep up with the countdown for the release of my debut, FEVER!
These books look awesome.
Thanks, Lauren!
look forward to the new book coming out. I am always searching for good authors! Thanks for all the interesting information. Journeys are different for everyone. Mine isnt very exciting though. My husband was medically retired from the military and we have moved across the country. Starting fresh is sometimes difficult but for a military family its usually pretty simple.
Moving is very stressful! But it can be lots of fun too — everyone reacts to change differently. Sounds like you all will adapt nicely — best to you in your new home *g*
Thanks, Jennifer! I’m always on the lookout as well.
I’ve always lived in California, born and raised, though I’ve moved throughout the state. Still, a cross-country move sounds like the next most stressful thing to moving out of the country. Congrats on making that journey! And thanks for stopping by.
I love the book covers!! They really grab attention and encourage the viewer to pick up the book and investigate more!!
I agree, Betty, I’m a BIG cover fan!
Joan’s covers are gorgeous! Congrats! I personally love to read new authors.
Thanks Sue, it is quite drool-worthy. Kensington did a beautiful job. I LOVE finding new authors as well!
didn’t go anywhere recently ;(
i love the cover with the tattoo =D
I haven’t been anywhere recently either, Eli, except work and home
. Thanks for the cover love!
This is such a cool post. I love reading about your experience!
Thanks Kristyn, it’s been a very fun and exciting ride!
Can’t wait to read Fever!! I haven’t read anything by Lauren Dane – yet! I’m always looking for new to me authors to add to my collection!
Aislynn
aislynnt(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks Aislynn! I just finished the copy edits on FEVER and love it just as much, maybe more, than when I wrote it the first time. I hope you do too. Lauren’t work is fabulous–witty, visceral, pure entertainment!
Joan – That’s a great cover! Enjoyed reading about your journey. Adding your book to my list.
Thanks Lori!
I love to try new authors and their books.I love the covers. As for journies,my husband is starting a new business and taking me along to help.It is very stressful:( The only thing that helps my stress is my romance books. I hope I have enough books to stay ahead of the stress. I guess a trip to the book store might be in order Hmmm:)
Oooooo. A new business — both exciting and stressful, definitely! Keep those romances on hand! Wishing you luck!!
OOO, a new business is both stressfull and exciting! Keep those romances handy! Wishing you luck! Thanks for stopping by.
We had been married 20 years and settled with 2 kids, 2 cats and a home when my hubby lost his job; it was a disaster. He started looking but it wasn’t easy and finally found a job 2 and 1/2 hours away. He was commuting every weekend and this time made our family realize what made us a family. It took a year but finally we sold our first home and moved lock stock and barrel. It was a stressful time for all of us but now we’ve adapted.
I feel for you! I currently commute 3 1/2 hours each way to my day job. I stay with my parents 3 days a week, work, then come home to my family and write. It gives you a whole new appreciation for what you have. It is amazing how adaptive we can all be. Congrats for riding out that rough road and finding the right path for you and your family.
Hey all!
Joan, I cannot tell you how greedy I am to read your book! The cover is lickable! Seriously! And I am what I refer to as a cover slut.
Thank you so much for sharing part of the process that the reader is frequently left out of. As readers, we tend to place writers into celebrity status. You all are, but I also like that many authors stay grounded and communicate with their audience. You all seem like “real” people and I love that aspect!
My journey is relatively new. Besides being a wife, mother of 6, teacher to 4 of them, partner with hubs in our transportation business, and everything that comes along with taking care of “home”, I have recently started reviewing books. I have always loved reading, but I felt I could be doing more. You know? I needed a creative outlet much like Lauren. After much encouragement, I got started. I believe I have finally found my niche. I doubt I could ever write a book, but I am loving reviewing. I never realized just how much such an act meant to authors until they told me.
I am currently reading my first Lauren Dane book now and loving it. She is terrific! And I will definitely be keeping my eye on you. Your talent astounds me. Keep it up!
Kendra
Hi Kendra!
