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Saturday, January 28, 2006
A Second Taste of Australia
When I first sold to Desire, I didn't look beyond that wonderful, blissful, magical result. An editor loved my book! I would get to see MY BOOK on the shelves! Better still, readers would buy it, read it, and hopefully experience the emotional highs and lows, the passion and the drama, the worry and the angst of love vs conflict, along with my characters. Maybe they'd even enjoy it enough to look for my next book.
Sometime later, after the first-sale euphoria had dimmed, I started to worry about what I could bring to the line. Why would readers pick up my books? What could I offer that Desire wasn't already providing through the fabulous books by authors I'd glommed for years?
The answer came from my readers. They wrote to say they loved visiting "down under" through the pages of my book, they enjoyed the sprinkling of Australian words and phrases, they liked the touch of "different", the slightly exotic flavor in what I saw as everyday. Oh, and it didn't hurt that actors such as Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Julian McMahon, Simon Baker and Eric Bana were providing a very fine visual of the Aussie male. ;-)
So, that is what I bring to Desire: a taste of Australia...and those fine Aussie men! And I am thrilled to be joined in this endeavour by a second Aussie author who sold to Desire just this week. Her name is Maxine Sullivan (although she may decide to write under a pen-name, the jury's still out!) and I feel compelled to share a little of her story because it is so inspiring. I hope you think so too.
Maxine has been writing for 20-odd years through personal trials that would have crushed a lesser woman's spirit. She has experienced continued and consistent success in writing contests and many almost-there moments from editor requests. Those rejections, after specific editor enthusiasm, after requested revisions, are the toughest to take. I know. You believe you've done all you can, that you've provided axactly what's required, then along comes that gut-wrenching, "I'm sorry but..." letter.
Maxine didn't give up, although at times she came close. Last year was one such time, but she saw the changed Desire guidelines on eHarlequin and took up the opportunity to pitch one of her stories in the website community's logline contest. She won one of the ten places offered. Melissa Jeglinski, senior editor of Desire, requested the full manuscript. Little more than a week later, her agent rang with the good news. Melissa wanted to buy her book.
Would you believe this sale happened on Australia Day (our national day, a public holiday, a time for celebration)? Perfect synchronicity, don't you think?
Maxine's story is an inspiring example to us all on not giving up. Her dream was to sell to Harlequin/Silhouette; her dream career is writing category romance for the publisher whose books she has enjoyed for decades. I have no doubt that she could have sold, many times over, if she'd compromised that dream. She didn't and in 2007 you will find Maxine's taste of Australia added to the Desire banquet. Welcome her, congratulate her, and take heart and strength from her story. Your dream may also become your reality if you work hard and if you never give up.
posted by Bronwyn Jameson at 5:44 PM
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7 Comments:
Carol B. said...
Great post, Bron, and congratulations to Maxine. You go, girl!
8:21 PM
Marilyn said...
What an inspiring story!
Can't wait to read Maxine's book as well as future ones from you. I'm one of those readers who has certainly enjoyed the little taste of Australia that I've received from your stories.
8:48 PM
Ruby said...
I am another reader who enjoys the taste of Australia....have always wanted to visit. Keep those stories coming. And congratulations to Maxine. So glad to hear of another success story.
9:22 PM
Maxine Sullivan said...
Hi everyone. This is exactly what I said to Bron in a private email:
"Oh wow, Bron! That's fabulous and so touching. You're such a good writer. It would take me a week to come up with something half as good. Thanks so much."
Maxine Sullivan
12:42 PM
misty wright said...
Great Job, Bron!
Congrats, Maxine! I'm so happy for you!
4:39 PM
christa said...
Congrats Maxine.
Bron, I just watched Gladiator about 3 hours ago.
5:10 PM
Bronwyn Jameson said...
Thanks ladies. I'm so glad you're enjoying a taste of Australia through my books as I know you will through Maxine's as well.
Christa, I'm not a big Crowe fan myself...except in Gladiator. (And LA Confidential.)
2:59 AM
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