Happy Anniversary

TO ME!

A year ago my first book, ROLL PLAY, was released by Ellora's Cave. It was the first full book I had ever submitted for publication and the release day was one I will remember forever. We popped champagne at midnight, I received calls and flowers all day, and my mom surprised me for a visit that night by taking the train to Massachusetts from New Jersey and having my husband pick her up at the station. It was a magical day.

Today I am still kind of floating from that first release and looking forward to future releases. My next story, RETURN TO XANDER, comes out September 22nd in EC's JEWELS OF THE NILE, CAVEMEN III anthology, which makes it my first print book. I have a dark fiction story coming out in an another anthology later this year and I am submitting three more stories in the next few weeks.

Yes, I've had some tough days and a refusal on a book I loved, but I choose this roller coaster ride called the writing life - and I'll never change my mind.

I wish you your dreams coming true in the months to come. Thanks for celebrating with me.

Warmly,
Rowan

Rejection vs. Refusal

Sticking to a dream even when it's hard is what proves your commitment to making the dream a reality. Being an author is my dream come true and no refusal is going to stop me.

I recently submitted my fantasy novel DESTINY'S JEWEL to Ellora's Cave for their birthstone series and on Monday I received a "no, thank you" from my editor, my first from EC. I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. Worse... in the heart.

I shared my disappointment with my writers group and received great support and understanding. I also received two definitions that have changed the way I look at this part of writing.

According to the dictionary:
REJECTION: 1) the act or process of discarding as useless or
unsatisfactory. 2) to refuse to grant

Now, I know that my manuscript isnt useless. Nor do many of the other descriptions of the word "reject" fit my work. However.. the word refuse is used in the definition.

Look at that definition:
REFUSE: 1) to decline to accept (something offered): to refuse an award.
2) to decline to give; deny (a request, demand, etc.).

That fits what happened much better. My editor declined to accept the manuscript, denied it publication in it's current form with EC. The story was refused. By one editor. Of one story. That is much easier on my heart and muse.

Most writers have heard the story of how many times DUNE was refused (13, I believe), DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL, by Anne Frank (15 times), JONATHON LIVINGSTON SEAGULL (140!!). Knowing those numbers help a little, but for me, reframing the process in my mind was an instant balm.

I offered my editor a manuscript. She refused. That was her choice. How I feel and go forward from here - that's my choice.

And I feel just fine, thank you.

May your choices support your dreams,
Rowan

Dreaming about the future

A year ago, my first book ROLL PLAY was newly accepted and I was just finishing signing the contracts. It was released in August 2007. And now as the Romantic Times conference goes on in Pittsburgh without me... I can't help thinking about the future.

Next year at this time I want
- to be at the RT in Orlando
- to have at least one (and preferably more) print book to sign
- to have at least three new e-books on my back list
- to have a new laptop computer
- to have my writing income support my travels!

Those are definitely my writing goals.

Nothing else new here, fans. I've submitted a new book to Ellora's Cave and I am waiting to hear back from my editor and I'm working on a very sexy retelling of the Cinderella story.

Hope your spring finds you and your dreams blossoming!

Top 10 Reasons To Read eBooks

10. Save a tree - read online
9. You can change your font size to be able to read it clearer.
8. If you do print it out, you can bring it to the beach and now worry about it getting wet or sandy. Just print another when you get home.
7. Do you like reading in the bathtub? Once again, no worries about it getting wet.
6. Price. As it says on the Ellora's Cave website. Books are getting expensive, and I firmly believe it shoould never be a luxury to buy I book.
5. You can get it as soon as you buy it. No driving in bad weather. No waiting for delivery. I love instant gratification.
4. They take up less space. Read online, keep or delete as you wish. Want to print a hard copy? Only do so for the books you love best.
3. It's fun to try new things. Your kids will think you're cool. Well... maybe
2. Some great writers are available this way 'cause the NY houses only want to publish sure things. And some new popular NY writers (Jaci Burton, Sylvia Day, Cheynne Mccray) all started this way.

and the number one reason?

1. 'Cause that's the only way to read ROLL PLAY on August 17th.

Ok... that last one was totally biased, but hey, it's my blog... I get to write about my book :D

Have a great weekend,
Rowan

Well... I havent been very good about blogging, have I?

You'd think a writer would be a better blogger. But this is still rather new for me, so I am just getting into the swing of things. Since my last blog...
1) Ellora's Cave... BOUGHT ROLL PLAY. Yahoooooooooooooo!
2) ROLL PLAY is being published on August 17th
3) I joined Passion's Muses (http://www.passionsmuses.com) with several other authors to help get the word out about mine and their books.

I couldnt be happier about all the things that are happening in my life. And I promise to blog more regularly :D