Thanks for coming by! I’m in awe! If there is a superstar around here, it’s you. 6 kids, teaching 4? Right there your accomplishments surpass mine by miles. I’ve got two girls of my own and just getting one to college and one to high school in the normal school system has been challenging. Add to that all the other things you do and I’m exhausted just thinking about it. Kudos!! And congrats on taking that time out to do something creative to restore yourself. It will make you a better wife, mother and worker! Enjoy and best luck with your reviewing! XO Joan
Hey Joan. People compliment me all the time, but I don’t see it. To me it is just my life as it should be. No great feat. Funny how when we look at others we see an entirely different perspective. Thanks for the compliment though. And I am having a blast reviewing! My greatest hope is that I can help the authors that have brought me joy through my reviews. Congratulations again on the release! I can’t wait!
Kendra
Sorry I haven’t been on any journeys lately. It has been quite some time since I have.
Journeys are adventurous, but the best part of a journey is coming home…or settling down. Sounds like you’ve found your comfort zone!
Hey Joan – Is that the actual cover of FEVER? Damn – He’s fine!
I love Lauren’s books. She is an amazing writer that I’ve only recently become aware of (and I think that’s also due to you
). I really enjoy her.
I know your going have great success. You’re a very positive and supportive person. Your Karma is good.
In answer to your question – I haven’t been on journey for success in the normal way of thinking. My journey has been to raise my boys and to survive cancer. All the boys are now grown. One is married and a graphic designer for the Rock Hall. The middle is in a PhD program on genetics and the youngest is in his second year of college. And here’s the biggie – last Friday I took my last Tamoxifen
.
Wow, Viki, that is one majorly successful journey! You must be so proud and feel so blessed. I’m thrilled for you. I’m a very, very big believer in karma and it seems yours has also come around to treat you well! Thanks for stopping by and congrats on all the wonders in your life.
I love the frankness of your personal journey and how you had the determination to see it through. What would you say was the most difficult part in finding an agent to represent you and would you say it is worth the loss of a portion of your sales to have someone in that capacity?
Wonderful questions Lora!
The most difficult part…I’d say, it’s a toss up between the wait and then the choice.
Writers understand, but readers may not know…there is typically a long wait period in finding an agent (as is often the case in making a sale). The wait is sheer torture, spent second guessing your work and doubting your decisions. Time spent (hopefully) buried in your next project to keep your mind off the mailbox – or nowadays your email.
Then there is the choice — this is a before, during and after thing. Are these the right agents for me to submit to? After you’ve submitted, were those the right agents to submit to? When one (or more) call to represent you, is this the right agent for me and my work?
As far as the portion of sales given up to my agent for her work on my behalf — to this point in my travels, I’d have to say (honestly, because she is far too busy to read my blogs and even if she got around to browsing this one, wouldn’t have time to look at the comments) she has earned beyond 100% of my total sale, but she’s only taking home 15%.
I have worked in many industries in my life, in many corporations, but publishing is completely its own animal. There are nuances to relationships I would have never thought of, marketing angles I would never have considered, alternate perspectives toward my work and my career that would have never crossed my mind without Paige. Her ideas on edits in my work, even after its been reviewed by my best critique partners, have made me a stronger, better writer.
Paige keeps the huge industry picture in view while I concentrate on writing and promotion. We dovetail for a complete package.
Paige has decades of experience in the industry. I have no qualms paying for that kind of expertise.
Fabulous questions Lora! Thank you for asking and letting me talk about that aspect of my career!
I have rencently become a great fan of Lauren Danes with her Chase brother series. and I am expecting the Brown Siblings in the mail via Amazon and Rhaposody by the end of this week, soo excited!!
I recent personal journey is not one I would have taken by choice. My beloved dog of 13 yrs. and 8 months was put to rest this past July. I still expect to see him in my doorway every morning and sometimes I swear I hear him bark at night. He was a rescued dog from the local shelter when he was five weeks old. I had been looking for a dog for about two months with a specific idea of what me and my three kids needed. He met none of my ideas, but I knew he was mind the minute he attacked my them reaching into his oen with this five other siblings. I was lucky to have had hime as long as I did. it takes some getting use to him not being here. It my be awhile.
Lisbeth,
Your post is amazingly timed. I teared up as I read your post.
Our pup, now 2, whom we also rescued from a shelter at 8 weeks old, decided to take a flying leap off the third floor of my parents roof yesterday.
My daughter was going to the store with my sister and our dog climbed out a third story window, climbed onto the roof and jumped to get to her in the driveway. He landed on concrete.
Miraculously, he wasn’t hurt. (Though, he did then go throw up — but if I jumped off a three story building I’d throw up too.) I expected his injuries to show up today, but the darn dog went for a 2 mile run with my husband this morning.
The near miss brought home how special he is to us. How central to and entwined with our family he is and how traumatized we would be if we lost him.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in the joyful years you spent with your pup, knowing how much happiness and love you gave him while he was alive.
Thanks for coming by and sharing!
i love romance books thank you
Never read a Lauren Dane book before. I had won one from a blog in ’09 but never received the book, even wrote to the blogowner, and eventually chalked it up as hopeless.
Very informative about the process. No real journey for success here.
Rachel!!!! I’m shocked!!! NEVER????? I will just have to change that, won’t I? If Random.org doesn’t pick your number here, I’ll BOLO for another of Lauren’s books to send your way.
Thanks for coming by.
XO
* Hangs head in shame * I know I know! I’ve heard many people suggest her and well too many books I want and not enough mula to buy them all.
I would have if the one I won at that one blog shown up like it was suppose to. I had troubles with that blog and sort of stopped going there when others never got their prizes either.
Um, yeah! Not cool!
I will be adding your book to my list of must reads.
The process of getting a book published sounds excruciating. I enjoy writing and my friends and family enjoy what I write, but how do you know if you have the talent? Mostly I find it therapeutic.
You made me laugh Holly. Excruciating — honestly, that is a very accurate description, LOL.
How do you know if you have the talent…? Wow, that’s a big question. One that you’d get a different answer for from each person you asked.
In my opinion, writing isn’t as much a talent as it is a learned skill. And an author’s success as an author isn’t as much their perfect prose or their picture-perfect storytelling as much as it is passion and perseverance. That said, I do believe those who do ultimately break out have a special talent that goes above and beyond the learned skill, passion and perseverance. How you’d qualify that, I don’t know.
If you enjoy writing for your friends and family, if you find it therapeutic and you want it to remain all those things, I’d advise skipping the publishing route — at least traditional publishing. It takes writing into a whole different realm. If you’re interested in moving from writing for friends and family into writing for an audience and letting writing go from being therapeutic to being your job (not necessarily non-therapeutic, just not solely therapeutic and occasionally the exact opposite) then I’d suggest comparing your work (story structure, prose, character development) to the new authors releasing in the arena where you want to publish now and see if your work stands up. If not, study. If so…
You have to decide if this is the jumping off point or not.
Good luck!! And thanks for stopping by!
I am impressed that you took the time to reply. Not one that is used to leaving comments, I truly did not expect a response. Thank you!
Romances are my favorite to read. I find it humorous that my friends and family find my writing more frighteningly psychotic and I would like to take that and be able to add a romantic twist.
Anyway, I apologize for my rambling and again thank you for taking the time to respond to my comments and question. I suppose anything worth going for is going to cause a little pain or it wouldn’t be worth the effort.
Joan, I wish you every success with your book launch for Fever! I will be purchasing it when available and look forward to reading it. And thanks for all your hard work on behalf of other authors on Twitter; you’re the best! Good luck!
Thanks Judy! I always appreciate your positive attitude and cheey face on Twitter! And thanks for taking the time to stop by here too.
Recent journey…. with one in PK and the other still in diapers- no time, or energy or patience to start a journey. This book looks great Joan. I look forward to reading it. Congrats!
Christine,
I believe my journeys at that time in my life were travels into the wonderful world of Disney. Movies, that is. At home. Lying on the couch.
Enjoy them while they’re little. The big journey’s come later.
Thanks for stopping!
My most recent journey began when my daughter started Basic Training. My son is fifteen, so I’m headed too quickly into empty nest faze. It’s hard looking into her empty room. We still mess up and say table for four at restaurants or add an extra place setting at the table. I’m very proud of both of my children, but it’s strange how quickly they’re becoming adults. This new phase of my life is bittersweet.
Ooooh, Loopy, you’re going to make my teary! My oldest went off ot college last year and we still haven’t touched her room (despite all the ribbing we give her over making into my office–which I totally should but can’t bring myself to do). And my daughter is fifteen, going to head to college herself soon.
We are in that boat together, girl, looking at that empty nest.
I say…PAR-TAY!!
Oh…did I say that out loud?
Enjoy the new faze of your life coming up!
I have started writing a blog…it is quite an adventure and promises to be an interesting journey…
ELF,
It is isn’t it? I love blogs because they can be so self-expressive. I believe you can learn alot about yourself from blogging. I know I have. I’ve also seen my writing skills improve.
Enjoy the ride!
After 18 years, my position as the Bridal Consultant for a department store was cut and they could offer me no other full time position. So I have been searching my heart and soul to find my new vocation. My dreams, being an author’s VA, starting up a blog about books, starting the books that keep going around in my head. In the meantime, I’ve been doing some judging for writing contests and hope to continue with this as well. Hopefully am starting on the road to my new success!
Sue,
Congratulations!! That is a great success, picking yourself up and moving on — reaching for your dream when you could have simply turned away from it in your frustration and fear after losing your job. Takes some moxy, girl. I’m impressed. Sounds like you’re headed into an exciting, fulfilling time in your life!! Wishing you the best — which is a given if it includes books.
My most recent journey was to Maui, but the most important part of the trip was the zip lining tour I was signed up to go on. In the back of my mind I thought I could chicken out if I wanted to. I always have an escape plan from any situation. It ended up be a hugely important shift in my thinking. I did it, and it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be and it was fun. Suddenly, I was a slightly new person someone who faced a fear and overcame it.
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do”- Eleanor Roosevelt
Hope your puppy is doing okay. We love our dog so much, and our nine year old is so afraid of losing her.
Oh, Lord, Gayle, you’ve just got me eating my heart out here. I am LOOOOOOOOOOONG overdue for a vacation and I LOVE Maui. One of my coworkers is in Maui right now and, jeez, I’m just salivating at the thought.
I know exactly what you’re talking about. That I-want-to-but-I-can’t-but-I-want-to feeling. I went ziplining in Mexico, over remote canyons. Amazing. Would love to go in Maui. Didn’t have the money the last trip. Maybe the next.
And you’re right — only those who face their fears overcome them.
Congratulations on your success.
Life is a journey so I’m still working on getting somewhere.
Love, love, LOVE the cover of “Fever”!!!
Hey there sweetie! Thanks for stopping by! Did you send me your address for a cover flap from the Brava blog? I just mailed some out today. You can have your very own pretty!
Cool! I emailed you right away (less than an hour after you emailed). I’m soooo looking forward to the pretty!!
Congrats on your debut, I wish you much success.
My recent journey was a job search that went on for six months. Luckily I was successful and was offered a really great job with great benefits, a lovely boss and wonderful people to work with. Who could ask for more?
Oh my Barbara, what a coup!! I’m thrilled for you! Enjoy the journey!
Latest journey – selling family home and moving into an apartment. I’m still adjusting.
After reading the book blurbs on your website, I’m looking forward to reading FEVER and the other two books posted for the Phoenix Rising series!
Thanks Mary.
I often think of downsizing in a yearning way, but letting go of the lifelong family home…that’s a tough one. A real tough one. I don’t know how I’ll do when my parents finally pass and we have to sell the only home I’ve ever known. It will be heartbreaking.
Wishing you well on this rough patch of your journey. I hope FEVER can help you focus on someone elses trials for a few hours.
I love it when authors share their stories, and in such detail! Yours is such an amazing story that I’ve loved hearing about for these past few years. And of course, who doesn’t love Lauren Dane?!?!
Okay, since I always forget to answer your question prompt when I reply, I looked for the bold type print first this time (heehee, seriously I always thought of directions as very cute suggestions…) Hmmm, my journey, huh? Well, my current journey is just now starting where yours was a few years back. I’m making my strides using stories like yours as the stars I navigate by and the inspiration to keep me going. All of history was that at one point or another, right? Well, your continuing to share the way you do has had the same profound effect on so many… Just thought you should know.
Thanks for all you do and all the best congrats to you, sweetie!
Hey Nina!
Thanks for stopping by. And let me tell you, girl, you are WAY ahead of my game! My ten year plan is your blink.
I know about your journeys my dear and you’ve had your share of tough ones. You are a true inspiration!
I’ve been going thru the journey of a renovation of a house I inherited – so many decisions. Putting them aside to read a good book is a great distraction.
Oooo, that can be fun and frustrating! I majored in design in college — ended up with an interior design degree, but for a while teetered between architecture and interior design. My college-brained dream was to renovate homes–what is now called flipping. Had I followed my dream then, I’d be a mulit-millionaire now.
But I probably wouldn’t be writing — so that must be the reason I didn’t take that path! Yep, that makes me feel better! I’ll stick with that story!
Good luck with your renovations! I hope FEVER will give you a nice break from the hard labor.
Well, my journey receantly was finding a job, after applying to a lot of them I got very excited about getting THE CALL on Friday, too! LOL ;D I’m loving my new job so far!:P great boss and a great schedule!:) LOL Joaaaan! I pre-ordered FEVER months ago and can not wait for it! And that cover OMG!:P thanks so much for always being so nice to me on twitter!:) I adore ya!;) and I’d love to read Never Enough !!! I’ve read the rest of the series and love it!:) Lauren Dane’s one of my favorite writers!!=)
Wow, you got the call??? How COOL is that? You have started on a new journey! Fantastic!
I didn’t know you preordered FEVER!!! Have I told you lately how much I love you?????
XOXOXO
Good luck with the new job!
course I did! and on amazon so I’ll pay shipping but I don’t mind! anything for u! lol! love u joan!:*
job’s going great so far!:D
I’m so excited for you Joan! It must have been a great feeling to not only received such early response (in publishing standards) and to have so multiple interests. If ever I was ever in your position I would love to have choice with publishers.
How did you go about finding an agent? Was it from an internet site, a friend or RWA chapter?
Hi Na!
It’s been a crazy, thrilling ride, that’s for sure. Never a dull moment.
I found my agent the old fashioned way–the slush pile.
I sent a single page query.
She asked for three chapters and a synposis.
I sent those.
She asked for the full.
I sent that.
And waited.
I actually had the full into another great agent at the same time and she called me to offer representation. Wow, what a quandry! I emailed my current agent and let her know, asking if she might put my full at the top of her TBR pile so I could give the other agent an answer because if Paige was interested, I really wanted to talk to her before I made a decision.
She promised to finished reading ASAP and called me with an offer of representation the following day.
I have to say, that is one of my best career memories.
Thanks for coming by!
Congratulations on your debut Joan
(and on all the wonderful books Lauren!)
My own journey is in a bit of a crossroads at present. I’ve been fairly successful in my career but the company I work for is closing and I’ll have to do something else next year – either more of the same thing or something different – I’m exploring options at present – maybe I’ll go into training – it’s all an adventure!
Hi Kaetrin,
How exciting! You’re in a cool spot — with all the possibilities out in front of you. Good luck to you and thanks for stopping by!
I can think of any that stick out except for life. Life has been my journey lately. I love my kids and husband and life is just good right now. I have a job that I love and that hasn’t happened for awhile. My bday is coming up, and my 1 year anniversary for work. Ironically both are on Oct 15th. I will turn 40 this year. This is a new author for me and would love to win and read this book. I am always looking for new authors and books to read and will add this to my TBR pile or to-go-out-and-buy bile.
Hi Chris,
You sound like you are in a beautiful place in your life – and better yet, you appreciate that. So nice to see. Congrats on all those wonderful experiences and milestones! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, this book looks amazing!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on it. I would say my most recent journey was becoming more independent. Growing up, I always depended on my mom and sister, they babied me and did everything for me and it continued as I got older. I was the first one to settle down, get married and have kids. My husband works long hours and can’t always be there when I need him and I have always had my mom and my sister there to step in and help me. It has always been a huge blessing. My husband was transferred two states away from all my family and as we moved I knew I had a lot of growing to do. Everything was now on me, my husband had the same crazy hours but I didn’t have that back up I so depended on. So, my journey was growth
Oh, wow. That’s really tough! I’ve moved, close to family, away from family, my husband also works long hours and it’s really hard to have all the responsibilty on your shoulders. Sometimes growing up isn’t fun, but it’s always rewarding.
WINNERS of Lauren Dane’s books:
INSIDE OUT: aislynnt
UNDERCOVER: @infinitieh
Congrats! I will contact you both. Thanks everyone for coming by and sharing your own journeys.
Hope you’ll follow my Journey of a Debut Author to learn more about the publishing process!
Wow! I love reading stories about peoples author journeys! I am no author. But they fascinate me anyway!
Thanks for sharing!
Count me in. Adrian from Never Enough is some handsome looking guy to say the least.
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I can’t wait to read the Fever book. Just the cover has me interested…